Chad Ford just posted the third edition of his mock draft, with the Grizzlies taking Kevin Love with the fifth (and N.C. State's J.J. Hickson at #28). Ford also pushed Anthony Randolph as a better pick and suggests the Grizzlies could make a play for Michael Beasley:
The skinny: The Grizzlies need a big man and three interesting names could all be on the board here. They could go the safe route and take Brook Lopez, gamble a little more and take Kevin Love or make a major leap of faith and grab a player with tremendous upside in Anthony Randolph.If I were drafting for Memphis, I'd take Randolph, who has a great combination of size and athleticism. He's a proven rebounder at the college level who has a little bit of Chris Bosh in him. He needs to improve his perimeter game and his strength, and he's not completely NBA-ready, but his upside and fit both look good for Memphis.
That said, the strong feeling I got from talking to sources close to the situation in Memphis was that Kevin Love was the favorite. His toughness, rebounding and ability to score in the paint are unquestioned -- and would fit some major needs for the Grizzlies. There are still questions about his athleticism, but he's got talent.
I also wouldn't be surprised to see the Grizzlies try to move up and nab Michael Beasley. They have some pieces that could interest Miami -- namely a gunner in Mike Miller and a point guard in Kyle Lowry.
I have already stated my feelings on Love. I think he will be a bust.
Now, on to the other candidates.
If the Heat would take some combination of Mike Miller, Kyle Lowery, and/or the 5th pick for the chance to grab Beasley, I say go for that. That is one of the few scenarios that I think would both genuinely improve this team next year and in the future, and would start to get the fans in Memphis excited about this team again. In fact, forget some combination of those pieces. Offer Miami all of that, and ask if they would like anyone else (excluding Rudy of course.)
If that doesn't pan out, next I would aim for Mayo if he is still available. He is a great athlete with possible all-star level talent. They would still have a hole in the middle, but if Marc Gasol is as good as is being advertised, we might already have a player to fill that spot.
If Mayo isn't available, I would then look at Randolph. He is raw, but has a lot of potential.