NBA Draft
Memphis Grizzlies Select Jordan Adams at No. 22
Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry (print and digital media). A freelance writer/stay-at-home dad since 2008, Hawkins started his career with newspaper stints in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Upstate New York and Illinois, where he earned the 2004 APSE first-place award for column writing (under 40,000 circulation). As a beat writer, he covered NASCAR Winston Cup events at NHIS (1999-2003), the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks (2003-06) and the NFL's Carolina Panthers (2011-12). Hawkins penned four youth sports books, including a Michael Jordan biography. Hawkins' main hobbies include mountain bike riding, 5k trail runs at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte, N.C., and live music.
All posts by Jeff HawkinsUpdated15 Oct 2021
With the 22nd pick in the 2014 NBA Draft the Memphis Grizzlies have selected guard Jordan Adams out of UCLA.
The Grizzlies get the chance to add some depth and scoring to their veteran team. Adams is a talented guard who can make an immediate difference for the Grizzlies off the bench with his scoring and energy. The sophomore is only 19 years old and still has a very high ceiling to develop his overall game.
After averaging 17.4 points for UCLA last year, Adams rose to the main offensive contributor among a talented-laden back court. Adams can get his shot off anywhere on the court and excels when given space. While known for his offensive abilities, Adams also averaged 2.6 steals last year and has very quick hands that will lead to easy transition points.
The Grizzlies have the luxury of having a veteran, established core with go-to players. With the Grizzlies grabbing Adams, he has a chance to earn role right away and learn from veteran guards Tony Allen and Mike Conley. There is no pressure for Adams to contribute right away with this team similarly to last year’s pick Jamaal Franklin. However, any kind of offensive contribution will welcomed for this defense-first team.
