Kennedy Chandler Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Grizzlies Roster
June 24, 2022
After an impressive freshman season at the University of Tennessee, point guard Kennedy Chandler is NBA-bound, as the Memphis Grizzlies landed him with the 38th overall pick of the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday.
Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium noted Memphis acquired him via trade:
Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report
Player: Kennedy Chandler
Position: PG
Height: 6'0"
Pro Comparison: Darius Garland
Scouting Report: Chandler's game is predicated on creativity and speed. Becoming a more consistent pull-up shooter could unlock starting point guard potential if he continues to succeed as a pick-and-roll ball-handler, crafty finisher and pesky defender.
Kennedy Chandler, PG: Rookie scale contract
Jake LaRavia, PF: Rookie scale contract
David Roddy, SF/PF: Rookie scale contract
Jaren Jackson Jr., PF: $26.2M (2026)
Steven Adams, C: $17.5M (2023)
Dillon Brooks, SG: $11.7M (2023)
Danny Green, SG: $10M (2023)
Ja Morant, PG: $9.9M (2023)
Ziaire Williams, SG: $5M (2025)
Brandon Clarke, PF: $3M (2023)
Santi Aldama, PF: $2.6M (2025)
Desmond Bane, SG: $2.5M (2024)
John Konchar, SG: $2.3M (2024)
Killian Tillie, PF: $1.9M (2023)
Xavier Tillman, PF: $1.5M (2024)
Kyle Anderson, SF: UFA
Tyus Jones, PG: UFA
Jarrett Culver, SG: UFA
Yves Pons, G: RFA
Chandler made an instant impact for the Volunteers last season, averaging 13.9 points, 4.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.4 three-pointers per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from long range.
In addition to being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and All-SEC second team, Chandler was named SEC tournament MVP after he averaged 14.7 points, 5.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.0 three-pointers made and 1.3 steals in three games.
Chandler is among the best pure point guards in the draft, and he has all the makings of being a future floor general for the Grizzlies.