Which Long-Term Project Can the Memphis Grizzlies Commit to in 2015 NBA Draft?

The Memphis Grizzlies need a special talent and special restraint to hold onto the first-round draftee long after it's filed.

Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace isn't attached to selections. Only two players picked since Wallace started with Memphis in 2007 have stayed with the team more than two years: Mike Conley and Sam Young. Draft-day trade acquisition O.J. Mayo played out his rookie deal with the Grizzlies.

Indeed, the Grizzlies have picked late due to their five straight playoff appearances. They also didn't have first-rounders in 2011 and 2013. While Wallace and front office partner John Hollinger made choices that seemed logical at the time, each draftee needed time to grow.

In the interest of payroll flexibility and other desires, the Grizzlies couldn't wait long enough for head coach Dave Joerger or his predecessor, Lionel Hollins, to insert project players in the rotation.

In 2013, Josh Selby was included in a deal that sent Marreese Speights to the Cleveland Cavaliers in order that Memphis could avoid the luxury tax. After Tony Wroten, who Wallace took at No. 25 in 2012, played 35 games as a rookie, the Grizzlies shipped him to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Greivis Vasquez backed up Conley during his first season in 2010-11, but was sent to the New Orleans Hornets for Quincy Pondexter shortly before the next year as Memphis felt starved for wing shooting.

Still, Wallace isn't shy about his feeling that draftees represent assets as much as they do pieces for development. He made it plain by telling The Commercial Appeal's Ronald Tillery, "What you're trying to do is get a player who is going to be with you for a while and help the team or someone that gains some interest around the league, and helps you make a transaction."

Acknowledging the possibility of a selection eventually being traded is a reasonable out for Wallace, for whom the draft has been only a small part of building a winner. Players drafted where the Grizzlies stand at No. 25 hold greater risk and would sooner become leverage in a trade than a reliable starter.

Jake Tsakalidis, who the Phoenix Suns picked in 2000, was the last player taken at that slot who started most of his games for the team drafting him through three years. Others, like Nic Batum and Tony Allen, eventually became starters, but not before leaving their original team.

This is the year when Wallace must find a project pick to whom he can commit as a long-term piece. The core is aging, and its shortcomings are clear. They might not manage enough scoring to sustain a deep playoff run.

Christian Wood

Expecting the Grizzlies to chase one of the traditional big men in their range is a stretch. Jonathan Holmes (6'9"), Montrezl Harrell (6'8") and Jordan Mickey (6'8") are short enough that they seem redundant after Memphis acquired Jarnell Stokes in a draft-day deal last June.

Holmes and Harrell both fit the same mold as Stokes as thickly built, undersized big men who defend well but have question marks on offense.

With heart issues putting 7-footer Robert Upshaw's stock in question, Christian Wood is the tallest guy Wallace could realistically grab at No. 25.

The 6'11", 216-pound power forward possesses attractive shooting skills. He can knock down mid-range jumpers and took 2.8 threes per game.

That he only made 27.9 percent as a sophomore for UNLV may leave evaluators wondering how much he can grow beyond the arc.

He noted his perimeter shooting, telling the press after working out for the Phoenix Suns, "It's something I had to show Phoenix, that I could shoot the three, I could shoot the mid-range. It's something I've been working on in the offseason."

Since the Grizzlies lack three-point shooting big men, Joerger might find matchups where Wood merits extended playing time due to his outside capability.

John Locher/Associated Press

Filling out his frame is a bigger concern than proving himself on the outside. Even though he's a stretch 4, his skinny physique could prevent him from seeing extended action as a rookie. 

This problem caused one scout to question Wood's readiness, telling Comcast SportsNet Northwest's Jabari Young, "He's got a huge upside. It's all about him getting physically strong enough to play in the league. He's nowhere close to being able to play right now."

Wood acknowledged his need to add bulk, saying, "The NBA's different. ... Guys are stronger."

Such a player doesn't show much of his potential early, limiting his trade value.

Delon Wright

Wright's defensive prowess stands out more than any other traits. The 6'6", 181-pound point guard picked up 2.1 steals in 33.6 minutes per game during his last year at Utah.

Draft Express' Jonathan Givony noted the 23-year-old's defensive instincts, quick feet, ball pressure and knack for getting in passing lanes. His aggressiveness would be a great fit in the "grit 'n' grind" defense.

On the other end, he's a strong passer with good court vision. His craftiness and ability to run an offense could allow him to work the floor with Mike Conley playing off the ball.

Wright's shooting mechanics may cause anxiety. As Givony described, Wright has "a low and slow release" point.

Such a basic problem can take longer to fix. Since Wright is already 23, Wallace may wonder how much the point guard will be able to improve.

Also, with Wright mostly playing behind Conley, a 27-year-old franchise piece, one may wonder how long the Grizzlies can hold on without giving him a larger role. The Grizzlies will play a traditional lineup more often than a two-point guard arrangement, considering how Beno Udrih saw more time as the solo floor general than running with Conley.

Justin Anderson

Anderson has multiple areas where he can make a clear impact as a pro. The 6'6", 231-pound small forward is a genuine defensive threat after helping lead the top-ranked Virginia attack. 

His tools negate the tame defensive numbers, which include 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. Draft Express' Derek Bodner admired his length, quickness, strength and closeout speed.

Anderson hits threes remarkably well, something the Grizzlies desperately need. He made 45.2 percent in his last year as a Cavalier. His mechanics improved markedly. He could help lift a team that was 22nd in three-point field-goal percentage during 2014-15.

By showing he can improve shooting mechanics, Anderson demonstrates that he should improve in other offensive areas, such as ball-handling and driving to the basket.

Also, Anderson's small forward position offers him a better chance to make an early impact, since none of the Grizzlies' core players naturally fit the position. Allen, a natural 2-guard, mostly started at the 3 spot. Jeff Green, who started 28 games as a 3, isn't a long-term piece.

Thus, Anderson could transition into a starting role within a couple of years.

Conclusion

Anderson is the most convincing player long-term for the Grizzlies at No. 25. Considering how he possesses physical tools that match his position better than Wood and cleaner mechanics than Wright, his strengths are more translatable.

Anderson's position gives him the path of least resistance to a starting job. The small forward spot could be open in a year with Allen aging and Green lagging defensively. Wood needs a couple of years simply to build enough strength to share minutes with Zach Randolph. Conley doesn't seem close to leaving Memphis.

Finally, Anderson seems most ready despite his weaknesses. While working on his offense, he can function as a three-and-D player.

Tom Firme is a Memphis Grizzlies featured columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @TFirme.