2026 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Memphis Grizzlies' No. 32 Pick Richie Saunders
The Memphis Grizzlies have officially selected Richie Saunders with the No. 32 pick in the 2026 NBA draft.
A torn ACL ended Saunders' collegiate career early, but it didn't stop NBA teams from showing interest.
There is too much evidence of elite shot-making and valuable role-player traits that can translate.
Saunders has a very clear and coveted skill set that's easy to picture fitting into an NBA lineup once his knee is healthy.
Essential Facts, Stats, Combine Measurements
College: BYU | Position: SG | Age: 24 | Height: 6'5" | Weight: 205 lbs | Wingspan: 6'8.75" | PPG: 18.0 | RPG: 5.8 | APG: 2.1 | BPG: 0.3 | SPG: 1.7 | FG%: 48.9 | 3PT%: 37.6 | FT%: 81.7
Realistic Pro Comparison: Landry Shamet
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The majority of made baskets for Landry Shamet come from behind the arc, and that figures to be the same for Saunders. The BYU product measured similarly at 6'5" barefoot. And like Shamet, he's an off-ball shotmaker who can add some passing value and toughness.
Occasionally, they'll get a chance to make a ball-screen play using their pull-up shooting, driving and IQ.
Saunders ultimately projects as a plug-and-play role player who'll space the floor, knock down jumpers and make good decisions.
Strengths
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Strength 1: Off-ball shotmaking
Saunders shot 38.7 percent through four years at BYU, with most of his makes coming off the catch. He has a quick, confident release when shooting stationary or in motion.
Strength 2: IQ/Feel
He is an intelligent, low-mistake player who consistently makes the right reads on both ends of the floor. Saunders understands spacing, cuts at the right times, and plays within the flow of the offense.
Strength 3: Transition
Though not known for athleticism, Saunders loves to capitalize on open-floor opportunities. In transition, he shot 65.0 percent on two-point attempts and made 18-of-28 threes before getting hurt.
Weaknesses
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Weakness 1: Limited Self-Creation
Saunders is most effective at playing off the actions of others rather than creating offense for himself. He can struggle to consistently generate separation against athletic defenders in isolation situations.
Weakness 2: Athleticism
While he competes hard and moves well, he doesn't possess elite burst, vertical explosiveness, or lateral quickness. This can limit his upside as a shot creator and make certain defensive matchups more challenging at the next level.
Weakness 3: Defensive versatility
Saunders is a solid team defender, but he may have difficulty guarding quicker guards or more powerful wings in the NBA. His defensive impact is driven more by effort and positioning than by exceptional physical tools.
