NBA Draft: Kennedy Chandler falls to perfect spot with Grizzlies

On one hand, Tennessee basketball guard Kennedy Chandler has to be disappointed. All signs pointed to him being a first-round post-lottery pick in the NBA Draft, which is why he took the leap into the pros after his freshman year with the Vols, and then he fell to the second round.

However, while being selected higher guarantees you more immediate money in the pros, the goal is always to be a player who can make a long-term impact. After all, the money is much better then, particularly when you ink a contract beyond your rookie deal.

Chandler found the perfect situation for him on that front. He’s going back home. The Memphis Grizzlies, who were wheeling and dealing all night, traded for the 38th pick of the NBA Draft after the San Antonio Spurs used it to select the kid who played at Briarcrest High School in Shelby County, Tenn., for three years.

Going back to his hometown is exciting enough. Chandler also has a connection to Ja Morant, as Morant spent last year rooting for him on Twitter and the two worked together last offseason. Most importantly, though, Chandler is a perfect fit for the Griz.

Backup point guard has been a key position for Memphis the past few years, and Tyus Jones filled that role perfectly. That’s because in addition to being the backup point guard, you have to come in at times when the coaches want to run Morant at the two. Also, Morant’s injury issues will result in you starting lots of games.

All this resulted in Jones playing over 21 minutes a game last year and averaging over eight and a half points and nearly four and a half assists. At 6’0″ 196 pounds, he started 23 games. Well, Jones is now an unrestricted free agent, and with plans to lock up Morant, the Griz very obviously drafted Chandler to let Jones walk.

As a result, Chandler will immediately be looked to as Jones’ replacement. At 6’0″ 170 pounds, he already has a profile similar to Jones, and he even has one similar to Morant with less size given the fact that he can play off the ball as well. Rick Barnes ran Zakai Zeigler at the one at times last year with Chandler still on the court.

Now, Chandler has to work on his efficiency. He shot 60.6 from the free throw line last year, and while he was 38 percent from three, that was the college line. Jones was 39 percent from three last year and 81.8 percent from the free throw line.

However, this is still the perfect spot for Chandler in the NBA Draft. Him being from Memphis, his connections to Morant and the Grizzlies’ needs will all set him up for success. The only thing that may work against him is if Memphis Tiger fans in the city root against him because he chose to play for the Vols.