With the No. 25 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies have acquired Jarnell Stokes via a trade with the Utah Jazz. Playing for the Volunteers last season, Stokes was one of the best rebounders in the NCAA and has a powerful 263 lb. frame.
Memphis Grizzlies select Jarnell Stokes with No. 35 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft
Tennessee’s powerful forward goes to Memphis where he will be added insurance against Zach Randolph’s pending contract negotiations.
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Utah will receive a 2016 second-round pick from the Grizzlies in exchange for Stokes.
Stokes spent three years in college but is one of the youngest players in his junior class. The 6’9, 267 pound big man has a lot of promise after averaging 15.1 points, 10.6 boards and two assists per game last season.
Stokes was also one of the best collegiate rebounders in 2013-14 on both the offensive and defensive glass.
The Volunteers forward operated mostly out of the post and has a solid ability to use his build to gain position early on in plays and then body through them at the cup. Stokes trimmed down this season and at the draft combine had a body fat percentage of 8.2, which in his final season at Tennessee helped him run the floor.
While Stokes could diversify his post game and develop a mid-range jumper, he passed the ball well out of the post and his height isn't so concerning in the NBA considering his wingspan measured at 7'1.
See More:
