2015 NBA Draft picks: Memphiz Grizzlies select Jarell Martin
He was taken No. 25 overall.
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
Jarell Martin has been selected by the Memphis Grizzlies with the No. 25 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. The LSU standout broke out on his sophomore season when he was moved to power forward and was named to the first-team All SEC. His athleticism and physical tools make him a solid selection at this point in the draft.
After a decent freshman year, Martin thrived on a bigger role with LSU on his second season. His per-game numbers jumped from 10 points and four rebounds per game to 16 and nine as his minutes increased. Along with Jordan Mickey he led the Tigers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009. They were bounced by North Carolina State in the first round, but Martin had a great performance, finishing with 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists.
After making such a strong impression on scouts with his improvement, Martin decided to go pro despite some people, including LSU alum Shaquille O’Neal, saying he wasn’t ready. The learning curve will certainly be steep for the forward, especially on the defensive end, but his face-up game should translate nicely and his athleticism should mask some of his rough edges.
Grizzly Bear Blues says those things should make Martin a welcomed addition.
Versatility is something the Grizzlies continue to sorely need, as is athleticism, and Martin provides those things in spades. He also has an impressive handle for his size, making him difficult for bigger forwards to defend him. This leads to free throw opportunities and chances at the rim.
In Martin, the Grizzlies add some depth and a player who can give Zach Randolph a rest. He's not a great shooter, which is something Memphis could have looked to target with this pick, but he's athletic and can create points. That's something the Grizzlies could desperately use in their second unit.
See More:
