The Memphis Grizzlies had the honor of being the final team to select in the 2025 NBA Draft, a class that saw players from all around the world be selected. With the Grizzlies moving into a new era after trading away Desmond Bane earlier this offseason, the front office felt the pressure to ace their selections in this year's class.
They started by trading up to select Cedric Coward with the 11th overall pick, and with their final pick at 59th overall, the Grizzlies stayed in the state of Tennessee to select a Volunteer to add to their squad.
: The Memphis Grizzlies have selected Jahmai Mashack with the final pick of the 2025 NBA Draft.
— Grizzlies SZN (@Grizzlies_szn) June 27, 2025
WELCOME! 〽️ pic.twitter.com/lkOFTHEBBR
The Grizzlies selected Tennessee Volunteers guard Jahmai Mashack with the 59th overall pick, adding the All-SEC Defensive star to their lineup. Mashack's numbers don't jump off the page, as the senior averaged just 4.2 points per game across his four-year collegiate career. However, he's earned his selection due to his defensive abilities.
"Mashack was the best defensive player in college basketball this year and might be one of the best perimeter defenders on the planet right now. This is not an exaggeration," The Athletic's Sam Vecenie wrote in his NBA Draft Guide. After trading away defensive stopper Marcus Smart this season, Mashack could look to replace that role if his offensive game can become serviceable.
The Memphis Grizzlies have selected Tennessee's Jahmai Mashack with the No. 59 pick.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 27, 2025
Perhaps the best perimeter defender in college basketball.
In terms of draft selections, the Grizzlies leave with Coward, Javon Small, and Mashack as their three selections. Now, the team will head into free agency next week with some big decisions to make.
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