The Memphis Grizzlies ended their 2014-15 campaign with their third consecutive 50-win season, thus earning the right to make the 25th overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft on Thursday, June 25.
With constant focus being put on the top-14 picks known as “the lottery,” there is often a conception that the lower half of the draft is devoid of impact talent.
The 25th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft would beg to differ.
The Boston Celtics selected current Grizzlies guard/forward Tony Allen with the 25th pick 11 years ago. Allen went on to play an important role for the Celtics, providing energy off the bench on a team that eventually hoisted the 2008 Larry O’Brien Trophy after a tough six-game battle with Phil Jackson’s Los Angeles Lakers.