Jamaal

Franklin

Franklin was in a walking boot at the Combine in Chicago and is still rehabbing. The only player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists and steals last year, he needs to show he can shoot the NBA 3-pointer to get his draft stock moving. Right now, Franklin is projected to go somewhere in the back of the first round.

That’s a range from the Hawks at 16 to the Clippers at 26, which is about right. Franklin was in a walking boot at the combine due to a sprained ankle and couldn’t really improve on his draft stock. He’s an athletic guy and since he went to San Diego State, he has drawn some unfair comparisons to Kawhi Leonard.

The Grizzlies took Franklin with the 41st overall pick in June’s draft, which was considered an absolute steal. Franklin likely won’t make an immediate impact, but he does have the kind of all-around game that could make him a starting-caliber player in the NBA eventually.

Franklin expected to begin workouts in 1-2 weeks at the beginning of June, but the injury has lingered longer than he’d like. Regardless, Franklin should be a first round pick on Thursday, so he’s not doing a ton of damage to his draft stock by sitting out.

He will likely be with the team for Sunday’s game against the Hawks. Franklin doesn’t project to be in the rotation even with Tony Allen out, so there’s no reason to think about him in fantasy.

Franklin’s 15 minutes Monday night were the most he’s seen this season and he responded with his highest point total of the season (eight). The ailing Grizzlies brought in several players for tryouts on Monday, but it looks like Franklin should see around 15 minutes a game going forward now that Quincy Pondexter will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury. However, like Pondexter, Franklin won’t be much of a fantasy asset unless he is somehow able to earn his way to playing 25-30 minutes a night.

He has a fracture to the tarsal navicular bone in his right foot. The Grizzlies are having some bad luck with the injury bug and continue to lose depth. Pondexter got the start at shooting guard on Saturday with Tony Allen (hip) hurt, so they are really down to just Jerryd Bayless and Nick Calathes for options at the two until Allen gets back. Mike Miller and Jamaal Franklin could also see some time at shooting guard.

Franklin’s minutes were the first he’s seen since December 28th, as the Grizzlies looked to infuse a fourth quarter spark. Said coach Dave Joerger: “Jamaal Franklin did a terrific job.” Franklin may again see some minutes going forward as way to jump start the team, but his fantasy value is microscopic at the moment.

Conley was a last-minute scratch for Wednesday’s game against the Mavericks, but it’s sounding as if he’ll be ready for the Knicks Saturday afternoon. Conley has again been one of the more solid fantasy point guard options this season and he can be deployed as he normally would assuming he does return on Saturday. His return would push Jerryd Bayless back to the bench and also likely push Jamaal Franklin out of the rotation.

“I turned it pretty good. It’s tough to put weight on it now, so tomorrow’s looking real iffy,” Conley said after the game. He couldn’t put weight on his right leg and it would be a big surprise to see him suit up against the Bucks on Saturday. Courtney Lee ran the point the rest of the way following Conley’s injury and would be a must-start player against a soft defense. Nick Calathes will get more playing time, Mike Miller could get more burn on the wing and the Grizzlies will almost certainly recall Jamaal Franklin. Conley finished with 12 points, three boards, eight assists, three steals and no turnovers.