Grizzlies select Richie Saunders at No. 32, skip Meleek Thomas
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 2:53 AM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
The Memphis Grizzlies chose BYU guard Richie Saunders with the 32nd pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, passing on Arkansas guard Meleek Thomas, who went to the Cleveland Cavaliers at No. 34. While Saunders was recovering from an injury and did not participate in Summer League, Thomas led the league in scoring, averaging 27.3 points per game. His performance raised questions about whether Memphis should have selected him instead. With the Grizzlies already committed to Saunders before the draft, speculation continues regarding the implications of their decision.
- •Saunders was injured during Summer League play.
- •Thomas averaged 27.3 points and led Summer League in scoring.
- •Memphis drafted Saunders shortly after Bruce Thornton was picked at No. 31.
- •Thomas's Summer League performance has sparked debate among analysts.
- 2:53 AMYahoo Sports — Did the Memphis Grizzlies Miss on Meleek Thomas at No. 32?
"Meleek Thomas led Summer League in scoring after going 34th to Cleveland. Memphis took Richie Saunders at No. 32. How does that pick look now?
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