NBA Preview: All-NBA Rookie Sleeper Team
Mar 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers forward Jarnell Stokes (5) shoots against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half in the semifinals of the midwest regional of the 2014 NCAA Mens Basketball Championship tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
PF – Jarnell Stokes, Memphis Grizzlies
Selected: Round 2, Pick 35
Honorable Mention: Johnny O’Bryant, Kyle Anderson
Arguably one of the best rebounding big men coming out of the draft, Jarnell Stokes dominated during the Orlando Summer League, averaging 12.2 points, 9.4 rebounds and shooting 44.9 percent from the field.
Standing at 6-8, Stokes is considered undersized for the power forward position, but utilizes his menacing 260 pound frame and 7-1 wingspan to dominate the interior and grab rebounds at will.
With the recent addition of combo forward Michael Beasley, it’s unclear what kind of role Stokes will have with the Grizzlies this upcoming season. However, if he’s able to crack the rotation, he could become a key contributor for the team’s second unit.