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2016 NBA Mock Draft: Brooklyn Nets Trade For 20th Pick

By Jay Siskin

May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; General view during the NBA draft lottery at New York Hilton Midtown. The Philadelphia 76ers received the first overall pick in the 2016 draft. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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player. 211. . PG. Kentucky. Tyler Ullis. 17

Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyler Ulis (3) in the second half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2016; Des Moines, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) drives to the basket against Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyler Ulis (3) in the second half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Ullis is a winner and gamer. The Grizzlies need help and depth at the point guard position, especially if Mike Conley leaves this summer in free agency.

Memphis could grab Wade Baldwin if he falls to them. If not, Ulis is a sensible option here because he is, though small, a true point guard in every sense of the position. It wouldn’t surprise me if Ulis ends up being selected ahead of Demetrius Jackson on draft night.

Ulis, despite his size, would give Memphis steady point guard play off the bench behind Conley. He showed the basketball universe at Kentucky that he’s a great decision-maker. Ullis has the basketball instincts an NBA team is looking for in a potential starting point guard. He also possesses something that makes him a valuable teammate: the heart to compete.

His value as a prospect goes far beyond basketball statistics. Ullis is a floor general who ran a Kentucky team exceptionally. Kentucky head coach John Calipari admitted this past season that Ulis “coached our team.” Calipari gave him the freedom to make adjustments because of his tremendous basketball IQ and leadership skills.

Ullis landing in a situation like Memphis could be a blessing in disguise if he can sit behind Conley and learn from the veteran as he adapts to the NBA game.

Next: Detroit Pistons No. 18