Marc Gasol's departure will craete more needs for the Grizzlies (Photo : REUTERS)
The uncertainty surrounding All-Star center Marc Gasol's decision of whether to stay or opt for free agency is complicating the Vancouver Grizzlies' personnel decisons.
The Grizzlies are in search for a long-range shooter, if Gasol and backup Kosta Koufos becomes free agents they will also need to get a center.
Memphis holds the No. 25 pick Thursday night but it will not do much to address the Grizzlies' needs.
The Grizzlies brought in an array of players for pre-draft workouts from point guards and perimeter players to power forwards.
They include Kentucky's Andrew and Aaron Harrison, Ryan Harrow of Georgia State, UCLA's Norman Powell and Josh Richardson of Tennessee among others.
They still need perimeter shooting even after finishing 55-27- the second-best season in franchise history- despite ranking next to last in 3-point shooting.
Coach Dave Joerger certainly has looked closely at the outside shooters preferring those with size while trying to ascertain the potentials of the candidates.
Projected selections for the Grizzlies include Virginia's 6-foot-6 shooting guard Justin Anderson who shot 45.2 percent from 3-point range last season.
Other possible picks are Georgia State senior guard R.J. Hunter, Arizona small forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Duke guard Tyus Jones.
Meanwhile, experts say that if Gasol leaves the Grizzlies he will likely join the San Antonio Spurs.
The 7-1 Gasol is one of the premier free agents this summer and will attract interst throughout the league. But at 30 years, he doesn't have time to help rebuilding teams and is expected to sign only with a contender.
The Grizzlies are coming off a 55-win season and are favored to retain him.
Gasol recently said that he has not thought about switching teams as because of the special relationship between Memphis his family.
The 2014 champs, San Antonio Spurs, have interest in Gasol and is seen as a viable option if he wants to win now.
