🏀 Jahmai Mashack: Final Pick, First Impact
On June 27, 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies used the 59th and final pick of the NBA Draft to select Tennessee guard Jahmai Mashack — a pick that began with Houston, passed through Phoenix and Golden State, before landing in Memphis via trade . Although technically drafted by the Houston Rockets, his rights were immediately moved to the Grizzlies, making Mashack the final name called in the 2025 draft.
From College Standout to “Grit and Grind” Fit
Mashack (listed at 6’4″) graduated from the University of Tennessee in 2025 after four seasons under coach Rick Barnes . Known for being a defensive disruptor, Mashack earned accolades such as a spot on the SEC All‑Defensive Team and was a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year — his defensive box plus-minus ranked second nationally .
At Tennessee, he averaged 6.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 steals, and 1.5 assists per game, demonstrating a defensive prowess that stood out more than his offensive game . He complemented this on-court discipline with strong community engagement, earning multiple SEC Community Service Team honors and becoming a prominent campus leader .
Why Memphis Pulled the Trigger
Diamond in the rough late in drafts, Mashack brings a skill set tailor-made for the Grizzlies’ defensive culture. Memphis is historically built on “Grit and Grind,” a philosophy epitomized by elite on-ball defenders like Tony Allen . As one Grizzlies fan noted, Mashack “will fit in perfectly with the basketball culture in Memphis” . His selection reinforces that Memphis is committed to finding blue-collar talent to anchor its defense, a strategy proven with past late-round gems like Jaylen Wells and GG Jackson .
SI.com praised the move as a statement—a reflection of Memphis’s identity and long-term thinking .
Draft Night Drama: A Pick That Traveled
The journey of the No. 59 pick was a whirlwind:
1. Houston originally owned the pick.
2. It was traded to Phoenix as part of the blockbuster deal for Kevin Durant .
3. Phoenix then dealt it to Golden State, which ultimately sent it to Memphis .
4. The Grizzlies used it to draft Mashack — Memphis’s choice, Memphis’s future.
That final handoff demonstrates Memphis’s front office acumen in navigating draft earnings and securing talent aligned with their philosophies.
What’s Next for Mashack?
Though not guaranteed a roster spot, Mashack enters training camp with momentum. Memphis has a track record of developing late-round and undrafted players into rotation pieces. Mashack’s defensive focus gives him a solid entry point: his ability to guard multiple positions may win him a role, particularly if he improves offensively .
In Tennessee, he “locked up the opponents’ best player for four straight years” , a trait that catches attention at the next level.
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Final Take
At pick No. 59, the Grizzlies didn’t go for flash—they selected defensive grit and relentless work ethic in Jahmai Mashack. He may walk into camp without fame, but he carries the skill set to earn playing time, provide value on the perimeter, and embody Memphis’s identity. As the final pick, he’s now Memphis’s first step on a long NBA journey—and at Grizzlies’ defensive core, a fitting new chapter begins.
