Davis, however, will be headed to the Memphis Grizzlies. In fact, there was plenty of talk leading up to the draft that Davis could potentially be a lottery pick or at least something close.
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There is recent history of Michigan State success early in the second round, though, as Draymond Green was picked with the No. 35 selection in the 2012 draft.
Randolph can take Davis under his wing and tell him how to adjust as a freshman who made a decision to go pro after just one collegiate season.
The Grizzlies needed a big man who can protect the rim and got one in Davis, albeit a project who may take a couple of years to develop into a solid starter. That’s a rough night for Deyonta Davis.
This past season, the Michigan State Spartans basketball program had their first one-and-done player in 15 years come through East Lansing, when Deyonta Davis announced back in April he was declaring for the 2016 NBA Draft.
He did make strides and impressed late in the season as a shot-blocker.
Overall, Davis has the size, length and agility to be a two-way, stretch big man for years to come. He was typically playing down low, not really getting too many shots in as he only averaged 5.7 field goal attempts per game.
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Michigan State coach Tom Izzo didn’t appreciate Davis’ lack of intensity at times, but the Spartans probably could have used more of Davis.
