Memphis Grizzlies Linked to 6’8” Duke Freshman Who Could Rise to No. 1 If Shot Comes Around in 2026 NBA Draft…

Memphis Grizzlies Linked to 6’8” Duke Freshman Who Could Rise to No. 1 If Shot Comes Around in 2026 NBA Draft

 

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly keeping a close eye on Duke freshman Dame Sarr, a 6’8” wing with tantalizing upside who could emerge as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft—if his shooting ability catches up to the rest of his game.

Sarr, an Italian-born prospect who previously played for FC Barcelona’s youth program, brings a combination of size, athleticism, and defensive versatility that NBA scouts covet. Now at Duke, he’s poised to make a major leap on draft boards thanks to his elite physical tools and high basketball IQ. Though he enters the season as a projected lottery pick, there’s growing belief around the league that Sarr could rise even further—potentially into the top-three or even top overall selection—if he develops a reliable perimeter shot during his time in Durham.

The Grizzlies, who are no strangers to investing in long-term upside, have been linked to Sarr in early draft speculation. The team’s player development track record with prospects like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane suggests that Memphis is equipped to help refine raw talent into NBA contributors. Sarr fits that mold, especially with his potential as a two-way player.

Currently projected in the mid-to-late lottery range, Sarr’s appeal lies in his ability to defend multiple positions, push the pace in transition, and make smart reads as a secondary playmaker. At 6’8” with long arms and quick feet, he can switch across positions 1 through 4, making him an ideal fit in today’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. Offensively, he shows promise as a slasher and transition scorer, though scouts note that his shooting mechanics and consistency from beyond the arc will be the key to unlocking his full potential.

“Sarr has everything you want from a modern NBA wing—length, feel, defensive upside—but whether he becomes a star or role player depends on how his shot comes around,” one NBA scout said.

Duke will offer Sarr the national spotlight and competition needed to test his game against future pros. Sharing the floor with other elite recruits, including Cameron Boozer and Isaiah Evans, Sarr won’t have to carry the scoring load, allowing him to focus on refining his skill set and showing scouts how he can impact the game without being the primary option.

For the Grizzlies, who are looking to reload around Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., Sarr could be an ideal piece if he falls within their range—or rises into trade-up territory. With Memphis historically favoring high-upside, defensive-minded wings who can be molded into elite two-way players, it’s no surprise that their name is already surfacing in connection to Sarr.

If he takes a leap as a shooter in the coming months, don’t be surprised if Dame Sarr not only lands on Memphis’s radar—but becomes a major storyline heading into the 2026 NBA Draft.