Grizzlies select Deyonta Davis with No. 31 pick after trade with Celtics

The Memphis Grizzlies landed a blue-chip prospect Thursday by selecting Michigan State power forward Deyonta Davis with the 31st pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

The Boston Celtics moved the pick as part of a trade that shipped the 31st and 35th selections to Memphis in exchange for a future first-round pick.

The 19-year-old Davis has the potential to grow into a two-way force in the paint. He projects to be a strong rim protector, having averaged 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes as a freshman. He pairs that with excellent athleticism and a set of soft hands to finish lobs around the hoop. He's even shown signs of a blossoming mid-range jumper.

Despite the potential, though, Davis remains a raw prospect. He rarely had plays run for him at Michigan State, and he occasionally lacked focus and intensity. Nevertheless, his physical profile (6-foot-10 height, 7-foot-2 wingspan) makes selecting Davis a strong upside play that could pay dividends.