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Richie Saunders

Guard · Memphis Grizzlies · 6'4", 190 lb · BYU · Drafted 32nd overall, 2026
No. 32 pick (2026)2026 draft classBYU
NBAMemphis GrizzliesGuards
Compare:vs Stirtzvs Spencervs Boozervs Cowardvs IIvs Stewart
In short

Richie Saunders is a guard the Memphis Grizzlies selected 32nd overall (second round) in the 2026 NBA draft out of BYU. An incoming rookie for 2026-27 — projected role, ratings and outlook.

Matchup model · next gameMedium confidenceWed, Nov 11
@Los Angeles LakersAggressive hedge & help
Proj. points
6
range 3.3–8.7
Line 6
50%
to go over
Team win
36%
110–114
Poi 6 Lean underReb 2.1 Lean overAss 2.3 Lean underPRA 10.4 Lean under
Likely on himMarcus Smart· 86 Perimeter DStrong defender
5+ pts63%10+ pts9%

Model lines Saunders at 6 pts (range 3.3–8.7) vs a 6 line — roughly a coin flip to clear it (50%).

Model favors Los Angeles Lakers (64%), projected 110–114, ~224 total at 96.5 pace.

Full matchup breakdown · all markets →
Balladex Matchup Model — modeled from real roster ratings, scoring baselines & defender-matchup history. Schedule, availability & head-to-head samples are illustrative in this prototype; production wires live schedule, injury & player-tracking feeds. Not betting advice.
Scoring map · Richie’s projected shot profile
Hottest: Rim 34% · Top of key 3 12%
Rim — 34% of scoring, 28% of shotsCorner 3 (L) — 6% of scoring, 5% of shotsWing 3 (L) — 12% of scoring, 12% of shotsTop of key 3 — 12% of scoring, 13% of shotsWing 3 (R) — 9% of scoring, 10% of shotsCorner 3 (R) — 5% of scoring, 4% of shotsMid-range (L) — 6% of scoring, 8% of shotsPaint — 11% of scoring, 13% of shotsMid-range (R) — 5% of scoring, 7% of shots
  • Rim34%
  • Top of key 312%
  • Wing 3 (L)12%
Projected shot profile — modeled from role, spacing & shooting splits. Not tracked shot data.
✦ Ask anything about Saunders
The Saunders Story — narrated
Tap play to hear his story, told as a 90-second short.
🔊 Prototype uses your browser's built-in voice. Production would use a studio-grade AI narrator.

Richie Saunders was a second-round pick (32nd overall) in the 2026 NBA draft, headed to the Memphis Grizzlies out of BYU.

He has not played an NBA game yet — his debut comes in 2026-27, so this page carries projections only.

— end of story —
Want the full numbers? Open the breakdown →
Draft
#32 2026 R2
BYU
Debut
2026-27
incoming
Role
Guard
projected
LIFE

Roots & the rise

Richie Saunders is a 2026 second-round guard for the Memphis Grizzlies.

Selected 32nd overall out of BYU, Saunders makes his NBA debut in 2026-27.

This profile carries clearly-labeled Balladex projections rather than confirmed NBA stats, and updates as real box-score data lands.

Sources: 2026 NBA Draft results (Basketball-Reference / league results lists); projections by Balladex.

BEYOND THE GAME

Beyond the game

Saunders joins the Memphis Grizzlies as a 2026 second-round pick out of BYU.

PERSONALITY

The person

A 2026 second-round guard out of BYU.

PLAYER DNA

Archetype & ratings

Archetype
Depth guard prospect
Temperament
Steady
Leadership
47/100
Scoring42
Playmaking42
Rebounding30
Perimeter D40
Rim protection28
Spacing42
Athleticism48
Clutch36
32nd pick, 2026BYU
ANALYSIS

What the numbers say

The prospect projection

Saunders projects as a depth guard prospect. Second-round role ratings here are a modest starting estimate, not a verdict.

ADVANCED

Advanced & historical

Advanced metrics

Draft
#32
2026 R2, BYU
Status
Incoming
debut 2026-27

Where he sits in history

2026Selected 32nd overall (second round) by the Memphis Grizzlies.

Hardware

#32
2026 Draft pick (R2)
OUTLOOK

Where it's headed

AI-generated · updated Pre-debut (2026)

A second-round guard who debuts in 2026-27.

Richie Saunders's outlook is projection for now; Balladex replaces these estimates with real numbers as playing time accrues.

Contract

Status
Rookie scale / two-way range
Bottom line

Second-round flier at #32; check back as real stats accrue.

FAQ

Quick answers

Where was Richie Saunders drafted?

Richie Saunders was selected 32nd overall (second round) by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2026 NBA draft, out of BYU.

Does Saunders have NBA stats yet?

The identity and draft facts are real; the ratings and outlook are Balladex projections, since he debuts in 2026-27.