Pre-Draft Lottery Projection: 3 (+1)
Second to only the Pelicans, the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the biggest winners on the night of the draft lottery. Managing to jump to the second overall selection, the Grizzlies reportedly have their eyes dead set on Murray State’s self-proclaimed “point god”, Ja Morant.
After a disappointing season and the seemingly impending end of an era with franchise legend Mike Conley, Memphis fans were likely feeling pretty grim. All this coming on the heels of failing to convey their projected eighth overall pick makes their lottery victory even more ironic.
Although in the early stages of a rebuild, Memphis offers an interesting landing spot for the highly touted Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr.’s skill set perfectly complements Morant’s high energy play, setting up the potential for pick-and-roll where either player is capable of finishing at the rim or spotting up for a jump shot.
The Conley dilemma is a win-win situation for Morant, either he receives mentoring from one of the most respected players in the league, or a Conley trade brings in a haul of supporting players to help make a transition to the NBA even smoother.
Pre-Draft Lottery Projection: 2 (-1)
Months after dealing the face of the franchise in Kristaps Porzingis, New York started resembling the Island of Misfit Toys. A malcontent point guard, an unfulfilled European prodigy and an undrafted college star, the Knicks have effectively collected everyone’s leftovers. How fitting it then seems, that R.J. Barrett looks poised to fall into the hands of New York after starting the collegiate season as the highest rated prospect.
Despite a slight slip in the draft, Barrett remains a consensus top three pick for good reason. At Duke, he was tasked with doing a bit of everything. Barrett averaged the most points, the second-most rebounds, and the second-most assists en route to Duke’s ACC championship run.
If the Knicks want to carry out their free agency goals this summer, they’ll need legitimate NBA level talent to help lure in the big fish. As the best player on the board at third overall, there’s no reason to believe Barrett won’t be that pick. Regardless, R.J. has shown he’s capable enough to slide over to shooting guard if Kevin Durant comes to the Big Apple.