With roughly three weeks before the NBA draft, teams are continuing to gather information and set their boards as they work out and interview prospects.
Some could already be strengthening their draft cases to front offices by showcasing skills or personality that didn’t always pop during the regular season.
The top three picks should be set, even if a blockbuster trade shakes up the order. Uncertainty begins at No. 4 with the Los Angeles Lakers, whose move will create a domino effect for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks.
1. New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson
The decision to select Zion Williamson should be locked in. Now, the New Orleans Pelicans will make their best pitch to Anthony Davis about staying and building alongside one of the game’s top prospects.
Assuming Davis’ trade demand holds, however, the Pelicans should still have more scouting to do, as there is a good chance an offer comes in from New York that includes the No. 3 pick.
If management is adamant about not negotiating with the Los Angeles Lakers and Davis refuses to commit long term to the Boston Celtics—another suitor with assets—then the Pelicans may at least have to consider talking trade with the Knicks.
Using New York’s third pick, New Orleans would then be able to draft RJ Barrett to pair with Williamson and reestablish their chemistry and success from Duke.
2. Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported on May 15 that the Memphis Grizzlies are focused on selecting Ja Morant.
It makes sense—we previously pointed out the mutually beneficial fit between prospect and team. Depending on how long Memphis keeps Mike Conley, Morant will eventually take over to inject the Grizzlies offence with speed and playmaking.
It could also be wise for the Grizzlies to keep Conley for mentorship purposes, as Morant’s decision-making and defence need work.
Either way, with or without Conley, Morant is loaded with upside fueled by explosiveness and elite passing skills.
3. New York Knicks: RJ Barrett
The New York Knicks will look into others like Jarrett Culver and possibly Darius Garland, but they’ll circle back to RJ Barrett as the obvious choice.
They’re also likely to throw this pick into trade packages, specifically one for Anthony Davis. An offer that features No. 3 overall plus Kevin Knox and/or Mitchell Robinson could be attractive if New Orleans isn’t loving its other options.
New York could also make an offer to the Washington Wizards for Bradley Beal, though there isn’t evidence of any proposals or interest from either side.
The most likely scenario still has the Knicks drafting Barrett, who’ll either have a forgiving place to develop behind stars or a chance to immediately be a top option—depending on how management does during free agency.
4. Los Angeles Lakers: Darius Garland
The intrigue around Darius Garland continues to build, particularly after he dropped out of the combine.
Whispers of a promise are making the rounds, but it’s sounding possible that the Los Angeles Lakers take him before any promise can be fulfilled.
Depending on the New Orleans Pelicans’ willingness to deal with L.A., the Pelicans could also be the team making this selection.
Either way, there is a decent chance it winds up being Garland, who averaged 19.8 points through four games before tearing his meniscus.
The Lakers could view him as trade bait, insurance for the often-injured Lonzo Ball or a fit for his three-point shooting.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Cam Reddish
Position won’t matter to the Cleveland Cavaliers, whose decision should focus on talent over need. Workouts will help Cam Reddish convince Cleveland to overlook his shooting percentages for long-term potential.
It’s also possible Reddish would benefit from having more touches and no pressure in Cleveland after he struggled as a third or fourth option for the NCAA tournament’s No. 1 overall seed.
With Paul George-like positional tools and plenty of shot-making skill from NBA range, Reddish will have a good chance to ease concerns over the next month. At worst, the Cavaliers should see a potential three-and-D wing to play between Collin Sexton and Kevin Love.
6. Phoenix Suns: De’Andre Hunter
If the Phoenix Suns miss out on Garland, they’ll have to decide whether Coby White, another point guard who’d fill a need, is worth this pick. However, instead of adding a rookie ball-handler to a lineup that will be looking for results next year, Phoenix would likely settle on De’Andre Hunter here.
He’d plug a different hole at power forward with three-and-D for a team that ranked last in the league in three-point percentage and No. 29 in defensive efficiency, per ESPN.
The Suns may ultimately be better off looking for veteran point guards in free agency. Meanwhile, Hunter, a low-maintenance player, can fill in immediately and add toughness, versatility and floor spacing.
7. Chicago Bulls: Coby White
Unless the Chicago Bulls are firm believers in Culver as the best player available, they should upgrade at point guard.
White would bring pace and shot-making to one of the slower (tied for 20th in pace), least efficient offences (No. 29).
His ability to spot up and play off the ball should also be beneficial in a lineup featuring Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr. and scoring bigs who the offence will run through as well.
8. Atlanta Hawks: Jarrett Culver
Jarrett Culver shouldn’t mind sliding to No. 8 if it means joining the rising Atlanta Hawks.
Texas Tech’s breakout sophomore would be a fit next to Trae Young for his two-point scoring and defence. Culver also has the chance to win back some trust during workouts after his three-point percentage took an unexpected dip this season.
Atlanta may ultimately benefit from the Chicago Bulls needing a point guard and Hunter outplaying Culver in the national title game. Because adding a two-way wing and shot-creator next to Kevin Huerter seems ideal for the Hawks.
The Big Baller Blog 