Memphis Grizzlies: 4 teams they shouldn’t want winning the #1 pick

Apr 27, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts after being called for a foul against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts after being called for a foul against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 12, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half at FedExForum. Dallas Mavericks defeats Memphis Grizzlies 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Nerlens Noel (3) brings the ball up court against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during the second half at FedExForum. Dallas Mavericks defeats Memphis Grizzlies 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3: Dallas Mavericks

Odds to obtain No. 1 pick: 1.7%

Likely No. 1 pick: Markelle Fultz

The Dallas Mavericks have insanely low odds of acquiring the number one pick, but it surely is possible. Teams with the same odds have received the number one pick before (Cleveland in 2014 and Chicago in 2008).

If they get the number one pick, it shouldn’t scare just the Memphis Grizzlies. The entire Western Conference should be put on notice.

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After their miserable start to the season, the Mavericks turned in on and played .500 basketball (21-20 from January-March). To put that in perspective – the Grizzlies only went 20-21 in that stretch, 21-25 if you include April.

If it weren’t for a terrible November, the Mavericks, very well, could’ve been a playoff team. Dirk continues to be a productive player, despite catching some punches from Father Time. Harrison Barnes has transformed into a go-to scorer, after a horrible 2016 Finals. The “Other Curry” has shown that he could become a microwave scorer next to Barnes. At the trade deadline, they added Nerlens Noel, a young big man who could fill a Tyson Chandler-sized hole.

Now, throw Markelle Fultz in there. Tell me that the Mavericks couldn’t make the playoffs.

A starting five of Fultz-Curry-Barnes-Dirk-Noel is potent. Then, they’ll move the surprisingly productive Yogi Ferrell to the bench. And, they also still have Wes Matthews, who could be an impact player off the bench or  trade bait for more pieces to the puzzle.

They’ll already flirt with the eighth seed without Fultz. With him, Rick Carlisle could use his voodoo magic to make life difficult for their Southwest division foe.