Memphis Grizzlies: A Super Early Look at the 2018 NBA Draft

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; NBA prospects pose for a group photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver before the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
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Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) drives to the basket against East forward PJ Washington Jr (25) during the 40th Annual McDonald’s High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All-American West forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) drives to the basket against East forward PJ Washington Jr (25) during the 40th Annual McDonald’s High School All-American Game at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Worst/Best-case scenario

In a worst-case scenario, the Memphis Grizzlies experience a disaster of a season. They can’t make the right moves in free agency. Chandler Parsons doesn’t get healthy. And, Marc Gasol and Mike Conley get muster a big enough load to carry into the playoffs. However, this results in a best-case scenario where they land a lottery pick. Maybe even the number one pick!

Michael Porter Jr.

Porter might be one of the best scorers to come through the draft since Kevin Durant. He has a tight handle with the ball, and at 6’10”, he can rise up and shoot over anyone. He needs to add some muscle (210 pounds), but he has the jumper and size to be a dangerous wing at the NBA level.

Luka Doncic

Doncic may be one of the best European prospects ever. At 6’8″, he has elite size and can score in just about anyway possible. He can finish at the rim, pull up from mid-range or shoot from deep. If he can add some muscle to his frame, Doncic could end up being the next Gordon Hayward.

DeAndre Ayton

The Memphis Grizzlies already have Deyonta Davis and Ivan Rabb waiting in the wings, but DeAndre Ayton is a special prospect. The 7-footer has incredible post moves and a pure jumper, looking the part of the new wave of “Unicorn” big men. Ayton has the chance to push the standard of new age big men that Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Davis have already set.