Memphis Grizzlies 2018 Draft Big Board 3.0

No. 1: Marvin Bagley III

Marvin Bagley is about as perfect of a prospect as it comes for the Grizzlies in terms of talent, fit and production. Of all the guys in the top of the draft, Bagley has backed up his hype with the most production.

Yes, there are concerns about his defense — particularly protecting the rim — and his shot-creating. However, he’s an absolute dawg on the court. From tip-off to the final buzzer, you can tell he’s giving it his all. He crashes the glass and is just as dangerous getting offensive rebounds than defensive. In addition, there wasn’t anyone in college basketball that could take over the game with straight athleticism like Bagley.

Though his shot-creating is minimal, he’s shown a deft touch around the basket and has dabbled from beyond the arc (23-for-58, 39.7 percent).

On the Grizzlies, Bagley steps in and immediately becomes the starting power forward — sorry, JaMychal and Jarell. Next to Gasol, he’ll have a rim protector and an elite passer next to him. For Gasol, he has help crashing the glass and someone to work with in high-low sets — again, doesn’t this sound familiar?

Next: All eyes on Marvin Bagley

Besides, the Grizzlies probably won’t get the number one pick, and Bagley probably won’t go number one. It’s the most realistic, yet the best, pick on the board.

Stats found at sports-reference.com