Let me make a few disclaimers.
I’m assuming that any team who gets the #1 pick will draft Zion. If that doesn’t happen, that decision alone will deserve a write-up.
The draft order hasn’t been set yet so this is not a mock draft.
These takes are based on a few statistics and a lot of opinions. Don’t @ me.
Suns – Defense
The suns were 29th in defensive efficiency last year lead by their star Devin Booker who was rated the worst defender in the NBA by multiple metrics. Most mock drafts have the Suns selecting Ja Morant. I would like to see them go in a different direction.
Cavs – Literally everything
The Cavs aren’t good enough to make a draft choice based on positions or needs. They are the epitome of a rebuild that will take multiple years. They’ve just signed their new coach to a 5-year deal, I think they take the top player on their draft board.
Knicks – Promise
What I mean by this is that they need to prove to their fan base as well as potential free agents that this organization is headed in the right direction. Essentially, they need to not mess up this pick, which should be manageable, even for this front office.
Bulls – PG
After absorbing Otto Porter’s max contract last year, there’s not a lot of room for free agency moves. Kris Dunn has proven he’s not a starting PG in the NBA. The most immediate need for this team to move forward is finding his replacement to facilitate play-making.
Hawks – Defense
The Phoenix Suns of the East, the Atlanta Hawks are a young team built upon a ball dominant guard and big man who are both below average defenders. Defense should be a priority here unless someone falls to them on draft night. Deandre Hunter and Jarrett Culver would be good fits.
Wizards – Post
John Wall will sit out the majority of next season while eating up over a third of the team’s salary cap. There are a lot of questions about the direction this franchise will take under new management. Assuming they keep Wall and Beal, it seems likely that they will draft a 4 or 5. I could see Jaxson Hayes landing here.
Pelicans – A franchise player
AD doesn’t want to be in NOLA and everyone knows it. The only alternative to going into full rebuild mode is trading the Brow for one or multiple pieces. A few rumors consist of trading for Zion, trading for everyone on the Lakers under the age of 25, and pursuing a similar deal with Boston. I think adding Zion is the best of these, and would give Jrue Holiday a reason to stay.
Grizzlies – Offense
The Griz got an excellent defender in Jaren Jackson Jr. last year who has also shown his capability to score the ball. Being 29th in offensive efficiency last year points to a need for offense, especially on the perimeter. Jonas Valanciunas has a player option on his contract for this year, which makes me think Memphis could target an offensive minded guard such as Darius Garland from Vandy.
Mavericks – Luck
Slowly becoming the Euro league team of the NBA, the Mavs are in a weird situation. If they get a top 5 pick from the lottery, they get a shot at a top tier talent. If not, their pick goes to the Hawks as part of the Trae Young/Luka Doncic deal.
Timberwolves – A good fit
Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the most prolific players in the league at filling up the box score. What’s needed here is a player who can be effective without the ball but score the ball when needed. Look for the Wolves to draft Brandon Clarke (Gonzaga) on draft night.
Lakers – A drastic change
The last thing any LA fan wants to see is the same roster as last year fighting for 8th place in the West. A revamp is needed here but definitely not a rebuild. Here are the best three options in my opinion
- Trade anyone not named ‘LeBron’ for AD
- Draft Lamelo Ball
- Petition the league to be reassigned to the East
Hornets – A home run
Whether Kemba leaves in free agency or not, Charlotte needs a big time player. I think there are two high risk-high reward players in this draft: Cam Reddish and Bol Bol. I’d love to see Charlotte take one or the other.
Miami – Offense
One of the best defensive teams in the league since Erik Spolstra took over, Miami is now in need of play-making ability. There’s a 90% chance they’ll draft 13th overall hoping to get a similar talent to Kobe Bryant, Donovan Mitchell, or Devin Booker who were all drafted 13th in their respective drafts.
Celtics (via Kings) – Anthony Davis
The biggest need for the Celtics this off-season is the Brow. With the 4-1 “Gentleman” sweep coming in the second round of the playoffs, the Cs have to realize that this is not a championship roster. With Kyrie and potentially Horford entering free agency, making a trade with New Orleans seems like the best alternative to a rebuild.