• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
NBA Teams Who Must Get The 2018 Draft Right

NBA Teams Who Must Get The 2018 Draft Right

June 16, 2018
2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

2021 Dolphins Draft Profile: Safety Jevon Holland

February 28, 2021
“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”

February 27, 2021
Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021
NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021
Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

Lindor and Conforto Should Have Different Paths to Pay Dirt

February 26, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Teven Jenkins

February 26, 2021
Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

Dolphins Free Agents: Who Could Be on the Move?

February 26, 2021
Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

Giants Free-Agency Targets: WR Corey Davis

February 26, 2021
Playing Brett Veach: Part One

This Or That: Draft Wide Receiver Round 1 Or Later?

February 25, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: Better Run/Pass Balance Needed

February 25, 2021
Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

Brady Tkachuk The Ottawa Senators Next Captain?

February 25, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Sunday, February 28, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

NBA Teams Who Must Get The 2018 Draft Right

Ben Pfeifer by Ben Pfeifer
June 16, 2018
in Featured, NBA, NBA Draft, NBA Featured
Reading Time: 5min read
0
NBA Teams Who Must Get The 2018 Draft Right

Oct 21, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) and center Marc Gasol (33) celebrate during the second half against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports

1.5k
SHARES
3.2k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Every NBA GM wants to hit a home run in the draft, whether you’re going for the next LeBron James high in the draft or the next Draymond Green later. The NBA draft is only six days away (!!!). Teams have been studying prospects and preparing for this night for months. Draft night is the night that could change a franchise for better or worse. However, there are teams that can afford to swing and miss more than others. There are also teams in every given year where it is imperative for them to succeed. Let’s get into the teams who absolutely must get their draft pick right on June 21st.

Sacramento Kings

We all know of the Kings’ struggles in the draft. Let’s take a look at some of their drafts post-2010, where they landed DeMarcus Cousins. In 2011, the Kings ended up with college sensation Jimmer Fredette, whose inability to create his own shot was his downfall. They passed on the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Klay Thompson. 2012 saw the Kings take Thomas Robinson over Damian Lillard and Andre Drummond.

More FromFPC

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

“It’s Like Disney World” – Blue Jays Unveil Player Development Complex

February 27, 2021

Who Is The Logical Choice To Replace Jerry West As The NBA Logo?

February 27, 2021

NHL Up and Down the Boards: Boucher Tops Ducharme on Habs Coaching Odds

February 26, 2021

AL Notes: Gardner Insurance for Yanks, German Apologizes, Bradley Still in Limbo, Clubs Make Final Adds

February 25, 2021

The Kings took Ben McLemore in 2013, who some compared to Ray Allen, over C.J. McCollum and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nik Stauskas in 2014 and Willie Cauley Stein in 2015 (over Devin Booker and Myles Turner) marked two more botched classes. Georgios Papagiannis was the pick in 2016. 2017 rookie De’Aaron Fox had a promising rookie season but it is yet to be seen if he will take the next step.

Now we arrive at the 2018 draft, where the Kings picking at two have their highest pick since 1989, where they drafted Pervis Ellison number one over Glen Rice, Tim Hardaway, and Shawn Kemp. Luckily for Vlade Divac, the Kings find themselves with a pool of players loaded with superstar upside.

The Kings have reportedly been interested in dealing the pick but if they keep it, they must get it right. We have DeAndre Ayton, a physical freak at center with a great offensive game and Luka Doncic, a generational offensive talent, sitting at the top. Guys like Marvin Bagley, Jaren Jackson, and Mohamed Bamba are all high upside bigs. They could gamble on Trae Young, a budding offensive superstar. Either way, they need a player to be the face of the franchise that they’ve desperately searched for.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are in a sticky situation with their current roster. When fully healthy, the Grizzlies are a fringe playoff team. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol, while both being on the wrong side of 30, are still top 50 players in the NBA and borderline All-Stars.

In 2017, Conley averaged 20.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.3 steals. He will likely go down as the best player ever to never make an All-Star game. Gasol is still a very good center: a defender, a rebounder, a passer, a scorer, and now a three-point shooter. Tyreke Evans had a revival in 2018, averaging 19.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds. This was his best year since Evans’ rookie season. Dillon Brooks, a 2017 second round pick, flashed scoring potential, putting up a respectable 11 points per game.

The logical thing for this team is obviously to trade Conley and Gasol and rebuild. Combined with the $94 million dollar man himself (Chandler Parsons), they make up 80% of Memphis’ payroll. Unfortunately, the Grizzlies’ ownership is reluctant to rebuild because of how small their market is. What fans will come to games and buy jerseys when Wayne Selden dribbles the ball up the floor and passes to MarShon Brooks? Not many. For the Grizzlies, they are clearly not willing to sacrifice millions and millions of dollars to make winning a title their ultimate priority. This being said, their number four pick in the upcoming draft will make or break the next two seasons until Gasol and Conley’s contracts are up.

DeAndre Ayton and Luka Doncic will almost certainly be off of the board by the time Memphis picks at four. Fortunately for Memphis, young superstar talent is abundant in this draft. Guys like Marvin Bagley, who fits this culture perfectly, Mohamed Bamba with his freaky potential, and Jaren Jackson could all be superstars. All of them would have a very good mentor to learn under and wouldn’t be asked to do it all right away.

If they wanted, Memphis could take a gamble on the injury-riddled Michael Porter Jr. His Back injuries are undoubtedly concerning but he has 25+ points per game upside if he can fully recover. A lineup of Conley, Gasol, the fourth pick, Brooks, and Evans is a playoff roster and the Grizzlies’ only hope of making noise without rebuilding.

Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron James has likely played his last game as a Cavalier. Of course, there is a possibility he stays in Cleveland but LeBron leaving is better for him and the franchise. Besides the eight pick and Kevin Love, Cleveland has very few assets to improve their team if James were to stay. They would have to hit a home run with this pick. Maybe Michael Porter Jr. falls and he recovers from his injury. But in all likelihood, the King will leave his throne.

Without James, the Cavs will almost certainly trade Kevin Love for more assets. When it comes to young talent, this Cleveland team has almost none and is certainly a lottery team next season. Rodney Hood has shown scoring potential as has Jordan Clarkson, and Larry Nance Jr. is a high energy role player. Outside of those three, who all have role player upside, Cleveland has nothing. Drafting highest upside at eight will be the priority. We could see the Cavs pass on a safer pick like Mikal Bridges or Wendell Carter Jr. in favor of a higher risk pick like a Porter, Trae Young, Collin Sexton, or Kevin Knox. Either way, the way this draft goes could dictate if LeBron James stays in Cleveland and the future of this team.

Washington Wizards

The Wizards have one of the most poorly constructed rosters in the NBA. For a team whose upside is around the fifth seed in the East, they have -$23 million in cap space and are severely lacking in young talent. John Wall and Bradley Beal are two excellent guards but they have been inconsistent in the playoffs and haven’t been able to stay healthy. Otto Porter Jr. is an intriguing young 3-D talent but his upside isn’t immense and he surely isn’t worth his $106 million dollar contract. Kelly Oubre is another intriguing wing but likely not an All-Star.

Outside of the four players I just mentioned, Washington has absolutely nothing in terms of young talent and is loaded with bad contracts. You definitely don’t want to be paying Ian Mahinmi $16 million a year. For Washington, they may want to trade their stars and try again. If they wish to keep their core in order to compete, the 15th pick in the 2018 draft will be crucial in adding another star.

There are quite a few players around the 15 mark that the Wizards could land with lots of upsides but also lots of risk. Unless a player like Kevin Knox or Lonnie Walker IV falls to them, they may have to gamble a bit. Zhaire Smith is a super athletic wing with a decent shot but an abnormal game. He is an excellent shot blocker and an excellent rebounder and a very good defender. He is immediately an impact role player and could become an All-Star if his offensive game improves.

Mitchell Robinson left Western Kentucky to prepare for the draft, creating many questions. Yet, he is a very athletic big with plenty of upside. Maybe they reach for Jerome Robinson, a lethal scorer and shooter with shades of Devin Booker in his game. Either way, making this pick count could push the Wizards into contention in the East.

Welcome to the daily Full Court Press playoff edition, where we recap all of the day’s NBA action. Check back every night if you missed any NBA action and come back tomorrow for more NBA playoff fun.

Tags: CavaliersGrizzliesKingsNBANBA DraftWizards
Share596Tweet372
Previous Post

The MLB Has a Major Enemy: The MLB.

Next Post

Early Look at Chargers Training Camp Battles

Ben Pfeifer

Ben Pfeifer

Next Post
Early Look at Chargers Training Camp Battles

Early Look at Chargers Training Camp Battles

Touchdowns & Tangents - Camp Holdouts and SummerTime Savagery

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Predicting the Yankees 2021 Opening Day Roster
    by Full Press Coverage on February 28, 2021 at 4:58 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9671934669.mp3
  • Ep 55: Bruins Depth Issues; Time to Panic?
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2230585722.mp3
  • Ep 65: Tiger Woods Update/Russell Wilson Is Unhappy
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 8:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3251896052.mp3?updated=1614450807
  • Ep. 188 - Potato Head / Wrestlemania Predictions
    by Talkamania on February 27, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43665499/talkamania_episode_188.mp3
  • Full Press EP 7: Chris Rosvoglou joins the show!
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/43663692/full_press_ep_7_thu_1830.mp3
  • Ep 52: Jacqueline
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV7559085259.mp3?updated=1614399614
  • Ep 170: NFL Coaching Changes
    by Full Press Coverage on February 27, 2021 at 2:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV4500828715.mp3?updated=1614437073
  • Ep 65: Salary Cap Pack
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 7:52 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV1239084265.mp3?updated=1614369199
  • Ep #94: Kansas City Facing Difficult Decisions
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 6:05 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV5572884188.mp3
  • Episode 35: All Aboard Train Russell
    by Full Press Coverage on February 26, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV3490574527.mp3?updated=1614352919

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 52: Jacqueline
    by Evan Gomes on February 27, 2021 at 3:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

  • WWE: The Latest Performance Center Class & Debuts
    by Evan Gomes on February 26, 2021 at 1:45 pm

    Who has WWE added to their talent pool? WWE has brought in it’s largest Performance Center class […]

  • AEW Signs “The Big Show” Paul Wight
    by Evan Gomes on February 24, 2021 at 4:35 pm

    Well… AEW has announced the signing of wrestling legend Paul Wight, known in WWE as The Big Show, […]

  • WWE Raw Results, Grade & Opinion: February 22, 2021
    by Evan Gomes on February 23, 2021 at 5:04 am

    WWE Raw Results, Grades & Opinion: February 22, 2021 A.K.A. The One Where Bobby Lashley Makes […]

  • WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion
    by Evan Gomes on February 22, 2021 at 3:33 am

    WWE Elimination Chamber 2021 Results, Grades & Opinion A.K.A. The One Without A Women’s […]

More Wrestling News

  • The Best NHL Teams To Bet … And Bet Against
    by Bob Duff on February 28, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Who are some of the best and worst bets through the first half of the NHL season? The post The Best […]

  • Two-Man Race Between McDavid & Matthews for 2021 Hart Trophy
    by Lyle Richardson on February 28, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    As we near the midway point of the shortened 2021 NHL season, two players have separated themselves […]

  • Short Bench is No Problem for Cleveland
    by Elaine Shircliff on February 28, 2021 at 3:39 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters managed to have a successful night despite playing with only nine forwards […]

  • The Ottawa Senators Are Winning “The Right Way”
    by Murray Pam on February 27, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    The Senators opened the season 2-12-1 in the first 15 games, but are now hitting stride, winning […]

  • Eichel, Ullmark Injured, Skinner’s Status Unclear With Slumping Sabres
    by Michael Augello on February 26, 2021 at 10:23 pm

    Problems continue to pile up for the Buffalo Sabres, whether it be injuries or their own making. […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 54: Boston Strong Through First Quarter; Bruins Ready For Tahoe; Trade Rumors
    by Full Press Coverage on February 19, 2021 at 1:42 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss the Bruins first quarter of the season, the upcoming […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26944781/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-19%2F9842e3b3bd832cd255d0058b2a68b0b5.m4a
  • Ep 53: Bruins On a Roll; Brad Marchand and Charlie McAvoy; Blackey Family History
    by Full Press Coverage on February 3, 2021 at 10:40 pm

    Ian and Chris are joined by Eric Blackey to talk Bruins' hot streak, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/26174126/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-02-03%2F66793c2461c1f0eaf37253a4e481f46b.m4a
  • Ep 52: Bruins Early Season Struggles
    by Full Press Coverage on January 21, 2021 at 10:51 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the first few games of the season and wonder what […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25536904/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-21%2F3056b20d5e95c23e9c23b40f379c9029.m4a
  • Ep 51: Bergeron Dons The "C", Picking Up the Chara/Krug Slack; Season Expectations
    by Full Press Coverage on January 13, 2021 at 10:20 pm

    Mike Cratty of the Sal and Cratty Show and BlackNGoldHockey.com joins Ian […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/25157918/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-01-13%2F4542c465ec7a3234f146bea647ede57e.m4a
  • Ep 50: Mr. Chara Goes to Washinton
    by Full Press Coverage on December 31, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Ian and Chris react to the Capitals signing of Bruins longtime captain, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24623669/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-31%2F26d5b85c06ec2255c2f6cfc78b24cf94.m4a
  • Ep 49: Bruins New Division; Chara's Future in Boston
    by Full Press Coverage on December 23, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    Ian and Chris return to discuss the NHL's 56-game season, the Bruins new […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/24356084/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-12-23%2F5755949a0115f50df8582cc32916323a.m4a
  • Ep 48: Jake DeBrusk Signs; Reverse Retro Jerseys; Thanksgiving Food Draft
    by Full Press Coverage on November 26, 2020 at 5:54 pm

    On this Thanksgiving episode of the Big Bad Bruins Podcast, Ian and Chris […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/23142833/sponsor/amsj67/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2020-11-26%2F52d6fc857b1cd37d19b4fe24752398f6.m4a
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage