2018 NBA Mock Draft: What if Memphis wins the lottery?

I think the Kings probably lock onto Bagley early, and if they do indeed land at No. 3, they will likely have control over the rest of the draft in what many believe to be a two-horse race for the top overall pick. Taking Bagley would remove one of the most coveted players early, and force teams to make decisions on more questionable players like Trae Young and Mohamed Bamba.

For transparency’s sake, here is my board as we sit today:

1. Luka Doncic
2. Trae Young
3. Deandre Ayton
4. Jaren Jackson Jr.
5. Mikal Bridges
6. Marvin Bagley III
7. Michael Porter Jr.
8. Wendell Carter Jr.
9. Mohamed Bamba
10. Troy Brown

So I’m not as high on Bagley as some, including ESPN, who recently popped Bagley up to No. 3 on their own board based on conversation around the league and their own scouting. But he makes a lot of sense for a Sacramento team still scavenging for an offensive star. Put Bagley in a lineup with Willie Cauley-Stein, De’Aaron Fox, Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanovic and I think you’re moving toward respectability.

Sacramento also has to consider their glut of big men, but Bagley is talented enough to move past all of them. In this case, you take the player who can rejuvenate your offense and team identity, and move forward from there.