NBA Draft Lottery 2018: Who each team should take with the No. 1 pick

WIZINK CENTER, MADRID, SPAIN - 2018/05/03: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid pictured prior to the 2017/2018 Liga Endesa Regular Season (game 29) between Real Madrid and Kirolbet Baskonia at WiZink Center in Madrid. (Photo by Jorge Sanz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
WIZINK CENTER, MADRID, SPAIN - 2018/05/03: Luka Doncic, #7 of Real Madrid pictured prior to the 2017/2018 Liga Endesa Regular Season (game 29) between Real Madrid and Kirolbet Baskonia at WiZink Center in Madrid. (Photo by Jorge Sanz/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 13
Next
Luka Doncic #7 of Real Madrid prior the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Play Offs Game 4 between Real Madrid v Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens at Wizink Center on April 27, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by COOLMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Luka Doncic #7 of Real Madrid prior the Turkish Airlines Euroleague Play Offs Game 4 between Real Madrid v Panathinaikos Superfoods Athens at Wizink Center on April 27, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by COOLMedia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) /

2. Memphis Grizzlies — Luka Doncic (19.9% chance)

The Grizzlies are in the somewhat unique position of returning their veteran, playoff-tested core with the potential to add an elite young talent at the top of the draft. Mike Conley missed all of last season and Marc Gasol struggled with injuries as well. That explains their presence in the lottery but it also sets them up for a quick turnaround next year. The slew of bigs available at the top of the draft are certainly intriguing as long-term additions but the chance to add a ball-handler and elite shot-creator on the perimeter fills a need Memphis has had for years.

Doncic can play off the ball while Conley and Gasol do what they’ve done for years, but his offensive versatility could also buoy a second-unit offense or add new dimensions to the offense of Memphis’ starting unit. If the Grizzlies are intent on making it back to the playoffs next season, and pushing to do some damage when they get there, Doncic should be an easy choice.