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NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Marvin Bagley

By Rucker Haringey

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2018 in New York City. St. John's won 81-77. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 03: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden on February 3, 2018 in New York City. St. John's won 81-77. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 04: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies argues a call during the second half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 04: Marc Gasol #33 of the Memphis Grizzlies argues a call during the second half of a NBA game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on April 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /

1. Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies front office insist their intention is to get the team back into the playoffs next season. Bagley might be team’s best opportunity to make that dream a reality.

Bagley would slot into the Memphis starting five immediately alongside Marc Gasol. He may struggle initially on defense, but his ability to score buckets without being the primary focus could unlock the Grizzlies offense. Gasol and Mike Conley would continue to be the focal point of the team’s attack, and Bagley would create spacing for everyone.

The downside, of course, would be Bagley’s inability to help the team defensively. He’s not a player who can switch and guard perimeter players. Playing him and Gasol at the same time will force Memphis to play a very conservative defensive scheme. They can likely get away with it during the regular season, but it might get roasted if they do make the playoffs.

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The Grizzlies also happen to be the most likely landing spot for Bagley in the top five. They’d love for Luka Doncic to fall into their lap, but that seems unlikely to happen. Look for Bagley to begin the true rebuild of Grit and Grind on Beale Street.

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