NBA Draft 2018: Five perfect first round selections

The NBA Draft should always be about selecting the best player available. In these five instances, that could coincide with filling a big need for a team.

Mistakes happen in the NBA Draft when teams prioritize need over taking take the best player available. Sometimes, teams can do both things at the same time. Those are the teams who really win the draft.

Fortunately for these five teams, there are some real opportunities to marry talent and need this year. It’s not just possible at the top of the draft either. Teams making their selections late in the lottery also have a chance to hit both targets at once.

In this piece, we’ll focus on five teams who should have a realistic opportunity to select a player who fills a massive void on their roster and is also the top player available at the time. We’ll start with a rim running big who can make John Wall’s life much easier.

5. Robert Williams — Washington Wizards

John Wall has made no secret of his desire for the Wizards to upgrade their athleticism in the frontcourt. Adding an athletic big like Williams would be just what the point guard is ordering in Washington.

Williams isn’t a lock to be available at 15, but that is right around where he should be selected. Some teams are in love with his athleticism and ability to attack the rim. Some teams have serious concerns over whether or not he’s focused enough to fulfill his significant potential.

Going to the Wizards would greatly enhance his chances of becoming a quality NBA starter. Scott Brooks could allow him to come off the bench behind Marcin Gortat to keep the pressure off him early. Williams also wouldn’t be required to do anything outside of his current skill set. The Wizards only need him to run to the rim, rebound and play defense. He could profile as an excellent energy big off the bench for the team as a rookie and could grow into a quality starter over time.