2018 NBA Draft: Every Projected Lottery Team's Way-Too-Early Top 5 Big Board
NBA scouting departments will start the year with must-watch prospect targets.
And for the most part, teams know what tier of the draft they'll be picking in. Rebuilding squads like the Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks and Sacramento Kings recognize they'll finish with poor records and be big players in the draft lottery.
We created early top five boards for the teams expected to pick in the lottery based on win total over-unders set by Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook, via ESPN.
For teams likely to pick in the No. 6-14 range, we added other prospects to watch, assuming their top five won't be available.
1. Chicago Bulls
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The Chicago Bulls moved on from Jimmy Butler, Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo and added Kris Dunn, Zach LaVine and rookie Lauri Markkanen. It's not a shock that they're picked to finish with the league's worst record. Chicago's big board will reflect best-player-available rankings and ignore need entirely.
Bulls' way-too-early top five big board
No. 1: Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
At full strength, the Bulls backcourt starts Dunn and LaVine, two suspect decision-makers. Doncic changes the feel of this team with his basketball IQ, maturity and potential leadership. The game hasn't seen an international prospect this accomplished, and it certainly doesn't have many 6'8" playmaking point wings who shoot threes and compete with maximum intensity.
2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
The Bulls don't have a go-to scoring option, and it's difficult to land a good one in free agency. Porter can give them a potential No. 1 scoring weapon—a 6'10", shot-creating wing with a unique, convincing perimeter game.
3. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
There is a case for Bagley as the draft's top prospect, but Chicago doesn't give him the best setting to develop without veteran talent. He's worth taking based on talent alone if Doncic and Porter are gone. Bagley, a 6'11" big with quickness and bounce, also has a diverse skill set that includes ball-handling ability, post moves, mid-range touch, rebounding motor and defensive versatility.
No. 4: DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Ayton almost seems underrated entering the season, following the reclassification of Bagley and Doncic's EuroBasket performance. Arizona's anchor brings obvious NBA tools and a budding skill set teams covet in their centers. Ayton, who's flashed three-point range, post play, rim protection and rebounding prowess, could replace Robin Lopez and complement the far-less physical Markkanen.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
To take Bamba top three, the Bulls would have to see a Rudy Gobert who also shoots threes. Texas' rim protector brings that unprecedented 7'9" wingspan, and though skinny, his jumper and back-to-the-basket game show potential.
2. Atlanta Hawks
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The Atlanta Hawks lost Dwight Howard, Al Horford and Tim Hardaway Jr., leaving behind one of the NBA's sadder starting lineups that could include Kent Bazemore, Taurean Prince, Ersan Ilyasova and Dewayne Dedmon. The Hawks just need talent, no matter in what shape it comes. NBA-readiness or fit shouldn't factor into the equation for Atlanta—only long-term potential.
Hawks' way-too-early top five big board
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Bagley has the highest ceiling in the draft for his elite athleticism and two-way versatility. A 6'11" big that can handle the ball, score in the post, finish above the rim and guard multiple positions, Bagley is a jump-shot away from the full package. Improved shooting would unlock All-Star potential. Michael Porter Jr. and Luka Doncic will be viewed as the safer options.
2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
On paper, Porter could give Atlanta exactly what the lineup needs: a go-to scorer. At 6'10", he creates shots like a wing and shoots an easy three-ball.
3. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)
Doncic isn't known for scoring and could struggle to maximize his effectiveness without talent to play off. He's still too proven, skilled and unique to pass on for Atlanta once Bagley and Porter are gone. Dennis Schroder and Doncic would give Atlanta an interesting mix of size, speed, scoring, playmaking and shooting in the backcourt.
4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Depending how dominant Ayton looks at Arizona, he could be higher than No. 4 on Atlanta's board. The Hawks' frontcourt lacks scoring and defense and Ayton can potentially offer both.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Ayton versus Bamba could come down to the eye of the beholder. Bamba isn't as strong or convincing from outside, but muscle can be added and shooting can improve. He also has the highest defensive ceiling in the draft.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Nets)
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The Cleveland Cavaliers own the Brooklyn Nets' 2018 first-round pick, which they could trade for an All-Star-caliber player to improve their roster and chances against the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors. But let's assume they keep the pick to protect their future.
Cavaliers' way-too-early top five big board
1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG, 1999)
Doncic should be Cleveland's top target, assuming its still in win-now mode next season. He's already proven himself against pros, whether it's been in Euroleague or Eurobasket. The NBA-ready tag applies to Doncic, 2019's Rookie of the Year favorite. And he'd happen to fit nicely between Isaiah Thomas and LeBron James as a shooter and passer from the 2.
2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Porter should find himself in the No. 1 overall mix, and though Cleveland has James and Kevin Love at the 3 and 4, the Cavaliers will value the freshman's shot-making for the present and offensive upside for the future. Insurance in case James leaves, Porter, a 6'10" face-up scorer, has enough potential to become the franchise's top-two option.
3. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Bagley could be argued as the draft's top prospect with a perceived ceiling that soars higher than Doncic's or Porter's. At 6'11" with quickness and explosive hops, he's flashed ball-handling skills and a jumper that seems repairable. As a rookie, he'd give the Cavaliers a high-motor athlete, finisher, rebounder and defender, though he won't offer as much as a scorer or shooter right away.
4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Behind Doncic, Porter and Bagley, Ayton jumps out as the next-best prospect. His physical tools, post scoring, shooting stroke and rim protection power a ceiling higher than Tristan Thompson's.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Bamba rounds out 2018's early top five. His offense isn't as far ahead as Ayton's, but between his absurd 7'9" wingspan, hands and feet, Bamba projects as the superior defensive anchor and more efficient, though simpler, offensive finisher.
4. Phoenix Suns
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The Phoenix Suns have star-caliber scorers in Devin Booker and Eric Bledsoe and valued prospects with Josh Jackson, Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender. They aren't short on talent. Do the Suns ignore fit and go after the biggest potential impact player? Or do they look at the need to improve their No. 28-ranked defense?
Suns' way-too-early top five big board
1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
The Suns could see Bagley as the best prospect in the draft or the final piece to an optimal starting lineup that already includes Bledsoe, Booker, TJ Warren (or Jackson) and Chriss. Bagley at the 5 makes Phoenix even faster and more athletic. He'll have the chance to be the draft's top player if he continues to improve his shooting touch and range.
2. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Michael Porter Jr. will be higher on most boards, but Ayton fits too well in Phoenix. An upgrade over Alex Len and a long-term replacement for Tyson Chandler, Ayton gives Phoenix a rim protector, but also a big with shooting potential to complement weaker shooters like Warren, Jackson and Chriss.
3. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Taking Porter would mean playing him at the 4 and moving Chriss and Bender to the 5. Even with Bledsoe, Booker and Warren, it couldn't hurt to add another scoring machine to the frontcourt.
4. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Bamba changes Phoenix's defensive identity. The Suns should value his offensive efficiency as a finisher, pick-and-roll weapon and putback threat, but they could really use his rim protection alongside Chriss or Bender.
5. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
The Suns could look at Doncic as a point guard and trade Bledsoe. There isn't room on the wings with Booker, Warren and Jackson, but Doncic is a crafty ball-handler and terrific passer, and could be a positive change for a team that's struggled with Bledsoe running the offense.
5. Sacramento Kings
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The Sacramento Kings had an interesting offseason. They seemed to have drafted their point guard of the future in De'Aaron Fox before signing veteran George Hill. Throw Buddy Hield and rookies Bogdan Bogdanovic and Justin Jackson into the mix, and Sacramento has commitments to key prospects and players at positions 1-3.
Kings' way-too-early top five big board
1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
Drafting Doncic would mean the Kings must play positionless basketball or make a trade. They'll overvalue him in the draft for his winning reputation, which he already earned for his role in Real Madrid's Euroleague Final Four trip and Slovenia's EuroBasket gold medal. On paper, Doncic's shooting and passing complement Fox's speed, attacking and defense. The Kings could play Fox at the 1 and Doncic at the 2 and deal Hill. Or, they could play Fox, Hill and Doncic, who's 6'8" and versatile enough to play wing.
2. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
The Kings are years away. Michael Porter Jr. may be the quicker fix, but Bagley's long-term upside should be too enticing. Compared to Porter, he's the better athlete and checks more boxes, including defense and rebounding. Bagley could ultimately play the 4 or 5, making him an easier fit in the lineup.
2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
The Kings could take Porter and make him the centerpiece of their offense. With the ability to create and make shots from all three levels, he'd give Sacramento an option to feature in the half court.
4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Willie Cauley-Stein may be better suited for an energy role off the bench. A rim protector with three-point range and post skills, Ayton's ceiling is stories higher.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Only three teams finished with a worse defensive efficiency than Sacramento in 2016-17. The addition of Bamba would move them up those rankings.
6. New York Knicks
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The Kristaps Porzingis era has begun in New York. He's the centerpiece. The Knicks signed Tim Hardaway Jr., added Frank Ntilikina in the draft and get back Willy Hernangomez, but they are more complementary, supporting pieces. New York, which has lost its luster as a desirable free-agent destination, needs to hit on a game-changer in the draft.
Prospect to watch in case top five are gone: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Athletic, competitive and a scoring machine, Sexton will interest the Knicks, who have arguably the weakest backcourt in the league.
Knicks' way-too-early top five big board
1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
The Knicks have done so much losing over the past decade, they'll want a winner in the draft to change the culture and vibes of the team. Doncic has already proven himself against levels of competition no college prospect will have the chance to face.
2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Porter could be the prospect the Knicks look to groom as Carmelo Anthony's replacement. He'll be the top scorer in the draft and can play either 3 or 4.
3. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Bagley is more of the project, but the Knicks just need talent. Between Bagley and Porzingis, the Knicks could feature one of the NBA's top, most versatile frontcourt duos.
4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
The Knicks have no room for a center, but can't afford to pass on the top talent available. Ayton can be their future defensive anchor and a top option in the offense. Newly-acquired Enes Kanter would be entering the final year of his contract in 2019, anyway.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Consistently a bad defensive team, the Knicks could target Bamba to protect the rim. Between Bamba and Porzingis, New York would have one of the league's longest 4-5 duos.
7. Indiana Pacers
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Myles Turner takes over as the face of the Indiana Pacers with Paul George now in Oklahoma City. Outside of Turner, there is room for an upgrade at every position. The Pacers will look to draft the best player available, though Indiana would likely favor guards, wings and forwards if management was torn on prospects.
Prospect to watch in case top five are gone: Trevon Duval (Duke, PG, Freshman)
Duval will be worth watching for a Pacers' team that doesn't have a point guard to build with. Unteachable length and athleticism separate Duval and drive his upside. He'll break down defenses, attack and facilitate. Whether he'll be worth taking top 10 will come down to his shooting, an unsettling weakness.
Pacers' way-too-early top five big board
No. 1: Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Porter's skill set would fill a need in Indiana. He'd give the lineup a scorer, as well as the versatility to go small by playing him at the 4.
No. 2. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Bagley's face-up ball skills, perimeter quickness and open-floor athleticism would complement Turner's shooting and rim protection.
No. 3. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
Doncic could take over at point, play the 3 or push Victor Oladipo into the sixth-man role. The Pacers could use some of the Slovenian's playmaking, shooting and toughness.
No. 4. Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG, Freshman)
Sexton will win fans for his athleticism, aggressiveness and potential to take over a game. He's a scorer over a distributor, but the Pacers need a point guard and Sexton could be the best in the class. DeAndre Ayton and Mohamed Bamba wouldn't fit next to Turner.
No. 5. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
Bridges is back and in the mix for the nation's top returning prospect. He's also one of the draft's best athletes with a game built for today's small-ball 4 role. Quick and strong with three-point range, Bridges could play either forward position and immediately compete for a starting job with the Pacers.
8. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers)
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Based on win-total projections, the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to pick for the Los Angeles Lakers, assuming their pick is No. 1 or after No. 5. The Lakers' record oddsmakers are predicting suggests LA will wind up with the No. 8 pick, which would then go to Philadelphia.
If the Lakers won the lottery, the 76ers' way-too-early target would be:
1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
The Sixers would need ridiculous luck to steal the No. 1 pick, but it's theirs if L.A. ends up with it. Doncic would be Philadelphia's target for his wing versatility. He doesn't need to dominate the ball, can play the 1, 2 or 3 and shoot threes. Doncic can be the star glue guy—the way Draymond Green is in Golden State—who helps tie all the talent together between Markelle Fultz, Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.
If the Lakers land second through fifth in the lottery, the pick goes to the Boston Celtics, so the Sixers have zero shot of drafting in that range. If the odds play out the way they're supposed to and the Sixers pick No. 8, Doncic, Michael Porter Jr., Marvin Bagley III, DeAndre Ayton and Mohamed Bamba aren't likely to be available.
In that case, the next three on Philadelphia's board might include:
No. 6: Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
Bridges would give the Sixers an elite athlete on the wing. He'll guard multiple positions and bring more scoring versatility and firepower than Robert Covington.
No. 7: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Defenses wouldn't be able to take a break playing against a backcourt consisting of Fultz and the ultra-aggressive Sexton, who's constantly in attack mode.
No. 8: Lonnie Walker IV (Miami, SG, Freshman)
The Sixers could bring in Walker if JJ Redick winds up being a one-year rental. Miami's prized freshman has a solid foundation of size, athleticism and shooting. A three-and-D player would work well in the Philadelphia 2-guard spot.
9. Orlando Magic
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The Orlando Magic haven't gotten better through the draft with Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja. Jonathan Isaac is the team's top prospect, though he's also unproven. Orlando can't afford to miss with a top-10 pick in the 2018 draft. Ideally, there will be an exciting guard, scorer or rim protector available to the Magic.
Prospect to watch in case top five are gone: Collin Sexton, Alabama
Payton will be difficult to commit to if he doesn't take a bigger step in 2018, the final year of his deal. Sexton is a scoring point guard in the mold of Eric Bledsoe and would put more pressure on defenses than Orlando's current starter.
Magic's way-too-early top five big board
1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
Doncic should be attractive to Orlando for his potential to replace Elfrid Payton or bring IQ, shooting and toughness alongside him. The Magic have a handful of young athletes waiting for their skills to catch up. Doncic would give them a sure thing with a proven track record and valued strengths that include shooting, passing and intangibles.
2. Michael Porter III (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Aaron Gordon and Isaac bring versatility, but neither are known for their scoring offense. Cue Porter, who'd have the chance to be Orlando's top option capable of getting his own shot.
3. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Bagley is the upside pick for Orlando, too enticing to pass on if Doncic and Porter are gone, even with Gordon and Isaac. He'd be best used at center in Orlando.
4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
Ayton's rookie year will be the final one on Nikola Vucevic's contract. Arizona's prized center would be a fitting replacement for his two-way presence at center. He'll give Orlando the same double-doubles, but with tougher rim protection.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Bamba is Vucevic's opposite—long and defensive-minded, but not overly polished offensively.
10. Dallas Mavericks
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The Dallas Mavericks added a major building block with Dennis Smith Jr. in the 2017 draft. They'll need to grab another in 2018, assuming they still don't have enough to reach the playoffs. Dirk Nowitzki's time is running out, Nerlens Noel is on a one-year, prove-yourself deal and the pairing of Wesley Matthews and Seth Curry only has so much upside. Any non-point guard in the draft will be fair game.
Prospect to watch in case top five are gone: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
Jackson has risen up the recruiting ranks. NBA draft boards are next. He stands out with size, length and quickness, along with a low-post game, rebounding motor and shooting touch that's improved over the past year. A strong defensive prospect for his rim protection and switching potential, Jackson could be targeted by Dallas and used at the 4 or 5 positions.
Mavericks' way-too-early top five big board
No. 1. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
Shooting and basketball IQ are strengths of Doncic. They're weaknesses of Smith, a more explosive athlete and scorer. The Mavericks backcourt would have it all.
No. 2. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
Bagley would be the answer to Dirk Nowitzki retiring. He could also be the draft's most complete, versatile big man.
3. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
Porter is relatively similar to Harrison Barnes, but the two scorers could be interchangeable at the 3 and 4 spots.
4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
If Noel isn't convincing this season, Ayton could be a target for his sharper offensive skills and defensive presence in the paint.
5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Bamba is similar to Noel, only with a higher ceiling. He's another pick-and-roll target, finisher and rim protector.
Memphis Grizzlies
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The Memphis Grizzlies won't be weak enough to compete for a top-five pick, but they also aren't expected to reach the Western Conference playoffs. The big names won't be available to Memphis, though the Grizzlies will still assemble a big board starting at No. 1:
Grizzlies' unrealistic top five way-too-early big board
No. 1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
No. 2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
No. 3. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
No. 4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
No. 5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Assuming the Grizzlies end up picking late in the lottery, these are the more realistic, gettable prospects for them to track:
1. Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Even with steady Mike Conley still going strong, the Grizzlies could use another attacking guard. Sexton's athleticism and scoring should still work from the 2-guard spot. His grit and toughness would also play to Memphis' identity.
2. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
The Grizzlies have a handful of underwhelming forwards with limited upside. Bridges would give them an exciting punch of explosiveness and offense from the 3 or 4.
3. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
Jackson isn't the flashiest pick, but his defensive potential and shooting touch should help him draw top-10 interest. Bigs who can stretch the floor, block shots and switch are valued more in today's NBA.
4. Lonnie Walker (Miami, SG, Freshman)
The Grizzlies haven't had a quality 2-guard and could target Walker for his shooting and defense. He has the potential to be the player many thought Ben McLemore would be someday.
5. Kevin Knox (Kentucky, SF/PF, Freshman)
The Grizzlies should have their eyes on Knox, a scoring combo forward. However, he'll need to emerge as one of Kentucky's most reliable weapons to justify lottery consideration.
Detroit Pistons
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The Detroit Pistons are in a tough spot with high-profile talent, but a low ceiling as a team. Maybe they squeeze into the playoffs as a No. 7 or No. 8 seed, but Las Vegas isn't counting on it. The Pistons lost Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Marcus Morris and added Avery Bradley and Luke Kennard. Their roster looks stronger, but unless Reggie Jackson has a career year, Detroit could be headed for the lottery, where they'll look to grab the best player available for a potential rebuild.
Pistons' unrealistic top five way-too-early big board
No. 1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
No. 2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
No. 3. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
No. 4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
No. 5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Assuming the Pistons end up picking late in the lottery, these are the more realistic, gettable prospects for them to track:
No. 6. Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
The Pistons could target Sexton if Jackson has another down year. Alabama's star freshman should win over Detroit coach Stan Van Gundy with his athleticism, scoring and fearlessness.
No. 7. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
Bridges could be viewed as the best player available and an interchangeable forward alongside Tobias Harris. Michigan State's No. 1 weapon could compete for National Player of the Year and the title of top two-way forward in the draft.
No. 8. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
Detroit has a handful of uninspiring 4s. Jackson shows the potential to stretch the floor alongside Andre Drummond, but also give the Pistons a soft pair of hands inside and versatile defender.
9. Wendell Carter (Duke, C, Freshman)
The Pistons could decide it's time to move on from Drummond, who'd likely net them another high pick. Carter would be an intriguing replacement, given his tools and Al Horford-like skill set.
10. Robert Williams (Texas A&M, PF/C, Sophomore)
Williams could be seen as a 4, depending on how much his shooting improves. But he's another potential replacement for Drummond in case Detroit feels it's time to rebuild. Williams will be one of the draft's top athletes and shot-blockers who has enormous room to grow as an offensive player.
New Orleans Pelicans
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The New Orleans Pelicans have plenty of star power—the question is whether it all fits together. They brought in Rajon Rondo to orchestrate the offense and allow Jrue Holiday to focus on scoring. We don't know if DeMarcus Cousins, who's entering a contract year, will be in New Orleans long term. New Orleans will likely hope for a wing in the draft, but if their best player available happens to be a big, they won't shy away from taking him.
Pelicans' unrealistic top five way-too-early big board
No. 1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
No. 2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
No. 3. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
No. 4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
No. 5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Assuming the Pelicans end up picking late in the lottery, these are the more realistic, gettable prospects for them to track:
No. 6. Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Rondo was brought in as a quick fix, but Sexton helps solidify New Orleans' backcourt for years.
No. 7. Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
The Pelicans have always needed a wing and could draft Bridges to inject a mostly below-the-rim lineup with explosive athleticism.
No. 8. Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
If the Pelicans don't make the playoffs, they won't be willing to overpay for Cousins to return. As a result, there could be a spot for Jackson's defensive versatility, offensive rebounding and shooting potential next to Davis.
No. 9. Robert Williams (Texas A&M, PF/C, Sophomore)
Williams' would be a defensive pick for the Pelicans, who would value his shot-blocking, rebounding and efficient offense as a finisher and putback threat.
10. Troy Brown (Oregon, SF, Freshman)
Keep an eye out for Troy Brown, Oregon's new point wing who handles the ball, facilitates and scores inside the arc. He's a one-and-done lottery pick if he can shoot a decent percentage from three.
Utah Jazz
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It will be tough for the Utah Jazz to get over the hump without Gordon Hayward. Ricky Rubio's arrival won't be enough, though rookie Donovan Mitchell should give their backcourt a needed spark. Still, in the competitive Western Conference, the Jazz will be in jeopardy of missing the playoffs and winding up with a late-lottery selection.
Pelicans' unrealistic top five way-too-early big board
No. 1. Marvin Bagley III (Duke, PF/C, Freshman)
No. 2. Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri, SF/PF, Freshman)
No. 3. Luka Doncic (Slovenia, PG/SG/SF, 1999)
No. 4. DeAndre Ayton (Arizona, C, Freshman)
No. 5. Mohamed Bamba (Texas, C, Freshman)
Assuming the Jazz end up picking late in the lottery, these are the more realistic, gettable prospects for them to track:
No. 6: Collin Sexton (Alabama, PG/SG, Freshman)
Sexton's rookie year would be Rubio's last under contract in Utah, and though there are still high hopes for Dante Exum, he isn't the same caliber scorer.
No. 7: Miles Bridges (Michigan State, SF/PF, Sophomore)
A future trio of Exum, Mitchell and Bridges would ooze athleticism and versatility.
No. 8: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State, PF/C, Freshman)
With Derrick Favors entering the final year of his deal, the Jazz could look at Jackson, who's flashed greater defensive and shooting potential.
No. 9: Kevin Knox (Kentucky, SF/PF, Freshman)
Knox could be the player Utah thought it was getting when the Jazz took Trey Lyles.
No. 10: Trevon Duval (Duke, PG, Freshman)
If Rubio isn't the long-term answer, Duval could be viewed as a replacement. He's far more explosive and the quicker, breakdown playmaker. He just isn't as sharp of a passer.
Advanced stats courtesy of ESPN. Wingspans courtesy of DraftExpress.com
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