Decision time arrives

5 things the Grizzlies could do in NBA draft

The Memphis Grizzlies enter the 2018 NBA draft Thursday faced with another pivotal crossroads.

The franchise's run of seven straight playoff appearances came to an end during an injury-marred 22-60 campaign this past season. But stars Marc Gasol and Mike Conley remain in the fold, and owner Robert Pera said last week he expects the team to win 50 games next year.

Whether the Grizzlies achieve that goal, or even approach it, could be determined by how this draft works out. Memphis owns the No. 4 overall selection, its highest spot in the draft since taking Hasheem Thabeet No. 2 in 2009, as well as a second-round pick (No. 32 overall). General Manager Chris Wallace said this week he wants “two quality players that we’re excited about, that can be a big part of our future.” But uncertainty reigns in the lead-up to this draft, and fans should prepare for an unpredictable evening.

Here are the five most likely scenarios the Grizzlies could encounter Thursday night.

Luka Doncic falls to No. 4

This might be the most desirable outcome for Memphis.

Doncic, a 19-year-old Slovenian, recently became the youngest MVP of the EuroLeague playing for Real Madrid. He is considered one of the most accomplished European prospects ever, and many draft analysts expect him to contribute right away in the NBA.

The versatile 6-foot-8 point forward also appears to have a multi-dimensional skill-set tailor-made for the Grizzlies’ personnel and style.

But Doncic is expected to be one of the top three selections this year. An ESPN report Tuesday night indicated the Atlanta Hawks, who have the No. 3 pick, are increasingly enamored with him.

Other teams, most notably the Dallas Mavericks, could also trade up if Doncic is still available at No. 3.

Marvin Bagley III falls to No. 4

Bagley is another prospect who seems ready to produce in the NBA immediately.

He earned first-team All-America honors during his lone season at Duke this past year, averaging 21 points and 11.1 rebounds. Though his defense is a liability, his diverse offensive game will be an asset.

At 6-foot-11, the left-hander could slot in next to Gasol in the paint as soon as he arrives in Memphis.

But most don’t predict Bagley to last past the No. 3 pick. Sacramento, which owns the No. 2 selection, is reportedly his most likely destination. If, however, Bagley drops to the Grizzlies, they may get the missing ingredient that can push them back into playoff contention next year.

The Grizzlies pick Jaren Jackson Jr.

This was an anticipated scenario once Memphis landed at No. 4, and it could be the most likely situation.

Jackson is a tantalizing 6-foot-11 talent, particularly on the defensive end, and he's still just 18. Draft analysts believe he could develop into the prototypical center. But Jackson is still a work in progress, a fact that doesn’t necessarily jibe with the Grizzlies’ plans to use their first-round pick to get back in the playoff mix next year.

Jackson averaged 21.8 minutes, 10.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3 blocks during his lone season at Michigan State, and he declined to conduct a pre-draft workout with the Grizzlies. Long term, his length, athleticism and budding offensive skill-set give him perhaps the highest ceiling of any prospect in this draft.

But are the Grizzlies willing to wait on Jackson to realize that potential?

The Grizzlies select a wild card

If Doncic and Bagley go in the top three, and Memphis elects to not pick Jackson, it could select a wild card few are predicting.

Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr. is only a year removed from being the top prospect in his recruiting class, but the 6foot-10 offensive dynamo is viewed as a risk due to lingering concerns about the back injury that sidelined him for most of this past season. He’s also dealing with a hip ailment that limited his predraft workouts.

Is Memphis ready to take a chance on Porter’s potential, even if he could be a bust due to his health?

Duke’s Wendell Carter Jr., the lone top prospect to work out for the Grizzlies in recent weeks, as well as Texas center Mohamed Bamba and Oklahoma star Trae Young, are also among the possibilities for Memphis.

The Grizzlies make a trade

This seems to be an increasingly feasible scenario for the Grizzlies, particularly if Bagley and Doncic aren't available at No. 4. And, according to Wallace, it might be nerve-wracking and lastminute.

“Teams will come up with their best deal when it’s do-or-die time,” Wallace said Tuesday. “Teams are calling during those five minutes you’re on the clock and trying to pitch deals.”

Memphis may decide to trade down in the first round, or perhaps the Grizzlies grab another player or a future draft pick via trade.

The Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls have two first-round picks and could be ideal trading partners for Memphis. The Clippers have the No. 12 and 13 selections, while the Bulls own the No. 7 and 22 picks. The Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday the Bulls are interested in Bamba and might be willing to move up in the draft.

This could open the door for the Grizzlies to select later in the first round and intriguing options such as Carter, Young, Porter, Alabama’s Collin Sexton, Villanova’s Mikal Bridges or Kentucky's Kevin Knox would be in play.