The NBA Draft Lottery is usually predictable or people know what the expect but this year was different. The top three picks came out yesterday and it was not what was expected at all. The New Orleans Pelicans got the number one overall pick, the Memphis Grizzlies got the number two pick, and rounding out the top three was the New York Knicks. These three teams certainly have a lot to do to get back to the top and this could certainly help.
Top Three Picks
1. New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans will have the number one overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. This was a complete shock to everyone involved. Anthony Davis asked for a trade last year from the Pelicans but it didn’t happen. People are still wondering when they will trade him now after how things shook out. The Pelicans will most likely draft Zion Williamson at number one. He is a player that can change a franchise over the course of a year. After learning they will pick with the number one pick, many wonder if Davis still wants out. Having Davis and Zion could be deadly with the right pieces around them. If Davis wants out, the Pelicans could trade for another high pick or players for Zion. All we know is this could’ve worked out any better for the Pelicans.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies will pick with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft. Even though the Grizzlies didn’t do so well in the regular season, no one expected them to jump to the number two overall pick. This pick isn’t so much clearer than the first. The Grizzlies likely have the options of either Ja Morant or R.J. Barrett. These two will most likely go two and three but it’s the question of which one. Both are great picks and can help the Grizzlies out a lot. The Grizzlies need some stars after trading away Marc Gasol and not having enough around Mike Conley. One of these players will certainly steer them in the right direction and get them back to the NBA playoffs.
3. New York Knicks
The New York Knicks were tied for the best odds to get the number one overall pick. When they announced that the Knicks were number three, fans and the front office personnel were shocked and upset. They wanted to get Zion Williamson and Zion wanted to go to the there but that obviously isn’t going to happen. This shows you how much a difference a player like Zion can make on your team. The Knicks still can pick one of the top three talents in the country but it still wasn’t what they wanted.
Aside not getting the number one pick, they can still get Morant or Barrett and that is still a pretty good pick. The Knicks haven’t been relevant for a really long time and they are hoping that one of these players can get the franchise headed in the right direction. There are rumors that stars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving will join the Knicks this off-season. They will get some good players no matter what along with the top pick. It might not be this year but if the Knicks do this right, they will finally be relevant again.
Last Word
I think the Pelicans will get Zion, the Grizzlies will get Morant, and the Knicks will get Barrett. There’s certainly more talent out there beyond the top three but these are pretty much a lock to go in the top three. The more teams that are good, the better it is for the league and there’s pressure on these teams every year to get it right. The NBA Draft Lottery was certainly interesting and the top part of the draft looks to be promising.
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