2018 NBA Mock Draft first round plus OKC Thunder picks
C. Michigan State. Jaren Jackson Jr. . 4. player. 211.
Perhaps it’s asking for too much to assume the draft will reach this point without something funky happening, but I’m going to trust these GMs are capable of making the right decisions. Following a season of injury, the Grizzlies are looking to get back on track and will want to take advantage of a lost season full of injuries.
While there is scuttlebutt the Grizz would consider Michael Porter I just can’t buy into the Michael Porter Jr. thought process. Sure, he seemed like a natural to be the top pick prior to his injury, but this just isn’t any injury –it’s his back.
And, yes the Grizz have Marc Gasol at center, but he can also play the power forward role and how happy would he be after a season without ZBo by his side to gain another talented big man. Plus this kid is money. If the Hawks do take Doncic that removes the possibility for Memphis which takes away my hopes for Doncic in postseason play.
That said, about the same time the Luka to Atlanta rumors picked up steam simultaneously rumors Memphis would trade down for the right situation (read: will someone please take Chandler Parsons off our hands) started popping up. Adding fuel to this hot take were reports Mo Bamba and Jackson refused to work out with the Grizz or provide medical reports.
Report: Mo Bamba refuses workout for Grizzlies, prefers not to be in Memphis https://t.co/v4vB32RLYa pic.twitter.com/4bFqsF7koY
— theScore NBA (@theScoreNBA) June 19, 2018
With Hawks management reportedly shifting their sights to the star power offered by Luka Doncic, it will be interesting to see how Memphis views Jaren Jackson as the potential pick at No. 4. Jackson has refused to work out for the Grizzlies and will not provide a medical either.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 20, 2018
I’m not sure why there is so much reluctance by the prospects toward Memphis, but clearly something is afoot. Anyway, watch for what occurs at pick four as it has the greatest potential to shift the direction of the draft.
Full Jaren Jackson preview here: The quintessential modern big
Team needs:
With Mike Conley returning from injury to sidle up to Marc Gasol again, the Grizzlies believe they require just one more talent in order to return to prominence. The key areas they need to address are wing depth and finding a serviceable backup for Mike Conley.
Free Agents:
- Mario Chalmers (UFA)
- Tyreke Evans (UFA)
Picks in 2018 NBA Draft:
First Round: 4th
Second Round: 32nd