12. LA Lakers select Doug McDermott, G/F, Creighton
Nov 29, 2013; Fullerton, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs forward JJ O
The Lakers will have the odd opportunity to add a high-profile draft pick to the roster this year. With such a deep draft, they need to make sure they do it right. Last time they used a lottery pick, it was on Andrew Bynum, and we know how well that turned out. This time, they’ll look to add some perimeter scoring to lessen the load off Kobe Bryant. In Doug McDermott, the Lakers get a smart player with an array of offensive moves. He’s been vastly overlooked this year, but certainly worthy of a lottery selection come June.
13. Memphis Grizzlies select Wayne Selden, G/F, Kansas
Another team that likely won’t stick around in the draft lottery, the Memphis Grizzlies have suffered some critical injuries (namely to Marc Gasol) and haven’t been able to catch the form that had them among the elite Western Conference teams last year. If things continue as is and they fall into the lottery, you could see some wheeling and dealing, with the Grizzlies looking to rebuild around Gasol and Mike Conley. Wayne Selden offers them a young guard with a dynamic ability. But then again, Memphis hasn’t hit too many homeruns with draftees from Kansas.
14. Utah Jazz (via Golden State Warriors) select Glenn Robinson III, G/F, Michigan
When the Jazz took on the bad contracts of the Warriors with a draft pick to sweeten the deal, Utah could not have imagined that would amount to a lottery draft pick. With negotiations with Gordon Hayward not going well in terms of an extension, they could see him walk away this year. With GR3, you get a dynamic athlete. If the Jazz walk away with Parker and GR3 this draft, it’s a HUGE success.