Houston Rockets — Guard depth
No first rounder for the Rockets, so they’ll have to settle for second-round help. They probably wouldn’t hate it if they could get some more depth behind James Harden and Chris Paul, particularly a complementary piece for Eric Gordon, who has been a very nice addition. That probably isn’t coming in the second round, though.
Indiana Pacers — Forward depth
The key pieces are more or less in place for the Pacers, with Victor Oladipo looking like an actual star and a lot of talent in their ranks. If they can find a good forward option at No. 23, they should jump on it, with the team lacking the depth they’d probably like in those positions. If not, pretty much any depth will do.
LA Clippers — A point guard
The Clippers could use a little of everything at this point, but the gaping hole at point guard since Chris Paul’s departure from Lob City is very hard to ignore. That said, the Clippers may just be best served going best player available here, with DeAndre Jordan’s future uncertain and few other long-term answers on the roster right now.
LA Lakers — Athletic forwards
It’s not an ideal year for the Lakers to only pick at No. 25, and they’ll be much more focused on filling out their roster through free agency. If they decide to draft based on need, some more athletes in the frontcourt to complement Kyle Kuzma and Brandon Ingram wouldn’t be the worst idea. Take advantage of Lonzo Ball’s passing and get some help as the rebuild moves along.
Memphis Grizzlies — A high-volume scorer
Even if the Grizzlies opt to keep the Mike Conley-Marc Gasol axis in place, they really need someone who can score in bunches, especially on the wing. Conley is a gifted creator and Gasol can do a lot for a team, but the lack of depth and a third option did them in. Plus, neither is getting any younger or potentially less injury-prone.
Miami Heat — Depth all over
The Heat are one of two teams that don’t have a pick in this year’s draft. If they were to trade for one, it would probably be a depth option, as the team has spread out its scoring. Interior depth behind Kelly Olynyk and Hassan Whiteside would be particularly helpful, but the Heat aren’t really in a great position to add.
Milwaukee Bucks — Interior options
The Bucks have a good amount of talent at most positions, but it’s telling how much of a playoff threat they became when center Thon Maker came into his own. It’s hard to say whether that surge is real or temporary, but the bottom line is that the Bucks could really use more options down low to take some of the strain off Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of the team. Do that, and they can really make some noise in the East next year.
Minnesota Timberwolves — Perimeter scoring
In a league where three-point shooting has become king, the Timberwolves are a throwback outfit who attempted and made fewer than any other team in the NBA. That probably has to change, and perimeter scoring and wing depth are musts for Tom Thibodeau’s team. The wildcard here is the future of some of their star players, which seems to be more in doubt than it should be.
New Orleans Pelicans — Backcourt depth
Unless something changes, the Pelicans will only have the No. 51 pick, which probably won’t do them much good in terms of adding impact. Backcourt depth would be nice, as the team has been reliant on its bigs and Rajon Rondo is facing free agency. Without much cap room to maneuver and a good draft pick, nothing major is in the pipeline, presumably.
New York Knicks — A potent wing scorer
Kristaps Porzingis is here, even if he may not be healthy last year, and the team seems to have a lot of faith in Frank Ntilikina, last year’s first-round choice. Beyond that, it’s down to whether they think Emmanuel Mudiay or Ntilikina can be a franchise point guard. If not, a floor general will be on their list. If so — and perhaps even if they’re not sure — a swingman who can score would very much fill a hole.
