1. New Orleans Pelicans
Give David Griffin the Executive of the Year award already. The Anthony Davis trade has already netted them three solid players in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart. Then he made a move to trade down the Pelicans' 4th pick to get more picks to help them load up on young talent for their rebuild. They've already drafted Jaxson Hayes with one of those picks which gives them a center to round out what is going to be one of the most exciting and athletic starting fives next season. Them getting Zion Williamson is just icing on the cake.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies knew what they were doing when they traded away Mike Conley Jr. By drafting Ja Morant at second, they get their point guard of the future and a potential multiple all-star. We project Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. becoming a solid duo which could usher in a resurgence for the Grizz.
3. New York Knicks
As dysfunctional as the Kincks have been, drafting R.J. Barrett at third is already a small win for their franchise. Barrett was once even being discussed as potentially being drafted before Zion and for good reason. He's arguably the most versatile scorer in this draft and can help the Knicks climb back to relevance especially if they're able to sign one or two of the available big name free agents.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
Phoenix is a mess right now. Moving down in the draft is only acceptable if you get some form of sure-fire return. Also, trading your pick for a lower pick is only fine if you don't need to fill a gaping hole in your roster which you could have addressed with that initial, higher pick. The Suns traded down from #6 to #11 for... Dario Saric. Sure he's a good player but he's far from a consistently good contributor and is on the last year of his contract. And because they traded down, the Suns missed the opportunity to draft either Coby White who fill a huge need at the PG spot, or Jarrett Culver who can immediately improve their defense (where the Suns are rated second to the last) and replace the production of TJ Warren who they traded away for cash. The Wolves win because of this strange move by the Suns because they now have a solid piece in Culver and they can now be more confident in moving on from Andrew Wiggins should they choose to.
5. Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta's acquisition of De'Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish in this year's draft make them one of the more interesting teams to watch in the coming season. They already have a solid young core headed by Trae Young and John Collins and these two additions, especially if Reddish reaches his sky-high potential, will make them a contender in just a few short years, if not immediately.