Sometimes there is no other choice. Those times the decision is simple. Those times also are as much about the remainder of the roster as the player himself.
Which brings us to Tyler Herro and the Miami Heat's approaching start of training camp.
On draft night, Pat Riley could not say enough about the 3-point shooter from Kentucky taken with the No. 13 pick.
During summer league, teammates were equally effusive about the playmaking and confidence of the 19-year-old guard.
And now ESPN, as part of its season previews, rates the 6-foot-6 Herro as one of the six picks beyond Top 10 most likely to outperform their draft slot.
Ultimately, it comes down to opportunity, which can make the equation equally about the player and the remaining roster.
With Herro, time in the perimeter rotation will come in competition with Jimmy Butler, Goran Dragic, Dion Waiters and perhaps Justise Winslow, Derrick Jones Jr. and Kendrick Nunn.
The role could be anything from eventual starter to 3-point specialist to spot minutes beyond the rotation, should the Heat take the long view with his development and an in-the-moment approach with winning.
So how have the Heat utilized their (rare) previous first-round picks during the Riley Era? A look at the five that preceded Herro:
