Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[MagicFan101]

We keep talking about #1 and #2 but Chicago has said “all options are on the table” at #4 and I’m positive the same can be said for New York at 8 where you can probably grab Vassell.

Charlotte is a team I feel is locked in at #3 and will love Edwards, Ball or Wiseman.

If we are willing to make a move there is a move to be had. It doesn’t have to be for the #1 overall pick.

[j-ragg]

If the Magic traded up for a top pick and chose a center I think that might just be it for me as a Magic fan.

[MartinsIzAfraud]

We keep talking about #1 and #2 but Chicago has said “all options are on the table” at #4 and I’m positive the same can be said for New York at 8 where you can probably grab Vassell.

Charlotte is a team I feel is locked in at #3 and will love Edwards, Ball or Wiseman.

If we are willing to make a move there is a move to be had. It doesn’t have to be for the #1 overall pick.

Vassell scares the **** out of me. Dude screams role player and nothing more. He has that same sit back and accept what comes to him that Isaac has. It works in the college game but goodness it scares me at NBA level

[MagicFan101]

We keep talking about #1 and #2 but Chicago has said “all options are on the table” at #4 and I’m positive the same can be said for New York at 8 where you can probably grab Vassell.

Charlotte is a team I feel is locked in at #3 and will love Edwards, Ball or Wiseman.

If we are willing to make a move there is a move to be had. It doesn’t have to be for the #1 overall pick.

Vassell scares the **** out of me. Dude screams role player and nothing more. He has that same sit back and accept what comes to him that Isaac has. It works in the college game but goodness it scares me at NBA level

True, Vassell will never be T-Mac offensively if that is what you mean.

But he can knock down shots from anywhere with regularity and plays a ferocious type of defense with the size to guard multiple positions.

Fultz + Isaac + Vassell + Chuma could be an ELITE defensive unit.

Fultz cutting with an outlet to Vassell would be a nice regular play. Chuma supposedly could offer similar similar help.

We still need a PLAYMAKER. Fultz needs to become that guy.

We paid Vuc and he is playing well. I like Vuc sans Evan. This isn’t a championship team but it could get beyond the first round as Fultz and Isaac develop.

If they develop enough and we attract a free agent who knows?

[Magic#1]

We keep talking about #1 and #2 but Chicago has said “all options are on the table” at #4 and I’m positive the same can be said for New York at 8 where you can probably grab Vassell.

Charlotte is a team I feel is locked in at #3 and will love Edwards, Ball or Wiseman.

If we are willing to make a move there is a move to be had. It doesn’t have to be for the #1 overall pick.

Vassell scares the **** out of me. Dude screams role player and nothing more. He has that same sit back and accept what comes to him that Isaac has. It works in the college game but goodness it scares me at NBA level

True, Vassell will never be T-Mac offensively if that is what you mean.

But he can knock down shots from anywhere with regularity and plays a ferocious type of defense with the size to guard multiple positions.

Fultz + Isaac + Vassell + Chuma could be an ELITE defensive unit.

Fultz cutting with an outlet to Vassell would be a nice regular play. Chuma supposedly could offer similar similar help.

We still need a PLAYMAKER. Fultz needs to become that guy.

We paid Vuc and he is playing well. I like Vuc sans Evan. This isn’t a championship team but it could get beyond the first round as Fultz and Isaac develop.

If they develop enough and we attract a free agent who knows?

Franchises like Milwaukee, Dallas, Denver show that you don't build by getting the right role players first. You have to build by getting the 1-2 guys and then complimentary players who will do well around them. Vassel is a really nice prospect, but he's not worth trading up for unless the price is cheap or moderate. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see trading up in the 4-10 range really helpful for us unless somebody drops who we really think could be a No. 1 option.

[MagicFan101]

Vassell scares the **** out of me. Dude screams role player and nothing more. He has that same sit back and accept what comes to him that Isaac has. It works in the college game but goodness it scares me at NBA level

True, Vassell will never be T-Mac offensively if that is what you mean.

But he can knock down shots from anywhere with regularity and plays a ferocious type of defense with the size to guard multiple positions.

Fultz + Isaac + Vassell + Chuma could be an ELITE defensive unit.

Fultz cutting with an outlet to Vassell would be a nice regular play. Chuma supposedly could offer similar similar help.

We still need a PLAYMAKER. Fultz needs to become that guy.

We paid Vuc and he is playing well. I like Vuc sans Evan. This isn’t a championship team but it could get beyond the first round as Fultz and Isaac develop.

If they develop enough and we attract a free agent who knows?

Franchises like Milwaukee, Dallas, Denver show that you don't build by getting the right role players first. You have to build by getting the 1-2 guys and then complimentary players who will do well around them. Vassel is a really nice prospect, but he's not worth trading up for unless the price is cheap or moderate. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see trading up in the 4-10 range really helpful for us unless somebody drops who we really think could be a No. 1 option.

True. A trade for Luka would have been worth any and all cost ... in hindsight.

I really worry about the lack of a Luka level talent in this draft and the long term cost of taking back the Wiggins contract.

But adding Vassell is a legit improvement given the skill set and our need.

We can’t create a franchise star out of thin air but that doesn’t mean we have to sit on our hands and do nothing ...

[Magic#1]

True, Vassell will never be T-Mac offensively if that is what you mean.

But he can knock down shots from anywhere with regularity and plays a ferocious type of defense with the size to guard multiple positions.

Fultz + Isaac + Vassell + Chuma could be an ELITE defensive unit.

Fultz cutting with an outlet to Vassell would be a nice regular play. Chuma supposedly could offer similar similar help.

We still need a PLAYMAKER. Fultz needs to become that guy.

We paid Vuc and he is playing well. I like Vuc sans Evan. This isn’t a championship team but it could get beyond the first round as Fultz and Isaac develop.

If they develop enough and we attract a free agent who knows?

Franchises like Milwaukee, Dallas, Denver show that you don't build by getting the right role players first. You have to build by getting the 1-2 guys and then complimentary players who will do well around them. Vassel is a really nice prospect, but he's not worth trading up for unless the price is cheap or moderate. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see trading up in the 4-10 range really helpful for us unless somebody drops who we really think could be a No. 1 option.

True. A trade for Luka would have been worth any and all cost ... in hindsight.

I really worry about the lack of a Luka level talent in this draft and the long term cost of taking back the Wiggins contract.

But adding Vassell is a legit improvement given the skill set and our need.

We can’t create a franchise star out of thin air but that doesn’t mean we have to sit on our hands and do nothing ...

I hear ya on the lack of top-tier talent in the draft. If the cost to trade up was cheap, sure. But to move up 7-8 spots in any daft you still have to give up something fairly valuable. From my viewpoint, this team as it is currently constructed is going to have to take a risk if they are to take the next step. For me, Edwards would be that risk if we can make a deal. I don't see him as a Luka or Giannis level type player, but they say he has the best shot at being a No. 1 option and his skills have been compared to Wade. Now if he had the competitiveness for Wade, he'd be the hands down prize of this draft, but I would take that risk if we could get him. A team of Fultz, Edwards, JI, maybe AG and either Vooch or Bamba at least have the skills needed to build a winner.

[zaymon]

Franchises like Milwaukee, Dallas, Denver show that you don't build by getting the right role players first. You have to build by getting the 1-2 guys and then complimentary players who will do well around them. Vassel is a really nice prospect, but he's not worth trading up for unless the price is cheap or moderate. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't see trading up in the 4-10 range really helpful for us unless somebody drops who we really think could be a No. 1 option.

True. A trade for Luka would have been worth any and all cost ... in hindsight.

I really worry about the lack of a Luka level talent in this draft and the long term cost of taking back the Wiggins contract.

But adding Vassell is a legit improvement given the skill set and our need.

We can’t create a franchise star out of thin air but that doesn’t mean we have to sit on our hands and do nothing ...

I hear ya on the lack of top-tier talent in the draft. If the cost to trade up was cheap, sure. But to move up 7-8 spots in any daft you still have to give up something fairly valuable. From my viewpoint, this team as it is currently constructed is going to have to take a risk if they are to take the next step. For me, Edwards would be that risk if we can make a deal. I don't see him as a Luka or Giannis level type player, but they say he has the best shot at being a No. 1 option and his skills have been compared to Wade. Now if he had the competitiveness for Wade, he'd be the hands down prize of this draft, but I would take that risk if we could get him. A team of Fultz, Edwards, JI, maybe AG and either Vooch or Bamba at least have the skills needed to build a winner.

I agree with Magic#1, it feels pointless to trade up for role players when you dont have a star. We need to hit big in the draft or gather assets. Trading up for a role player feels like a mistake from both angles.

[Xatticus]

I still don't see why so much hype about Culver .
He is shooting guard who can't shoot from any range. And i mean anyyy range.
He can't even finish around rim at some high level.
Mid range game- crap.
3 ball- horrific.
Efficiency- painful
Advanced stats- paaaiiiiin.
Win share- negative ( does that make his lose or tank share positive ? )

On top of that he can't even shoot damn free throws.

Don't get too hyped about assists, his ratio is almost 1 to 1 and he menaged to collect 30 more personal fouls than assists. Matter of fact he had more fouls than FTs. And his 3 ball sample size isn't that small. 221 shot.

My biggest issue with him is that he really never showed in NBA that he can be anything more than terrible spot up shooter. And his shot relise is SLOOOOW so even his only "strenght" really isn't strenght at all.

Next year around,he will turn 22 ( in February). He isn't even that young.

Only "positive" thing about him is, that he, much like Bamba , was high lottery pick. ( both 6th picks, that slot is cursed, in last 16 years only 2 players drafted 6th were allstars, LIllard and Roy, one retired at 25 ). But that really,really, REALLY doesn't mean he is some high value young player with some upside ( just like Bamba).

For SG spot i use Okogie pepe-metric- Okogie is terrible basketball player without any basketball skills other than high motor and desire ( like a boxer who keeps getting K.O.ed yet always stands up for more ). If you are not better SG than Okogie, you are trash at playing basketball at this level. Culver is not even close to Okogie.


I mean there is some thiny little chance that Culver has some basketball upside that he menaged to hide for last 10 years. But i would not bet on that. Players don't go from this level of garbage to good players,especially on guard positions in NBA fast. Or at all. Just like Lonzo had horrific rookie year, bit better second, but by the third year it was clear as a day that his objectiv ceiling is nba mediocrity that probably has no value on contending teams for years to come.

He was the engine for a very good Texas Tech team that lost the title game in OT. That Texas Tech team had the best defense in the country. Rookies struggle. It happens. He certainly didn't kill them when he was on the court and he is only going to get better. He will be a very good defender.

[The Effect]

On this team, vassell is literally the last guy I'd trade up for

Offensively, he's a worse version of Isaac. 3d guy with zero ability to create offense and is really only good for the occasional open 3. Before anyone brings up his defense. I honestly couldn't care less about his defense... THIS TEAM HAS NO ONE WHO CAN PUT THE BALL IN THE BASKET!

Trading up for another defensive player with no real offense will end up just as bad as the Bamba pick was. I swear this board overrates the **** out of FSU players. Next people will be talking about Williams

I wouldn't even take vassell at 15, let alone trade up for him. He's going to be that guy that gets over drafted because of measurables and defense and then never be more than a role player before getting traded before his first contract ends. Sorry but hard pass from me

[The Effect]

Fultz + Isaac + Vassell + Chuma could be an ELITE defensive unit.

While being by far the worst offense in the NBA, maybe even the worse offense in the past decade

Not one of those guys is a go to option, can create for himself or realistically has the offensive skill to be a 20ppg scorer

If you think our offense is bad, replace Evan with vassell and build around a front court of Isaac, chuma and Bamba. Evan isn't great, but atleast he has SOME ability to create for himself.

Going with that lineup, we would be lucky to average 90ppg and probably under 75 on nights when tross is off, I mean think about it, with that lineup, chuma would be our second best offensive player, a guy who averaged 13ppg in college would be our second best player...

Sorry but no, no more adding one dimensional role players who all have the same dimension.... Defensive potential

[pepe1991]

I still don't see why so much hype about Culver .
He is shooting guard who can't shoot from any range. And i mean anyyy range.
He can't even finish around rim at some high level.
Mid range game- crap.
3 ball- horrific.
Efficiency- painful
Advanced stats- paaaiiiiin.
Win share- negative ( does that make his lose or tank share positive ? )

On top of that he can't even shoot damn free throws.

Don't get too hyped about assists, his ratio is almost 1 to 1 and he menaged to collect 30 more personal fouls than assists. Matter of fact he had more fouls than FTs. And his 3 ball sample size isn't that small. 221 shot.

My biggest issue with him is that he really never showed in NBA that he can be anything more than terrible spot up shooter. And his shot relise is SLOOOOW so even his only "strenght" really isn't strenght at all.

Next year around,he will turn 22 ( in February). He isn't even that young.

Only "positive" thing about him is, that he, much like Bamba , was high lottery pick. ( both 6th picks, that slot is cursed, in last 16 years only 2 players drafted 6th were allstars, LIllard and Roy, one retired at 25 ). But that really,really, REALLY doesn't mean he is some high value young player with some upside ( just like Bamba).

For SG spot i use Okogie pepe-metric- Okogie is terrible basketball player without any basketball skills other than high motor and desire ( like a boxer who keeps getting K.O.ed yet always stands up for more ). If you are not better SG than Okogie, you are trash at playing basketball at this level. Culver is not even close to Okogie.


I mean there is some thiny little chance that Culver has some basketball upside that he menaged to hide for last 10 years. But i would not bet on that. Players don't go from this level of garbage to good players,especially on guard positions in NBA fast. Or at all. Just like Lonzo had horrific rookie year, bit better second, but by the third year it was clear as a day that his objectiv ceiling is nba mediocrity that probably has no value on contending teams for years to come.

He was the engine for a very good Texas Tech team that lost the title game in OT. That Texas Tech team had the best defense in the country. Rookies struggle. It happens. He certainly didn't kill them when he was on the court and he is only going to get better. He will be a very good defender.

I don't really care what he did at college, Jah Okafor was like Hakeem of college basketball.
His RAPTOR is worst than NAW and his attrouches numbers.

When i limited his MPG ( 1500 ) to at least 1000 over whole season, only 4 nba players played more and were worst.

Even by rookie standards, with at least 500 min played ,he is tied with Kevin Porter Jr, and Hunter as 7th worst rookie.

No matter what i used to comparison, how hard i tried to not be critical, it's just hard to see any reason why touch him.

IF you are shooting guard, and you have no shooting skills whatsoever, to the point you are below 50% ft shooter. What execlly is your strenght ? Minny didn't trade for Beasley for nothing.
I mean best argument for Culver is that he belongs to one of the worst draft classes in last 10-20 years.
Garland, Culver,Hunter,White, Barrett,Reddish... Painful. Jordan Clarkson is best case for most of them.

[Skybox]

What happened to Lavar Ball? Thought he’d be back in his sweet spot with a son with legit #1 Pick a real possibility.

[Def Swami]

We keep talking about #1 and #2 but Chicago has said “all options are on the table” at #4 and I’m positive the same can be said for New York at 8 where you can probably grab Vassell.

Charlotte is a team I feel is locked in at #3 and will love Edwards, Ball or Wiseman.

If we are willing to make a move there is a move to be had. It doesn’t have to be for the #1 overall pick.

I think this is probably the better option for the Magic.

[Def Swami]

I think if your objective is to find an alpha, dominant scorer that can create in this draft, then you're going to be disappointed. Teams wouldn't be looking to trade down if that player or players existed.

[MagicFan101]

I think if your objective is to find an alpha, dominant scorer that can create in this draft, then you're going to be disappointed. Teams wouldn't be looking to trade down if that player or players existed.

That is my thought as well when I offer Vassell (or others). These guys can fit what we are doing and fill a need. They can add value and improve our team. Just because a super star is not available does not mean you have sit on your hands and do nothing.

... at the same time, it doesn’t mean we should force the issue and take back that Wiggins deal.


** I’m also on board with Anthony / Lewis at #15 and buying a late pick pick for a SG or wing. This is another strategy If we think there is another NAW type situation.

[NotACat]

I'm all in on Poku.

[The Effect]

I think if your objective is to find an alpha, dominant scorer that can create in this draft, then you're going to be disappointed. Teams wouldn't be looking to trade down if that player or players existed.

That is my thought as well when I offer Vassell (or others). These guys can fit what we are doing and fill a need. They can add value and improve our team. Just because a super star is not available does not mean you have sit on your hands and do nothing.

... at the same time, it doesn’t mean we should force the issue and take back that Wiggins deal.


** I’m also on board with Anthony / Lewis at #15 and buying a late pick pick for a SG or wing. This is another strategy If we think there is another NAW type situation.

Then we would be stupid to trade up, especially for Vassell
He would do nothing to move the needle for this team

Id take my chance with a potential scorer than another defender with no offense. We have enough of those guys.
Thats Frazier, people forget that frazier was a 39% 3pt shooter in college on the same amount of attempts of vessell, and averaged more PPG, RPG and steals.....and was considered one of the best defenders in the draft.
Same with iwundu. 37% 3pt shooter, 13ppg, top defender etc

Vassell is a role player, hes mikal bridges. FIne for a role, but not someone you trade up for, and not someone you add to a team with zero scorers

Give me the offensive potential of a Cole anthony, RJ Hampton, Maxey, Kira Lewis, Nesmith, ramsey, terry etc over another defender who cant do anything offensively

[MagicFan101]

I think if your objective is to find an alpha, dominant scorer that can create in this draft, then you're going to be disappointed. Teams wouldn't be looking to trade down if that player or players existed.

That is my thought as well when I offer Vassell (or others). These guys can fit what we are doing and fill a need. They can add value and improve our team. Just because a super star is not available does not mean you have sit on your hands and do nothing.

... at the same time, it doesn’t mean we should force the issue and take back that Wiggins deal.


** I’m also on board with Anthony / Lewis at #15 and buying a late pick pick for a SG or wing. This is another strategy If we think there is another NAW type situation.

Then we would be stupid to trade up, especially for Vassell
He would do nothing to move the needle for this team

Id take my chance with a potential scorer than another defender with no offense. We have enough of those guys.
Thats Frazier, people forget that frazier was a 39% 3pt shooter in college on the same amount of attempts of vessell, and averaged more PPG, RPG and steals.....and was considered one of the best defenders in the draft.
Same with iwundu. 37% 3pt shooter, 13ppg, top defender etc

Vassell is a role player, hes mikal bridges. FIne for a role, but not someone you trade up for, and not someone you add to a team with zero scorers

Give me the offensive potential of a Cole anthony, RJ Hampton, Maxey, Kira Lewis, Nesmith, ramsey, terry etc over another defender who cant do anything offensively

Leonard Hamilton is a Cliff type coach. He doesn’t highlight players. No one player is going to shine in his system. If your argument about an FSU player is based on stats then you don’t have an argument.

Vassell isn’t a top tier playmaker but given more shots he can be a difference maker as he actually makes shots! I like that combo as Fultz really needs the ball in his hands to be effective where as other names you mentioned would require the ball more and give us a Fultz / DJ scenario which has not worked so far.

Unless you can convince us one of those names is the next Kobe, I’ll take an NBA ready talent who can contribute on day 1 and pairs well with Fultz.

[Def Swami]

I think if your objective is to find an alpha, dominant scorer that can create in this draft, then you're going to be disappointed. Teams wouldn't be looking to trade down if that player or players existed.

That is my thought as well when I offer Vassell (or others). These guys can fit what we are doing and fill a need. They can add value and improve our team. Just because a super star is not available does not mean you have sit on your hands and do nothing.

... at the same time, it doesn’t mean we should force the issue and take back that Wiggins deal.


** I’m also on board with Anthony / Lewis at #15 and buying a late pick pick for a SG or wing. This is another strategy If we think there is another NAW type situation.

Then we would be stupid to trade up, especially for Vassell
He would do nothing to move the needle for this team

Id take my chance with a potential scorer than another defender with no offense. We have enough of those guys.
Thats Frazier, people forget that frazier was a 39% 3pt shooter in college on the same amount of attempts of vessell, and averaged more PPG, RPG and steals.....and was considered one of the best defenders in the draft.
Same with iwundu. 37% 3pt shooter, 13ppg, top defender etc

Vassell is a role player, hes mikal bridges. FIne for a role, but not someone you trade up for, and not someone you add to a team with zero scorers

Give me the offensive potential of a Cole anthony, RJ Hampton, Maxey, Kira Lewis, Nesmith, ramsey, terry etc over another defender who cant do anything offensively

I often come back to this tweet from the summer.

Read on Twitter

I admittedly don't know a lot about international players. All I really see are the stats and YouTube videos, and those don't always paint the picture. But, the idea of Killian Hayes and what he could be fits this mold better than anyone in this draft. Most scouting reports list him as a good shooter, despite his 3 point shooting percentage being only 30%. Good passer and playmaker. If the Magic make a move to trade up, I could see it being for Hayes. I'd also take a flyer on Hayes before Edwards or Ball, personally. I'm a little in the dark on Hayes, but there are those few things about both Edwards and Ball that I mentioned earlier that make it hard for me to buy in.