The case for Kristaps Porzingis

[OrlandoNed]

I'd give them a 2nd rounder at best, MAYBE Nicholson or Harkless. But there's no way I throw in rights to swap picks or a future 1st. Let Hinkie take KP with the 3rd and get fired.

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

It was very, very unlikely that "1st" we gave up wasn't going to be anything other than a couple of 2nds in 2017 and 2018. We were never going to avoid the protections on that pick. Just saying.

[Magic_Johnny12]

I support any high conviction trade.

With that said, I still question KP at #5, so I personally don't see the move up to #3 for him. Especially with the equivalent talent options on the board.

Just not buying into the KP hype, it's just too noisy. Expect the unexpected or at least what hasn't been broadcast on talk radio.

Just to play devils advocate, there was a lot of noise if not more noise with other past top euros coming into the draft (Gasol,Bargs,Dirk) etc.

[Magic_Johnny12]

I'd give them a 2nd rounder at best, MAYBE Nicholson or Harkless. But there's no way I throw in rights to swap picks or a future 1st. Let Hinkie take KP with the 3rd and get fired.

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

It was very, very unlikely that "1st" we gave up wasn't going to be anything other than a couple of 2nds in 2017 and 2018. We were never going to avoid the protections on that pick. Just saying.

Agreed.

Still doesn't take away we are trying to trade up into the top 3 in a deep draft with the same team that somewhat knows our trade tactics from dealing with us just last year in a very similar situation.

[BadMofoPimp]

There is zero chance Henny would ever move up in the draft just for KP. Zero. That is pure delusional.

[OrlandoNed]

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

It was very, very unlikely that "1st" we gave up wasn't going to be anything other than a couple of 2nds in 2017 and 2018. We were never going to avoid the protections on that pick. Just saying.

Agreed.

Still doesn't take away we are trying to trade up into the top 3 in a deep draft with the same team that somewhat knows our trade tactics from dealing with us just last year in a very similar situation.

I was just making the point about the pick protections. I agree with you on everything else you said.

I wouldn't put much stock into worrying about dealing with Philly again. They had a lot of leverage on us with the Payton trade because we really needed him, but we only had to give up basically 3 2nds from the Dwight trade. I don't think they have as much leverage at the top of the draft to demand too much from us this year because of all of the options we have at #5. If Henny wants Porzingis bad enough and Philly is dangling him, I'm sure we'll get a fair deal.

[UCFJayBird]

I'd give them a 2nd rounder at best, MAYBE Nicholson or Harkless. But there's no way I throw in rights to swap picks or a future 1st. Let Hinkie take KP with the 3rd and get fired.

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

I'm not saying that's what Philly would accept, I'm saying what I would be willing to give up. Realize that last year Hinkie had us by the balls. He knew that not only did we want Elfrid, we NEEDED Elfrid. We needed a point guard, badly. So he was able to take that gamble.

But we don't NEED Kristaps in the same way. There are other options at #5 that work for us. Mario, Mudiay, WCS, Winslow, even Stanley Johnson or Myles Turner.

Philly has a lot less leverage in this scenario than they did last year, because Orlando has other options that not only work for the team but are great prospects as well. Philly also can't expect their fanbase to wait another year for zero improvements. And KP is a project, he's not going to be a ROY contender. Every analyst and scout agrees that he's at least a year or two away. That's like expecting Gordon to come in and win ROY last year.

The one thing Philadelphia could hold over Orlando's head is that there may be another team willing to jump up to #3. and if there is then so be it. If Hennigan makes a deal, that's fine. But don't get ransacked in the process.

[Neon1]

I've read several times on forums that we promised Kristaps at #12 last year draft?

Anybody want to explain this to me? Was he even elgible for draft year? Ordoes anybody know where this rumor started?

Last year there was a rumor that a lottery team promised Kristaps they'd take him. However, Kristaps withdrew from the draft. He had a good deal in Europe and felt if he stayed another year he'd become a top pick (it appears he was right). A lot of people have assumed that the Thunder were that team last year, but recently a few journalists have said that the Magic might have also made that same promise (with the 12th pick).

That's one of the reasons why people are so sure that if Kristaps slips to #5, the Magic take him, or that they may even be willing to trade up for him. Apparently he's been one of Rob's guys since last year.

I really want this rumor to be true and the front office to have the option of a player they have been high on at #5.

But I have some doubts whether it has any basis for a few reasons. Firstly it became obvious that we had our eye on Payton at #12, were we ranking porzingis ahead of Payton or was porzingis just a smokescreen so we could select Payton. Secondly the source is reporters, where would they have recently received inside info from? A characteristically tight lipped front office? Doubt it, or at least not unless it was leaked intentionally.

I don't think Orlando was "expecting" Elfrid to be there at 12. Most thought Elfrid would go #7 to Sac, buy if he didn't he would then drop.

Our #12 was probably going to be Ennis.

[Magic_Johnny12]

I'd give them a 2nd rounder at best, MAYBE Nicholson or Harkless. But there's no way I throw in rights to swap picks or a future 1st. Let Hinkie take KP with the 3rd and get fired.

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

I'm not saying that's what Philly would accept, I'm saying what I would be willing to give up. Realize that last year Hinkie had us by the balls. He knew that not only did we want Elfrid, we NEEDED Elfrid. We needed a point guard, badly. So he was able to take that gamble.

But we don't NEED Kristaps in the same way. There are other options at #5 that work for us. Mario, Mudiay, WCS, Winslow, even Stanley Johnson or Myles Turner.

Philly has a lot less leverage in this scenario than they did last year, because Orlando has other options that not only work for the team but are great prospects as well. Philly also can't expect their fanbase to wait another year for zero improvements. And KP is a project, he's not going to be a ROY contender. Every analyst and scout agrees that he's at least a year or two away. That's like expecting Gordon to come in and win ROY last year.

The one thing Philadelphia could hold over Orlando's head is that there may be another team willing to jump up to #3. and if there is then so be it. If Hennigan makes a deal, that's fine. But don't get ransacked in the process.

Well said and put and see your point. I just don't like hearing posters on this board constantly say we shouldn't deal with Philly because of them feeling butt hurt about last yrs trade which in my biased opinion we won.

[drsd]

A red flag ?

“That is my dream: to play in the NBA,” Porzingis told the Orlando Sentinel during a phone interview last weekend. “Hopefully, it can happen in the next season. I will be available [to play], for sure. From my side, there’s no problem. I would love to play in the NBA next season.”

Is this about his buy-out? And if so, is it so great that Porziņģis might miss out on the 15/16 season?


..

[fendilim]

A red flag ?

“That is my dream: to play in the NBA,” Porzingis told the Orlando Sentinel during a phone interview last weekend. “Hopefully, it can happen in the next season. I will be available [to play], for sure. From my side, there’s no problem. I would love to play in the NBA next season.”

Is this about his buy-out? And if so, is it so great that Porziņģis might miss out on the 15/16 season?


..

I believe it was already covered in DraftExpress in a podcast that there would be no problem with Zinger's contract. Hezonja has a buyout though, but apparently his team has given up on him/or needs the money.

[seeingstars]

Last year there was a rumor that a lottery team promised Kristaps they'd take him. However, Kristaps withdrew from the draft. He had a good deal in Europe and felt if he stayed another year he'd become a top pick (it appears he was right). A lot of people have assumed that the Thunder were that team last year, but recently a few journalists have said that the Magic might have also made that same promise (with the 12th pick).

That's one of the reasons why people are so sure that if Kristaps slips to #5, the Magic take him, or that they may even be willing to trade up for him. Apparently he's been one of Rob's guys since last year.

I really want this rumor to be true and the front office to have the option of a player they have been high on at #5.

But I have some doubts whether it has any basis for a few reasons. Firstly it became obvious that we had our eye on Payton at #12, were we ranking porzingis ahead of Payton or was porzingis just a smokescreen so we could select Payton. Secondly the source is reporters, where would they have recently received inside info from? A characteristically tight lipped front office? Doubt it, or at least not unless it was leaked intentionally.

I don't think Orlando was "expecting" Elfrid to be there at 12. Most thought Elfrid would go #7 to Sac, buy if he didn't he would then drop.

Our #12 was probably going to be Ennis.

The thought of us having him instead of Payton makes me reeaaaaaalllly appreciate Henny!

[seeingstars]

You're simply being un-realistic and being very emotional. NBA is a business where emotions shouldn't interfere with anything. It took us a 1st plus a second with our pick just last year to move up 2 spots with Philly in the "lower" lottery. It will take A LOT more than that to move up 2 spots and in the top 3 of a somewhat deep draft. My trade scenario will probably not even be enough to be completely honest.

You say let Hinkie draft KP and see him get fired? What about the contrary? See Hinkie draft him and KP win rookie of the year and straight beast and have us fans sitting back making topics like "what if".

We are in compete mode and as Henny said this will be our last year in the high lottery so if he believes KP is that guy that can change this franchise around I fully support any trade that gets him.

I'm not saying that's what Philly would accept, I'm saying what I would be willing to give up. Realize that last year Hinkie had us by the balls. He knew that not only did we want Elfrid, we NEEDED Elfrid. We needed a point guard, badly. So he was able to take that gamble.

But we don't NEED Kristaps in the same way. There are other options at #5 that work for us. Mario, Mudiay, WCS, Winslow, even Stanley Johnson or Myles Turner.

Philly has a lot less leverage in this scenario than they did last year, because Orlando has other options that not only work for the team but are great prospects as well. Philly also can't expect their fanbase to wait another year for zero improvements. And KP is a project, he's not going to be a ROY contender. Every analyst and scout agrees that he's at least a year or two away. That's like expecting Gordon to come in and win ROY last year.

The one thing Philadelphia could hold over Orlando's head is that there may be another team willing to jump up to #3. and if there is then so be it. If Hennigan makes a deal, that's fine. But don't get ransacked in the process.

Well said and put and see your point. I just don't like hearing posters on this board constantly say we shouldn't deal with Philly because of them feeling butt hurt about last yrs trade which in my biased opinion we won.

Yeah, Elf looks to project to be a top 5 pg in a few years. I'd say we demolished that trade.

[j-ragg]

There is zero chance Henny would ever move up in the draft just for KP. Zero. That is pure delusional.

You literally have no clue what you're talking about. Just like the rest of us, so why do you make these statements like you know anything?

Every report has said we have loved KP since last year...

[Jameerthefear]

There is zero chance Henny would ever move up in the draft just for KP. Zero. That is pure delusional.

You literally have no clue what you're talking about. Just like the rest of us, so why do you make these statements like you know anything?

Every report has said we have loved KP since last year...

Every report said we were in love with Exum last year. Reports from Philly sports writers mean close to nothing.

[j-ragg]

There is zero chance Henny would ever move up in the draft just for KP. Zero. That is pure delusional.

You literally have no clue what you're talking about. Just like the rest of us, so why do you make these statements like you know anything?

Every report has said we have loved KP since last year...

Every report said we were in love with Exum last year. Reports from Philly sports writers mean close to nothing.

Does Chad Ford work for Philly? Cus he's linked us to KP for months.

Or how about this. Have there been ANY reports anywhere saying we don't want KP? Because if BMP is right and its delusional to think we'd ever trade up for him then there has to be some type of reasoning.

[Jameerthefear]

You literally have no clue what you're talking about. Just like the rest of us, so why do you make these statements like you know anything?

Every report has said we have loved KP since last year...

Every report said we were in love with Exum last year. Reports from Philly sports writers mean close to nothing.

Does Chad Ford work for Philly? Cus he's linked us to KP for months.

Or how about this. Have there been ANY reports anywhere saying we don't want KP? Because if BMP is right and its delusional to think we'd ever trade up for him then there has to be some type of reasoning.

Guess who Chad Ford had us taking last year? Exum. Swore up and down about how impressed we were with him and basically guaranteed the pick.
Chad Ford doesn't work for Philly but it sure as hell seems like he works for KP.
Wanting a player a wanting to trade up for a player are two different things.

[BadMofoPimp]

You literally have no clue what you're talking about. Just like the rest of us, so why do you make these statements like you know anything?

Every report has said we have loved KP since last year...

Every report said we were in love with Exum last year. Reports from Philly sports writers mean close to nothing.

Does Chad Ford work for Philly? Cus he's linked us to KP for months.

Or how about this. Have there been ANY reports anywhere saying we don't want KP? Because if BMP is right and its delusional to think we'd ever trade up for him then there has to be some type of reasoning.

Henny is not stupid enough to trade Assets to obtain KP whom is a massive project and currently a one trick pony. He can only shoot, but cannot pass or play post defense or offense. That would be a waste of losing Assets for. Never going to happen. Never. I bet any amount of money he would not trade up for KP. That would be suicide for a GM as KP is that risky of a pick.

[basketballRob]

You literally have no clue what you're talking about. Just like the rest of us, so why do you make these statements like you know anything?

Every report has said we have loved KP since last year...

Every report said we were in love with Exum last year. Reports from Philly sports writers mean close to nothing.

Does Chad Ford work for Philly? Cus he's linked us to KP for months.

Or how about this. Have there been ANY reports anywhere saying we don't want KP? Because if BMP is right and its delusional to think we'd ever trade up for him then there has to be some type of reasoning.

Of course every GM's going to say they love every player. They probably hope someone in front of them take them.

In my opinion their is 0 chance we take KP.

[gp123]

Every report said we were in love with Exum last year. Reports from Philly sports writers mean close to nothing.

Does Chad Ford work for Philly? Cus he's linked us to KP for months.

Or how about this. Have there been ANY reports anywhere saying we don't want KP? Because if BMP is right and its delusional to think we'd ever trade up for him then there has to be some type of reasoning.

Henny is not stupid enough to trade Assets to obtain KP whom is a massive project and currently a one trick pony. He can only shoot, but cannot pass or play post defense or offense. That would be a waste of losing Assets for. Never going to happen. Never. I bet any amount of money he would not trade up for KP. That would be suicide for a GM as KP is that risky of a pick.

I like kp but I agree with bmp, can't see any scenario where we trade up for him, and especially not with philly. There's far to many guys with the same tier talent and way safer bets then kp.

My hunch is that we trade down or just pick outright a guy like miles turner -- just feels more like hennigans style to me.

[BadMofoPimp]

Does Chad Ford work for Philly? Cus he's linked us to KP for months.

Or how about this. Have there been ANY reports anywhere saying we don't want KP? Because if BMP is right and its delusional to think we'd ever trade up for him then there has to be some type of reasoning.

Henny is not stupid enough to trade Assets to obtain KP whom is a massive project and currently a one trick pony. He can only shoot, but cannot pass or play post defense or offense. That would be a waste of losing Assets for. Never going to happen. Never. I bet any amount of money he would not trade up for KP. That would be suicide for a GM as KP is that risky of a pick.

I like kp but I agree with bmp, can't see any scenario where we trade up for him, and especially not with philly. There's far to many guys with the same tier talent and way safer bets then kp.

My hunch is that we trade down or just pick outright a guy like miles turner -- just feels more like hennigans style to me.

I agree. The Magic are in a great position with a Deep draft which they can gain more than one asset by trading down unless Henny really wants one of Winslow or WCS or Poordingus or drafts Mudlay to trade him later on.