Official Speculation Thread (Pt.LIII "Lottery/Draft"Edition)

[RapHippy]

David Aldridge's SG Big Board | NBA.com

"He's the closest thing to Ray Allen, but Ray Allen stayed in school three years," a Western Conference general manager said of McLemore. "Today's basketball is a little different; you talk about potential and projection. But he has all the tools. Whatever Ray has, he has. Ray didn't jump; this kid can jump. This kid can fly."

"People are killing [McLemore] because he can't put the ball on the floor that well and he doesn't assert himself," the Central Division man said. "My argument would be he didn't play last year [McLemore redshirted at Kansas] and he's young. People compare him to Ray Allen. The kid already puts it on the floor better than Ray Allen ever did, and he shoots it just as well. And Ray Allen has been a star in our league for how many years?"

HAhahahahahaha seriously?

McLemore is athletic, but to say that Ray Allen "didn't jump" or that Mclemore "puts it on the floor better than Ray Allen ever did" is insane. Sure since Boston he's been much more a shooter, but in Milwaukee he was a slasher with a dangerous shot, while on the Supersonics he had a mix of both outside shooting and slashing. Other than 3 point shooting, Ray Allens elite skills include, off-ball movement and clutch performances which Mclemore is no where close.

I get it McLemore is athletic(and doesn't know how to use it) and has a good jump shot. He is not a prospect like Ray Allen was when he was drafted.

[TheCatsPajamas]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

[BadMofoPimp]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

What if the Pick we trade for ends up being pick 10-15 in 2014 because the team we deal with plays .500 ball?

[OrlChamps2030]

How does McLemore not know how to "use" his athleticism??^^ He cuts hard to the basket for dunks, gets very open off screens, catches alley-oops, and plays decent defense

I don't get why guys on here bash off-the-ball scorers for being off-the-ball scorers..Sure he's not an ISO guy but if you're willing to give Smart a shot at actually developing an offensive game, Burke a shot at proving he can handle the physicality of the NBA, and Noel a shot at recovering from his injuries then why can't people give McLemore a shot at becoming more aggressive?

I would also point out the fact that McLemore plays for a college team trying to have team success and run somewhat of a structured offense. Not a team where a One-And-Done player runs the show like Marcus Smart on OKST, Anthony Bennett on UNLV, etc. Sure you can say he "disappeared" but every single young prospect is inconsistent at this point in their careers.

[londoncollin]

How does McLemore not know how to "use" his athleticism??^^ He cuts hard to the basket for dunks, gets very open off screens, catches alley-oops, and plays decent defense

I don't get why guys on here bash off-the-ball scorers for being off-the-ball scorers..Sure he's not an ISO guy but if you're willing to give Smart a shot at actually developing an offensive game, Burke a shot at proving he can handle the physicality of the NBA, and Noel a shot at recovering from his injuries then why can't people give McLemore a shot at becoming more aggressive?

I would also point out the fact that McLemore plays for a college team trying to have team success and run somewhat of a structured offense. Not a team where a One-And-Done player runs the show like Marcus Smart on OKST, Anthony Bennett on UNLV, etc. Sure you can say he "disappeared" but every single young prospect is inconsistent at this point in their careers.

I agree. Being able to score off ball is a great skill to have, and it's something that a lot of shooting guards lack.

[KingRobb02]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

Absolutely. It is a risk worth taking potentially doubling our shot at one of the franchise changing guys next year is worth missing out on the role players that exist in this draft. People will try to worry about the potential of the team we trade with having a massive improvement, but GMs don't always take sure things. Just remember, a year ago, the safe trade for Dwight would have been to take back Andrew Bynum in the deal and stay relevant.

[tiderulz]

How does McLemore not know how to "use" his athleticism??^^ He cuts hard to the basket for dunks, gets very open off screens, catches alley-oops, and plays decent defense

I don't get why guys on here bash off-the-ball scorers for being off-the-ball scorers..Sure he's not an ISO guy but if you're willing to give Smart a shot at actually developing an offensive game, Burke a shot at proving he can handle the physicality of the NBA, and Noel a shot at recovering from his injuries then why can't people give McLemore a shot at becoming more aggressive?

I would also point out the fact that McLemore plays for a college team trying to have team success and run somewhat of a structured offense. Not a team where a One-And-Done player runs the show like Marcus Smart on OKST, Anthony Bennett on UNLV, etc. Sure you can say he "disappeared" but every single young prospect is inconsistent at this point in their careers.

1 - i can agree with you on McLemore developing a ISO game. He is young and has time, and if he doesnt, we just need to make sure we get a PG that creates for others.

2 - i have asked this before, why do you call Smart a One-And-Done player? He hasnt declared like a lot of players that were bounced. He may go, but I dont remember him coming in with the fanfare of him only being there for 1 year. And Smart has an offensive game, people are merely saying he can work on limiting turnovers.

3 - Noel's flags are 2 knee injuries in 4 years before entering the NBA, putting on approximately 20-40 lbs which will cause more knee stress. Maybe his knee can handle it, maybe it cant. It is a flag to me, but obviously Henny would have team doctors examine the knee and his history and make the decision then.

[magicman123]

well i agree, Mclemore does not use his athleticism well, he doesn't get to the free throw line enough, and he settles for spot up jumpers, he is not a great ball handler, sure he has tools, he can be a star, but does he want to be one?

[tiderulz]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

Absolutely. It is a risk worth taking potentially doubling our shot at one of the franchise changing guys next year is worth missing out on the role players that exist in this draft. People will try to worry about the potential of the team we trade with having a massive improvement, but GMs don't always take sure things. Just remember, a year ago, the safe trade for Dwight would have been to take back Andrew Bynum in the deal and stay relevant.

I disagree.

1st- this team needs a increase in overall talent. There may be no "superstar" in this draft, but there will more than likely be a few players that will be great role players and even make a few all-star teams. The team itself must increase its talent.

2nd - any team that would be a conceivable lottery team, receiving a veteran and pick for a pick next year, that team will increase wins. Even if it doesnt make the playoffs, the pick may well be in the late teens.

[toquito]

Mclemore's been arrested for missing a court date and had problems with his grades in the past. Not really a Hennigan sounding pick.

[KingRobb02]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

Absolutely. It is a risk worth taking potentially doubling our shot at one of the franchise changing guys next year is worth missing out on the role players that exist in this draft. People will try to worry about the potential of the team we trade with having a massive improvement, but GMs don't always take sure things. Just remember, a year ago, the safe trade for Dwight would have been to take back Andrew Bynum in the deal and stay relevant.

I disagree.

1st- this team needs a increase in overall talent. There may be no "superstar" in this draft, but there will more than likely be a few players that will be great role players and even make a few all-star teams. The team itself must increase its talent.

2nd - any team that would be a conceivable lottery team, receiving a veteran and pick for a pick next year, that team will increase wins. Even if it doesnt make the playoffs, the pick may well be in the late teens.

This team does need talent, but I would rather increase my chances at adding A+ talent in 2014 than to add C+ talent this year if given a choice. If missing out on McLemore or Smart or Noel makes us worse in the short term, so be it.

On your second note, which one of our veterans seems like a difference maker? Taking Arron Afflalo from a 20 win team and putting him on a different 20 win team makes them what? A 25 win team? A 30 win team? I just want more ping pong balls period. Adding a mediocre player from this draft will just delay the inevitable as we waste time trying to develop talent that just isn't there.

Basically, I don't see anyone in this draft or any of our old guys as difference makers.

[Def Swami]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

First off, welcome. Nice to see new posters joining in.

Second, what team would make that deal? Not sure you're going to find any team with a lottery pick in 2014 give it up for this year's lottery and a vet. A hat in the Wiggins/Parker sweepstakes is more valuable. Imagine if the players in that potential deal were reversed. How would you as a fan feel if your team sent their 2014 lottery pick for 2013 lottery pick and Afflalo?

[Cigamodnalro]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

First off, welcome. Nice to see new posters joining in.

Second, what team would make that deal? Not sure you're going to find any team with a lottery pick in 2014 give it up for this year's lottery and a vet. A hat in the Wiggins/Parker sweepstakes is more valuable. Imagine if the players in that potential deal were reversed. How would you as a fan feel if your team sent their 2014 lottery pick for 2013 lottery pick and Afflalo?

Afflalo and Orlando's 2013 #2 pick for the JJ Barea contract, the Brandon Roy contract, and the Timberwolves unprotected 2014 pick. I bet they say yes. With that said, I also wouldn't be shocked if they won 50 games next season.

[Def Swami]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

First off, welcome. Nice to see new posters joining in.

Second, what team would make that deal? Not sure you're going to find any team with a lottery pick in 2014 give it up for this year's lottery and a vet. A hat in the Wiggins/Parker sweepstakes is more valuable. Imagine if the players in that potential deal were reversed. How would you as a fan feel if your team sent their 2014 lottery pick for 2013 lottery pick and Afflalo?

Afflalo and Orlando's 2013 #2 pick for the JJ Barea contract, the Brandon Roy contract, and the Timberwolves unprotected 2014 pick. I bet they say yes. With that said, I also wouldn't be shocked if they won 50 games next season.

That could potentially make for a worse pick than the 2013 #2. Has to be a lottery pick to meet TheCatsPajamas criteria, if I understand it correctly.

[OrlChamps2030]

2 - i have asked this before, why do you call Smart a One-And-Done player? He hasnt declared like a lot of players that were bounced. He may go, but I dont remember him coming in with the fanfare of him only being there for 1 year. And Smart has an offensive game, people are merely saying he can work on limiting turnovers.

Marcus Smart carried that team man and is projected to be Top 5 in what is seen as a weak class... He's gone.

well i agree, Mclemore does not use his athleticism well, he doesn't get to the free throw line enough, and he settles for spot up jumpers, he is not a great ball handler, sure he has tools, he can be a star, but does he want to be one?

Dribble drive game definitely isn't a big part of McLemore's repertoire right now but about 4 FTA's per game as a rs freshman is something to work with. I'm not saying he will be a star or anything but I think with his great shot, athleticism, ability to play off the ball, and wing span he can be around a 17-20 ppg nice efficient off-the-ball scorer like J-Rich, a better JJ, or a middle class man's Ray Allen.

I just don't get why Beal is supposed to be an awesome core piece for the Wizards but McLemore can't be a decent scorer in this league. Beal is younger than McLemore but McLemore is a better athlete & shooter. I would be happy to have Noel McLemore or Smart with a top 3 pick.

[MAGICian619]

Unless Hennigan wheels and deals before we make our pick, I just don't see a way we don't end up with Marcus Smart...which I would be happy with.

[trebone]

the thing with mclemore is that you cant teach ''aggression and the will to win'' shooting and basketball skills can be improved but the intangibles are what they are an that isnwhy i dont see mclemore coming here, Burke to me seems a henny guy, not sure about Smart and Noel as far as intangibles though.

[TheCatsPajamas]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

First off, welcome. Nice to see new posters joining in.

Second, what team would make that deal? Not sure you're going to find any team with a lottery pick in 2014 give it up for this year's lottery and a vet. A hat in the Wiggins/Parker sweepstakes is more valuable. Imagine if the players in that potential deal were reversed. How would you as a fan feel if your team sent their 2014 lottery pick for 2013 lottery pick and Afflalo?

Thank you! Not many teams would make that deal, unless they were really desperate for someone like Noel. That and there are some pretty silly gm's out there that seem to enjoy making questionable decisions.

[Def Swami]

Usually a lurker, first time poster. If we manage to get the first pick, what if we traded it plus some of our veteran players to a team that is surely going to be a lottery team next year for their first rounder? We would most likely still be bad enough to get a top five pick plus whatever lottery pick we would get from the other team. Would two lottery picks in next years draft be worth more than the number one pick in this ones?

First off, welcome. Nice to see new posters joining in.

Second, what team would make that deal? Not sure you're going to find any team with a lottery pick in 2014 give it up for this year's lottery and a vet. A hat in the Wiggins/Parker sweepstakes is more valuable. Imagine if the players in that potential deal were reversed. How would you as a fan feel if your team sent their 2014 lottery pick for 2013 lottery pick and Afflalo?

Thank you! Not many teams would make that deal, unless they were really desperate for someone like Noel. That and there are some pretty silly gm's out there that seem to enjoy making questionable decisions.

Truth. Wouldn't mind it for us. I'd be shocked if a deal like that came about.

[IGotDaMagicInMe]

Hi everybody, it's my first message on the forum I read you since few month, I finally decided to create an account. I'll introduce myself quickly. I'm french Magic fan since 2003, I live in Paris and despite games are durint the night, I watch all of them, except when I work early the morning...

So, my point of view for the next draft. If we are the first pick, I prefer to take McLemore over Noel. Because our frontcourt is good and young (Harris, Nicholson, Vucevic, O'Quinn plus BBDavis who is not to bad). But if we pick a PG, i want Burke over Smart. OK Smart is a good defender, more taller than Burke.
But his defeat against Oregon in the round of 64 we must interpellate. Many tunorvers, bad percentage if he has to difficult against the Ducks defense and in general the pac 12 defenses, he may struggle in the NBA on the offensive end.

Burke is a pure PG. The more dominant argument against him is his height. But what is the height of Chris Paul, Ty Lawson, Tony Parker, Rajon Rondo etc???

PS: excuse me for my english not so good.

You know that you are now our Rudy Gobert expert by default, right?