Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[jonbob17]

Now that we're officially into November and the draft is just a few weeks away, let's talk rankings...

Top 5 Players for Magic in a TRADE UP
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Killian Hayes
4. Anthony Edwards
5. Devin Vassell

Top 5 Players for the Magic at 15
1. Josh Green
2. Kira Lewis Jr.
3. RJ Hampton
4. Tyrell Terry
5. Saddiq Bey

Five Players I am HIGHER on than most (not necessarily for the Magic, but in general)
1. Xavier Tillman
2. Tre Jones
3. Malachi Flynn
4. Reggie Perry
5. Paul Reed

Five Players I am LOWER on than most
1. Obi Toppin
2. Aaron Nesmith
3. Tyrese Maxey
4. Cole Anthony
5. Jaden McDaniels

Overall Top 40
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Onyeka Okongwu
4. Killian Hayes
5. Anthony Edwards
6. Devin Vassell
7. Josh Green
8. James Wiseman
9. Aleksej Pokuševski
10. Isaac Okoro
11. Xavier Tillman
12. Kira Lewis Jr.
12. Tre Jones
13. Malachi Flynn
14. Reggie Perry
15. Jalen Smith
16. Paul Reed
17. RJ Hampton
18. Deni Avdija
19. Tyrell Terry
20. Saddiq Bey
21. Theo Maledon
22. Leandro Bolmaro
23. Devin Dotson
24. Mason Jones
26. Desmond Bane
27. Nate Hinton
28. Precious Achiuwa
29. Patrick Williams
30. Cole Anthony
31. Nico Mannion
32. Tyler Bey
33. Payton Pritchard
34. Ashton Haggins
35. Obi Toppin
36. Jahmi'us Ramsey
37. Grant Riller
38. Aaron Nesmith
39. Tyrese Maxey
40. Jaden McDaniels

I have a lot of bigs, both 4s and 5s, in my top 20 prospects. I simply cannot support pulling the trigger on any of them in a trade up or at 15 unless the Magic show a willingness to trade away Gordon or Vucevic (or both) this offseason.

That is a pretty good list.

I really want Hayes, I think AG + 15 is worth Hayes, and I would do it if I could find a team willing to swap.
Next, is that Vassell slides (maybe there is worries on those ugly shot clips), and either we can move up a spot or two on the cheap, OR we could trade AG straight up for 10 or 11, I can't imagine Hayes lasting past 7

At 15, I hope Hampton is there, I also like Lewis, and think Poku is worth the swing.
Josh Green is interesting. I had faded him this whole time, and was sure he would be the FO pick based on his size and athleticism. Mike Gribanov from The Stepien may have changed my mind. He showed some advanced stats on twitter, showing Green's offense may be a lot more projectable than anyone is giving him credit for, putting his college numbers up against elite producers at SG over the last decade. I don't know, but I suddenly find myself on that hype train.

There are so many guys i like in the back half of the first round, Bane, Terry, Flynn, Riller. This draft really feels deep, and seems like the kind of draft to load up on rolls of the dice.

AG to the Wolves for 17 and 33 seems pretty good, too. We could potentially get Josh Green or Terry and Flynn or Dotson on rookie deals, maybe three swings at starters. Maybe something with Vuc going to Boston, and Hayward going to a third team, and a couple of Boston's picks coming back to Orlando.

[RookieStar]

Hey guys.. the draft is like 2-3 weeks away right?

How come there aren't news of interviews, private workouts and etc etc of the prospects? I mean I remember a few years ago we were sure DSJ was our pick because we got a 2nd workout/interview of him and there were rumors we were enamored with him.

So any scoops this time around or it isn't allowed yet so all interviews and stuff were done via skype?

We just worked out Kira Lewis.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

Only him? We didn't do anyone else?

This lockdown sucks.. no juicy tidbits for us to speculate..

[Skybox]

I see lots of (possible/sensible) opportunity to trade way up...specifically, with GSW. If I'm them, I'm looking for win-now guys like Vuc, AG,Evan, Ross combos. But, let's not speak anymore about whether GSW should (General Trade boards for that)...

IF Edwards goes #1, would we even want Ball? I just don't see it but I'm interested to hear. Personally, I'd trade the same (our) guys for #1,2,3, 4, 5, so, if GSW is the most sensible trade partner, I wouldn't have a problem picking the guy I want...who is it? Hayes sounds great, but I don't really know enough to jump in. Haliburton and Vassell sound like nice but limited pieces? If it's not Edwards - who is it? I want nothing to do with Wiseman.

I really like #15, lots of prospects of interest. I'd give up AG or Evan to get another shot in that area (AG a little better, Evan a little later). Hopefully, we get to take a couple swings this year.

I honestly have a very bad feeling about Ball. Feel like he's a fake basketball player with no translateable skills, and could be the bust of this draft. But I'm afraid of convincing myself of that because he might be damn good. Lol. I would risk anything to get him though. I know that.

Agree and I see Wiseman being a perfect physical specimen with no basketball skills, experience, or IQ. Even Edwards has plenty of question marks. I think 2 out of 3 will likely disappoint, if not outright bust...but I don't know which. Maybe it's just the limited amount of tape on everyone this year, but the safe guys seem limited and the rest are "who knows".

[pepe1991]

If Edwards is gone at 1# why Magic even want 2# pick ?

They will trade for 2# Pick than trade 2# for Hornets 3# pick ?

Sounds like too expensive trade to move up just to get Wiseman or Lamelo Ball. I would rather find path toward 7-8th pick with moderate price than overpay for sky-high draft pick in year nobody is worth it.

What a hell will Magic do with Wiseman if they take him? Dump Bamba for future non lottery pick? Waste of 2 years invested in him.
Wiseman himself, is just more physical and more nba ready than Bamba, but long term, probably like Bamba, isn't some huge difference maker.

Lamelo and Fultz ? No shot- backcourt ? Wtf would Magic do with such a horrific floor spacing?

[ARandomStranger]

Being strictly in the get a scorer with this pick, I know for a fact I will probably end up disappointed regardless.

More than likely they will draft a long 4, even if they trade up to do it that will be the outcome. Even when everyone and their grandmother knows we have no offensive identity we will stay the course of drafting long, non scorers with no chance of fixing our issues.

If it were me in the driver seat, I trade up for any elite scorer at the wing, or sit back and take whatever good scoring wing will be left at 15. That is a no brainier, but the Magic FO will mess it up somehow.

They always do.

[Knightro]

Being strictly in the get a scorer with this pick, I know for a fact I will probably end up disappointed regardless.

More than likely they will draft a long 4, even if they trade up to do it that will be the outcome. Even when everyone and their grandmother knows we have no offensive identity we will stay the course of drafting long, non scorers with no chance of fixing our issues.

If it were me in the driver seat, I trade up for any elite scorer at the wing, or sit back and take whatever good scoring wing will be left at 15. That is a no brainier, but the Magic FO will mess it up somehow.

They always do.

I certainly don’t disagree with the overarching premise of your point. The Magic do need more players capable of creating easy points, either for themselves or other people.

But this idea of “taking the best scoring wing left at 15” is where things can get a bit dicey. The Magic shouldn’t chase needs, real or perceived, in the draft.

They have whoever they draft under control for 4-5 seasons at a minimum. The Magic don’t have a single player on their roster right now other than Okeke who will be signed for longer than the player they’re about to draft.

They should take the player they believe will be the best overall player and then (and this is the key thing they HAVE NOT done and why I have, unfortunately, eliminated certain positions from consideration on my personal big boards) make trades and free agent moves to supplement and balance the roster.

If I trusted the front office to make trades and figure out how to balance their own roster, I’d have several more prospects in consideration.

[ARandomStranger]

Being strictly in the get a scorer with this pick, I know for a fact I will probably end up disappointed regardless.

More than likely they will draft a long 4, even if they trade up to do it that will be the outcome. Even when everyone and their grandmother knows we have no offensive identity we will stay the course of drafting long, non scorers with no chance of fixing our issues.

If it were me in the driver seat, I trade up for any elite scorer at the wing, or sit back and take whatever good scoring wing will be left at 15. That is a no brainier, but the Magic FO will mess it up somehow.

They always do.

I certainly don’t disagree with the overarching premise of your point. The Magic do need more players capable of creating easy points, either for themselves or other people.

But this idea of “taking the best scoring wing left at 15” is where things can get a bit dicey. The Magic shouldn’t chase needs, real or perceived, in the draft.

They have whoever they draft under control for 4-5 seasons at a minimum. The Magic don’t have a single player on their roster right now other than Okeke who will be signed for longer than the player they’re about to draft.

They should take the player they believe will be the best overall player and then (and this is the key thing they HAVE NOT done and why I have, unfortunately, eliminated certain positions from consideration on my personal big boards) make trades and free agent moves to supplement and balance the roster.

If I trusted the front office to make trades and figure out how to balance their own roster, I’d have several more prospects in consideration.

I agree with BPA, don't get me wrong I would love to draft BPA, but our idea of BPA isn't the Fo's idea of BPA.

They have a tendency to draft for length and not care about the consequences of it. I half fear they will draft a no name from Brazil who is 7'2, a 4/5, and that is about all the upside he has. That is their idea of BPA.

I like Chuna and I wish him the best, but with all the 4s we have drafted and even signed (Aminu) I am concerned we will never see if he was worth 16 or not.

So yeah, if it was me, and with the current makeup of this roster? I take the best scoring wing available, and call it a night unless a trade can be made to get a better scoring wing at a higher pick.

But I do respect your opinion because I am all for BPA, but we can't afford that now with as little talent at the wing as we have.

[yoyojw17]

Being strictly in the get a scorer with this pick, I know for a fact I will probably end up disappointed regardless.

More than likely they will draft a long 4, even if they trade up to do it that will be the outcome. Even when everyone and their grandmother knows we have no offensive identity we will stay the course of drafting long, non scorers with no chance of fixing our issues.

If it were me in the driver seat, I trade up for any elite scorer at the wing, or sit back and take whatever good scoring wing will be left at 15. That is a no brainier, but the Magic FO will mess it up somehow.

They always do.

I certainly don’t disagree with the overarching premise of your point. The Magic do need more players capable of creating easy points, either for themselves or other people.

But this idea of “taking the best scoring wing left at 15” is where things can get a bit dicey. The Magic shouldn’t chase needs, real or perceived, in the draft.

They have whoever they draft under control for 4-5 seasons at a minimum. The Magic don’t have a single player on their roster right now other than Okeke who will be signed for longer than the player they’re about to draft.

They should take the player they believe will be the best overall player and then (and this is the key thing they HAVE NOT done and why I have, unfortunately, eliminated certain positions from consideration on my personal big boards) make trades and free agent moves to supplement and balance the roster.

If I trusted the front office to make trades and figure out how to balance their own roster, I’d have several more prospects in consideration.

I agree with BPA, don't get me wrong I would love to draft BPA, but our idea of BPA isn't the Fo's idea of BPA.

They have a tendency to draft for length and not care about the consequences of it. I half fear they will draft a no name from Brazil who is 7'2, a 4/5, and that is about all the upside he has. That is their idea of BPA.

I like Chuna and I wish him the best, but with all the 4s we have drafted and even signed (Aminu) I am concerned we will never see if he was worth 16 or not.

So yeah, if it was me, and with the current makeup of this roster? I take the best scoring wing available, and call it a night unless a trade can be made to get a better scoring wing at a higher pick.

But I do respect your opinion because I am all for BPA, but we can't afford that now with as little talent at the wing as we have.

Especially with JI going down... i don't think that him getting playing time will be that much of a huge deal... as i think he is muuuuuch more physically ready to take on his first season than isaac and bamba was. I think the organization picked those two knowing that yeah.... they are going to be a year or two away from physically being a contributor on this team... and in the meanwhile they still have the talent ahead of them to cultivate a more winning culture. And when their talents reach fruition... decisions would be made to get them more time and more contribution to the team. But then... ish happens that are out of your control.... like injuries etc. of the three recent draft.... okeke after a year of rehab and getting his body right... mixed with being around the pro concept... will probably have the best opportunity to make an immediate impact. And with his style of play.... i'm excited to see how it all fits together.

[pepe1991]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

[Bensational]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

It's a shame, he has so much natural talent.

I don't understand the Knicks rumours. He seems like the antithesis of a Thibs player. Surely he would've had enough of that with KAT and Wiggins?

[jezzerinho]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

I don't think Ball would be in my top 10 or 12 in this draft. Fools gold in the short term and a huge gamble to work out long term.

[pepe1991]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

I don't think Ball would be in my top 10 or 12 in this draft. Fools gold in the short term and a huge gamble to work out long term.

I think he has lot of potential, but i don't trust kids who are brought in fortune with pretty inflated ego early in their adolescent phase of life.
Guy lives in $5,2M worth house. How motivated somebody like him would be to keep grinding?

For every Curry and Klay who made it, there are bunch of Jordan's sons, Stockton's sons or Magic Johnson's son ( let's not even go there during elections )

[The Effect]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

He's probably trying to pick where he goes

[Magicfanatic82]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

He's probably trying to pick where he goes

What do you make of the argument that his stock is fasely inflated? Since HS he has been sent to play on teams that allow him high usage and freedom. Simmons podcast covered this point.

[MagicFan101]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

He's probably trying to pick where he goes

What do you make of the argument that his stock is fasely inflated? Since HS he has been sent to play on teams that allow him high usage and freedom. Simmons podcast covered this point.

Forget about shooting for a second because there are other ways to impact the game and that wasn’t labeled as Lonzo’s strength from the start.

I never once saw the other worldly talent people raved about in any of the Ball brothers.

Are they worthy of NBA roster spots?
==> 100% Absolutely

Are they worthy of as much attention, hype or the draft spots they did / are going to get?
==> 100% Absolutely NOT

If Ball falls to #15, sure, why not? If we trade valuable assets to go up and get him I will be very disappointed.

[Skin]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

Not surprising. I wouldn't pick him in the lottery.

[The Effect]

according to rumors Lamelo has been horse**** in tryouts and workouts

He's probably trying to pick where he goes

What do you make of the argument that his stock is fasely inflated? Since HS he has been sent to play on teams that allow him high usage and freedom. Simmons podcast covered this point.

Ive never understood the hype on either of the Ball brothers, so i believe that

[basketballRob]

I remember hearing rumors of Josh Jackson being bad in workouts. Not a good sign.

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[pepe1991]

He's probably trying to pick where he goes

What do you make of the argument that his stock is fasely inflated? Since HS he has been sent to play on teams that allow him high usage and freedom. Simmons podcast covered this point.

Ive never understood the hype on either of the Ball brothers, so i believe that

Lonzo had that " can shoot , is athletic" myth about him so that's what sold him.

However, anybody who didn't got carried away with hype could see he isn't really all that athletic ,especially moving latherally and really had ugly looking jumpshot.

And he still can't really shoot. Guy took 362 out of 395 threes being either open or wide open, yet he just cracked league's average 36% in them. So he improved as wide open shooter, but still provided almost no gravity, draws no fouls whatsoever and has TS% well below league average.

[Knightro]

Seeing several mocks in the last few days suggesting the Knicks will take Kira Lewis Jr. at 8 if Haliburton and Hayes are off the board.