Official Draft Thread 3: Picks #4 and #12

[Def Swami]

Last year, a lot of people who were opposed to drafting Victor Oladipo had major questions about his handle and jump shot. I loved Oladipo as a draft pick, but had similar concerns. I thought he'd simply be a 3 and D guy coming in. I recall in his first summer league game he had 2 confident pull-up 3's within the first 1-2 minutes of the game and was handling the rock decently; pretty much quelled my concerns. A season later and I think Oladipo has proved that he is capable of shooting and handling the basketball. I'm excited to see if Payton and Gordon can prove some of their detractors wrong.

[magic22s]

Gordon has exactly the same hard-working mindset like Oladipo's.

His motor’s always on. He’s the first to practice, the last to leave.

I firmly believe his shooting will improve like Oladipo did.

[akhenaten]

I just don't get negativity in general. OrlandoPinstripePost has about 90% angry people and 10 percent getting ganged up when they say they they like the draft.

We don't know if we hit with both picks or missed, but why put the energy and stress into hating something that you have zero idea about? Some people just like to be negative and argue.

It's ridiculous. The hate is starting to get on my nerves. If people don't see what kind of person we have in Gordon through all of these interviews, then IDK what to tell ya. Him and Payton are A+++ in the demeanor/mental fortitude area. I have a feeling they're going to be my two favorite guys on the current squad.

Perhaps Gordon may be my all time favorite Magician when all is said and done.

They do seem like good guys, for sure. Just not sure Gordon has the talent to merit being picked at #4 in a draft where we needed a star. The idea was to get a franchise guy after 2 straight years of tanking (with declining attendance and plummeting tv viewership). A defensive hustle guy who can't shoot? Is that a #4 pick in a draft this historically good and deep?
Since this is a message board and this was an incredibly important draft, I'm not sure why you're offended by differing opinions of the picks. You love them, that's great! Not everyone agrees with you.

[akhenaten]

Last year, a lot of people who were opposed to drafting Victor Oladipo had major questions about his handle and jump shot. I loved Oladipo as a draft pick, but had similar concerns. I thought he'd simply be a 3 and D guy coming in. I recall in his first summer league game he had 2 confident pull-up 3's within the first 1-2 minutes of the game and was handling the rock decently; pretty much quelled my concerns. A season later and I think Oladipo has proved that he is capable of shooting and handling the basketball. I'm excited to see if Payton and Gordon can prove some of their detractors wrong.

Let's hope they can, but Oladipo's offensive game in college was much better than Gordon's, so there was more to work with there.

[OrlandO]

Last year, a lot of people who were opposed to drafting Victor Oladipo had major questions about his handle and jump shot. I loved Oladipo as a draft pick, but had similar concerns. I thought he'd simply be a 3 and D guy coming in. I recall in his first summer league game he had 2 confident pull-up 3's within the first 1-2 minutes of the game and was handling the rock decently; pretty much quelled my concerns. A season later and I think Oladipo has proved that he is capable of shooting and handling the basketball. I'm excited to see if Payton and Gordon can prove some of their detractors wrong.

Let's hope they can, but Oladipo's offensive game in college was much better than Gordon's, so there was more to work with there.

You mean when Oladipo scored 7 ppg (30% 3pt, 61% free throws) as a freshman? You realize Gordon is 18 and only played a year in college, right?

[mr2good]

Last year, a lot of people who were opposed to drafting Victor Oladipo had major questions about his handle and jump shot. I loved Oladipo as a draft pick, but had similar concerns. I thought he'd simply be a 3 and D guy coming in. I recall in his first summer league game he had 2 confident pull-up 3's within the first 1-2 minutes of the game and was handling the rock decently; pretty much quelled my concerns. A season later and I think Oladipo has proved that he is capable of shooting and handling the basketball. I'm excited to see if Payton and Gordon can prove some of their detractors wrong.

Let's hope they can, but Oladipo's offensive game in college was much better than Gordon's, so there was more to work with there.

You mean when Oladipo scored 7 ppg (30% 3pt, 61% free throws) as a freshman? You realize Gordon is 18 and only played a year in college, right?

Well played. It's exciting to think that yes, Aaron Gordon is definitely a higher rated prospect coming into the draft than victor oladipo. I believe Gordon definitely has the ability, charisma and highlight reel plays to be a star in this league. Even more so than Dipo.

[Mik317]

I think you guys had a damn good draft and if I wasn't broke I'd get league pass to watch your team. I have always love Oladipo (wanted him ebfore he shot up draft boards), still mad butthurt over losing Vuc, and kinda wanted to keep Payton (gdlk hair). I'd probably take Exum instead but I think Gordon can be really good. Kid works too hard and wins too much not to be IMO.

Your future is now and not in the future (perhaps distant lol) like ours and I'll admit I am a bit jealous. Good luck....against everyone else but us of course (those games could be ugly...first team to hit a jumper wins).

[Bensational]

Last year, a lot of people who were opposed to drafting Victor Oladipo had major questions about his handle and jump shot. I loved Oladipo as a draft pick, but had similar concerns. I thought he'd simply be a 3 and D guy coming in. I recall in his first summer league game he had 2 confident pull-up 3's within the first 1-2 minutes of the game and was handling the rock decently; pretty much quelled my concerns. A season later and I think Oladipo has proved that he is capable of shooting and handling the basketball. I'm excited to see if Payton and Gordon can prove some of their detractors wrong.

exactly.

i think Gordon's handle alone has been underutilized so far, and if he can fix his jumpshot (which, to be honest, i'm really skeptical about since he's a sub 50% FT shooter), then his game will immediately open up a lot more.

[MagicTownBaller]

At first I didn't realize Gordon was who he was. I thought he was our Cody Zeller of this year lol. I was proven wrong.

[Blue_and_Whte]

I just don't get negativity in general. OrlandoPinstripePost has about 90% angry people and 10 percent getting ganged up when they say they they like the draft.

We don't know if we hit with both picks or missed, but why put the energy and stress into hating something that you have zero idea about? Some people just like to be negative and argue.

It's ridiculous. The hate is starting to get on my nerves. If people don't see what kind of person we have in Gordon through all of these interviews, then IDK what to tell ya. Him and Payton are A+++ in the demeanor/mental fortitude area. I have a feeling they're going to be my two favorite guys on the current squad.

Perhaps Gordon may be my all time favorite Magician when all is said and done.

They do seem like good guys, for sure. Just not sure Gordon has the talent to merit being picked at #4 in a draft where we needed a star. The idea was to get a franchise guy after 2 straight years of tanking (with declining attendance and plummeting tv viewership). A defensive hustle guy who can't shoot? Is that a #4 pick in a draft this historically good and deep?
Since this is a message board and this was an incredibly important draft, I'm not sure why you're offended by differing opinions of the picks. You love them, that's great! Not everyone agrees with you.

there werent any franchise guys on the board at 4.
Gordon may or may not turn into one but there were two sure fire stars and they went 1st and 2nd.
Sent from my SM-G900P using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Orlwillbeback]

there is a possibility henny really think gordon has superstar potential. He has SO much to improve on and is already an excellent ball handler and knowledge of the game which are prequisites of being a star. He could get taller, obviously will get stronger, I mean, HE'S 18!!!!(!!!!!)!!!.

With Gordon it's all about physical and skill development, not dissimilar to when dwight was 18.

[ezzzp]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/JohnDenton555/status/482642495776772096[/tweet]

Baller.

[IGotDaMagicInMe]

I just don't get negativity in general. OrlandoPinstripePost has about 90% angry people and 10 percent getting ganged up when they say they they like the draft.

We don't know if we hit with both picks or missed, but why put the energy and stress into hating something that you have zero idea about? Some people just like to be negative and argue.

It's interesting because 5, 6, 7 years ago I would've been angry about this draft, at least initially. I'd probably be one of those people. I always got so invested in my personal opinion on players that I thought I knew better (even though I said I didn't think that way).

Now we get close to the draft, and while I have preferences I've noticed the last two years I've gone in saying, "I'll be excited for whoever we get" and kind of trust that I don't know as much. Sure I might be right at times, but i'm also wrong a lot. I thought Okafor was going to dominate the NBA. I thought Howard was going to be a skinny rail. Thought Rose was overrated coming out of Memphis. Thought Michael Beasley was going to be a stud. smh.

Much better now, less stressful, haha. I get into the draft for a few weeks, focus on a few prospects I like and kind of hope Hennigan thinks the same way and drafts my favs, but trust he'll pick who's best. Then after I step back and just wait for the NBA season and look forward to seeing the team play again.

My how times have changed.

My bad one I can remember was I thought derrick williams would be a phenom, I though he was really athletic and he shot 60% from 3 pt, I was all over him

[The Real Dalic]

Can't wait for the Summer League next weekend! I really wanna see Payton and Gordon! I also wanna see Oladipo's improvements!

[G-Heel]

Can't wait for the Summer League next weekend! I really wanna see Payton and Gordon! I also wanna see Oladipo's improvements!

That's the great thing about having a young team.. summer league is actually worthwhile to watch.

[magic22s]

2014 NBA Rookie Season Predictions for our picks, FYI.

1. Aaron Gordon, Arizona PF

Much has been made of Aaron Gordon's 6'9" frame, freakish athleticism and high character as he enters the NBA. Those are all highly valuable attributes, and the Orlando Magic grabbed a great prospect.

But his gifts won't translate into immediate production, especially in the scoring department.

He's not an advanced shot creator at all, as he can't drive effectively with his left hand or create step-back jumpers. In addition, the jury is out on his jump shot. It looked smoother during predraft workouts, but we haven't really seen him implement it during game situations.

With the bad news out of the way, Magic fans can rest assured knowing he's going to help the team immediately on the defensive end, help Nikola Vucevic on the boards and make some sparkling plays in transition. Don't sweat the statistics in the first couple years, because he's a tremendous long-term asset.

Prediction: 10.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, All-Rookie Second Team

2. Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette PG

Initially picked by the Philadelphia 76ers and then quickly shipped to the Orlando Magic, Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton has a chance to be their point guard of the future.

We can't expect Damian Lillard-like production from this mid-major stud, but the Magic are hoping for at least some explosiveness and playmaking on both ends of the floor.

He's a ball hawk defensively, and he'll use his 6'8" wingspan to collect steals and bother opponents. Payton will be fun to watch on that end alongside Victor Oladipo.

When running the offense, he's going to provide a nice mix of slashing and dishing as he puts up modest numbers. At just 20 years old, there's significant upside for him as a scorer and playmaker, so don't get too concerned with his rookie stats.

Prediction: 9.3 PPG, 5.2 APG, 40% FG

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2110 ... round-pick

[orlando1214]

2014 NBA Rookie Season Predictions for our picks, FYI.

1. Aaron Gordon, Arizona PF

Much has been made of Aaron Gordon's 6'9" frame, freakish athleticism and high character as he enters the NBA. Those are all highly valuable attributes, and the Orlando Magic grabbed a great prospect.

But his gifts won't translate into immediate production, especially in the scoring department.

He's not an advanced shot creator at all, as he can't drive effectively with his left hand or create step-back jumpers. In addition, the jury is out on his jump shot. It looked smoother during predraft workouts, but we haven't really seen him implement it during game situations.

With the bad news out of the way, Magic fans can rest assured knowing he's going to help the team immediately on the defensive end, help Nikola Vucevic on the boards and make some sparkling plays in transition. Don't sweat the statistics in the first couple years, because he's a tremendous long-term asset.

Prediction: 10.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, All-Rookie Second Team

2. Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette PG

Initially picked by the Philadelphia 76ers and then quickly shipped to the Orlando Magic, Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton has a chance to be their point guard of the future.

We can't expect Damian Lillard-like production from this mid-major stud, but the Magic are hoping for at least some explosiveness and playmaking on both ends of the floor.

He's a ball hawk defensively, and he'll use his 6'8" wingspan to collect steals and bother opponents. Payton will be fun to watch on that end alongside Victor Oladipo.

When running the offense, he's going to provide a nice mix of slashing and dishing as he puts up modest numbers. At just 20 years old, there's significant upside for him as a scorer and playmaker, so don't get too concerned with his rookie stats.

Prediction: 9.3 PPG, 5.2 APG, 40% FG

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2110 ... round-pick

Eh, not too terrible of predictions I suppose. I think Aaron will score more than that, like 14 PPG. Rebounding looks about right. One area that i think his stats will improve from college is in assist. He's a good passer and I totally think he's going to do well finding his teammates when he gets the ball, especially Vuc. He already does a good job at dumping the ball off to the Center when driving, and with Vuc that's only going to result in a lot of assist. So I think he could have around 3-4 assist per game. So for Gordon I'll go around 14 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1 SPG, and 1.2 BPG. Pretty solid rookie year in my opinion.

Now Payton is a little harder to predict because we just don't know how much time he will get because we don't know if he'll start. I'm going to go with my prediction of him not starting at first but finishing the year as the starter. I think he'll end up around 12 PPG, 7 APG, 4 RPG, 2 SPG.

[Melvinlocker]

2014 NBA Rookie Season Predictions for our picks, FYI.

1. Aaron Gordon, Arizona PF

Much has been made of Aaron Gordon's 6'9" frame, freakish athleticism and high character as he enters the NBA. Those are all highly valuable attributes, and the Orlando Magic grabbed a great prospect.

But his gifts won't translate into immediate production, especially in the scoring department.

He's not an advanced shot creator at all, as he can't drive effectively with his left hand or create step-back jumpers. In addition, the jury is out on his jump shot. It looked smoother during predraft workouts, but we haven't really seen him implement it during game situations.

With the bad news out of the way, Magic fans can rest assured knowing he's going to help the team immediately on the defensive end, help Nikola Vucevic on the boards and make some sparkling plays in transition. Don't sweat the statistics in the first couple years, because he's a tremendous long-term asset.

Prediction: 10.1 PPG, 7.6 RPG, All-Rookie Second Team

2. Elfrid Payton, Louisiana-Lafayette PG

Initially picked by the Philadelphia 76ers and then quickly shipped to the Orlando Magic, Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton has a chance to be their point guard of the future.

We can't expect Damian Lillard-like production from this mid-major stud, but the Magic are hoping for at least some explosiveness and playmaking on both ends of the floor.

He's a ball hawk defensively, and he'll use his 6'8" wingspan to collect steals and bother opponents. Payton will be fun to watch on that end alongside Victor Oladipo.

When running the offense, he's going to provide a nice mix of slashing and dishing as he puts up modest numbers. At just 20 years old, there's significant upside for him as a scorer and playmaker, so don't get too concerned with his rookie stats.

Prediction: 9.3 PPG, 5.2 APG, 40% FG

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2110 ... round-pick

I'd be cool with that type of production in their rookie year.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Remember...remember when everyone said bilas didn't know what he was talking about when he listed ecumenical as 5th bet prospect? Those were the days

[OrlChamps2030]

Some of the things Gordon does are the things Wiggins was supposed to be able to... And can't