Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[tiderulz]

Dear all:

What is the lack of enthusiasm for RJ Hampton as the Magic's pick?



..

After watching some highlights, i think Lewis is much better.

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Lewis is still a project. I've obviously watched a lot of his games. still needs to improve 3 pt shot%. his time with the FIBA 19 team helped him come back more mature, but he is still young and body needs to mature more (ie add more weight without losing explosiveness)

[Bensational]

Nesmith's scoring is pretty phenomenal as a shooter and lead scorer for his team. A TS% of 69% on 14fgas is ridiculous. It's only a 14 game sample, but his ability to put the ball in the basket isn't matched by many in the draft.

Kira Lewis looks so natural with the ball in his hands and shifting gears. There's a lot about his game which needs to be reigned in, but he's going to end up a quality starting PG for someone unless an injury details his career.

Either of those two would be great additions for us for the future. Nesmith will likely find his role faster, and that 6'10 wingspan should allow him to play the 3, and some spot minutes at SG.

[basketballRob]

Dear all:

What is the lack of enthusiasm for RJ Hampton as the Magic's pick?



..

After watching some highlights, i think Lewis is much better.

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Lewis is still a project. I've obviously watched a lot of his games. still needs to improve 3 pt shot%. his time with the FIBA 19 team helped him come back more mature, but he is still young and body needs to mature more (ie add more weight without losing explosiveness)

Hard to believe he just turned 19 and nearly averaged 20 as an 18 year old.

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[basketballRob]

Nesmith's scoring is pretty phenomenal as a shooter and lead scorer for his team. A TS% of 69% on 14fgas is ridiculous. It's only a 14 game sample, but his ability to put the ball in the basket isn't matched by many in the draft.

Kira Lewis looks so natural with the ball in his hands and shifting gears. There's a lot about his game which needs to be reigned in, but he's going to end up a quality starting PG for someone unless an injury details his career.

Either of those two would be great additions for us for the future. Nesmith will likely find his role faster, and that 6'10 wingspan should allow him to play the 3, and some spot minutes at SG.

The only thing that turns me off about Nesmith is his defense. I only saw a few clips but he seemed to have no lateral quickness at all. Vassell seems way better defensively but not as good on offense. Both have 6'10" wingspans. Nesmith has a bigger body but will have a tough time playing the two. Vassell looks like a legit two

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[Bensational]

Nesmith's scoring is pretty phenomenal as a shooter and lead scorer for his team. A TS% of 69% on 14fgas is ridiculous. It's only a 14 game sample, but his ability to put the ball in the basket isn't matched by many in the draft.

Kira Lewis looks so natural with the ball in his hands and shifting gears. There's a lot about his game which needs to be reigned in, but he's going to end up a quality starting PG for someone unless an injury details his career.

Either of those two would be great additions for us for the future. Nesmith will likely find his role faster, and that 6'10 wingspan should allow him to play the 3, and some spot minutes at SG.

The only thing that turns me off about Nesmith is his defense. I only saw a few clips but he seemed to have no lateral quickness at all. Vassell seems way better defensively but not as good on offense. Both have 6'10" wingspans. Nesmith has a bigger body but will have a tough time playing the two. Vassell looks like a legit two

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Vassell looks great, too, but I've given up thinking about him because I suspect he will be long gone. But if given the choice, I probably still take Nesmith and maybe Lewis over him, just because I want to see a young prospect start with some strong foundational offensive abilities.

[basketballRob]

Nesmith's scoring is pretty phenomenal as a shooter and lead scorer for his team. A TS% of 69% on 14fgas is ridiculous. It's only a 14 game sample, but his ability to put the ball in the basket isn't matched by many in the draft.

Kira Lewis looks so natural with the ball in his hands and shifting gears. There's a lot about his game which needs to be reigned in, but he's going to end up a quality starting PG for someone unless an injury details his career.

Either of those two would be great additions for us for the future. Nesmith will likely find his role faster, and that 6'10 wingspan should allow him to play the 3, and some spot minutes at SG.

The only thing that turns me off about Nesmith is his defense. I only saw a few clips but he seemed to have no lateral quickness at all. Vassell seems way better defensively but not as good on offense. Both have 6'10" wingspans. Nesmith has a bigger body but will have a tough time playing the two. Vassell looks like a legit two

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Vassell looks great, too, but I've given up thinking about him because I suspect he will be long gone. But if given the choice, I probably still take Nesmith and maybe Lewis over him, just because I want to see a young prospect start with some strong foundational offensive abilities.

I'm really liking Lewis. He must've played his freshman year at 17, because he just turned 19 in April. He actually put up Damian Lillard type college numbers but he doesn't have Lillard's hops.

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[zaymon]

The only thing that turns me off about Nesmith is his defense. I only saw a few clips but he seemed to have no lateral quickness at all. Vassell seems way better defensively but not as good on offense. Both have 6'10" wingspans. Nesmith has a bigger body but will have a tough time playing the two. Vassell looks like a legit two

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Vassell looks great, too, but I've given up thinking about him because I suspect he will be long gone. But if given the choice, I probably still take Nesmith and maybe Lewis over him, just because I want to see a young prospect start with some strong foundational offensive abilities.

I'm really liking Lewis. He must've played his freshman year at 17, because he just turned 19 in April. He actually put up Damian Lillard type college numbers but he doesn't have Lillard's hops.

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Lewis could play with Fultz in a role similar to Dj but he is longer and better self creator. I think he will be gone when we are picking. Look were Garland, Sexton etc. went. Vassell will be long gone i think, everyone needs a player like him.

[drsd]

I also don’t really subscribe to the idea that Orlando is drafting only a bench player in this draft. Mostly because the starters and rotation currently in place aren’t that great. Ennis (23mpg), Iwundu (18mpg), or DJ (25 mpg) can be easily replaced by a player with a knack for scoring, which is something Orlando hasn’t thrived at doing in a long time.

Of course we all want Orlando to draft a future starter, but statistically, where the Magic is drafting, the expectation is for a rotational player. If one is found, then it is a value pick.

This is why picks like Lee at #22 in 2008 was a great pick. For a rookie to start is well above a value pick.

...

Also: Orlando already has a rookie next season: Okeke. I would be surprise if the Magic "keeps" this year's pick. For me it will either be used as part of a trade package, or be used to draft an Okeke-type player (draft-N-stash).


..

[VFX]

I also don’t really subscribe to the idea that Orlando is drafting only a bench player in this draft. Mostly because the starters and rotation currently in place aren’t that great. Ennis (23mpg), Iwundu (18mpg), or DJ (25 mpg) can be easily replaced by a player with a knack for scoring, which is something Orlando hasn’t thrived at doing in a long time.

Of course we all want Orlando to draft a future starter, but statistically, where the Magic is drafting, the expectation is for a rotational player. If one is found, then it is a value pick.

This is why picks like Lee at #22 in 2008 was a great pick. For a rookie to start is well above a value pick.

...

Also: Orlando already has a rookie next season: Okeke. I would be surprise if the Magic "keeps" this year's pick. For me it will either be used as part of a trade package, or be used to draft an Okeke-type player (draft-N-stash).


..

Starter or not, this roster lacks talent. Whether the pick becomes a starter or rotation player means little to me at our pick.

Okeke at #16 is still as much of a mystery as anyone we select at #15. Talent is talent.

[Bensational]

I also don’t really subscribe to the idea that Orlando is drafting only a bench player in this draft. Mostly because the starters and rotation currently in place aren’t that great. Ennis (23mpg), Iwundu (18mpg), or DJ (25 mpg) can be easily replaced by a player with a knack for scoring, which is something Orlando hasn’t thrived at doing in a long time.

Of course we all want Orlando to draft a future starter, but statistically, where the Magic is drafting, the expectation is for a rotational player. If one is found, then it is a value pick.

This is why picks like Lee at #22 in 2008 was a great pick. For a rookie to start is well above a value pick.

...

Also: Orlando already has a rookie next season: Okeke. I would be surprise if the Magic "keeps" this year's pick. For me it will either be used as part of a trade package, or be used to draft an Okeke-type player (draft-N-stash).


..

Starter or not, this roster lacks talent. Whether the pick becomes a starter or rotation player means little to me at our pick.

Okeke at #16 is still as much of a mystery as anyone we select at #15. Talent is talent.

If Chuma can become a starting 3&D forward, he would be a good fit with Isaac. In 3 years we could be looking at a lineup of:

Bamba
Isaac
Chuma
X
Fultz

That's some strong defense, especially in the front court. But unless Isaac becomes another playmaker, it's obvious our SG needs to be another playmaker and scorer to help Fultz carry that load. Looking at the above, Vuc, Gordon and Fournier all become expendable eventually. So, why not make that call sooner rather than later (or before losing them for nothing) and flip them for a proper scorer at the 2?

Otherwise, we'll be using picks like this year's, hoping someone like Nesmith or Lewis can become a surprise scoring star at the next level.

[yoyojw17]

I also don’t really subscribe to the idea that Orlando is drafting only a bench player in this draft. Mostly because the starters and rotation currently in place aren’t that great. Ennis (23mpg), Iwundu (18mpg), or DJ (25 mpg) can be easily replaced by a player with a knack for scoring, which is something Orlando hasn’t thrived at doing in a long time.

Of course we all want Orlando to draft a future starter, but statistically, where the Magic is drafting, the expectation is for a rotational player. If one is found, then it is a value pick.

This is why picks like Lee at #22 in 2008 was a great pick. For a rookie to start is well above a value pick.

...

Also: Orlando already has a rookie next season: Okeke. I would be surprise if the Magic "keeps" this year's pick. For me it will either be used as part of a trade package, or be used to draft an Okeke-type player (draft-N-stash).


..

Starter or not, this roster lacks talent. Whether the pick becomes a starter or rotation player means little to me at our pick.

Okeke at #16 is still as much of a mystery as anyone we select at #15. Talent is talent.

Agreed. Our team depth when healthy isn't too bad at all. So if it comes down to adding rookie contracts with potential and talent..... i say do it and see what floats to the top. Walking into next season with a Okeke and Nesmith/Lewis.... would be awesome. Especially since i think our young guys in Isaac and Bamba are showing signs of progress.

[VFX]

Of course we all want Orlando to draft a future starter, but statistically, where the Magic is drafting, the expectation is for a rotational player. If one is found, then it is a value pick.

This is why picks like Lee at #22 in 2008 was a great pick. For a rookie to start is well above a value pick.

...

Also: Orlando already has a rookie next season: Okeke. I would be surprise if the Magic "keeps" this year's pick. For me it will either be used as part of a trade package, or be used to draft an Okeke-type player (draft-N-stash).


..

Starter or not, this roster lacks talent. Whether the pick becomes a starter or rotation player means little to me at our pick.

Okeke at #16 is still as much of a mystery as anyone we select at #15. Talent is talent.

If Chuma can become a starting 3&D forward, he would be a good fit with Isaac. In 3 years we could be looking at a lineup of:

Bamba
Isaac
Chuma
X
Fultz

That's some strong defense, especially in the front court. But unless Isaac becomes another playmaker, it's obvious our SG needs to be another playmaker and scorer to help Fultz carry that load. Looking at the above, Vuc, Gordon and Fournier all become expendable eventually. So, why not make that call sooner rather than later (or before losing them for nothing) and flip them for a proper scorer at the 2?

Otherwise, we'll be using picks like this year's, hoping someone like Nesmith or Lewis can become a surprise scoring star at the next level.

Agreed.

For the sake of argument let’s assume player “x” is a player like a Donovan Mitchell. That would be a fun and interesting team to watch in that lineup scenario. That’s the kind of player Orlando should be looking to add IF they believe Chuma could potentially become a starter.

[basketballRob]

One thing you have to take into consideration about Nesmith, is that he only played 14 games this year. I think Auburn was the only big school he played.

Last year when he played a full season his FG% was 392.

He looks like a good to great shooter, but i think you have to take his stats this year with a grain of salt.

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[basketballRob]

I hope we don't take Anthony. I think he's a second round talent. I see he's ahead of Kira Lewis in almost every mock, but i think it'll eventually change. Even though Lewis is a sophomore, he's still a year younger than Anthony and much more productive.

I know Paul Reed doesn't really fill a need but this guy looks like a Siakam type player to me. Plus he graduated from Wekiva High school in Orlando.

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[MagicFan101]

If we move on from Evan and / or AG then we need someone with the potential to step into a bigger role.

Evan leaving could potentially be via walk.

AG would move through a trade and would bring back another starter so you have to take that into account. Many expect someone like Oubre at SF to be a target with Chuma as a primary backup.

So I really like to idea of targeting a SG in this draft with high end deep ball skills to compliment Fultz’s outlet passing.

[zaymon]

If we move on from Evan and / or AG then we need someone with the potential to step into a bigger role.

Evan leaving could potentially be via walk.

AG would move through a trade and would bring back another starter so you have to take that into account. Many expect someone like Oubre at SF to be a target with Chuma as a primary backup.

So I really like to idea of targeting a SG in this draft with high end deep ball skills to compliment Fultz’s outlet passing.

I dont think Weltman will look for our needs drafting. If he thinks another forward is bpa he will draft him for sure. In our range there are many good guards and wings so its very propable we will draft one but i dont think they look at our roster and choose a fitting player. More likely they look at player and our system overall ( but talent above all).

[MagicFan101]

If we move on from Evan and / or AG then we need someone with the potential to step into a bigger role.

Evan leaving could potentially be via walk.

AG would move through a trade and would bring back another starter so you have to take that into account. Many expect someone like Oubre at SF to be a target with Chuma as a primary backup.

So I really like to idea of targeting a SG in this draft with high end deep ball skills to compliment Fultz’s outlet passing.

I dont think Weltman will look for our needs drafting. If he thinks another forward is bpa he will draft him for sure. In our range there are many good guards and wings so its very propable we will draft one but i dont think they look at our roster and choose a fitting player. More likely they look at player and our system overall ( but talent above all).

He did with Chuma ...

I think the story flips depending on where our pick is. When we have a high pick well inside the top 10 then you shoot for the moon. When it is mid to late first round you become more conservative and measured.

[zaymon]

If we move on from Evan and / or AG then we need someone with the potential to step into a bigger role.

Evan leaving could potentially be via walk.

AG would move through a trade and would bring back another starter so you have to take that into account. Many expect someone like Oubre at SF to be a target with Chuma as a primary backup.

So I really like to idea of targeting a SG in this draft with high end deep ball skills to compliment Fultz’s outlet passing.

I dont think Weltman will look for our needs drafting. If he thinks another forward is bpa he will draft him for sure. In our range there are many good guards and wings so its very propable we will draft one but i dont think they look at our roster and choose a fitting player. More likely they look at player and our system overall ( but talent above all).

He did with Chuma ...

I think the story flips depending on where our pick is. When we have a high pick well inside the top 10 then you shoot for the moon. When it is mid to late first round you become more conservative and measured.

Yeah but with Weltman it seems like its a high upside player or trade. Even with second round picks he goes with high upside athletic wings ( not that we hit big to this point).
Going more specific what is your more conservative guard in our range ?? I see a bunch of shoot for the moon prospects, and i cant see Weltman pass on them. Lewis, Hapton, Pokusevski, Williams, Reed,
Bolmaro, Terry. Propably the safest bet is Lewis but he will likely be gone. For me safest are propably Bey, Bane or Nesmith.

[MagicFan101]

I dont think Weltman will look for our needs drafting. If he thinks another forward is bpa he will draft him for sure. In our range there are many good guards and wings so its very propable we will draft one but i dont think they look at our roster and choose a fitting player. More likely they look at player and our system overall ( but talent above all).

He did with Chuma ...

I think the story flips depending on where our pick is. When we have a high pick well inside the top 10 then you shoot for the moon. When it is mid to late first round you become more conservative and measured.

Yeah but with Weltman it seems like its a high upside player or trade. Even with second round picks he goes with high upside athletic wings ( not that we hit big to this point).
Going more specific what is your more conservative guard in our range ?? I see a bunch of shoot for the moon prospects, and i cant see Weltman pass on them. Lewis, Hapton, Pokusevski, Williams, Reed,
Bolmaro, Terry. Propably the safest bet is Lewis but he will likely be gone. For me safest are propably Bey, Bane or Nesmith.

Nesmith is a “safe” choice given his proven skills fit nicely with the needs of the team but he lacks some of the unreachable skills of the elite athletes in the game.

I still push Devin Vassell as a name not to forget. If he’s gone he’s gone but it’s basically 50/50 in the big mocks on whether or not he lasts to our pick. So I don’t understand why this board thinks it’s an absolute he will be gone. He is another Chuma 3&D who compliments Fultz and Isaac perfectly, fits Cliffs system and plays a different position than Chuma.

I’m also big on Lewis as an interesting change up pick. He and Fulz could become a fun combo in the new era of small ball. I would want to keep Isaac at the 3 and find a true stretch 4 in this scenario.

I have accepted we are NOT getting a star from this draft class. Oh boy I’m happy to be proven wrong! But I just don’t see it. Still, I see quite a few names that can step in to key roles to help us fill gaps. At least one will fall to us.

Don’t overthink this and draft a project who becomes a bust because we couldn’t settle for a quality role player who helps our core improve.

[MagicFan101]

The above is a very different tone from me than years past but this is a different quality of draft class, COVID has left us with a different NCAA season / scouting process, we lack a top pick and I have a glimmer of hope that Fultz&Isaac are worth investing a season or two to build around.

So it is what it is. Perhaps we will be back at the top of the draft in a year and I’ll be all about Talent > Fit soon enough!!