Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[jezzerinho]

If we stay where we are: Kira Lewis Jr.

I like the kid, he checks the box what we need a scorer and he has what you can't teach speed. At worst with him i think we'll be looking at Ish Smith with a jumpshot that's a very solid backup considering the real Ish smith is solid already without the jumpshot just because of his pure speed with the ball.

Either way it's going to be very interesting how this draft lottery ends up panning out, has some serious implications for us.

I am a really big fan of Kira Lewis Jr.

Two full seasons of very productive college experience and yet he’s only just turned 19 years old. He’s younger than the other guards in this class, but far more experienced.

The lack of size is going to scare some teams away, but I think it’s possible that he could become a starting PG in the NBA. That speed is a legitimate weapon.

I wouldn't be so worried about his size. He needs to up his handle, which isn't unusual for college kids but - more crucially for me - his touch at the rim and laying up thru contact need a lot of work.

Speed kills, if you can finish the job. Lewis is a work in progress there.

Touch at the rim and playing through contact is a bugbear of mine with Josh Green too. I'm lower on him than Lewis because he doesn't have a physical excuse not to be better.

[tiderulz]

If we stay where we are: Kira Lewis Jr.

I like the kid, he checks the box what we need a scorer and he has what you can't teach speed. At worst with him i think we'll be looking at Ish Smith with a jumpshot that's a very solid backup considering the real Ish smith is solid already without the jumpshot just because of his pure speed with the ball.

Either way it's going to be very interesting how this draft lottery ends up panning out, has some serious implications for us.

I am a really big fan of Kira Lewis Jr.

Two full seasons of very productive college experience and yet he’s only just turned 19 years old. He’s younger than the other guards in this class, but far more experienced.

The lack of size is going to scare some teams away, but I think it’s possible that he could become a starting PG in the NBA. That speed is a legitimate weapon.

I wouldn't be so worried about his size. He needs to up his handle, which isn't unusual for college kids but - more crucially for me - his touch at the rim and laying up thru contact need a lot of work.

Speed kills, if you can finish the job. Lewis is a work in progress there.

Touch at the rim and playing through contact is a bugbear of mine with Josh Green too. I'm lower on him than Lewis because he doesn't have a physical excuse not to be better.

depends on position. But Lewis is 6'3. easily big enough to play PG, which is his natural position. Kid is a sponge and definitely a competitor (he hates losing. scored 30 and missed a FT, blamed himself for the loss even though the rest of the team shot 35%). He has worked on every facet of his game.

[Knightro]

Latest mock from Uproxx/Brad Rowland.

1. LaMelo Ball
2. Anthony Edwards
3. James Wiseman
4. Onyeka Okongwu
5. Deni Avdija
6. Isaac Okoro
7. Killian Hayes
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Obi Toppin
10. Cole Anthony
11. Devin Vassell
12. Patrick Williams
13. Tyrese Maxey
14. Aaron Nesmith
15. Orlando Magic – Kira Lewis (G, Alabama)
Everyone is projecting a point guard to the Magic for a reason. They still need one. I remain a Markelle Fultz optimist but, even if that pans out, Orlando has very little in the mold of a primary creator, and Lewis could be that. He’s young, super quick and very skilled. At No. 15 overall, sign me up for this fit.

https://uproxx.com/dimemag/nba-mock-draft-pre-lottery-july-bubble-lamelo-ball/

[NotACat]

Latest mock from Uproxx/Brad Rowland.

1. LaMelo Ball
2. Anthony Edwards
3. James Wiseman
4. Onyeka Okongwu
5. Deni Avdija
6. Isaac Okoro
7. Killian Hayes
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Obi Toppin
10. Cole Anthony
11. Devin Vassell
12. Patrick Williams
13. Tyrese Maxey
14. Aaron Nesmith
15. Orlando Magic – Kira Lewis (G, Alabama)
Everyone is projecting a point guard to the Magic for a reason. They still need one. I remain a Markelle Fultz optimist but, even if that pans out, Orlando has very little in the mold of a primary creator, and Lewis could be that. He’s young, super quick and very skilled. At No. 15 overall, sign me up for this fit.

https://uproxx.com/dimemag/nba-mock-draft-pre-lottery-july-bubble-lamelo-ball/

I'm also a Fultz optimist, and hear the concerns and could accept that Orlando drafts a primary ball handler, but our FO has made their standards very clear and not many ball handlers clear their size threshold - Kira included.

I'm really curious to see how Markelle shoots in the restart. He's theoretically had 4 months of additional rehab and if he's even a 30% 3pt shooter with 2+ attempts a game, I think taking a PG is off the table.

[MagicFan101]

Latest mock from Uproxx/Brad Rowland.

1. LaMelo Ball
2. Anthony Edwards
3. James Wiseman
4. Onyeka Okongwu
5. Deni Avdija
6. Isaac Okoro
7. Killian Hayes
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Obi Toppin
10. Cole Anthony
11. Devin Vassell
12. Patrick Williams
13. Tyrese Maxey
14. Aaron Nesmith
15. Orlando Magic – Kira Lewis (G, Alabama)
Everyone is projecting a point guard to the Magic for a reason. They still need one. I remain a Markelle Fultz optimist but, even if that pans out, Orlando has very little in the mold of a primary creator, and Lewis could be that. He’s young, super quick and very skilled. At No. 15 overall, sign me up for this fit.

https://uproxx.com/dimemag/nba-mock-draft-pre-lottery-july-bubble-lamelo-ball/

I'm also a Fultz optimist, and hear the concerns and could accept that Orlando drafts a primary ball handler, but our FO has made their standards very clear and not many ball handlers clear their size threshold - Kira included.

I'm really curious to see how Markelle shoots in the restart. He's theoretically had 4 months of additional rehab and if he's even a 30% 3pt shooter with 2+ attempts a game, I think taking a PG is off the table.

A long, athletic 3&D G/F would be the ideal WeHam pick to pair with Fultz.

Notice I said “WeHam pick” not your pick, my pick or the pick of anyone posting here on this board.

So who best fits that description while also having a semi-realistic shot at being available when Orlando is on the clock?

[NotACat]

Latest mock from Uproxx/Brad Rowland.

1. LaMelo Ball
2. Anthony Edwards
3. James Wiseman
4. Onyeka Okongwu
5. Deni Avdija
6. Isaac Okoro
7. Killian Hayes
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Obi Toppin
10. Cole Anthony
11. Devin Vassell
12. Patrick Williams
13. Tyrese Maxey
14. Aaron Nesmith
15. Orlando Magic – Kira Lewis (G, Alabama)
Everyone is projecting a point guard to the Magic for a reason. They still need one. I remain a Markelle Fultz optimist but, even if that pans out, Orlando has very little in the mold of a primary creator, and Lewis could be that. He’s young, super quick and very skilled. At No. 15 overall, sign me up for this fit.

https://uproxx.com/dimemag/nba-mock-draft-pre-lottery-july-bubble-lamelo-ball/

I'm also a Fultz optimist, and hear the concerns and could accept that Orlando drafts a primary ball handler, but our FO has made their standards very clear and not many ball handlers clear their size threshold - Kira included.

I'm really curious to see how Markelle shoots in the restart. He's theoretically had 4 months of additional rehab and if he's even a 30% 3pt shooter with 2+ attempts a game, I think taking a PG is off the table.

A long, athletic 3&D G/F would be the ideal WeHam pick to pair with Fultz.

Notice I said “WeHam pick” not your pick, my pick or the pick of anyone posting here on this board.

So who best fits that description while also having a semi-realistic shot at being available when Orlando is on the clock?

I think that leaves the following options, assuming we'll be picking 16th:
-Josh Green
-Cassius Stanley (older)
-Lamine Diana (older, but not much basketball experience so there's more potential to tap into)
-Leandro Bolmaro (prospect)
-Jalen Smith
-Trevelin Queen
-Ty-Shon Alexander (small)
-Jahmi'us Ramsey (small)

[zaymon]

I'm also a Fultz optimist, and hear the concerns and could accept that Orlando drafts a primary ball handler, but our FO has made their standards very clear and not many ball handlers clear their size threshold - Kira included.

I'm really curious to see how Markelle shoots in the restart. He's theoretically had 4 months of additional rehab and if he's even a 30% 3pt shooter with 2+ attempts a game, I think taking a PG is off the table.

A long, athletic 3&D G/F would be the ideal WeHam pick to pair with Fultz.

Notice I said “WeHam pick” not your pick, my pick or the pick of anyone posting here on this board.

So who best fits that description while also having a semi-realistic shot at being available when Orlando is on the clock?

I think that leaves the following options, assuming we'll be picking 16th:
-Josh Green
-Cassius Stanley (older)
-Lamine Diana (older, but not much basketball experience so there's more potential to tap into)
-Leandro Bolmaro (prospect)
-Jalen Smith
-Trevelin Queen
-Ty-Shon Alexander (small)
-Jahmi'us Ramsey (small)

Very good list, but i wouldnt exclude Pokusevski. He ticks all the boxes and can handle the ball like a wing. Also T. Bey is long, athletic, great defender. Bane is big, great character, good team defender and shooter. He also fits in many levels.
From pure guards Maledon and Hampton have the most defensive versatility.

[NotACat]

A long, athletic 3&D G/F would be the ideal WeHam pick to pair with Fultz.

Notice I said “WeHam pick” not your pick, my pick or the pick of anyone posting here on this board.

So who best fits that description while also having a semi-realistic shot at being available when Orlando is on the clock?

I think that leaves the following options, assuming we'll be picking 16th:
-Josh Green
-Cassius Stanley (older)
-Lamine Diana (older, but not much basketball experience so there's more potential to tap into)
-Leandro Bolmaro (prospect)
-Jalen Smith
-Trevelin Queen
-Ty-Shon Alexander (small)
-Jahmi'us Ramsey (small)

Very good list, but i wouldnt exclude Pokusevski. He ticks all the boxes and can handle the ball like a wing. Also T. Bey is long, athletic, great defender. Bane is big, great character, good team defender and shooter. He also fits in many levels.
From pure guards Maledon and Hampton have the most defensive versatility.

Good call about Poke and Bane. I don't think Tyler Bey fits because he's a poor shooter (3 years into college and only comfortable taking one 3pt attempt a game). Hampton and Maledon don't fit the G/F mold, they're exclusively guards IMO

[MagicFan101]

I think that leaves the following options, assuming we'll be picking 16th:
-Josh Green
-Cassius Stanley (older)
-Lamine Diana (older, but not much basketball experience so there's more potential to tap into)
-Leandro Bolmaro (prospect)
-Jalen Smith
-Trevelin Queen
-Ty-Shon Alexander (small)
-Jahmi'us Ramsey (small)

Very good list, but i wouldnt exclude Pokusevski. He ticks all the boxes and can handle the ball like a wing. Also T. Bey is long, athletic, great defender. Bane is big, great character, good team defender and shooter. He also fits in many levels.
From pure guards Maledon and Hampton have the most defensive versatility.

Good call about Poke and Bane. I don't think Tyler Bey fits because he's a poor shooter (3 years into college and only comfortable taking one 3pt attempt a game). Hampton and Maledon don't fit the G/F mold, they're exclusively guards IMO

Thanks guys. Good list. Josh Green is a name I have followed and definitely have interest in. I’m not as up to speed on some of the others but will make sure to catch up.

Now, the natural follow-up would be ... is there a player NOT likely to be available at our draft position but so perfectly matched to Fultz’s running mate (or replacement) that we can’t afford not to make a run at a trade up?

[NotACat]

Very good list, but i wouldnt exclude Pokusevski. He ticks all the boxes and can handle the ball like a wing. Also T. Bey is long, athletic, great defender. Bane is big, great character, good team defender and shooter. He also fits in many levels.
From pure guards Maledon and Hampton have the most defensive versatility.

Good call about Poke and Bane. I don't think Tyler Bey fits because he's a poor shooter (3 years into college and only comfortable taking one 3pt attempt a game). Hampton and Maledon don't fit the G/F mold, they're exclusively guards IMO

Thanks guys. Good list. Josh Green is a name I have followed and definitely have interest in. I’m not as up to speed on some of the others but will make sure to catch up.

Now, the natural follow-up would be ... is there a player NOT likely to be available at our draft position but so perfectly matched to Fultz’s running mate (or replacement) that we can’t afford not to make a run at a trade up?

Tyrese Haliburton would be PERFECT. Vassell would be solid too, not sure about Nesmith (don't know enough about his defense and he has a limited amount of film). But those are my top 3 fits next to Fultz, Okeke, Isaac, and Bamba.

[Knightro]

A long, athletic 3&D G/F would be the ideal WeHam pick to pair with Fultz.

Notice I said “WeHam pick” not your pick, my pick or the pick of anyone posting here on this board.

So who best fits that description while also having a semi-realistic shot at being available when Orlando is on the clock?

I don't necessarily think these are the only things the front office looks for, but for the sake of this discussion the attributes Weltman and Hammond appear to favor over others in order are...

1. Wingspan
2. Positional Size/Theoretical Defensive Versatility
3. Character
4. Athleticism

For the time being I'm eliminating bigs from consideration and only focusing on guards and wings. I'm also using The Ringer for measurements: https://nbadraft.theringer.com/

Plus Wingspan
Theo Maledon +4.5
Josh Green +4.25
Aaron Nesmith +4
Killian Hayes +3.25

Good Wingspan
Devin Vassell +3
Tyrese Maxey +3
Kira Lewis Jr. +3
Patrick Williams +3

Average Wingspan
McDaniels +2.5
Ramsey +2
Bey +2
Hampton +2

Poor Wingspan
Anthony +1.5
Terry N/A (expected to be 0 or less)
Mannion -0.5

Positional Size
Guards
Killian Hayes 6'5" 215
RJ Hampton 6'5" 188
Jahmi'us Ramsey 6'4 195
Theo Maledon 6'4" 174
Tyrese Maxey 6'3" 198
Nico Mannion 6'3" 190
Cole Anthony 6'3" 190
Kira Lewis Jr. 6'3" 165
Tyrell Terry 6'2" 160

2/3 Wings
Saddiq Bey 6'8" 216
Devin Vassell 6'7" 194
Aaron Nesmith 6'6" 213
Josh Green 6'6" 210

3/4 Wings
Jaden McDaniels 6'9" 200
Patrick Williams 6'8" 225

High Character
This is very subjective, but the following players got specifically shouted out for their work ethic, competitiveness, motor or hustle: Devin Vassell, Tyrell Terry, Tyrese Maxey, Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, Kira Lewis Jr, Saddiq Bey, Patrick Williams

Plus Athleticism
Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, Kira Lewis, Josh Green, Jahmi'us Ramsey

Not Plus Athleticism
Killian Hayes, Tyrese Maxey, Aaron Nesmith, Devin Vassell, Theo Maledon, Patrick Williams, Saddiq Bey, Jaden McDaniels, Tyrell Terry, Nico Mannion

Using my completely unscientific methods, the five players in the 10-20 range who appear to most fit what the Magic have looked for in the past are...

Devin Vassell (unlikely available at 15/16)
Killian Hayes (unlikely available at 15/16)
RJ Hampton
Theo Maledon
Josh Green

[NotACat]

Plus Wingspan
Theo Maledon +4.5
Josh Green +4.25
Aaron Nesmith +4
Killian Hayes +3.25

I had no idea that Theo had that kind of wingspan, wow. I'll have to give him a second look

[Knightro]

I don't think pure athleticism is quite as important to Weltman and Hammond as some others seem to think. At least not at the expense of wingspan and positional size.

Jonathan Isaac is is much more of a wingspan and defensive versatility guy due to size than he is a monster athletic. He's certainly not a bad athlete, but he's not an insane leaper or speed guy.

[Knightro]

I had no idea that Theo had that kind of wingspan, wow. I'll have to give him a second look

The Ringer says he's 6'4" with a 6'8" 1/2 wingspan.

[NotACat]

I don't think pure athleticism is quite as important to Weltman and Hammond as some others seem to think. At least not at the expense of wingspan and positional size.

Jonathan Isaac is is much more of a wingspan and defensive versatility guy due to size than he is a monster athletic. He's certainly not a bad athlete, but he's not an insane leaper or speed guy.

I agree. The versatility comes from the combination of length, strength, and agility IMO. Other than length, kind of hard to evaluate.

[NotACat]

I had no idea that Theo had that kind of wingspan, wow. I'll have to give him a second look

The Ringer says he's 6'4" with a 6'8" 1/2 wingspan.

That checks out. I found an article from DraftExpress that had him at 6'3 with a 6'7.5 wingspan in 2017 (he was 15)

[MagicFan101]

Devin Vassell remains the #1 target on my wish list.

He jumped into the top 5 of some notable mocks for a few weeks but appears to have cooled back down lately having settled into the back of the top 10.

Still far from being a realistic option at 15/16 but should he be available at say, #8-10, would we give up our #1 + a conditional future 1st (protections over a few years eventually turning into a 2nd)?

[MagicFan101]

I am a really big fan of Kira Lewis Jr.

Two full seasons of very productive college experience and yet he’s only just turned 19 years old. He’s younger than the other guards in this class, but far more experienced.

The lack of size is going to scare some teams away, but I think it’s possible that he could become a starting PG in the NBA. That speed is a legitimate weapon.

I wouldn't be so worried about his size. He needs to up his handle, which isn't unusual for college kids but - more crucially for me - his touch at the rim and laying up thru contact need a lot of work.

Speed kills, if you can finish the job. Lewis is a work in progress there.

Touch at the rim and playing through contact is a bugbear of mine with Josh Green too. I'm lower on him than Lewis because he doesn't have a physical excuse not to be better.

depends on position. But Lewis is 6'3. easily big enough to play PG, which is his natural position. Kid is a sponge and definitely a competitor (he hates losing. scored 30 and missed a FT, blamed himself for the loss even though the rest of the team shot 35%). He has worked on every facet of his game.

I do like what I see from Lewis. I definitely have him on my radar.

One question for those who have seen more of him ...

Do you think he would compliment Fultz or do you see him more as us moving away from Fultz if Lewis were the pick?

I admit to being hopeful and optimistic about Fultz but at the end of the day I’m a Magic fan first.

Could Fultz + Lewis grow into a modern day back court?

[Knightro]

I do like what I see from Lewis. I definitely have him on my radar.

One question for those who have seen more of him ...

Do you think he would compliment Fultz or do you see him more as us moving away from Fultz if Lewis were the pick?

I admit to being hopeful and optimistic about Fultz but at the end of the day I’m a Magic fan first.

Could Fultz + Lewis grow into a modern day back court?

The main thing that the Magic need to find in a guard to pair with Fultz is someone who can play effectively at a high level off the ball.

Fournier has been a great shooter this year, that's not in question. But he hasn't been a great fit with Fultz (-2.4 NET RTG together) because Fournier likes to get the ball in the half court and run a 2-man game with the center (usually Vucevic) very much independent of the other three players on the court. As we all know, barring a massive change in his perimeter shooting ability, Fultz is a severe liability without the ball in his hands. When Markelle is parked in one of the corners, which he often is when Fournier runs a 2/5 pick and roll, his defender can liberally help off without much fear of being exploited.

I would be interested in exploring a cross matching situation. Fultz is the point guard offensively, but defends the opposing shooting guard. Markelle has the size, length and strength to pull it off in theory. I think the worst part of his game defensively is his willingness to fight through screens. Getting him off the ball could potentially alleviate that.

IF his shooting struggles at Kentucky were a fluke, I think Maxey could be a really good pairing with Fultz. In theory, that kid is a very capable off the ball SG who can defend PGs at a high level and Fultz has the size to defend the opposing 2's.

Regarding Lewis specifically, I'd slot him into Augustin's backup PG spot and see how that goes. If he does well, then we could explore if there's a fit with Fultz.

Realistically we're talking about a guy coming from outside of the lottery. We all want these guys to do well, but it's pretty likely whoever they pick WON'T become a starter.

[tiderulz]

I wouldn't be so worried about his size. He needs to up his handle, which isn't unusual for college kids but - more crucially for me - his touch at the rim and laying up thru contact need a lot of work.

Speed kills, if you can finish the job. Lewis is a work in progress there.

Touch at the rim and playing through contact is a bugbear of mine with Josh Green too. I'm lower on him than Lewis because he doesn't have a physical excuse not to be better.

depends on position. But Lewis is 6'3. easily big enough to play PG, which is his natural position. Kid is a sponge and definitely a competitor (he hates losing. scored 30 and missed a FT, blamed himself for the loss even though the rest of the team shot 35%). He has worked on every facet of his game.

I do like what I see from Lewis. I definitely have him on my radar.

One question for those who have seen more of him ...

Do you think he would compliment Fultz or do you see him more as us moving away from Fultz if Lewis were the pick?

I admit to being hopeful and optimistic about Fultz but at the end of the day I’m a Magic fan first.

Could Fultz + Lewis grow into a modern day back court?

i dont see why they couldnt mesh. We definitely just need more people that can create on their own. even if we limited the time on court together. Think Dinwiddie/Russell last year.