Draft Thread 7.0: The Final Countdown

[Knightro]

When is the 2018 NBA Draft?
Date: Thursday, June 21
Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Barclays Center -- Brooklyn, New York
TV: ESPN
Stream: WatchESPN.com or WatchESPN app

Discuss.

[Nyce_1]

Trae or Bamba and I'm happy.

[locomagicfan]

I've been reading our Draft threads and anticipate a absolute meltdown on this board come Thursday night regardless of who the pick is. Our fanbase is very divided and each player has a Love Camp and a Hate Camp. The point being there is clear cut Saviour at #6. We have to accept we are picking a foundational piece who we hope can have star potential. Expecting anything more is a recipe for disappointment for the next 2-3 years as this player and our overall team find their identify.

Even if Trae is your pick because you believe he is Curry 2.0, curb expectations and remember Stephen didn't become a franchise player until about year 5.

Bottom Line: Chill. Trust we will get a good player. Respect the people who cheer the pick and hope they are right.

My take: We need everything. The only thing this pick tells me is the direction WeHam want to take this roster and the moves we might expect in the offseason.

[melasdas]

Doncic will be the next superstar. Shame we cant reach him.

At this point, I will be very happy with Trae Young.

We need offense. Bamba has upside but he is not BPA and we need something different.

[OrlandO]

[darthmerrick]

Based on who we brought in, I think Magic are picking Trae Young at 6 unless the Hawks pick him at 3. I expect at least one of Vucevic, Fournier, Ross to be gone by the end of the draft.

[Def Swami]

Trae or Bamba and I'm happy.

Essentially where I'm at as well.

I think if Bamba is on the board, it'll be difficult for Weltman and Hammond to pass up on the potential of Bamba. One of the things I like about Young is his boom potential; it's arguable that no one has more boom potential than Bamba. He's my favorite big in the draft. He's the most freakish physical presence in the draft, will at the very least change a team's defense, has the potential to add a jumpshot (and if he does, then he's fighting for best player in this draft), and I really enjoy his personality and approach. The Magic desperately need a star player, a leader, and alpha that the team can rally around, and I think Bamba comes off as someone who wants that for himself as well. If Porter Jr. goes top 5, there's a real possibility that Bamba is there for them.

Watch on YouTube

If they go with a big like Bamba at #6, I really hope they try to address their point guard situation elsewhere in the draft. Whether that involves hoping someone they like falls to #35 or trading up, they can't let this tweet air out ever again.

Read on Twitter

?lang=en
Anfernee Simons, Elie Okobo, or Landry Shamet, etc. There are a lot of point guards outside the lottery. Not all of them are going to make it, but this is where you hope your scouting department can identify talent and help build your roster.

The other wild card for the Magic is Doncic. I find it incredible that there's a scenario where he falls to #6, let alone out of the top 3. But after listening to the Woj podcast and reading some of these tweets, it seems like that's a real possibility. Doncic also fits the profile for what we need; a playmaker on the wing who can also shoot off the bounce. He's also a guy who has been a leader for his team (at age 19!!). I imagine Orlando have and will continue to look at opportunities to trade up to take Doncic.

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

But if it plays out how I think it will, I think both Bamba and Doncic (Dallas has to be his floor) will be gone. And it'll be Trae Young SZN in Orlando. This has been my guy all season long. From a fit and need perspective, no one is more perfect than Young. He's the high volume scorer and playmaker that will change an offense and make life easier for all the wings on our team. He'll inject a new life into this team that has been missing for 6 years. He had the best 3-4 weeks that I've ever seen from a college guard and then had a rough 2nd half of the season. But his skills are undeniable and have to be accounted for by defenses. The gravity and attention he commands can be a game-changer. He's a great shooter and passer. Sometimes I think we overthink the draft. He averaged 28 and 8 at age 19! He's going to get better. And again, I really appreciate that he doesn't shy away from the moment. He accepted and commanded the role as a leader on his team. Even in their NCAA tournament loss, I really admired how much Young clawed to keep his team in that game.

Watch on YouTube

The doomsday scenario is if Doncic, Young, and Bamba are off the board when we pick. I'm not that high on Wendell Carter Jr. I'd be tempted to just take on swing on Michael Porter Jr. and pray for the best or consider trading down for those two 1st round Clippers picks. Guys like Lonnie Walker IV and Collin Sexton are interesting here.

The Magic desperately need a star. I'm sure Wendell Carter Jr and Mikal Bridges will be good NBA players. But the Magic need playmakers and scorers. I'd argue that they have several "good" players, but they'll be stuck in the lottery until they land that one star player. All it takes is one for a franchise's fortunes to change.

[PrimeThyme]

Trae or Doncic and I will be ecstatic. If its Bamba or JJJ, I'm disappointed. If its WCJ, I'm even more disappointed. And if it's Sexton, im probably on suicide watch.

[SOUL]

I was under the impression it was the 22nd the entire time. Phew.

[Furinkazan]

OP reminds me...

Watch on YouTube

Costume party. Place: Lovell House, Time: Friday.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Based on who we brought in, I think Magic are picking Trae Young at 6 unless the Hawks pick him at 3. I expect at least one of Vucevic, Fournier, Ross to be gone by the end of the draft.

Isaac didn’t work out for us last season bud.

[zaymon]

I think we can all agree Weltman sees Isaac as a new cornerstone. From his interviews from year ago we can deduct he was first or second on his big board. I will write my opinion about this year top picks fit next to isaac.

Young - offensive fit A+, defensive B-
As a primary creator he hides Isaac deficiency on offense. With his passing he can enable Isaacs spot up shooting which he will do better than dj. If Isaac develops his off the dribble shooting, and he showed glimpses, he will have more space thanks to Trae. On the other hand, Isaac pulls one forward out of the paint for Youngs drives.
Defensively Isaac makes switching on Young less effective becouse of his superb Instincts. Trae is fast enough to try to funel players into Jonathan, and smart enough to close some passing lanes when playing team defense. Its hard to find better player to cover for Young than Isaac cant get A becouse of physique.

Carter off B+, def A-
Offensively its a mixed bag but 3 point shooting, good decision making is good with anyone, post moves are thing Isaac lacks and Carter big body makes him a potentially good screener. Its not A becouse Carter isnt especially good at attacking close outs yet.
Defensively Wendell protects Isaac from bigger players, gives us second smart team defender, shrinks floor with his wingspan. Perimeter defense matters most when you are on ball defender but than Dj, Fournier are less liability. He has best ability to position smartly and enable Isaac off ball defense from this draft big man.

Bamba off C, def A-
On offense its worst fit you can imagine. Poor 3 point shot equals no space, and Isaac cant create his own shot, awful passing disables more opportunities which for example Carter, JJJ can give. Minimal driving ability puts even more pressure on our offense.
Defensively its good but not as good as it seems. They are not good transition players which is a huge blow to this strategy. Bamba didnt show exceptional feel for the game which is troublesoke. His thin frame will make it difficult to play them both against bigger centers. Perimeter defense is not that much better than Carter.

Porter off B-, def B

They are not a good fit on offense, both with limited handle, below average passing. Its not a C becouse Porter has potential to be primary scorer and than Isaac 3 point shot is more than enough but other than that its not good.
Defensively it has potential for A, both long athletic, fluid, but Porters lack of defensive awareness, effort makes it a B

Bagley off A-, def B-

On offense its so promising, becouse Bagley can use all the space Isaac provides. His driving, creating his own shot is all Isaac needs in a partner. Minus is for shaky 3 point shot, suspect passing, finishing with only one hand.
Defensively it has potential, espiecially in switch heavy scheme. Perhaps biggest potential in whole draft, but his lack of instincts, knowledge limits the floor here. Another thing is his limited strength at this stage of development.

Doncic off A-, def B

Doncic is insanely skilled but his true strength lies in decision making on the move which Isaac cannot trigger consistently limiting potential for now.
Defensively it can be fine or very bad. If Doncic becomes below average defender you can attack him even without switch and have one or two less off ball defenders in Dj, Fournier, or attack dj/Fournier and have one less skilled off ball defender at most versatile wing position. Doncic is smart and strong which puts his fit at average position

Jaren Jackson off A-, def A+

This is quite interesting fit. If JJJ develops further his passing and driving which he showed a little it can be best fit among all big man, if not its still average.
Defensively it could be our opponents worst nightmare. Two long, athetic guys with superb Instincts, balanced perimeter and post defense. Isaac even balances JJJ suspect rebounding

Ayton off B+, def B+

Ayton has the highest potential on offense, but his fit next to Isaac is questionable. As always 3 point shot helps, but Ayton is not elite driver, and only average passer.
Defensively its similar to Bagley but with better post defense, rebounding, same weaknesses potentially devastating.

I wanted to start new thread with some interesting post hope you all enjoy. Remember i rated fit next to Isaac not their offense and defense in vaccum. Dj and Fournier were just examples.

[Nyce_1]

I was under the impression it was the 22nd the entire time. Phew.

Always the Thursday after Father's day.

By the way, Happy Father's Day to someone of you out there.

I don't celebrate the occasion today and my family knows to save my spoils for Draft Day. No kids or responsibilities when I get home. Mellow Mushroom pizza and red stripe + rum.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Trae or Bamba and I'm happy.

Essentially where I'm at as well.

I think if Bamba is on the board, it'll be difficult for Weltman and Hammond to pass up on the potential of Bamba. One of the things I like about Young is his boom potential; it's arguable that no one has more boom potential than Bamba. He's my favorite big in the draft. He's the most freakish physical presence in the draft, will at the very least change a team's defense, has the potential to add a jumpshot (and if he does, then he's fighting for best player in this draft), and I really enjoy his personality and approach. The Magic desperately need a star player, a leader, and alpha that the team can rally around, and I think Bamba comes off as someone who wants that for himself as well. If Porter Jr. goes top 5, there's a real possibility that Bamba is there for them.

Watch on YouTube

If they go with a big like Bamba at #6, I really hope they try to address their point guard situation elsewhere in the draft. Whether that involves hoping someone they like falls to #35 or trading up, they can't let this tweet air out ever again.

Read on Twitter

?lang=en
Anfernee Simons, Elie Okobo, or Landry Shamet, etc. There are a lot of point guards outside the lottery. Not all of them are going to make it, but this is where you hope your scouting department can identify talent and help build your roster.

The other wild card for the Magic is Doncic. I find it incredible that there's a scenario where he falls to #6, let alone out of the top 3. But after listening to the Woj podcast and reading some of these tweets, it seems like that's a real possibility. Doncic also fits the profile for what we need; a playmaker on the wing who can also shoot off the bounce. He's also a guy who has been a leader for his team (at age 19!!). I imagine Orlando have and will continue to look at opportunities to trade up to take Doncic.

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

But if it plays out how I think it will, I think both Bamba and Doncic (Dallas has to be his floor) will be gone. And it'll be Trae Young SZN in Orlando. This has been my guy all season long. From a fit and need perspective, no one is more perfect than Young. He's the high volume scorer and playmaker that will change an offense and make life easier for all the wings on our team. He'll inject a new life into this team that has been missing for 6 years. He had the best 3-4 weeks that I've ever seen from a college guard and then had a rough 2nd half of the season. But his skills are undeniable and have to be accounted for by defenses. The gravity and attention he commands can be a game-changer. He's a great shooter and passer. Sometimes I think we overthink the draft. He averaged 28 and 8 at age 19! He's going to get better. And again, I really appreciate that he doesn't shy away from the moment. He accepted and commanded the role as a leader on his team. Even in their NCAA tournament loss, I really admired how much Young clawed to keep his team in that game.

Watch on YouTube

The doomsday scenario is if Doncic, Young, and Bamba are off the board when we pick. I'm not that high on Wendell Carter Jr. I'd be tempted to just take on swing on Michael Porter Jr. and pray for the best or consider trading down for those two 1st round Clippers picks. Guys like Lonnie Walker IV and Collin Sexton are interesting here.

The Magic desperately need a star. I'm sure Wendell Carter Jr and Mikal Bridges will be good NBA players. But the Magic need playmakers and scorers. I'd argue that they have several "good" players, but they'll be stuck in the lottery until they land that one star player. All it takes is one for a franchise's fortunes to change.

Nice write up and I agree almost with everything you said.

I’m 100% on board with Bamba.

My contingency pick is Young.

My “got to pick him because he dropped” pick is Doncic.

My worst case scenario that won’t have me completely underwhelmed pick is either one of JJJ/Porter.

My yearly “I’m going to stop following this team” statement pick would be one of any Sexton/SGA

My “I’m mad, but I’m not quitting this team” pick would be Knox/Bridges/WCJ.

[Furinkazan]

I think we can all agree Weltman sees Isaac as a new cornerstone. From his interviews from year ago we can deduct he was first or second on his big board. I will write my opinion about this year top picks fit next to isaac.

Young - offensive fit A+, defensive B-
As a primary creator he hides Isaac deficiency on offense. With his passing he can enable Isaacs spot up shooting which he will do better than dj. If Isaac develops his off the dribble shooting, and he showed glimpses, he will have more space thanks to Trae. On the other hand, Isaac pulls one forward out of the paint for Youngs drives.
Defensively Isaac makes switching on Young less effective becouse of his superb Instincts. Trae is fast enough to try to funel players into Jonathan, and smart enough to close some passing lanes when playing team defense. Its hard to find better player to cover for Young than Isaac cant get A becouse of physique.

Carter off B+, def A-
Offensively its a mixed bag but 3 point shooting, good decision making is good with anyone, post moves are thing Isaac lacks and Carter big body makes him a potentially good screener. Its not A becouse Carter isnt especially good at attacking close outs yet.
Defensively Wendell protects Isaac from bigger players, gives us second smart team defender, shrinks floor with his wingspan. Perimeter defense matters most when you are on ball defender but than Dj, Fournier are less liability. He has best ability to position smartly and enable Isaac off ball defense from this draft big man.

Bamba off C, def A-
On offense its worst fit you can imagine. Poor 3 point shot equals no space, and Isaac cant create his own shot, awful passing disables more opportunities which for example Carter, JJJ can give. Minimal driving ability puts even more pressure on our offense.
Defensively its good but not as good as it seems. They are not good transition players which is a huge blow to this strategy. Bamba didnt show exceptional feel for the game which is troublesoke. His thin frame will make it difficult to play them both against bigger centers. Perimeter defense is not that much better than Carter.

Porter off B-, def B

They are not a good fit on offense, both with limited handle, below average passing. Its not a C becouse Porter has potential to be primary scorer and than Isaac 3 point shot is more than enough but other than that its not good.
Defensively it has potential for A, both long athletic, fluid, but Porters lack of defensive awareness, effort makes it a B

Bagley off A-, def B-

On offense its so promising, becouse Bagley can use all the space Isaac provides. His driving, creating his own shot is all Isaac needs in a partner. Minus is for shaky 3 point shot, suspect passing, finishing with only one hand.
Defensively it has potential, espiecially in switch heavy scheme. Perhaps biggest potential in whole draft, but his lack of instincts, knowledge limits the floor here. Another thing is his limited strength at this stage of development.

Doncic off A-, def B

Doncic is insanely skilled but his true strength lies in decision making on the move which Isaac cannot trigger consistently limiting potential for now.
Defensively it can be fine or very bad. If Doncic becomes below average defender you can attack him even without switch and have one or two less off ball defenders in Dj, Fournier, or attack dj/Fournier and have one less skilled off ball defender at most versatile wing position. Doncic is smart and strong which puts his fit at average position

Jaren Jackson off A-, def A+

This is quite interesting fit. If JJJ develops further his passing and driving which he showed a little it can be best fit among all big man, if not its still average.
Defensively it could be our opponents worst nightmare. Two long, athetic guys with superb Instincts, balanced perimeter and post defense. Isaac even balances JJJ suspect rebounding

Ayton off B+, def B+

Ayton has the highest potential on offense, but his fit next to Isaac is questionable. As always 3 point shot helps, but Ayton is not elite driver, and only average passer.
Defensively its similar to Bagley but with better post defense, rebounding, same weaknesses potentially devastating.

I wanted to start new thread with some interesting post hope you all enjoy. Remember i rated fit next to Isaac not their offense and defense in vaccum. Dj and Fournier were just examples.

come on JJ is A- A+ you basicy rated him best fit...
I dont see it

[rcklsscognition]

The true meltdown will only occur if we don't draft one of these couple of "sure hit" picks, they are still on the board, but we pass and make a reach while staying at 6. Like, if Trae is on the board at 6 and the Magic pick Sexton or the guy with three names, all hell will break lose.

[Knightro]

Guys I'll be thrilled if the Magic pick at 6: Doncic, Young, Jackson, Ayton

Guys I'll be able to talk myself into quickly if the Magic pick at 6: Porter Jr., Carter, Bamba, Knox

Guys I'll be unhappy if the Magic pick at 6: Bagley, Bridges, Bridges, Sexton

[Nyce_1]

Trae or Bamba and I'm happy.

Essentially where I'm at as well.

I think if Bamba is on the board, it'll be difficult for Weltman and Hammond to pass up on the potential of Bamba. One of the things I like about Young is his boom potential; it's arguable that no one has more boom potential than Bamba. He's my favorite big in the draft. He's the most freakish physical presence in the draft, will at the very least change a team's defense, has the potential to add a jumpshot (and if he does, then he's fighting for best player in this draft), and I really enjoy his personality and approach. The Magic desperately need a star player, a leader, and alpha that the team can rally around, and I think Bamba comes off as someone who wants that for himself as well. If Porter Jr. goes top 5, there's a real possibility that Bamba is there for them.

Watch on YouTube

If they go with a big like Bamba at #6, I really hope they try to address their point guard situation elsewhere in the draft. Whether that involves hoping someone they like falls to #35 or trading up, they can't let this tweet air out ever again.

Read on Twitter

?lang=en
Anfernee Simons, Elie Okobo, or Landry Shamet, etc. There are a lot of point guards outside the lottery. Not all of them are going to make it, but this is where you hope your scouting department can identify talent and help build your roster.

The other wild card for the Magic is Doncic. I find it incredible that there's a scenario where he falls to #6, let alone out of the top 3. But after listening to the Woj podcast and reading some of these tweets, it seems like that's a real possibility. Doncic also fits the profile for what we need; a playmaker on the wing who can also shoot off the bounce. He's also a guy who has been a leader for his team (at age 19!!). I imagine Orlando have and will continue to look at opportunities to trade up to take Doncic.

Read on Twitter

Read on Twitter

But if it plays out how I think it will, I think both Bamba and Doncic (Dallas has to be his floor) will be gone. And it'll be Trae Young SZN in Orlando. This has been my guy all season long. From a fit and need perspective, no one is more perfect than Young. He's the high volume scorer and playmaker that will change an offense and make life easier for all the wings on our team. He'll inject a new life into this team that has been missing for 6 years. He had the best 3-4 weeks that I've ever seen from a college guard and then had a rough 2nd half of the season. But his skills are undeniable and have to be accounted for by defenses. The gravity and attention he commands can be a game-changer. He's a great shooter and passer. Sometimes I think we overthink the draft. He averaged 28 and 8 at age 19! He's going to get better. And again, I really appreciate that he doesn't shy away from the moment. He accepted and commanded the role as a leader on his team. Even in their NCAA tournament loss, I really admired how much Young clawed to keep his team in that game.

Watch on YouTube

The doomsday scenario is if Doncic, Young, and Bamba are off the board when we pick. I'm not that high on Wendell Carter Jr. I'd be tempted to just take on swing on Michael Porter Jr. and pray for the best or consider trading down for those two 1st round Clippers picks. Guys like Lonnie Walker IV and Collin Sexton are interesting here.

The Magic desperately need a star. I'm sure Wendell Carter Jr and Mikal Bridges will be good NBA players. But the Magic need playmakers and scorers. I'd argue that they have several "good" players, but they'll be stuck in the lottery until they land that one star player. All it takes is one for a franchise's fortunes to change.

Nice write up and I agree almost with everything you said.

I’m 100% on board with Bamba.

My contingency pick is Young.

My “got to pick him because he dropped” pick is Doncic.

My worst case scenario that won’t have me completely underwhelmed pick is either one of JJJ/Porter.

My yearly “I’m going to stop following this team” statement pick would be one of any Sexton/SGA

My “I’m mad, but I’m not quitting this team” pick would be Knox/Bridges/WCJ.

Lol

[FFBlitzace]

I we trade a nickel for four future pennies again, I'm done.

For 5 minutes.

[gov1718]

Trade 6 , Ross to Clippers for 12,13. Draft Alexander PG and Miles Bridges SF