Grade the Orlando Magic's 2023 draft, one day after the draft

[Message Boar]

Anthony Black at #6.
Jett Howard at #11.
The Magic trade #36 for a Bucks (?) 2030 SRP and cash, Bucks select Andre Jackson Jr.

Yes, draft grades right after the draft are stupid. But we do and say a lot of stupid stuff around here. So I'm still here, curious to poll the fanbases' feelings about this draft night, right after it happened. What are your thoughts, feelings and general reactions about how the Magic front office handled this draft?

Those of you in the thread last night may have some idea about my personal feelings, but I'll refrain from voting/posting for now as to not influence things.

Additionally, I wanted to see how the UI to make a poll works, since I don't think I've ever done that before ( ). Apologies if I added too many or the wrong options.

[SOUL]

I'm happy we didn't get Dick after watching the Toronto board dissolve into people making the same puns over and over.

I don't like draft grades though. People give bad ones for teams that didn't follow the mocks and good ones to perceived best fit. None of these young teams are going to look the same in 3-4 years when these players are really making headway.

I put B just because I like Black a lot. I see people calling him Elfrid and MCW and Fultz and it's just stupid to always compare players to the first person on the Magic that has a similar flaw.

I posted this in the other thread but I found it funny:

Penny Hardaway freshman year = 6'7, 53% TS, 43/36(33 year 2)/65, 3.7 TO
Anthony Black freshman year = 6'7, 55% TS, 45/30/70, 3.0 TO

Now, I'm joking about Black becoming Penny, but this is more so perception of stats without watching any video or knowing anything about players and it being similar in that regard. There's obviously way more to players but I wonder if Black played a second year how much things change in terms of what people think about him if his shooting numbers jumped - look at Bufkin and Hawkins offensively how terrible they were freshman year. Black is a doggggggg, but he definitely has his warts and obviously we need to build the team up, luckily we don't need to figure everything out asap but take steps towards smart team building and avenues to where these guys can play their roles.

Jett I liked, then didn't like, then this last week I started thinking "This dude is getting mocked way too low." His defense needs a lot of work, so does his rebounding, he's a little slow footed.. but there is something there. I think like all shooters though, there is a huge learning curve in the NBA which is why most of them struggle more than people assume. Shooters are one of the least safe picks in the draft. Anyway, he shoots a lot of them and I like that. I always complained about Harris never wanting to shoot more than 4 a game. It's a risky pick that was overdrafted but could be a nice boon.

36.. lol. Never stood a chance.

[eyriq]

You know the draft is an A+ because all the posters I always disagree with absolutely hate it.

[zaymon]

I give it A.

I was worried we will go for Thompsons and i was sceptical of Walker/Hendrics upside.
Its hard to argue you should target a potential lead ball handler first.
Black has strong lower body which for me is more important than pure athletecism. I also value quick decision making a lot. Thats why i was so low on Bamba. It doesnt matter if you are smart if you need a lot of time to act.
We wanted shooter and we have shooter. Howard stock was falling but you cant deny his offensive talent. Players with good foot work often overachieve look at Wagner. Jett is also underrated passer when you glance at his stats. I think he has more upside than Dick but who knows they went close to each other. You need to pay premium for shooters and we did for sure. Success rate late lottery is not that high, i would not overreact.

[G-Heel]

I'm gonna go C-. I'm ok with Black, but reaching for Howard and trading a high 2nd rounder away for a future 2nd rounder brings the grade down. Good thing we don't need both picks to hit or it'll be really depressing.

[BlueBalls]

D+.

[tiderulz]

for me, C.

could raise depending on roster moves. Black wont get much playing time with our current roster. He would be the 3rd string PG and backup SG at best (and a SG with a suspect outside shot). And i dont want to hear about him playing 1-3, he isnt going to playing playing SF at all. We have Franz there and Jett taking up backup minutes. so either this year looks like a wasted, redshirt year
with not a lot of time for development.

Jett, is a shooter. So he is cheaper than say Duncan Robinson. He will have similar issues though. he isnt a good athlete, isnt quick enough to guard NBA caliber SG's and SF's and reports are absolutely clueless on defense (though effort is supposedly there, so at least he isnt disnterested). most mocks i saw had him in the early 20's. Feels like the Okeke draft, they settled on their player early and just used the pick. Now, if you really, really believe in that player, so be it. but feels like our front office isnt creative and we left value on the table by not trading back even a little and grabbing another asset.

2nd round pick - yet another year we trade a high 2nd round pick for a later pick. I keep hearing "they wont bring in multiple rookies". why not take a flyer on an overseas draft and stash, or you know, actually use our GLeague team to develop some players. Tristan Vekcevic, could be this generation Gortat. GG Jackson was mocked near top-10 but very raw. could have taken a flyer on him and work on his development. Nnjaji could make a good defensive center. Keyontae Johnson another person to take a flyer on. Just feels wasted value.

[JoshuaPotter]

I will vote today. I am going to give us an A+. Did I feel this way last night? Nope.

Somewhere between my cholesterol drug infused dreams, and this horrible thunderstorm overhead it dawned on me that we got a PG/SG + a SG/SF. One of them can become a better version of Fultz, the other can become a better version of G Harris. At least, thats the hope I reckon.

Will this actually be A+ 4 years from now? Um I doubt it. 11th picks are usually boon or bust for us. 6th picks probably moreso. But as it stands I like the position we are in and I can think of a ton of variables as to what happens from here.

The real question is, is Black good enough to divorce ourselves from one of our two non starter caliber pointguards..... The answer is. Not today, but maybe by the time the contracts are up.

[UCFJayBird]

I'm gonna go C-. I'm ok with Black, but reaching for Howard and trading a high 2nd rounder away for a future 2nd rounder brings the grade down. Good thing we don't need both picks to hit or it'll be really depressing.

Similar sentiments. I went with a solid C though. I don't mind the second round trade as it just punts it down the road.

But i'm not too high on Black, I hope he proves me wrong. But I don't understand this front office watching this league become dependent on the 3-point shot and just constantly ignoring the need and instead going for length. Granted I like a lot of the rest of his game, his handling needs a little improving but it's good enough, decent passer, good defender, great around the rim and great at finishing with contact. I feel we've just been burned too many times to go with another guy where we say "If he can just develop his shot."

Howard is interesting. When I heard the pick I knew ZERO about him, and I still don't know much. But I was just watching highlights and I like what I see offensively. I know defensively he's supposed to be a liability but he looks like a future offensive spark plug. He's fluid, can create shots, pulls up from about anywhere. I think 11 seems like a reach because outside of scoring I don't know what else he brings. BUT...maybe he turns into something.

Certainly feels like the front office is saying "we have our front court, we need a backcourt, let's just take a chance and if ONE of these guys turns out we'll have been successful."

[eyriq]

I will vote today. I am going to give us an A+. Did I feel this way last night? Nope.

Somewhere between my cholesterol drug infused dreams, and this horrible thunderstorm overhead it dawned on me that we got a PG/SG + a SG/SF. One of them can become a better version of Fultz, the other can become a better version of G Harris. At least, thats the hope I reckon.

Will this actually be A+ 4 years from now? Um I doubt it. 11th picks are usually boon or bust for us. 6th picks probably moreso. But as it stands I like the position we are in and I can think of a ton of variables as to what happens from here.

The real question is, is Black good enough to divorce ourselves from one of our two non starter caliber pointguards..... The answer is. Not today, but maybe by the time the contracts are up.

Love this take. LET'S GO!!!

[three3d]

F for two reasons, who we drafted and where we drafted them at. Black made absolutely no sense and then saying he can play three positions is absolutely frustrating because he simply can’t shoot. He has a very slow release and absolutely no elevation on his shot, it’s going to need a total remake. Jet at 11 I have to look more into as he wasn’t on my radar, but with the names still on the board it was a shock. To compound the problem of the two picks it’s the fact we didn’t trade back to make them. With both picks at 6 and 11 there was trade activity either in front of Orlando’s pick or after it. Bilal going 7 and being traded to Washington at 8 is strange BUT why didn’t Orlando just draft Bilal at 6 and make the exact same trade with the Wizards and have them draft Black and gain other assets. It was reported the Pelicans had been active trying to trade up from 14 ( where they drafted Jordan Hawkins who we should have drafted ) this would have been perfect for Orlando again trade back if you really want Jet. But OKC jumped Orlando there and Dallas fell back. Just a horrible draft and not even trying to trade back a little if they wanted those players.

[Def Swami]

B - Black was the best player available. They had to make that selection. Maybe the Magic could have gotten more value for #11, but still overall decent pick that addresses a need. Not sure how both will fit in the scheme of the team. As currently constructed, I'm not even sure both see much playing time next season.

[JoshuaPotter]

Certainly feels like the front office is saying "we have our front court, we need a backcourt, let's just take a chance and if ONE of these guys turns out we'll have been successful."

It's funny how perception is just a thought. Not arguing with your grade. I am just looking at what was done and saying....well ok.

Also something I will point out.

Wemby - Can't shoot 3
Miller - Best 3pt shooter until Jett was drafted.....
Scoot - No 3
Amen - HA
Ausar - Ha but better then Amen
Black - Seeing a pattern
Coulibly - Does he know what the 3pt in US English means? (Of course he does, he is just a bad shooter also)
Walker - What 3?
Hendricks - I have heard mixed stats regarding his 3 ball game so ill pencil him around the same as Miller. Viable but thats it....
Jett....

Puts pencil down, turns in lazy homework.

[tiderulz]

Certainly feels like the front office is saying "we have our front court, we need a backcourt, let's just take a chance and if ONE of these guys turns out we'll have been successful."

It's funny how perception is just a thought. Not arguing with your grade. I am just looking at what was done and saying....well ok.

Also something I will point out.

Wemby - Can't shoot 3
Miller - Best 3pt shooter until Jett was drafted.....
Scoot - No 3
Amen - HA
Ausar - Ha but better then Amen
Black - Seeing a pattern
Coulibly - Does he know what the 3pt in US English means? (Of course he does, he is just a bad shooter also)
Walker - What 3?
Hendricks - I have heard mixed stats regarding his 3 ball game so ill pencil him around the same as Miller. Viable but thats it....
Jett....

Puts pencil down, turns in lazy homework.

most teams dont draft a center for their 3 pt shooting.
Miller shot 38.4% from 3, Jett shot 36.8%. so not sure how you get your 2nd point.
Houston has 3 pt shooters
Detroit has 3 pt shooters.
With Kispert and Poole, Wash has 3 pt shooters (sorta)
Hendricks shot 39% from 3 on 4.6 attempts/game. And Utah has Clarkson, Lauri and Sexton

[UCFJayBird]

Certainly feels like the front office is saying "we have our front court, we need a backcourt, let's just take a chance and if ONE of these guys turns out we'll have been successful."

It's funny how perception is just a thought. Not arguing with your grade. I am just looking at what was done and saying....well ok.

Also something I will point out.

Wemby - Can't shoot 3
Miller - Best 3pt shooter until Jett was drafted.....
Scoot - No 3
Amen - HA
Ausar - Ha but better then Amen
Black - Seeing a pattern
Coulibly - Does he know what the 3pt in US English means? (Of course he does, he is just a bad shooter also)
Walker - What 3?
Hendricks - I have heard mixed stats regarding his 3 ball game so ill pencil him around the same as Miller. Viable but thats it....
Jett....

Puts pencil down, turns in lazy homework.

Eh. That's ignoring what else prospects bring to the table, if their shooting stats are poor but their mechanics are good, what the team needs (i.e. do they need more guys who can shoot?), etc.

Wemby - Spurs, doesn't matter, Wemby is Wemby.
Miller - good shooter, Rockets who need shooting
Scoot - Portland is a good shooting team already
Amen - Houston - needs shooting, i wouldn't pick this guy either, overhyped
Ausar - Detroit - needs shooting, i wouldn't pick this guy either, overhyped
Coulibly - Honestly I don't know much, but his stats say he shot 45% from 3? granted on very limited shots. Also went to Indiana, a good shooting team already
Walker - Dallas, top 3 shooting team in the league
Hendricks - good shooter with good mechanics, went to a good shooting team

Black - Magic, desperately need shooting, no lift on his shot and a poor shooter, will need to probably rebuild his shot completely.

Amen & Ausar look like future busts to me. I wouldn't have wanted them at #11, let alone 4 or 5.

[JoshuaPotter]

Certainly feels like the front office is saying "we have our front court, we need a backcourt, let's just take a chance and if ONE of these guys turns out we'll have been successful."

It's funny how perception is just a thought. Not arguing with your grade. I am just looking at what was done and saying....well ok.

Also something I will point out.

Wemby - Can't shoot 3
Miller - Best 3pt shooter until Jett was drafted.....
Scoot - No 3
Amen - HA
Ausar - Ha but better then Amen
Black - Seeing a pattern
Coulibly - Does he know what the 3pt in US English means? (Of course he does, he is just a bad shooter also)
Walker - What 3?
Hendricks - I have heard mixed stats regarding his 3 ball game so ill pencil him around the same as Miller. Viable but thats it....
Jett....

Puts pencil down, turns in lazy homework.

Eh. That's ignoring what else prospects bring to the table, if their shooting stats are poor but their mechanics are good, what the team needs (i.e. do they need more guys who can shoot?), etc.

Wemby - Spurs, doesn't matter, Wemby is Wemby.
Miller - good shooter, Rockets who need shooting
Scoot - Portland is a good shooting team already
Amen - Houston - needs shooting, i wouldn't pick this guy either, overhyped
Ausar - Detroit - needs shooting, i wouldn't pick this guy either, overhyped
Coulibly - Honestly I don't know much, but his stats say he shot 45% from 3? granted on very limited shots. Also went to Indiana, a good shooting team already
Walker - Dallas, top 3 shooting team in the league
Hendricks - good shooter with good mechanics, went to a good shooting team

Black - Magic, desperately need shooting, no lift on his shot and a poor shooter, will need to probably rebuild his shot completely.

Amen & Ausar look like future busts to me. I wouldn't have wanted them at #11, let alone 4 or 5.

I mean if we rework the draft on team needs a lot of teams potentially did worse then us 1-10. My point was the 3 ball while absolutely being part of the game doesn't seem to translate into the draft vs say trades / free agency signings ect. Intangibles seemed to get looked at more, and upside seems to be the name of the game.

But we both already knew that. I'm just stating the obvious.

[JoshuaPotter]

Certainly feels like the front office is saying "we have our front court, we need a backcourt, let's just take a chance and if ONE of these guys turns out we'll have been successful."

It's funny how perception is just a thought. Not arguing with your grade. I am just looking at what was done and saying....well ok.

Also something I will point out.

Wemby - Can't shoot 3
Miller - Best 3pt shooter until Jett was drafted.....
Scoot - No 3
Amen - HA
Ausar - Ha but better then Amen
Black - Seeing a pattern
Coulibly - Does he know what the 3pt in US English means? (Of course he does, he is just a bad shooter also)
Walker - What 3?
Hendricks - I have heard mixed stats regarding his 3 ball game so ill pencil him around the same as Miller. Viable but thats it....
Jett....

Puts pencil down, turns in lazy homework.

most teams dont draft a center for their 3 pt shooting.
Miller shot 38.4% from 3, Jett shot 36.8%. so not sure how you get your 2nd point.
Houston has 3 pt shooters
Detroit has 3 pt shooters.
With Kispert and Poole, Wash has 3 pt shooters (sorta)
Hendricks shot 39% from 3 on 4.6 attempts/game. And Utah has Clarkson, Lauri and Sexton

I stand corrected plainly on Millers stats and kinda in a vacume on Hendricks. I don't know where the people on ESPN were getting their stats last night. Probably all the raw raw cis boom ba.

[Knightro]

The picks were fine.

What they do now to balance the roster will be the ultimate determination on how this draft is judged IMO.

They need to put these guys in the best position to develop.

[VFX]

This gets a B/B-

Anthony Black:

This was a no brainer pick to me. He was BPA and it’s apparent that the FO isn’t sold on anyone in the guard rotation, which is what most of us already thought. Black is going to easily be a better point guard than Fultz. His defense makes him a monster and he can run the show with his vision/passing. He going to get to the line as much as Paolo. This is the kind of player Orlando needs if they are going to be a team that grinds others down on defense and in half court sets. If he actually gets a jumper he’s as invaluable as Paolo and Franz. They nailed the #6 pick IMO. #6 is an A.

Jett Howard:

This was a reach even though it was “their guy”. He might have been on the board at 20. He addresses shooting, but really nothing else. Not really sure if he is playable right now defensively. They could have traded back while cleaning up the roster. The other thing with this pick is that they didn’t make any other moves when they could have. I get the methodology of this pick in a vacuum - we needed shooting and got a shooter. Gradey, Hawkins, and Bufkin were all on the board being mocked as BPA, need, and fit. If the idea is that they wanted a SG/SF, then Gradey is still available and he does more on both sides of the floor than Jett. This pick could pan out down the road if Jett becomes Desmond Bane. Grading this pick right now #11 is C because it’s a reach but it still makes sense given the skillset.

Overall : B/B-

The bigger question is what happens to Fultz. Does it make sense to pay him a lucrative contract now that they have a bigger better defensive version of him on a rookie contract?

[89Magicfan]

I gave it a D. Our backcourt was our Achilles heel offensively and after the draft, it still is.

No aggressive moves to fix it. Just took what fell to them.

Free agency isn’t good. Next years draft sucks. Outside of Paolo and Franz we don’t have trade pieces. The 6th and 11th was the pieces. That’s now gone.

SMH at where we are at right now.