2023 NBA Draft Thread 4

[Bensational]

That Black quote is low key wild. You don’t typically see rookies outright say they expect a young veteran player to be traded if they’re drafted whether it’s true or not.

That kinda sounds like his thinly veiled terms for the Magic. They did say he was reluctant to work out with the team because of the glut and I can’t imagine WeHam would be giving impressions beyond “we’d work to find you minutes and touches”.

[thelead]

Dejounte Murray is in trade rumors (to Toronto)... I am fully aware of the beef between he and Paolo... that said... ya'll want a scoring/dynamic guard that can defend right?

Atlanta gets Siakam
Toronto gets 6 and filler
Orlando gets Murray

Character concerns. It's not just the beef with Paolo, it's also the bizarre shot he took at the Spurs.

Also, just contracted for one more year and if the Hawks move off him, that would be 3 teams in 3 seasons, which makes you think.

For sure. There would need to be a lot of questions answered before making that move but it is definitely interesting from a basketball perspective.

[Bensational]

I’ll say this, the one draft I’ll have to work hard to get excited about will be Ausar and Coulibaly. Both have high ceilings but both just seem like projects, and I’m ready to see skill on the court.

[SOUL]

Can someone explain why we would take Black when we have the same player in Fultz?

I can count on maybe one hand in the last 10 years where draft comparisons are always as literal as people's comps are - i.e. "He's guard without the greatest shot, he's Fultz."

They often turn out very different.

This is why I asked the question. What about Black is different/what does Black do that Fultz doesn't?

He kind of reminds me of Giddey - maybe more physical and a little less "heady" but still can make solid passes. Also huge. Reminds me of like MCW's body type with Giddey's game - very good at drawing fouls and getting to the line, but so was Fultz in college. Disruptive defender and playable 1-3 on defense for sure - could also see him being an Iguodala mold type of guy where he may not be a PG but can facilitate.

[RookieStar]

Here’s the Black quote in question…

The Magic are indeed considering guards with size at No. 6. Arkansas playmaker Anthony Black had a strong visit with Orlando and believes he’s very much in play for the sixth selection.

Black’s camp initially showed resistance to working out for the Magic, sources said, because of Orlando’s perceived logjam in the backcourt with a trio of first-round guards in Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony. Anthony will become extension eligible this summer and is considered to have a great relationship with the Magic front office, but Orlando has left various personnel with the impression that drafting a guard like Ausar or Black would lead the Magic to exploring trade opportunities for one of Suggs or Anthony.

“They didn’t tell me that,” Black told Yahoo Sports, “but that’s what I figured they’d do if they picked me.”

https://sports.yahoo.com/2023-nba-draft-after-victor-wembanyama-and-pair-of-elite-prospects-rest-of-draft-picture-remains-murky-202622993.html

Bye bye Black... we hardly knew you.... either that pr our locker room gonna be wild

[basketballRob]

I think Black is 100% a PG. That's the position he has always played.

These guys are convinced Black is a PG. He also had Paolo one last season.

Watch on YouTube

[yoyojw17]

Watch on YouTube

Amen questions whether they will have to live in different cities!!! lol.... Go magic! Jk

They seem like good kids! Hope one is available

[RookieStar]

Also... shouldnt we have a draft day thread???

[shadrock]

So if Hendricks is on the board at 11, do we take him there no questions asked?

[Knightro]

So if Hendricks is on the board at 11, do we take him there no questions asked?

I definitely would.

[tiderulz]

Can someone explain why we would take Black when we have the same player in Fultz?

I mentioned this in my post… 1. Hes exactly the player the Magic love 2. Most importantly, it gives you flexibility—Fultz is a free agent and Anthony’s rookie contract is up… What if both want more than we are willing to pay… I think drafting a player that could fill in is exactly what you do…

and what if Fultz has a decent year and doesnt try to break the bank? now we have wasted a #6 pick

[thelead]

So if Hendricks is on the board at 11, do we take him there no questions asked?

1,000%

[Cammo101]

My current mock has us taking Ausar Thompson at pick #6 and Bilal Coulibaly at pick #11.

[Cammo101]

So if Hendricks is on the board at 11, do we take him there no questions asked?

It is looking increasingly likely that won't happen. He may have moved ahead of Cam Whitmore at this point.

[SOUL]

Post here:

viewtopic.php?f=25&t=2300622