Official Speculation Thread (Pt.LII "Lottery/Draft" Edition)

[RYgoBOOM]

Yeah, I am cooling on my Smart-or-bust stance as well. I have watched him play a few times in the past few weeks and I am just not seeing enough point guard skill shine through in his game.

What a terrible year to tank...the only part of this draft that I like is the 12-20 range...should be some nice value there.

Could you guys see us trading out #1 or #2 pick in theory for 2 picks in the 12-20 range? Think any teams want Shabazz/Noel/Or Smart enough to trade up ?

Might be worthy trying to shop our #1 since IMO there is no must draft player of the top 5

[OrlChamps2030]

Possibly one of Bennett/Oladipo/Shabazz/ with the PHX pick and one of Gobbert/Burke/McCollum/Zo Brown? would be great. Someone has to fall assuming Smart, Noel, Porter, McLemore, Zeller? are locks to go top 5.

Might have to sweeten the deal up for PHX and send out Afflalo too.

Magic need to bring JJ back, his passing really helped out the young guys (cough Vuc cough)

[BadMofoPimp]

Possibly one of Bennett/Oladipo/Shabazz/ with the PHX pick and one of Gobbert/Burke/McCollum/Zo Brown? would be great. Someone has to fall assuming Smart, Noel, Porter, McLemore, Zeller? are locks to go top 5.

Might have to sweeten the deal up for PHX and send out Afflalo too.

Magic need to bring JJ back, his passing really helped out the young guys (cough Vuc cough)

Ok. The deals:

Magic out: 1st Overall Pick and maybe future Laker 1st rounder 2016 or 17
Magic In: Phoenix's two picks.

2nd deal:

Magic out: Afflalo
Magic in: Dallas #1 Pick

Magic resign JJ.

Magic keep Harrington and Hedo to meet Salary Floor if they have to and Magic has (3) first rounders to make this team very interesting next season as they rebuild with much youth. Then, Henny is nominated for Exec of the year!!!

[Def Swami]

Yeah, I am cooling on my Smart-or-bust stance as well. I have watched him play a few times in the past few weeks and I am just not seeing enough point guard skill shine through in his game.

What a terrible year to tank...the only part of this draft that I like is the 12-20 range...should be some nice value there.

Could you guys see us trading out #1 or #2 pick in theory for 2 picks in the 12-20 range? Think any teams want Shabazz/Noel/Or Smart enough to trade up ?

Might be worthy trying to shop our #1 since IMO there is no must draft player of the top 5

I think that's why it would be that much harder for us to trade down. If it's so advantageous for our rebuilding team to have 2 1st round picks as opposed to a 1 top 2 pick, why not for another rebuilding team? It would require some team in the mid-to-late lottery to really fall in love with a player in the top 3 and I don't see that happening this year. Same way we aren't.

[tranjSAIC]

Yeah, I am cooling on my Smart-or-bust stance as well. I have watched him play a few times in the past few weeks and I am just not seeing enough point guard skill shine through in his game.

What a terrible year to tank...the only part of this draft that I like is the 12-20 range...should be some nice value there.

Could you guys see us trading out #1 or #2 pick in theory for 2 picks in the 12-20 range? Think any teams want Shabazz/Noel/Or Smart enough to trade up ?

Might be worthy trying to shop our #1 since IMO there is no must draft player of the top 5

I think that's why it would be that much harder for us to trade down. If it's so advantageous for our rebuilding team to have 2 1st round picks as opposed to a 1 top 2 pick, why not for another rebuilding team? It would require some team in the mid-to-late lottery to really fall in love with a player in the top 3 and I don't see that happening this year. Same way we aren't.

I'm torn on the trading down idea, basketball is a lot different then football in which multiple picks are valuable. Generally speaking higher drafted guys are the only ones that produce, in most years I would not trade a number 1 or 2 for lets say, 7 and 14. But since this years draft is so weak in terms of top tier talent I would consider it.

Glad I'm not a GM this year.

[Jiwol]

As for JJ's come back - has it EVER happened that traded expiring player signed immediately with his former team?

[KillMonger]

JJ coming back would be kinda wrong lol? would it be collusion? IDK but people around the league would think conspiracy, also you have Hennigan being cryptic with the whole "you never know when our paths will cross again" line. It's really going to be an interesting off-season

[Def Swami]

Awesome read by Joshua Robbins on the relationships formed between Rob Hennigan and Sam Presti.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Rob Hennigan made one of the most important decisions of his life here, just a short walk from where the Orlando Magic will play the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night.

He made that decision with Sam Presti, a friend and mentor, by his side.

It was 2008, and Presti, the Thunder's general manager, offered Hennigan a job in the Thunder front office. They walked through downtown, discussing the type of team Presti wanted to build, talking about the meaningful connection Presti wanted to create between the franchise and the city. They eventually reached the Oklahoma City National Memorial, the site where, 13 years earlier, Timothy McVeigh detonated explosives in front the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

It wasn't an easy choice for Hennigan — at least not at first. He had done well with the Spurs.

Hennigan and Presti talked things over on that walk through Oklahoma City, and they wound up at the memorial — a site that every new Thunder player and new Thunder employee visits.

They looked out onto the site's reflecting pool and its 168 chairs spread throughout a field of grass, each chair honoring one of the 168 Oklahomans who died in McVeigh's attack.

"It was important that I walked Rob through the memorial, I think, for context as to what it was that we were trying to embark on in Oklahoma City," Presti says.

"We were given the privilege of establishing an organizational identity, and in order to really understand the mission at large, I think you have to understand the community and the history that exists. That history is what makes working in Oklahoma City a tremendously special opportunity and, really, a gift."

I encourage you to read the full article: http://ht.ly/iXEIk

[Orlando_Pride]

Hey guys long time reader, first time writing so work with me with this. With the first pick I think we should take Mclemore or Noel. I think we should try to trade for a very attainable Bledsoe. No I do not think he is a a great PG but I think Smarts ceiling is Bledsoe. I think it would be smart to trade one of our 2015 picks for Bledsoe after next season or at the trade deadline. Will not affect our tank mode for next year and putting a young core of Bledsoe, Harris, Harkless, Vooch, This years pick, Next years (2) picks would be a dangerous team.

[Blue_and_Whte]

Hey guys long time reader, first time writing so work with me with this. With the first pick I think we should take Mclemore or Noel. I think we should try to trade for a very attainable Bledsoe. No I do not think he is a a great PG but I think Smarts ceiling is Bledsoe. I think it would be smart to trade one of our 2015 picks for Bledsoe after next season or at the trade deadline. Will not affect our tank mode for next year and putting a young core of Bledsoe, Harris, Harkless, Vooch, This years pick, Next years (2) picks would be a dangerous team.

Welcome to the boards.
I don't think Bledsoe has hit his ceiling yet so I dont understand how that could be concluded. Although I wouldn't mind mclemore if the plan was to land bledsoe somehow. I think hennigan stays away from noel. I would.

[TheMagicOne]

One thing no one has thought about is trading out of the draft completely. Here are my reasons.

#1 if you don't think there is an impact player then develop the talent you have and trade out of the draft.

#2 You trade out of the draft if you can move a contract that hurts us in the 2014 free agent class.

#3 Trade down in the draft.

We have several assets where we could make a play for a 2014 pick and\or cap space for 2014. For example, we do a trade with Dallas as they want to make a splash in 2013.

We trade swap 2013 first round picks with them in exchange for trading BBD for Carter, Crowder & Cunningham.

We trade them our Harrington for Marion, which allows them to cut Harrington and save $$$.


I think it comes down to if you think Harris and Harkless has the same upside as someone you would draft then you trade out of the draft and develop your own players instead of stockpiling players that may keep all of them from growing and developing.

Using the TPE to help a team create cap space for 2013 should net us a pick int he 2014 draft otherwise why do it.

Swapping picks with Dallas and helping them free up cap space while creating cap space for us in 2014 I think is the best move.

Then we use our TPE with a team that wants more cap room to chase a free agent in 2013 for example:

Cleveland for Speights, Detroit with Charlie V (OMG), Clippers for Butler, etc...

[TheMagicOne]

Making the trade with Dallas, gives them a better pick this year and they get $11 million slashed off their salaries to go after free agents they covet this year.

For Orlando it allows us to get a value lottery pick with a much lower salary. The net effect will save us $16 million in salaries for the 2014 free agent class and allows us to develop Harris, Harkless, Vuc, AN, etc and tank for next season.

[blue and white]

One thing no one has thought about is trading out of the draft completely. Here are my reasons.

#1 if you don't think there is an impact player then develop the talent you have and trade out of the draft.

#2 You trade out of the draft if you can move a contract that hurts us in the 2014 free agent class.

#3 Trade down in the draft.

We have several assets where we could make a play for a 2014 pick and\or cap space for 2014. For example, we do a trade with Dallas as they want to make a splash in 2013.

We trade swap 2013 first round picks with them in exchange for trading BBD for Carter, Crowder & Cunningham.

We trade them our Harrington for Marion, which allows them to cut Harrington and save $$$.


I think it comes down to if you think Harris and Harkless has the same upside as someone you would draft then you trade out of the draft and develop your own players instead of stockpiling players that may keep all of them from growing and developing.

Using the TPE to help a team create cap space for 2013 should net us a pick int he 2014 draft otherwise why do it.

Swapping picks with Dallas and helping them free up cap space while creating cap space for us in 2014 I think is the best move.

Then we use our TPE with a team that wants more cap room to chase a free agent in 2013 for example:

Cleveland for Speights, Detroit with Charlie V (OMG), Clippers for Butler, etc...

the problem with trading down or out of the draft is that after having one of the worst records this season it makes it hard to sell the fans and more importantly the ticket holders on the idea of making progress and improving if you dont bring in a top pick. Fans want instant satisfaction and dropping out the draft doesnt satisfy peoples desire to feel like theyre getting better and they have a better chance this year to compete, therefore people are less likely to buy tickets.

[RYgoBOOM]

Hey guys long time reader, first time writing so work with me with this. With the first pick I think we should take Mclemore or Noel. I think we should try to trade for a very attainable Bledsoe. No I do not think he is a a great PG but I think Smarts ceiling is Bledsoe. I think it would be smart to trade one of our 2015 picks for Bledsoe after next season or at the trade deadline. Will not affect our tank mode for next year and putting a young core of Bledsoe, Harris, Harkless, Vooch, This years pick, Next years (2) picks would be a dangerous team.

Welcome to the boards.
I don't think Bledsoe has hit his ceiling yet so I dont understand how that could be concluded. Although I wouldn't mind mclemore if the plan was to land bledsoe somehow. I think hennigan stays away from noel. I would.

Here's a thought...

Does anyone think that Henneys top goal COULD be Noel in hopes that he doesn't come back till next year and that would ensure us tanking for Wiggins?

I mean if we are trying to rebuild with a 2015 focus then gambling on Noel because we can afford to let him take all the time he needs in his recovery?

Idk just a thought......The games I've watched Noel really reminded of a young D-12. Stupid athletic, nice frame to add future weight to"see d12 then and now", and I really like his motor. Just a shame he got that injury

[tiderulz]

One thing no one has thought about is trading out of the draft completely. Here are my reasons.

#1 if you don't think there is an impact player then develop the talent you have and trade out of the draft.

#2 You trade out of the draft if you can move a contract that hurts us in the 2014 free agent class.

#3 Trade down in the draft.

We have several assets where we could make a play for a 2014 pick and\or cap space for 2014. For example, we do a trade with Dallas as they want to make a splash in 2013.

We trade swap 2013 first round picks with them in exchange for trading BBD for Carter, Crowder & Cunningham.

We trade them our Harrington for Marion, which allows them to cut Harrington and save $$$.


I think it comes down to if you think Harris and Harkless has the same upside as someone you would draft then you trade out of the draft and develop your own players instead of stockpiling players that may keep all of them from growing and developing.

Using the TPE to help a team create cap space for 2013 should net us a pick int he 2014 draft otherwise why do it.

Swapping picks with Dallas and helping them free up cap space while creating cap space for us in 2014 I think is the best move.

Then we use our TPE with a team that wants more cap room to chase a free agent in 2013 for example:

Cleveland for Speights, Detroit with Charlie V (OMG), Clippers for Butler, etc...

Except if Dallas hits a home run with signings (nba players love Cuban) and they end up with a decent record, even late lottery. Then you have wasted what could be a good possible player to move back in the draft. And someone like Marion is going to try hard on the court every night, and could easily improve the teams winning %.

as for the 2014 FA class, you should look it over, except for soon to be over the hill players, there are very few impact players that will be available, and the 1 or 2 that might be, arent coming to a rebuild situation.

Unlike Otis who kept throwing away picks needlessly, you use the picks to draft players. Even if they dont become part of the long term vision for the team, they become assets for future trades.

[MagicTownBaller]

Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
Some NBA officials say the Bucks have verbally made J.J. Redick a 5-yr, $40 offer ... Similar to Ilyasova's contract.

I love ya Redick, but thank goodness we traded you if that's how much you were going to get.

[arsenal6106]

Gery Woelfel @GeryWoelfel
Some NBA officials say the Bucks have verbally made J.J. Redick a 5-yr, $40 offer ... Similar to Ilyasova's contract.

I love ya Redick, but thank goodness we traded you if that's how much you were going to get.

[OrlDave]

After thinking about this, if we get the #1 I'd say let's get McLemore and then trade Afflalo. Use Afflalo to get a pick that will net us Burke or Michael Carter-Williams. They'd play behind Nelson next year, then the transition would happen.

Nelson -> Burke/MCW
McLemore -> Harkless
Harris -> Harkless
BBD -> Nicholson, Harrington
Vucevic -> cheap vet min fa

I think with a good pass first pg, guys like McLemore and Harris can thrive. I kinda like Burke more because he has the ability to break down defenses which would work nicely with McLemore's spot up shooting, but MCW is big and can guard even 2s if need be. Hark can be our go to enforcer off the bench scooping up 10 or 12 minutes from each of the 2 and 3 spots. That team is a borderline playoff team and I understand that is the devil, but the players will get better and develop chemistry. Grab a star free agent to put BBD on the bench and then you're talking potential contender.

[RYgoBOOM]

After thinking about this, if we get the #1 I'd say let's get McLemore and then trade Afflalo. Use Afflalo to get a pick that will net us Burke or Michael Carter-Williams. They'd play behind Nelson next year, then the transition would happen.

Nelson -> Burke/MCW
McLemore -> Harkless
Harris -> Harkless
BBD -> Nicholson, Harrington
Vucevic -> cheap vet min fa

I think with a good pass first pg, guys like McLemore and Harris can thrive. I kinda like Burke more because he has the ability to break down defenses which would work nicely with McLemore's spot up shooting, but MCW is big and can guard even 2s if need be. Hark can be our go to enforcer off the bench scooping up 10 or 12 minutes from each of the 2 and 3 spots. That team is a borderline playoff team and I understand that is the devil, but the players will get better and develop chemistry. Grab a star free agent to put BBD on the bench and then you're talking potential contender.

I like the idea but I'd personally rather see

Burke
McLemore
Harkless
BBD
Vucci

I feel like if we go the scoring PG route like a Burke/Lillard PG, then we would need Hark more for the future than tobias.


I like the thoughts though, I just see Harkless fitting in better around a bunch of guys looking to score(Burke, McLemore,BBD, Vucci. Harris's offense IMO would be better used as the spark plug off the bench.


This whole situation with Harkless and Tobias is going to get crazy. I love both of these guys for our team I just don't see how they will coexist if they both turn into the players we hope they will

[MagicMan89]

Possibly one of Bennett/Oladipo/Shabazz/ with the PHX pick and one of Gobbert/Burke/McCollum/Zo Brown? would be great. Someone has to fall assuming Smart, Noel, Porter, McLemore, Zeller? are locks to go top 5.

Might have to sweeten the deal up for PHX and send out Afflalo too.

Magic need to bring JJ back, his passing really helped out the young guys (cough Vuc cough)

Ok. The deals:

Magic out: 1st Overall Pick and maybe future Laker 1st rounder 2016 or 17
Magic In: Phoenix's two picks.

2nd deal:

Magic out: Afflalo
Magic in: Dallas #1 Pick

Magic resign JJ.

Magic keep Harrington and Hedo to meet Salary Floor if they have to and Magic has (3) first rounders to make this team very interesting next season as they rebuild with much youth. Then, Henny is nominated for Exec of the year!!!

I like the Suns trade but I think we could work it all into one deal and give both teams what they need.

Orlando out #1 (Noel), Affalo(7 mil)
Orlando in PHX 1st 2013 (#5), Lakers 1st 2013 (14+) and 2014 PHX 1st unprotected, S.Brown(3.5)
PHX has the cap room to take on a couple mil or we can take back another player. I believe the picks have to be made for a team to trade the following years pick, so this would be after drafted.

Why for us: Dont have to take the risk on an injured big since we have Vuc and gain another shot at the 2014 top heavy draft. At 5 we should still be able to snag a good piece.

Why for PHX: They are trying to win now and threw everything at a SG last FA only to lose him (Gordon). AA gives them a good wing and they get a #1 pick big (Noel) to sure up the middle. 2013-2014 is Gortats last season on contract so the timing is right for them to add a center and let him heal+learn.