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

[RYgoBOOM]

I'm obviously dreaming but it would be sick to see us trade down in the draft and somehow manage Bennett and Burke.


The more people are riding Smart and McLemore, the more I look into Burke's games and find that he truly is the most polished prospect. The dude can score, dish the ball, and his percentages scream consistent. The only gripe I see people have is that he isn't "big enough". We've had Jameer for years guys, 6'0 guards CAN get it done. Just because there are some 6'4 PG's doesn't mean that you have to have one to be a good team.

PG Shooting 48% 40% on 5 threes attempted a game, 80% from the stripe? The kid can play lol. He's also one of the only PG's shooting %'s that don't make me want to throw up.

Why is everyone so against us grabbing him? Imagine if we can somehow manage to keep our pick and take Noel with it and then get rid of one of our current guys for a pick that will yield Burke.


Thoughts?

[OrlChamps2030]

^^I don't think anyone is opposed to taking Burke with a second first

I see the Magic taking Noel if he's available, if not we choose between Smart/McLemore.

And at Rob subliminally dissing BBD. But it's true though. In the new CBA a good offensive or defensive big is going to be getting paid $10 mill + or on a rookie contract. Kinda seems like Rob is calling out those who say "just sign a defensive big".

[BadMofoPimp]

So he said Glen Davis' days are done?

Don't let BMP see this.

Fortunately, BBD is a $8-10 million player on a $6.5 mil contract.

[MagicHolland]

Are there any legit PF's in the tourney that we should pay special attention to?

Bennett is good, but unless he's got a much higher projected ceiling than Harris, i'm not sure it's worth it.

Sounds like Rob basically said they're gonna target everyone in the draft, except SFs. lol. Noel, Smart, McLemore, Oladipo all fit the criteria he mentioned (athletic backcourt and/or front court players).

Vuc, Harkless and Harris are definitely the 3 best prospects we've got. hopefully he can swing a deal to get Afflalo out of here this summer.

i'm confused about what he meant in regards to the days of $5M PFs are gone. does that mean $5M good PFs, or bad PFs? i can't tell if he's implying that we're gonna have to pay big money for our front court, or if that will just be unacceptable.

From what I gathered, it would be unacceptable. I suppose, with the new CBA. teams will hesitate to utilize the MLE on an average player more now than before.

That would also mean BBD and Afflalo would be hard to trade. I do think with the current CBA that there will be a bigger disparity between salaries. You're either a difference maker (big money), a role player (cheap) or young talent (rookie contracts).

[MagicHolland]

So he said Glen Davis' days are done?

Don't let BMP see this.

Fortunately, BBD is a $8-10 million player on a $6.5 mil contract.

I'm not a fan of BBD but there's no denying his impact on the game. Him and Afflalo are solid pro's and while they might be a good influence on the young ones, basketballwise they're in the wrong spot right now. Let's hope other teams think like you and actually do value BBD as a player on a good contract.

There are places where I think BBD could be very good. I think Indiana would love to have him backup West and Hibbert for example.

[Neon1]

BBD does not see himself as a reserve or role player.....which is the main issue with keeping him.

[Blue_and_Whte]

I'm obviously dreaming but it would be sick to see us trade down in the draft and somehow manage Bennett and Burke.


The more people are riding Smart and McLemore, the more I look into Burke's games and find that he truly is the most polished prospect. The dude can score, dish the ball, and his percentages scream consistent. The only gripe I see people have is that he isn't "big enough". We've had Jameer for years guys, 6'0 guards CAN get it done. Just because there are some 6'4 PG's doesn't mean that you have to have one to be a good team.

PG Shooting 48% 40% on 5 threes attempted a game, 80% from the stripe? The kid can play lol. He's also one of the only PG's shooting %'s that don't make me want to throw up.

Why is everyone so against us grabbing him? Imagine if we can somehow manage to keep our pick and take Noel with it and then get rid of one of our current guys for a pick that will yield Burke.


Thoughts?

Its not just his height people are concered with . It's his lack of quickness, speed, athleticism, and explosion coupled with his size. Imo smart will translate better into the pros and his deficiencies can easily be fixed. The position has changed pgs are bigger and more athletic than they used to be.

[flying_mollusk]

Thoughs on this potential draft day trade:

Magic trade TPE to Wizards for #7 pick (currently projected) and Emeka Okafor.

Why for Wizards-They are set in the backcourt and need a better front court. They need to move up to the next level, ie contending for playoffs in the east. This gives them the cap room to sign either Al Jefferson or Paul Milsap.

Why for Magic-no cap room anyway next year, so one year of Okafor and his vet leadership doesnt hurt. Also can trade him mid-season to a contender. The top 7 players in this draft are, in no order, Noel, Smart, Porter, McClemore, Muhammad, Bennett and Oladipo. Given our scouting, and assuming the Wizards stay at #7, we can get 2 out of those 7. I would love if we got Smart and Oladipo. Burke and McCollum can also be had in that #7 range. Coming out with Noel and Burke would be cool.

Wizards would have a Milsap-Nene-Webster-Beal-Wall starting 5, which is definitely playoff caliber.

[backasswards]

Thoughs on this potential draft day trade:

Magic trade TPE to Wizards for #7 pick (currently projected) and Emeka Okafor.

Why for Wizards-They are set in the backcourt and need a better front court. They need to move up to the next level, ie contending for playoffs in the east. This gives them the cap room to sign either Al Jefferson or Paul Milsap.

Why for Magic-no cap room anyway next year, so one year of Okafor and his vet leadership doesnt hurt. Also can trade him mid-season to a contender. The top 7 players in this draft are, in no order, Noel, Smart, Porter, McClemore, Muhammad, Bennett and Oladipo. Given our scouting, and assuming the Wizards stay at #7, we can get 2 out of those 7. I would love if we got Smart and Oladipo. Burke and McCollum can also be had in that #7 range. Coming out with Noel and Burke would be cool.

Wizards would have a Milsap-Nene-Webster-Beal-Wall starting 5, which is definitely playoff caliber.

I don't think you can pair a draft pick with a player when trading him for a TPE.

[flying_mollusk]

You cant pair a TPE with another player, but I dont think there is a rule that says you cant pair a draft pick with a player.

[Def Swami]

Chad Ford Chat Highlights

Hazeltine (Vegas)
What about calling Anthony Bennett a shorter, thicker version of Kevin Durant? He's got all of the same scoring tools, minus Durant's length.

Chad Ford (1:30 PM)
I can see some of that. He's significantly shorter (though he is very long). That means he can't get his shot off against anyone the way Durant can. Obviously he's got 40 pounds on Durant and has the potential to be a stronger low post player. But you're right that he's a true inside/outside player who can score from anywhere on the floor. I love him. My only concern with him is his work ethic. I've heard he can struggle in that area and it's clear he could be better conditioned that he is. Durant is remarkable in part because he's such a hard worker. That really sets them apart.

B Mand (Sarasota, FL)
Name a likely top 10 pick who has the highest bust potential?

Chad Ford (1:45 PM)
Cody Zeller. He'll either be a unique player in the league and be great, or he'll struggle to find a fit and be out of the league in a few years. I just don't see a lot of in between.

Jason (Richmond)
Chad, Who if any of your current likely lottery picks could you see returning to school (if any)?

Chad Ford (1:48 PM)
Marcus Smart is not a lock to declare for the draft I'm told. Ditto for Otto Porter and Cody Zeller. Gary Harris is leaning toward returning to Michigan State for his sophomore year. The Kentucky kids (Cauley-Stein, Poythress, Goodwin) could all return.

That never crossed my mind.

Mike (IL)
How much does a player having a lot of heart and a high motor help his draft stock? I'm thinking someone like Noah who was extremely raw coming into the NBA, not to mention a goofball, but had those characteristics? Do teams look for that?

Chad Ford (1:50 PM)
It's huge, especially when it's combined with athletic ability. Work ethic and the ability to play hard is a big, big deal in the NBA. It's why guys like Nerlens Noel & Marcus Smart

eric (sf)
From an NBA talent just how good is kentucky's incoming class?

Chad Ford (1:59 PM)
Was just thinking about this. It's possible (if all of the freshman besides Noel return) that UK could have seven first rounders in 2014. Eight if Wiggins joins the team. That's just crazy. And ... I think five or even six of them could be lottery picks.

Full Chat: http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/47433

[MagicTownBaller]

I'm so sad that our season is coming to an end soon, but I really can't wait until the draft and free agency to see what our team does.

[rcklsscognition]

Not the first I've heard Smart may stay in school, but then I also saw reports from those around him saying there's a 90% chance he goes in the draft.

[LetItRain]

Smart would be hurting is chances of being a lottery pick next year if he returns. 2014 is stacked.

[magicman112]

Not the first I've heard Smart may stay in school, but then I also saw reports from those around him saying there's a 90% chance he goes in the draft.

He'll declare. His stock is way up there now and if he stays and has any drop off or gets hurt it will free fall.

[InFlames]

I just don't see any way that Smart doesn't declare, hes a lock for a top 5 pick.

[shmarc02]

Thoughs on this potential draft day trade:

Magic trade TPE to Wizards for #7 pick (currently projected) and Emeka Okafor.

Why for Wizards-They are set in the backcourt and need a better front court. They need to move up to the next level, ie contending for playoffs in the east. This gives them the cap room to sign either Al Jefferson or Paul Milsap.

Why for Magic-no cap room anyway next year, so one year of Okafor and his vet leadership doesnt hurt. Also can trade him mid-season to a contender. The top 7 players in this draft are, in no order, Noel, Smart, Porter, McClemore, Muhammad, Bennett and Oladipo. Given our scouting, and assuming the Wizards stay at #7, we can get 2 out of those 7. I would love if we got Smart and Oladipo. Burke and McCollum can also be had in that #7 range. Coming out with Noel and Burke would be cool.

Wizards would have a Milsap-Nene-Webster-Beal-Wall starting 5, which is definitely playoff caliber.

I don't think you can pair a draft pick with a player when trading him for a TPE.

You are right. But you can make two trades involving all the mentioned pieces.

1. Okafor <-> TPE

2. 1st Round Pick <-> whatever (cash, player, 2nd round pick...)

[Cigamodnalro]

Tonight I had the opportunity to go to a Q&A session with Rob Hennigan. It was a season ticket holder event and here are a few things I found interesting in what he said.

A person asked him, what we are going to look for in the draft in order to improve the team? He said that we will be looking for 3 things. 1) Athleticism to improve our backcourt longterm, 2) They want to draft the best player available, 3) They will also look into drafting a big guy because players with size are valuable. I feel like he kind of fielded the question by covering all his bases, but I thought it was interesting.

Also the entire time he only brought up 3 players from the current Orlando Magic roster as players he thought could be developed longterm wise. Maurice Harkless, Nikola Vucevic, and Tobias Harris. He commended their ability to grow as solid basketball players and pointed out to Maurice Harkless's improvement as a result of his extreme work ethic.

He also talked about the unique filing system they have in place. Apparently they have files on every prospect and player. These files cover extensive research on the character of the player. He said they go back and look at these guys characters all the way to high school. He even said, they will talk to their former employer at the old pizza place the player used to work at. He said it is very detailed and thorough. They had a file on Tobias Harris and have been following him for a long time. He even said that they are doing research on players that are 1 or even 2 years away from possibly being drafted. This made me think they are already doing their homework on the 2014 draft. Also, he said they have been working on the 2013 NBA draft since August. Even today he said they were working on researching players. By research they are doing interviews and trying to figure out the players values.

They also gave us a tour of the locker room and the facility. The war room, where all the draft is done, had black curtains covering the glass windows. The curtains blocked out any view inside the war room. Apparently only the basketball operations staff has access to that room. No one else has that access.

He said, with the new CBA, the days of paying a power forward 5 million a year on a 4 year contract are fading. This is something that will not happen. He said that the Magic will not spend their cap room on and I quote, "middle of the road players." They must be impact players if we are going to sign them. We plan t

He mentioned that luck is always involved, but he said there are times in the NBA when you need to make your own luck, which he says we are trying to do.


Also, I asked him how he saw Tobias and Maurice playing together in the future with Maurice being a solid 3 and Tobias being a tweener. He responded by saying that they complement each other real well and that there are two types of tweeners. There are bad ones and then there are good ones, and he called Tobias a good one. Tobias can play the 4 next ton Maurice playing the 3.

Notes and other interesting things:

- He praised Jacque Vaughn's intellect.
- A person told him he was very happy to see the Lakers struggle and asked Rob if it was ok for him to comment on the Lakers. Rob said that he agreed and he had a smile on his face.
- Kept on alluding to guys that have values that will keep them in Orlando. He said that we want to get guys who want to be here and have the values that are consistent with the organization's.
- Made no guarantees as to when we will be good, but kept on reiterating that it is a process. He said that we will develop our talent.
- He said players talk to other players all the time so it is extremely important to be first class in everything that is done.

I think that was about it. Will post if something else comes to mind. Enjoy.

Please excuse typos.

Great post, thank you. Tagged, even

[BadMofoPimp]

You are right. But you can make two trades involving all the mentioned pieces.

1. Okafor <-> TPE

2. 1st Round Pick <-> whatever (cash, player, 2nd round pick...)

I really like this. Okafor isn't going to win games, but would make for a solid backup at both front court positions. And, the Magic get a top 10 pick. May have to throw in Nicholson to make it happen. But, imagine have two top 10 picks, that would be nice.

[94_MagicFan]

You are right. But you can make two trades involving all the mentioned pieces.

1. Okafor <-> TPE

2. 1st Round Pick <-> whatever (cash, player, 2nd round pick...)

I really like this. Okafor isn't going to win games, but would make for a solid backup at both front court positions. And, the Magic get a top 10 pick. May have to throw in Nicholson to make it happen. But, imagine have two top 10 picks, that would be nice.

I'd throw in Nicholson or o'quinn