Official Speculation Thread (Pt. LV - NBA Draft Edition)

[Showbiz Bear]

If we could trade AA for Bledsoe, and say BBD for someone with an expiring like Humphries, and draft BMac, I'd LOVE this lineup:

Bledsoe/Meer
McLemore/Moore
Harkless/Jones
Harris/Humphries
Vuc/O'Quinn

Surefire exciting team to watch (and guaranteed to lose enough games to get another high draft pick, potentially).

[RickB-Orlando]

I want a guy with high motor, this is why Ben isn't on my list

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Chris Anderson has a high motor...Come on dude. I don't get why people reference things that cant be measured like "high motor" and "heart". I want the most talented player with the highest ceiling. Period. I dont care who it is.

It's because they can't be measured and therefore are hard to refute.

Personally I still think Porter is the smart pick, but I'm fine with BMac or Dipo I guess. Noel still scares me from an injury-prone perspective, but I can see him being an option as well. Not too keen on taking Burke at 2 if those rumors are true.

[BadMofoPimp]

Just about every Analyst questioned Drummond about his "Motor." Thus, he slid all the way to Number 9 and had a terrific rookie season considering how raw he was. I watched quite a few Pistons games and I have to say, he was the energy guy every time he stepped on the court.

Thus, I don't believe what analysts say when it comes to Heart and Motor. Some players just don't appear to have a high motor because of their demeanor.

Yeah, and I thought Darko would one day pick it up and that his problem was just his "demeanor." Sure, Drummond has proven a lot of analysts wrong, but you're going to pick one example and use that as a reason to discredit all analysts? Furthermore, did analysts make that comment about Drummond based on his workouts or based on his play during the season? If they didn't criticize his workouts, then his case isn't exactly comparable to McLemore's.

As far as how McLemore could be unimpressive for motor in a non-competitive workout, I'm sure they watch the quickness and sharpness with which he completes drills and moves between drills. If he's dogging it when there's no one to compete against then he may have internal motivation issues.

I really find the "Motor" question almost useless when it comes to picking a top 5 talent. Especially, when it comes to their livelihood and coaching staff whose job it is to motivate players. Ben has the most talent and probably best ceiling in the draft. If you don't take that player because one analyst questioned his motor during a workout, then you fire that analyst if you are a GM.

[RickB-Orlando]

The reason I posted about McLemore is I'm genuinely intrigued by these reports. It just seems like an odd comment to make about a guy in a workout, that he doesn't have a high motor. Maybe I just don't understand what they do at a workout. I mean, you tell me Carter Williams is out of shape and couldn't finish the workout, that makes sense, that's real. But with Ben, it just sounds like posturing, what does it mean not to impress. Like why? He wasn't playing against any other players. I'm just trying to cut through the BS, which there is a ton of right now in the media.

You also have to question the sources. Could be team officials trying to downgrade him so he slips to their spot in the draft. Could be agents that are still pissed he hasn't selected one of them. I don't think teams are generally sharing the results of their workouts.

[Skin]

The reason I posted about McLemore is I'm genuinely intrigued by these reports. It just seems like an odd comment to make about a guy in a workout, that he doesn't have a high motor. Maybe I just don't understand what they do at a workout. I mean, you tell me Carter Williams is out of shape and couldn't finish the workout, that makes sense, that's real. But with Ben, it just sounds like posturing, what does it mean not to impress. Like why? He wasn't playing against any other players. I'm just trying to cut through the BS, which there is a ton of right now in the media.

Just about every Analyst questioned Drummond about his "Motor." Thus, he slid all the way to Number 9 and had a terrific rookie season considering how raw he was. I watched quite a few Pistons games and I have to say, he was the energy guy every time he stepped on the court.

Thus, I don't believe what analysts say when it comes to Heart and Motor. Some players just don't appear to have a high motor because of their demeanor.

Motor is just one part of it. What I don't like worse than that is his sucky ball handling. If you are a SG and you have problems dribbling, then you end up having to make a career as a shooter. So many of his scouting report say he has problems there and needs to improve. Look no further than Danny Green. Everytime he tries to dribble he gets double teamed and trapped with the ball. The only time he's effective is if he take a 3 pointer. ...and haven't we all gotten our hearts broken enough with the whole "Live by the 3, Die by the 3" style of basketball? We need a SG who can attack. McLemore is a good open floor dunker, but if the paint is crowded, he'll avoid it. Dipo will take the ball and dunk in your face. Unafraid of contact or traffic.

[BadMofoPimp]

Motor is just one part of it. What I don't like worse than that is his sucky ball handling. If you are a SG and you have problems dribbling, then you end up having to make a career as a shooter. So many of his scouting report say he has problems there and needs to improve. Look no further than Danny Green. Everytime he tries to dribble he gets double teamed and trapped with the ball. The only time he's effective is if he take a 3 pointer. ...and haven't we all gotten our hearts broken enough with the whole "Live by the 3, Die by the 3" style of basketball? We need a SG who can attack. McLemore is a good open floor dunker, but if the paint is crowded, he'll avoid it. Dipo will take the ball and dunk in your face. Unafraid of contact or traffic.

Von Wafer and plenty of other no-name players were not afraid of "Dunking it in your face." Look where it got them.

I believe a 20 year old McLemore has plenty of years to improve his game which is already more impressive than Oladipo and about every other player in the draft.

[RapHippy]

Interesting proposal in a mock draft on SB Nation:

The Orlando Magic have traded Glen Davis, Arron Afflalo, and Andrew Nicholson for to the Brooklyn Nets in echange for Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, and the 22nd pick.

That **** would be DONE. Drop BOTH contracts for and expiring, a young SG ho can create and has potential to be a really good scorer AND the 22nd?

Nicholson is the only reason for pause.

lol? marshon is trash, humphries is trash, and the 22nd pick won't get us anything nice. so we give up a very valuable piece in affalalo, a promising rookie in nicholson and all we get back is trash and a late first?

Swing Marshon for J.Lamb and buy out Humphries. Draft Burke/Mitchell

Burke/Nelson
J.Lamb/Moore/D.Lamb/Harkless*
Harkless/Harris*
Harris/Mitchell/O'Quinn*
Vucevic/O'Quinn

[OrlChamps2030]

The reason I posted about McLemore is I'm genuinely intrigued by these reports. It just seems like an odd comment to make about a guy in a workout, that he doesn't have a high motor. Maybe I just don't understand what they do at a workout. I mean, you tell me Carter Williams is out of shape and couldn't finish the workout, that makes sense, that's real. But with Ben, it just sounds like posturing, what does it mean not to impress. Like why? He wasn't playing against any other players. I'm just trying to cut through the BS, which there is a ton of right now in the media.

Just about every Analyst questioned Drummond about his "Motor." Thus, he slid all the way to Number 9 and had a terrific rookie season considering how raw he was. I watched quite a few Pistons games and I have to say, he was the energy guy every time he stepped on the court.

Thus, I don't believe what analysts say when it comes to Heart and Motor. Some players just don't appear to have a high motor because of their demeanor.

Motor is just one part of it. What I don't like worse than that is his sucky ball handling. If you are a SG and you have problems dribbling, then you end up having to make a career as a shooter. So many of his scouting report say he has problems there and needs to improve. Look no further than Danny Green. Everytime he tries to dribble he gets double teamed and trapped with the ball. The only time he's effective is if he take a 3 pointer. ...and haven't we all gotten our hearts broken enough with the whole "Live by the 3, Die by the 3" style of basketball? We need a SG who can attack. McLemore is a good open floor dunker, but if the paint is crowded, he'll avoid it. Dipo will take the ball and dunk in your face. Unafraid of contact or traffic.

And yet McLemore shot more free throws than Oladipo this year (and had less turnovers too). I don't think McLemore is a "sucky" ball handler, just an average one that didn't really use his handle often. Oladipo is really an off-ball guy like McLemore, just without the 3 point shooting. Slashing with the ball in his hands is not a really a strength of Oladipo at this point in his repertoire. I've been saying for a little while if you like Oladipo because you see him dunking in some highlights and think he is a consistent slasher, you will be disappointed.

The Hoosiers played a 4 out 1 in offense and Oladipo was a situational attacker. He played without the ball and got into the open lanes.

[SOUL]

Harkless can't dribble either and he improved over the course of a season. JJ was considered a spot up shooter and he became a very good assist man while not being the biggest, strongest, athletic guy. I'm sure McLemore would able to dribble with repetition by our coaches.

[rcklsscognition]

Some things are easier to overcome than others. A red flag for me is a guy who has zero skills with the opposite hand, but Ben is fairly competent with his left, so that can improve. Check out 4:30--->end

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NPm1RBynUpY[/youtube]

Highlight films are just that highlights, but it's still good to watch them and then form biased opinions on a player based off of the vids. Lot of guys can dunk, but not a lot of guys have those hops and a silky jumper and 3 point stroke.

[MagicTownBaller]

FWIW

@MagicalNBA
Hearing Magic may go for Oladipo if they think they are getting Gordon. Highly athletic backcourt. Still too close to call. #draftlottery

What Gordon do you think he's referring to? I don't remember a Gordon rumor.

[jernigan]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnAdoeVIBu0&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kXA1jwXytY&feature=youtu.be[/youtube]

[rcklsscognition]

FWIW

@MagicalNBA
Hearing Magic may go for Oladipo if they think they are getting Gordon. Highly athletic backcourt. Still too close to call. #draftlottery

What Gordon do you think he's referring to? I don't remember a Gordon rumor.

Eric Gordon? Like in a trade with the Pelicans?

[tiderulz]

Interesting proposal in a mock draft on SB Nation:

The Orlando Magic have traded Glen Davis, Arron Afflalo, and Andrew Nicholson for to the Brooklyn Nets in echange for Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, and the 22nd pick.

would rather Tyshawn Taylor than Brooks.

[RYgoBOOM]

FWIW

@MagicalNBA
Hearing Magic may go for Oladipo if they think they are getting Gordon. Highly athletic backcourt. Still too close to call. #draftlottery

What Gordon do you think he's referring to? I don't remember a Gordon rumor.

As in playing Oladipo at POINT?


Holy ****!! Next thing you know he will be a rim protecting PF

[Neon1]

FWIW

@MagicalNBA
Hearing Magic may go for Oladipo if they think they are getting Gordon. Highly athletic backcourt. Still too close to call. #draftlottery

What Gordon do you think he's referring to? I don't remember a Gordon rumor.

Eric Gordon? Like in a trade with the Pelicans?

I'm confused. The only Gordon's I know in the NBA are Eric and Ben. If it's Eric....then why would we be using our #2 on another 6'4" SG?

[Optimus_Steel]

Just about every Analyst questioned Drummond about his "Motor." Thus, he slid all the way to Number 9 and had a terrific rookie season considering how raw he was. I watched quite a few Pistons games and I have to say, he was the energy guy every time he stepped on the court.

Thus, I don't believe what analysts say when it comes to Heart and Motor. Some players just don't appear to have a high motor because of their demeanor.

Motor is just one part of it. What I don't like worse than that is his sucky ball handling. If you are a SG and you have problems dribbling, then you end up having to make a career as a shooter. So many of his scouting report say he has problems there and needs to improve. Look no further than Danny Green. Everytime he tries to dribble he gets double teamed and trapped with the ball. The only time he's effective is if he take a 3 pointer. ...and haven't we all gotten our hearts broken enough with the whole "Live by the 3, Die by the 3" style of basketball? We need a SG who can attack. McLemore is a good open floor dunker, but if the paint is crowded, he'll avoid it. Dipo will take the ball and dunk in your face. Unafraid of contact or traffic.

And yet McLemore shot more free throws than Oladipo this year (and had less turnovers too). I don't think McLemore is a "sucky" ball handler, just an average one that didn't really use his handle often. Oladipo is really an off-ball guy like McLemore, just without the 3 point shooting. Slashing with the ball in his hands is not a really a strength of Oladipo at this point in his repertoire. I've been saying for a little while if you like Oladipo because you see him dunking in some highlights and think he is a consistent slasher, you will be disappointed.

The Hoosiers played a 4 out 1 in offense and Oladipo was a situational attacker. He played without the ball and got into the open lanes.

The thing about Mclemore is that he is elite at shooting and has elite athleticism. Thats a tremendous combination to have, he has the base skill set, he can work on other aspects of his game.

I have heard the Jason Richardson comparison but you have to take into account that he is a career 70% free throw shooter (much worse in recent years). Mclemore shot 87% from the FT line last year. Ben is a natural shooter.

[gomagic]

FWIW

@MagicalNBA
Hearing Magic may go for Oladipo if they think they are getting Gordon. Highly athletic backcourt. Still too close to call. #draftlottery

What Gordon do you think he's referring to? I don't remember a Gordon rumor.

Eric Gordon? Like in a trade with the Pelicans?

Im pretty sure the guy was refering to Bledsoe...Gordon makes zero sence.

[UCFJayBird]

FWIW

@MagicalNBA
Hearing Magic may go for Oladipo if they think they are getting Gordon. Highly athletic backcourt. Still too close to call. #draftlottery

What Gordon do you think he's referring to? I don't remember a Gordon rumor.

As in playing Oladipo at POINT?


Holy ****!! Next thing you know he will be a rim protecting PF

My guess is he meant Bledsoe, but got the last name mixed up (Eric Gordon instead of Bledsoe).

[Neon1]

Eric Gordon? Like in a trade with the Pelicans?

Im pretty sure the guy was refering to Bledsoe...Gordon makes zero sence.

This HAS TO BE the case. It is the only way the sentence even makes sense.