Why I have settled on Dante Exum...

[Cammo101]

IF we draft Exum, I do feel that he would be perfect at the sg next to Oladipo... the problem then becomes Afflalo. I have a real hard time giving up a super efficient 20ppg scorer for a rookie. I doubt Milwaukee gives up an unprotected pick for anybody anyway.

Exum is not NBA ready. So AA would have plenty of time to play before Exum breathes down his neck.

[T12]

the way things are going we may not get a shot at him...

[AGNT190]

I like Exum but he is an unknown commodity. And whether his desire is to player for LA or not that has to scare you at least a bit. I mean do we really want to develop another player only to see him leave to go to the lakers when it all comes together? Therefore here is what my strategy would be:

If orlando ends up with picks 1-3 and embiid, Parker and wiggins come out, orlando should take one of those three players. No offense to Exum but those three are just as good an have spent the last year playing and developing against better competition. If the magic slip and end up at 4 or later and Exum is on the board, then you consider taking him (especially if the lakers pass on him first). As at that point I think it may be worth the risk. He can play the point or the two. Doesn't really matter which as u can cross match with Dipo on defense.

The only other scenario I may explore is drafting him at 2 if the magic ended up getting the second pick and LA ended up with the fourth and really wanted him. If that was the case, you could arrange a trade where orlando takes Exum and trades him to LA for the #4 pick (which would assure them of still getting one of embiid, Parker or Wiggins) and a second rounder or something of that nature. Then you have not only gotten one of the top three but have added another pick to try out in summer league and possibly be a contributor off the bench.

Also although they might not have as much potential as Exum, I feel that the step down to smart or Ennis or even Marcus Paige who may all be available for the magic with the wonk pick is less then the step down would be from Parker wiggins or Emiid to another small forward, power forward or Center available at the wonk pick. I don't think you can base the draft strategy without considering this as your plan has to take into account both picks not just the top pick.

Finally, tell me the last team that made it/won it all with there pg as their best player? Seems to me it's much more important to have a sg, sf or big man as the main cog on your team so I don't think orlando can pass up the opportunity to get a player who could me that cog of a risky pg.

[Bensational]

I like Exum but he is an unknown commodity. And whether his desire is to player for LA or not that has to scare you at least a bit. I mean do we really want to develop another player only to see him leave to go to the lakers when it all comes together?

Exum would be locked in to Orlando for 4 years, and would have to settle for a QO in the 4th rather than taking guaranteed max money (IF, he is capable of playing at that level) if he wants to get to LA that badly. If he's extended in year 3 (who walks away from guaranteed big money in this day's NBA??), he could be signed for another 4-5 years. so that's essentially 7-8 years we could have him locked up before he even gets a chance to sniff LA air, if that's where he's desperate to go. If he balks at an extension after year 3, we trade him and get value then.

If the Magic have a strong and successful run within those 7-8 years, and look poised to be or remain contenders, then I struggle to see him leaving.

Finally, tell me the last team that made it/won it all with there pg as their best player? Seems to me it's much more important to have a sg, sf or big man as the main cog on your team so I don't think orlando can pass up the opportunity to get a player who could me that cog of a risky pg.

he's 6'6, why couldn't he play SG?

it doesn't matter what position he plays, as long as he is elite. LeBron handles the ball and facilitates plays as much as most PGs. same with Harden. Westbrook was part of a strong finals duo. Tony Parker is a massive cog in the Spurs system.

[JF5]

Nobody outside of Jabari Parker is "NBA Ready". Literally everyone in this draft will probably see success 3-4 years down the line.

[Skin]

The whole unknown commodity thing reminds me of when the NBA used to allow High Schoolers in the draft. There will be risk, but this is where it boils down to the scouting skills/instinct of your GM. In this case as fans making our own choices, the same is true. I'm not a pro, but I trust what I see and feel enough that I'm willing to make my choice for Exum and live with the criticism of the board.

[OrlChamps2030]

Nobody outside of Jabari Parker is "NBA Ready". Literally everyone in this draft will probably see success 3-4 years down the line.

IMO jabari parker isnt as "NBA ready" as everyone thinks he is. Shooting and offensive footwork doesnt completely make up for inept defense and a major lack of lateral speed. Theres definitely a chance Exum is just as ready as Embiid/Wiggins/Parker are.

[eyriq]

After looking at top picks in context of their freshman PER shared by neon I think Exum going number 1 isn't so crazy. Parker leads college freshman with Embiid close behind, but upgrading Harris or Vucevic isn't as optimal as complimenting them. Exum is the great unknown but he did play well in the U19 tournament so whose to say he isn't as good or better a talent?

[BadMofoPimp]

I just think fans are just in love with the concept of superstar that when some highlight reels with unnamed sources mention Elite Superstar talent that people become blind to the magnatude of reality. Dude is either going to the Lakers who are probably really tanking for Parker, Embiid or Wiggins or Exum will go after 8th pick. Magic could pick him up with their WONK pick and there is no risk there if he flames out then.

But, no chance in hell do I want this team to waste a top 5 pick on potentially the next Kwame, Darko, Derrick Williams etc etc etc.

[Devin 1L]

After looking at top picks in context of their freshman PER shared by neon I think Exum going number 1 isn't so crazy. Parker leads college freshman with Embiid close behind, but upgrading Harris or Vucevic isn't as optimal as complimenting them. Exum is the great unknown but he did play well in the U19 tournament so whose to say he isn't as good or better a talent?

BPA, BPA, BPA.

I'm not saying that to you so much as saying it to myself. I feel like I have a natural tendency to do the same thing, but I think history shows that when you're in a position like we are you just draft the best player available and worry about fit and duplication of talent later on when we are actually good.

[KillMonger]

How does a possible work stoppage in 2017 fit into all this?

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