Tankapolooza: Draft Lottery Odds/Watch thread

[ralphie9898]

This kinda works out since knicks fans want either Dennis Smith Jr or De'Aaron Fox.

Yeah it does. That's why I see Philly and Sacramento as the true threats to both our tanks. Sacramento would take Tatum or a guard and Philly would do the same.

What if we finish above the Lakers imagine number 3 i guess the Celtics will draft Jackson or Tatum. This means Ball or Fultz gonna be available. Should we draft one? (prolly Ball)

I am not so sure The Celts take Jackson. I think Boston very well could take Ball or Fultz. I think Fultz makes some sense even with Thomas as I think the two could play together. I think Boston though will definitely be looking to trade the pick in a bid for Jimmy Butler or Paul George or another big time player. Or I think they look to trade down if that fails as I think Ball and Fultz go one and two and they look to add something and still get Jackson or Tatum.

[ralphie9898]

Yeah it does. That's why I see Philly and Sacramento as the true threats to both our tanks. Sacramento would take Tatum or a guard and Philly would do the same.

What if we finish above the Lakers imagine number 3 i guess the Celtics will draft Jackson or Tatum. This means Ball or Fultz gonna be available. Should we draft one? (prolly Ball)

So you are saying imagine we finish ahead of LA, and get # 3. I'm pretty sure Boston takes Fultz. PHX will take Ball or Jackson, lets say they take Jackson since they have Bledsoe & Knight at PG and Booker at SG. So we are sitting here at 3, with Fultz & Jackson off the board, I'm taking Tatum at 3. Whoever is at 4, LA or NYK, winds up with Ball.

No way am I passing up Ball for Tatum. Also I don't think Phoenix passes up Ball because they have Bledsoe and Knight.

[Nemesis21]

What if we finish above the Lakers imagine number 3 i guess the Celtics will draft Jackson or Tatum. This means Ball or Fultz gonna be available. Should we draft one? (prolly Ball)

So you are saying imagine we finish ahead of LA, and get # 3. I'm pretty sure Boston takes Fultz. PHX will take Ball or Jackson, lets say they take Jackson since they have Bledsoe & Knight at PG and Booker at SG. So we are sitting here at 3, with Fultz & Jackson off the board, I'm taking Tatum at 3. Whoever is at 4, LA or NYK, winds up with Ball.

No way am I passing up Ball for Tatum. Also I don't think Phoenix passes up Ball because they have Bledsoe and Knight.

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

[darthcheech2000]

I live in New England and some local sports radio guys were talking about Ball's father and his distractions.

I think it would speak volumes if a team like the celtics* passed on Ball, when put in a position to draft him outside of the 1st pick. I wouldn't want him and his father anywhere near my team.

*A team where the name on the front means more then the one on the back (franchise and fanbase) something i feel is unique to the Celtics and Red Sox in New England.

[MagicFan101]

So you are saying imagine we finish ahead of LA, and get # 3. I'm pretty sure Boston takes Fultz. PHX will take Ball or Jackson, lets say they take Jackson since they have Bledsoe & Knight at PG and Booker at SG. So we are sitting here at 3, with Fultz & Jackson off the board, I'm taking Tatum at 3. Whoever is at 4, LA or NYK, winds up with Ball.

No way am I passing up Ball for Tatum. Also I don't think Phoenix passes up Ball because they have Bledsoe and Knight.

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

[Nemesis21]

No way am I passing up Ball for Tatum. Also I don't think Phoenix passes up Ball because they have Bledsoe and Knight.

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

Yes those factor in, I also factor in that I haven't give up on EP yet and we need a SF more than a guard. And thirdly, yeah I don't want his dad anywhere near this organization. So sue me.

[MagicFan101]

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

Yes those factor in, I also factor in that I haven't give up on EP yet and we need a SF more than a guard. And thirdly, yeah I don't want his dad anywhere near this organization. So sue me.

The first few sentences are completely valid. Not wanting his dad around is also valid but it isn't a reason to pass on a player.

Every player brings baggage. If they don't come into the league with it they sure learn it.

EVERYONE hated Kobe. But he was Kobe so he was worth it.

Look throughout all sports for distractions and baggage surrounding players. Turn on Sports Center right now. I'm sure an example will come up within the hour. The great ones are worth it. Do we think Ball will be great? If so, then his dad doesn't matter. If not, then you weigh what he does being against the baggage.

Tim Tebow's baggage wasn't negative but it was a distraction for teammates. He hasn't worth it so no one gave him the same extra chances guys like Mike Vick got.

[j-ragg]

Ball to me doesn't project as a good enough player to counteract the headache that we'd have if we drafted him. All it takes is a little bit more body language or his dad on First Take making a joke about LA after his deal is up.

Then everyone would come back bitching about how management could fall for it again blah blah. I'd rather have someone who fits a better role and wants to be in Orlando.

[VFX]

Yeah. The possibility of losing another top 3 pick to LA after his first contract alone is worth not drafting him. I think he will be good, but I want players that want to buy in and not be ready to jump ship if they aren't drafted by the team of their choice.

[Nemesis21]

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

Yes those factor in, I also factor in that I haven't give up on EP yet and we need a SF more than a guard. And thirdly, yeah I don't want his dad anywhere near this organization. So sue me.

The first few sentences are completely valid. Not wanting his dad around is also valid but it isn't a reason to pass on a player.

Every player brings baggage. If they don't come into the league with it they sure learn it.

EVERYONE hated Kobe. But he was Kobe so he was worth it.

Look throughout all sports for distractions and baggage surrounding players. Turn on Sports Center right now. I'm sure an example will come up within the hour. The great ones are worth it. Do we think Ball will be great? If so, then his dad doesn't matter. If not, then you weigh what he does being against the baggage.

Tim Tebow's baggage wasn't negative but it was a distraction for teammates. He hasn't worth it so no one gave him the same extra chances guys like Mike Vick got.

Bro I don't need a novel explanation about it. I already said yes to what his highlighted at the top. Plus said I personally haven't give up on EP, therefore IMO SF is the bigger need. Who cares if I also factor in his dad, who has done nothing in life except accomplish running his mouth. As big as a hole we have been in post Dwight, IMO we don't need his dad running his mouth. Makes things even worse.

[MagicFan101]

Yeah. The possibility of losing another top 3 pick to LA after his first contract alone is worth not drafting him. I think he will be good, but I want players that want to buy in and not be ready to jump ship if they aren't drafted by the team of their choice.

They become restricted free agents (if we chose to make the qualifying offer) at the end of their rookie deal.

We have the option to own a drafted player for about 7 years. If we can't get the guy to buy in within that window then let them move on.

[darthcheech2000]

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

Yes those factor in, I also factor in that I haven't give up on EP yet and we need a SF more than a guard. And thirdly, yeah I don't want his dad anywhere near this organization. So sue me.

The first few sentences are completely valid. Not wanting his dad around is also valid but it isn't a reason to pass on a player.

Every player brings baggage. If they don't come into the league with it they sure learn it.

EVERYONE hated Kobe. But he was Kobe so he was worth it.

Look throughout all sports for distractions and baggage surrounding players. Turn on Sports Center right now. I'm sure an example will come up within the hour. The great ones are worth it. Do we think Ball will be great? If so, then his dad doesn't matter. If not, then you weigh what he does being against the baggage.

Tim Tebow's baggage wasn't negative but it was a distraction for teammates. He hasn't worth it so no one gave him the same extra chances guys like Mike Vick got.

You must see the irony in that statement, right? He forced his way to LA... before and during the draft.

[MagicFan101]

Yes those factor in, I also factor in that I haven't give up on EP yet and we need a SF more than a guard. And thirdly, yeah I don't want his dad anywhere near this organization. So sue me.

The first few sentences are completely valid. Not wanting his dad around is also valid but it isn't a reason to pass on a player.

Every player brings baggage. If they don't come into the league with it they sure learn it.

EVERYONE hated Kobe. But he was Kobe so he was worth it.

Look throughout all sports for distractions and baggage surrounding players. Turn on Sports Center right now. I'm sure an example will come up within the hour. The great ones are worth it. Do we think Ball will be great? If so, then his dad doesn't matter. If not, then you weigh what he does being against the baggage.

Tim Tebow's baggage wasn't negative but it was a distraction for teammates. He hasn't worth it so no one gave him the same extra chances guys like Mike Vick got.

You must see the irony in that statement, right? He forced his way to LA... before and during the draft.

Ball has come out and said his dad mispoke.

Every player has a favorite team and a favorite city. Few DEMAND from day one that they play for no other team.

Kobe is a special kind of immature little bitch. Lucky for him, he was also a special kind of basketball talent.

[darthcheech2000]

The first few sentences are completely valid. Not wanting his dad around is also valid but it isn't a reason to pass on a player.

Every player brings baggage. If they don't come into the league with it they sure learn it.

EVERYONE hated Kobe. But he was Kobe so he was worth it.

Look throughout all sports for distractions and baggage surrounding players. Turn on Sports Center right now. I'm sure an example will come up within the hour. The great ones are worth it. Do we think Ball will be great? If so, then his dad doesn't matter. If not, then you weigh what he does being against the baggage.

Tim Tebow's baggage wasn't negative but it was a distraction for teammates. He hasn't worth it so no one gave him the same extra chances guys like Mike Vick got.

You must see the irony in that statement, right? He forced his way to LA... before and during the draft.

Ball has come out and said his dad mispoke.

Every player has a favorite team and a favorite city. Few DEMAND from day one that they play for no other team.

Kobe is a special kind of immature little bitch. Lucky for him, he was also a special kind of basketball talent.

But, and i'm not trying to be difficult, you mention him as an example of a player worth bringing on, despite the baggage. It wasn't worth it for the Charlotte Hornets.

Lonzo Ball's Performance at workouts will cover it up his fathers distractions, but how much?

[EAS Law]

No way am I passing up Ball for Tatum. Also I don't think Phoenix passes up Ball because they have Bledsoe and Knight.

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

The reason it matters is because you don't want to place the hopes and future of your franchise on a guy that is going to do everything in their power to place you in a position to trade them where they want to go.

From what I see of Lonzo, he seems like a quiet kid that I notice really looks up to his dad like a best friend. You can see this by how he reacts to the stupid things his dad says in interviews. Lonzo is probably a good dude, but if his father determines that your team isn't doing what he wants to do, all it will take is a bit of influence and you have a train wreck on your hands.

Remember Dwight? There wasn't much reason for him to destroy our franchise when he did. He had people in his circle that convinced him he could be the face of the NBA but for Orlando. That's what happens.

[Jameerthefear]

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

The reason it matters is because you don't want to place the hopes and future of your franchise on a guy that is going to do everything in their power to place you in a position to trade them where they want to go.

From what I see of Lonzo, he seems like a quiet kid that I notice really looks up to his dad like a best friend. You can see this by how he reacts to the stupid things his dad says in interviews. Lonzo is probably a good dude, but if his father determines that your team isn't doing what he wants to do, all it will take is a bit of influence and you have a train wreck on your hands.

Remember Dwight? There wasn't much reason for him to destroy our franchise when he did. He had people in his circle that convinced him he could be the face of the NBA but for Orlando. That's what happens.

And yet if you did the '04 NBA Draft over again, I would draft Dwight every single time and you would too. If you think his talent level is that high, you draft him.

[axl_c_cool]

Good for you. No way do I want Ball, or his dad.

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

The reason it matters is because you don't want to place the hopes and future of your franchise on a guy that is going to do everything in their power to place you in a position to trade them where they want to go.

From what I see of Lonzo, he seems like a quiet kid that I notice really looks up to his dad like a best friend. You can see this by how he reacts to the stupid things his dad says in interviews. Lonzo is probably a good dude, but if his father determines that your team isn't doing what he wants to do, all it will take is a bit of influence and you have a train wreck on your hands.

Remember Dwight? There wasn't much reason for him to destroy our franchise when he did. He had people in his circle that convinced him he could be the face of the NBA but for Orlando. That's what happens.

Agreed 100%, we have a long way to go as a franchise, we have a rich history of great players and some good teams, we have little culture and are very naive. Until we get to a place where players want to play for us because of what we offer as a franchise, and also Orlando (which is attractive) we have to draft players who want to be a part of what we're doing. I'm not convinced Ball has a higher ceiling than Chris Paul, which is high, but worth investing in him for 7 years for him to walk to LA? No way. The smart choice is to take Tatum/Jackson/Isaac etc and move assets around and balance the team, the form a culture. Ball I'm afraid is #5 on the board for us

[MagicFan101]

You must see the irony in that statement, right? He forced his way to LA... before and during the draft.

Ball has come out and said his dad mispoke.

Every player has a favorite team and a favorite city. Few DEMAND from day one that they play for no other team.

Kobe is a special kind of immature little bitch. Lucky for him, he was also a special kind of basketball talent.

But, and i'm not trying to be difficult, you mention him as an example of a player worth bringing on, despite the baggage. It wasn't worth it for the Charlotte Hornets.

Lonzo Ball's Performance at workouts will cover it up his fathers distractions, but how much?

I'm talking about Kobe as a Laker. He was frustrating to play with. Shaq-Kobe had something great going on. I'm not putting all the blame on Kobe but he was a big part of that downfall. But the Lakers tolerated him because of his talent.

I don't think Ball will be on Kobe's level. But he doesn't have to be. He just has to be better than the guys in this class. If we think he is, the baggage doesn't matter.

All of these guys have their crap.

[MagicFan101]

Ball has a lot of talent, but there are question marks about how his shot and style of play will translate to the modern NBA. If those are your concerns then that it understandable.

But if you are passing on a believed to be better talent because their dad talks a lot ... wow.

The reason it matters is because you don't want to place the hopes and future of your franchise on a guy that is going to do everything in their power to place you in a position to trade them where they want to go.

From what I see of Lonzo, he seems like a quiet kid that I notice really looks up to his dad like a best friend. You can see this by how he reacts to the stupid things his dad says in interviews. Lonzo is probably a good dude, but if his father determines that your team isn't doing what he wants to do, all it will take is a bit of influence and you have a train wreck on your hands.

Remember Dwight? There wasn't much reason for him to destroy our franchise when he did. He had people in his circle that convinced him he could be the face of the NBA but for Orlando. That's what happens.

And yet if you did the '04 NBA Draft over again, I would draft Dwight every single time and you would too. If you think his talent level is that high, you draft him.

Exactly. Do you pass on Dwight for Okafor because he likes LA and Atlanta? We lost Dwight but we had fun while he was here and we reached heights Okafor never would have taken us to.

Again, I don't know if Ball offers the same talent but if you think he does you take him and don't think twice.

[OrlChamps2030]

The reason it matters is because you don't want to place the hopes and future of your franchise on a guy that is going to do everything in their power to place you in a position to trade them where they want to go.

From what I see of Lonzo, he seems like a quiet kid that I notice really looks up to his dad like a best friend. You can see this by how he reacts to the stupid things his dad says in interviews. Lonzo is probably a good dude, but if his father determines that your team isn't doing what he wants to do, all it will take is a bit of influence and you have a train wreck on your hands.

Remember Dwight? There wasn't much reason for him to destroy our franchise when he did. He had people in his circle that convinced him he could be the face of the NBA but for Orlando. That's what happens.

And yet if you did the '04 NBA Draft over again, I would draft Dwight every single time and you would too. If you think his talent level is that high, you draft him.

Exactly. Do you pass on Dwight for Okafor because he likes LA and Atlanta? We lost Dwight but we had fun while he was here and we reached heights Okafor never would have taken us to.

Again, I don't know if Ball offers the same talent but if you think he does you take him and don't think twice.

I agree.

Orlando will never the draw LA or Miami is for 19 year old millionaires, but the best way to counteract that is to try and assemble a winner while they are here to make them want to be here.

A poster a few posts above compared Ball to CP3 - but said they wouldn't take him because 7 years wouldn't be enough. Couldn't disagree more.