Weltman & Hammond Pre-Draft Press Conference 6/19

Post #1 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:02 pm

Watch it here: http://www.nba.com/magic/live

Will be providing thoughts as it happens.

Nyce_1 · Post #2 » by **Nyce_1** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:03 pm

was just about to create a thread.

Post #3 » by **SOUL** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:08 pm

Jeff needs to do something about that hairline.

Post #4 » by **SOUL** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:08 pm

Weltman says we aren't drafting for need.

Post #5 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:09 pm

Weltman: "Too early in the process to worry about need. We want to improve the team, but having a higher selection is all about adding players to grow with."

Post #6 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:09 pm

Weltman: "Want talented players who play for each other. That's at the core of what we want."

Post #7 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:10 pm

Weltman: "We've had discussions with everyone up and down (in regards to a trade). I think we're in a very good position at 6. You could make a case 6 is as good as 1. 6 is a pretty good spot to be in. We're very content sitting at 6."

Post #8 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:11 pm

Hammond: "The multiple picks are a great opportunity for us, gives us flexibility on possibly moving up in the draft or moving into future drafts."

Post #9 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:12 pm

Weltman: "We've spent a lot of time with Coach Vogel. Obviously value his input greatly. The draft is a part of the year where the Matt Lloyd's (named dropped Lloyd specifically) and those guys use their expertise. Trying to differentiate between our team needs and how the draft will shake out."

Nyce_1 · Post #10 » by **Nyce_1** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:14 pm

Asked about most glaring need:
Weltman: need more multi-skilled guys willing to play for each other. Versatility; being able to switch on D and knockdown shots.

Post #11 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:14 pm

Weltman: "It's such a catch-all word, but versatility. Anytime to start to get narrowly defined on what you need, it can get you into trouble."

Post #12 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:15 pm

Weltman: "We have a lot of good young players. But the challenge with a young team is that they don't know yet who they're going to be. Everyone you hope has the ego strength to envision themselves with greatness. Coach is very high on our young guys."

Post #13 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:15 pm

Weltman: "Two-way contracts is further down the food chain on our list of priorities right now."

Post #14 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:17 pm

Weltman: "I think adding four rookies is probably a concern. We're having discussions with a lot of teams regarding those picks. They are valuable picks. At the end of the day, if there are enough good players, we'll make all four picks, but that being said, bringing in four rookies is probably not Option A."

Nyce_1 · Post #15 » by **Nyce_1** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:17 pm

Weltman: Has concerns about bringing in 4 rookies to a young team. So, having multiple discussions with a lot of teams with all of our picks. Bringing in 4 new guys is NOT option A.

Post #16 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:18 pm

Hammond: "We've been through this a few times. I've always felt Jeff is a great evaluator of talent and in decision making moments, we're going to work together and find a way to make it work."

Post #17 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:19 pm

Weltman: "Perception in the NBA is often reality. The conversation for a team to get to 6 is a VASTLY different conversation to get to 7. For what that's worth."

^ hinting that the Wolves are much more open for business than the Magic IMO.

Post #18 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:20 pm

Weltman: "Having a G-League team is such a huge advantage. To be able to put a coaching staff in place that's in concert with the Magic staff. Being able to shuttle players back and forth between the two where all the language and sets is the same. To practice with the big team, go play with the Lakeland team, go sleep in his own bed, then come back to the big team. It's huge. You can generate so many reps this way."

Post #19 » by **Knightro** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:22 pm

Weltman: "Shooting is always at a premium. For as long as I've been around basketball, the first skill you always ask about is can a guy shoot? The league is changing in front of our eyes. It's becoming a league of stretch bigs and 3&D guys. That is a paramount skill as we evaluate players."

Nemesis21 · Post #20 » by **Nemesis21** » Mon Jun 19, 2017 6:22 pm

Knightro wrote:Weltman: "Having a G-League team is such a huge advantage. To be able to put a coaching staff in place that's in concert with the Magic staff. Being able to shuttle players back and forth between the two where all the language and sets is the same. To practice with the big team, go play with the Lakeland team, go sleep in his own bed, then come back to the big team. It's huge. You can generate so many reps this way."

G-League team, was that league created by 50 Cent? G-Unit! :lol: