Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[Skybox]

If nothing else, the bubble playoffs should have reaffirmed to everyone that the Magic need more three-level scorers from the perimeter.

Significant bonus points if said player can create easy opportunities for others as well.

This is like saying the sky is blue. Surely no one thinks otherwise, right?? This has to be the consensus

It’s hard to see this core ever amounting to anything without a legit perimeter star.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Fultz will becomes that guy. He can become a decent starter, but I don’t think the shot creating ability from the perimeter is there.

There are quite a few nice 3 and D prospects in our range but for what you're describing Maxey is really intriguing. To me he's got a higher upside with a lower floor than Vassell, Bey(s), Nesmith, etc...I'm more ceiling oriented than floor with the present roster. I'd choose Hezonja right now

[zaymon]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

[MagicFan101]

If nothing else, the bubble playoffs should have reaffirmed to everyone that the Magic need more three-level scorers from the perimeter.

Significant bonus points if said player can create easy opportunities for others as well.

This is like saying the sky is blue. Surely no one thinks otherwise, right?? This has to be the consensus

It’s hard to see this core ever amounting to anything without a legit perimeter star.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Fultz will becomes that guy. He can become a decent starter, but I don’t think the shot creating ability from the perimeter is there.

There are quite a few nice 3 and D prospects in our range but for what you're describing Maxey is really intriguing. To me he's got a higher upside with a lower floor than Vassell, Bey(s), Nesmith, etc...I'm more ceiling oriented than floor with the present roster. I'd choose Hezonja right now

I’m totally fine taking a shot on Maxey or Terry or one of the all offense guys because we need that.

However, as others keep saying it is painful watching Luka and Tatum have the success they are having. Dallas and Boston didn’t wait for a player to fall to them they targeted their guy and built the team they wanted.

If such a player doesn’t exist this year then so be it but I want to see us try for something. There are a few names at the top that intrigue me and a lot of teams looking to sell picks ... so I’m starting to turn my attention away from the mid-to-late 1st Round crop.

[The Effect]

I think finding star players is the whole game for a front office. We've been spinning the wheels on this since trading Dwight Howard in 2012. Hennigan failed. Weltman and Hammond are failing. We're just going to be on the sidelines of the league until that changes.

I don't even know if it's say hennigan failed aft finding players, he failed at sticking to his guns.
He drafted oladipo when he was no slam dunk #1 pick (I'm gonna say we had it pick in that draft cause no one saw Bennett going#1 lol). He just give in to vogels dream of the ibaka\biyombo lineup. Imagine if we kept dipo AND SABONIS!

He found Tobias on the bucks bench for an expiring jj, but gave up on that for skiles to get two of his old players back

While he's isn't a superstar, it's hard to say the Henny missed on Gordon. Gordon was considered a reach at 4, but looking back, he might be the 2nd best player from that lotto behind embiid. Again not a superstar, but imagine how good he could look aft the 4th option behind dipo, Harris and sabonis?

He also found vuc on the 76ers bench, and traded a finished afflalo for 22 year old Evan Fournier

Unfortunately he had no backbone to tell the coaches to f off and hold on to his guys

I know people say it took playing with Westbrook for dipo to really develop but I'm not buying that, he always had the work ethic, just not the leadership. I think getting a Coach to bring it out is where we failed him

God it sucks thinking back to where this team could of been had
Tell me this team isn't a to 4 seed
C - sabonis
Pf - Gordon
SF - Harris
Sg - dipo
Pg - not sure who we have here. Maybe take someone in the 2017 or 18 draft (sga???)

With a bench of vuc and Evan

I know I know hindsight and all, but Henny did find all those guys and bring them here, he just didn't follow through with his plan

Hennigan collected assets really well. And then they were all severely mismanaged. Partly his fault. Partly ownership's.

Here's the most devastating stretch of front office moves in Orlando Magic history:

May 29, 2015 - Hired Scott Skiles as head coach

June 25, 2015 - Magic select Mario Hezonja with #5 pick

February 16, 2016 - Magic trade Tobias Harris to Pistons for Brandon Jennings and Ersan Ilyasova (cap space)

July 7, 2016 - Magic signs Bismack Biyombo for $72 million/4 years, Jeff Green for $15 million/1 year, and DJ Augustin for $29 million/4 years

June 24, 2016 - Magic trade Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova, and the #11 pick (Sabonis) to the Thunder for Serge Ibaka

This sort of trainwreck is downright criminal!

Hennigan's downfall was two-fold. One on ownership and one on himself.

It was an ownership group who became inpatient too quickly and tried to step in with making basketball decisions. Hiring Skiles was a decision by ownership that went against what Hennigan was trying to build. Those trades are really bad, but had a lot to do with this pressure to win immediately after slowly building the trove of assets.

But Hennigan's own undoing was his commitment to Elfrid Payton and botching the Mario Hezonja pick. Those are two monumental setbacks for any front office. The Magic traded an additional 1st round pick back to the Sixers and a couple of 2nd round picks to move up to get a point guard who would never learn to shoot and is better suited as a career back up, while Zach Lavine was still on the board. Then they doubled down on him by essentially trying to fit squares in round holes around him and compensate for his weaknesses. Trading Oladipo over Fournier because Fournier was a better shooter and seen as a better compliment to Payton was just compounding one mistake with another.

And blowing the #5 pick on Mario Hezonja is devastating. You can't miss that badly in the draft. You tank all season to get that pick and for the player to be a complete non-factor is such a waste of your franchise's time and energy. They essentially blew the draft in back to back years by trading Sabonis the next year. This is all cruel and unusual punishment for a fanbase and then you realize Devin Booker was actually lobbying to come to the Magic in the 2015 draft smh.

It's funny how similar the Magic are in 2020 compared to that awful stretch in 2015-2016. I'm afraid we might commit to a point guard who can't shoot. It feels like we might have whiffed on the #5 pick in the 2018 draft. And Fournier and Vucevic are still our leading cogs on offense.

To your point, even if Hennigan keeps that core together, I'm not sure there's a great, all-NBA player on that team. But, the collection of those players might net one in a trade. Or make trading up in the 2018 draft more realistic. Either way, the Magic haven't had a perennial all-star on their team since Dwight Howard left in 2012. Whether it's the draft, trade, or free agency, the front office has just failed at finding star talent.

Yeah, sorry didn't mean to sound like I was advocating as Hennigan as a great gm or anything, like you said, he made some great moves but some truly boneheaded ones. He seemed to have a great eye for finding talent, but his inability to stand his ground really killed any chance of that team coming together

Based one everything he did, I really think the coaching hires after Vaughn were forced on him and that's what ultimately killed our rebuild under Henny, so I can't completely blame him for the Tobias and dipo trades but he really should of stood up to management and kept that team together.

Either way, water under the bridge and weham now need to find a way to being in a star because we don't have one. If we are down 10-15 in the 4th, there's not a player on the team that is going to put the team on their back and willing them to victory the way Dame or luka constantly do. I know those guys are generational talents, but that's really what you need to win in this league. I don't know if that guy is available in the draft, but they need to do everything to find that guy right now.

[The Effect]

If nothing else, the bubble playoffs should have reaffirmed to everyone that the Magic need more three-level scorers from the perimeter.

Significant bonus points if said player can create easy opportunities for others as well.

This is like saying the sky is blue. Surely no one thinks otherwise, right?? This has to be the consensus

It’s hard to see this core ever amounting to anything without a legit perimeter star.

Unfortunately, I don’t think Fultz will becomes that guy. He can become a decent starter, but I don’t think the shot creating ability from the perimeter is there.

There are quite a few nice 3 and D prospects in our range but for what you're describing Maxey is really intriguing. To me he's got a higher upside with a lower floor than Vassell, Bey(s), Nesmith, etc...I'm more ceiling oriented than floor with the present roster. I'd choose Hezonja right now

3d is literally the last type of look for right now

At this point, I think RJ Hampton might be the guy I'd take just because I think he had the highest ceiling (and lowest floor). He's the guy who to me who might become a superstar. Again he had some major flaws, but has the makeup to be a star of all things align. I need to broaden my search cause to this point I've mostly been looking at backcourt, but it's clear we need to look at every position because we don't have a star at any position so everyone is technically replaceable, so need to study the front court guys more

[Knightro]

I have moved Killian Hayes to No. 4 on my own personal big board.

Behind Ball, Wiseman and Haliburton, just ahead of Edwards.

[MagicFan101]

I have moved Killian Hayes to No. 4 on my own personal big board.

Behind Ball, Wiseman and Haliburton, just ahead of Edwards.

I promise I’m not judging him based on his last name or the performance of his brother and I admit I need to watch more ... so I will do that.

Still, I don’t share the love for Ball.

Clearly he belongs in the top 5 and perhaps even top 3 but I can’t give him a #1 overall or even top 2 grade. I just can’t right now.

[Skin]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

But they could just draft Obi Toppin. *shrugs*

[Knightro]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

But they could just draft Obi Toppin. *shrugs*

Toppin is one of the worst defending forwards I've ever seen.

Which is a shame, because he looks like he may be a really good offensive player.

[Skybox]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

Are you saying it’s not as likely to give up #1 as 4 or 5 would have been? (I would agree if so). Maybe we add a future 1st and they add Culver...still could work out well for MIN to add AG next to Kat, get a nice 3&D at 15 and hope Beasley continues his hot streak...just tough to give up a #1 (from a PR sense- none are sure things)

I’m not even sure who to grab at 1...I guess Edwards but he makes me nervous.

[basketballRob]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

We should go all in for Edwards. You have to get stars. AG, the 15 and a future pick.

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[basketballRob]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

Are you saying it’s not as likely to give up #1 as 4 or 5 would have been? (I would agree if so). Maybe we add a future 1st and they add Culver...still could work out well for MIN to add AG next to Kat, get a nice 3&D at 15 and hope Beasley continues his hot streak...just tough to give up a #1 (from a PR sense- none are sure things)

I’m not even sure who to grab at 1...I guess Edwards but he makes me nervous.

No way we'd get Edwards and Culver. A future first for Culver?

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[VFX]

How about this trade?

Minnesota - Orlando

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yysqja4o

We draft Killian Hayes and add another potential scorer in Culver.

Minnesota gets a more experienced player to pair with Russell and KAT as well as Bamba.

Fultz / Riller
Hayes/ Ross/ Culver
Fournier / Ennis
Isaac / Johnson/ Aminu
Vuc/ Reid / Birch

[MagicFan101]

How about this trade?

Minnesota - Orlando

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yysqja4o

We draft Killian Hayes and add another potential scorer in Culver.

Minnesota gets a more experienced player to pair with Russell and KAT as well as Bamba.

Fultz / Riller
Hayes/ Ross/ Culver
Fournier / Ennis
Isaac / Johnson/ Aminu
Vuc/ Reid / Birch

Obviously Orlando does this. I just don’t know if Minny says yes.

I suspect we need to focus on the #4-8 picks for a more realistic AG trade partner. There is still a very real chance Hayes is available at every one of those spots.

[VFX]

How about this trade?

Minnesota - Orlando

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yysqja4o

We draft Killian Hayes and add another potential scorer in Culver.

Minnesota gets a more experienced player to pair with Russell and KAT as well as Bamba.

Fultz / Riller
Hayes/ Ross/ Culver
Fournier / Ennis
Isaac / Johnson/ Aminu
Vuc/ Reid / Birch

Obviously Orlando does this. I just don’t know if Minny says yes.

I suspect we need to focus on the #4-8 picks for a more realistic AG trade partner. There is still a very real chance Hayes is available at every one of those spots.

Yeah there are a couple trade partners. Minnesota is the obvious choice because they need more developed players and Orlando needs offense and assets.

[MagicFan101]

How about this trade?

Minnesota - Orlando

http://www.espn.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=yysqja4o

We draft Killian Hayes and add another potential scorer in Culver.

Minnesota gets a more experienced player to pair with Russell and KAT as well as Bamba.

Fultz / Riller
Hayes/ Ross/ Culver
Fournier / Ennis
Isaac / Johnson/ Aminu
Vuc/ Reid / Birch

Obviously Orlando does this. I just don’t know if Minny says yes.

I suspect we need to focus on the #4-8 picks for a more realistic AG trade partner. There is still a very real chance Hayes is available at every one of those spots.

Yeah there are a couple trade partners. Minnesota is the obvious choice because they need more developed players and Orlando needs offense and assets.

I have a feeling Philly is about to blow things up and Minny might therefore have better options for that #1 pick than AG.

So we may have to focus on lower picks which is okay if Hayes is our prize as he is projected anywhere from #4-10 right now with Edwards, Wiseman and Ball seemingly holding the top 3 on all boards.

[Knightro]

I low key think Cleveland would be interested in trading their 5th pick for a win now piece or a couple of win now pieces rather than adding another rookie.

I get the vibes Dan Gilbert is already growing tired of their rebuild and now that he's taken Rocket Mortgage public and added about 40 billion dollars to his bank account, he may be looking to try and use his financial muscle to buy his way back into the East Playoffs.

[Skybox]

I listened to Vecenie podcast today featuring John Hollinger. They mentioned Gordon to gsw or minnesota as quite propable. #1 + James Johnson for Gordon + #15 + ?. They said it would be more beneficial to us (obviously) but wolves need to bring some defense or KAT could become disgruntled. So unlucky that they didnt fall to 4-5.

Are you saying it’s not as likely to give up #1 as 4 or 5 would have been? (I would agree if so). Maybe we add a future 1st and they add Culver...still could work out well for MIN to add AG next to Kat, get a nice 3&D at 15 and hope Beasley continues his hot streak...just tough to give up a #1 (from a PR sense- none are sure things)

I’m not even sure who to grab at 1...I guess Edwards but he makes me nervous.

No way we'd get Edwards and Culver. A future first for Culver?

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I was suggesting:
ORL sends...Aaron Gordon, 2020 frp (#15) and 2022 frp (can you just trade the draftee after picking him and THEN next year's pick?)
MIN sends...James Johnson, Culver, and 2020 frp (#1)

this is assuming they are disappointed with Culver and want a re-try frp. If Culver outweighs the pick then it makes it even worse

[J-Mezzy]

Donovan Mitchell is doing some great things as a mid round pick. Maybe we get lucky like that

[Skybox]

Are you saying it’s not as likely to give up #1 as 4 or 5 would have been? (I would agree if so). Maybe we add a future 1st and they add Culver...still could work out well for MIN to add AG next to Kat, get a nice 3&D at 15 and hope Beasley continues his hot streak...just tough to give up a #1 (from a PR sense- none are sure things)

I’m not even sure who to grab at 1...I guess Edwards but he makes me nervous.

No way we'd get Edwards and Culver. A future first for Culver?

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

I was suggesting:
ORL sends...Aaron Gordon, 2020 frp (#15) and 2022 frp (can you just trade the draftee after picking him and THEN next year's pick?)
MIN sends...James Johnson, Culver, and 2020 frp (#1)

this is assuming they are disappointed with Culver and want a re-try frp. If Culver outweighs the pick then it makes it even worse

The more I think about it, I'd almost rather get the 3rd or 4th for Killian than first for Edwards...assuming less trade capital required. I've really got doubts about Edwards, no interest in Wiseman, and scared to death of Ball. I fully expect to be wrong about at least one but...I don't know which