Official 2020 NBA Draft Thread

[RookieStar]

Hey guys.. the draft is like 2-3 weeks away right?

How come there aren't news of interviews, private workouts and etc etc of the prospects? I mean I remember a few years ago we were sure DSJ was our pick because we got a 2nd workout/interview of him and there were rumors we were enamored with him.

So any scoops this time around or it isn't allowed yet so all interviews and stuff were done via skype?

[Magicfanatic82]

Hey guys.. the draft is like 2-3 weeks away right?

How come there aren't news of interviews, private workouts and etc etc of the prospects? I mean I remember a few years ago we were sure DSJ was our pick because we got a 2nd workout/interview of him and there were rumors we were enamored with him.

So any scoops this time around or it isn't allowed yet so all interviews and stuff were done via skype?

This is a strange year. Teams had limited in person workouts and without tge public combine teams have been keeping medicals and measurements confidential. Unfortunately for us real gmers the only leaks seem to be from agents of guys not projected in the 1st round.

[basketballRob]

Hey guys.. the draft is like 2-3 weeks away right?

How come there aren't news of interviews, private workouts and etc etc of the prospects? I mean I remember a few years ago we were sure DSJ was our pick because we got a 2nd workout/interview of him and there were rumors we were enamored with him.

So any scoops this time around or it isn't allowed yet so all interviews and stuff were done via skype?

We just worked out Kira Lewis.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

[Skin]

How does everybody think about RJ Hampton at 15? He could have the highest ceiling among all prospects we looking at. Quick and explosive plus good frame. He could play 1 and 2. Shooting needs work but if we want to pair someone with Fultz. I like RJ at 2.

I think he is a decent upside pick due to his frame and athleticism. I think he is a bad fit for us. He's raw. I don't know what our roster will look like next year, but he wouldn't find a spot in our rotation right now. Our guard rotation isn't good as is, so it's difficult for me to envision him carving out a substantial role on next year's team. I don't think he is someone that Clifford is going to want to play. He'd give him a specific role that would minimize his offensive touches. In two years' time, we'd be having discussions about whether or not it is worth picking up his option due to his limited opportunities to demonstrate anything.

Which is a sign of weakness on Clifford's part imo. Here's a theory...if true, then that's something that would affect any rookie coming into the league with less than 2 years out of HS. Even more Clifford would probably love a 3-4 year college player because they are further along in their development. Just like he loved Iwundu as a rookie. But is that the best thing for us long term? Probably not. That's why his teams make the playoffs, but don't do anything. Guys like Desmond Bane (22), Saddiq Bey (21) are probably right down his alley. High floor, low ceiling players... but hey, you never know until you know, so maybe the combination of trust in them and giving them a solid role make them flourish where lesser ready players get buried on the bench, but end up busts because of the lack of trust in them and having a coach too scared to lose.

[Skin]

Hey guys.. the draft is like 2-3 weeks away right?

How come there aren't news of interviews, private workouts and etc etc of the prospects? I mean I remember a few years ago we were sure DSJ was our pick because we got a 2nd workout/interview of him and there were rumors we were enamored with him.

So any scoops this time around or it isn't allowed yet so all interviews and stuff were done via skype?

We just worked out Kira Lewis.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

Terry said he had virtual interviews with every NBA team. Guess the Magic called.

[Knightro]

Not reading *too* much into it because it’s just a workout video, but Hampton’s jumper does look a lot cleaner under Mike Miller’s tutelage.

That’s a real swing skill for him. If he can develop his jumper there’s a much easier path to him becoming a starting caliber player.

[Bensational]

Terry's handles look really bad in that workout video. How much can a player like that advance their handles at his age? Not to blow a workout video out if proportion but it's a known knock if his.

Kira gas the game but interviews like Elfrid, which makes me a little nervous. But he'll be able to get where he wants on a court.

Maxey I think will be able to keep the ball alive and get into the paint and finish, but obviously needs to get the jumper consistent and add more advanced moves to compensate for his lack of first step. But his handles look advanced enough that it isn't as much of a demand as hoping Terry can get there.

[Magicfanatic82]

What about a move down and secure another asset with a Flynn, Bane, Mannion type

[Knightro]

Terry's handles look really bad in that workout video. How much can a player like that advance their handles at his age? Not to blow a workout video out if proportion but it's a known knock if his.

Kira gas the game but interviews like Elfrid, which makes me a little nervous. But he'll be able to get where he wants on a court.

Maxey I think will be able to keep the ball alive and get into the paint and finish, but obviously needs to get the jumper consistent and add more advanced moves to compensate for his lack of first step. But his handles look advanced enough that it isn't as much of a demand as hoping Terry can get there.

If Terry was a more advanced ball handler, he'd probably be a top 10 pick.

But I'm with you in the respect that I don't think ball handling is something that significantly improves a lot once you get into the NBA. To that end, I think Terry's going to end up being more of an off-ball player in the pros. A small, non-explosive, good shooting 2 guard in the Seth Curry mold.

I'm just not a big fan of Maxey. I don't see point guard skills. I see a good, but not a game-changing defender like Marcus Smart. He's a good finisher, but he's not a great athlete or ball handler so he didn't get to the rim very much. With Maxey it all comes down to how confident you are that he's going to be a shotmaker in the pros and I'm not

I like Lewis the most of the three. I think his speed and quickness with the ball is a legitimate building block for the rest of his game which is pretty promising. I also really like the fact that he has double the experience of these other guard prospects and is still the youngest of the bunch.

[Magicfanatic82]

Riller measured shorter and lighter than expected. Might be in play for us in 2nd round

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[MasterGMer]

Terry's handles look really bad in that workout video. How much can a player like that advance their handles at his age? Not to blow a workout video out if proportion but it's a known knock if his.

Kira gas the game but interviews like Elfrid, which makes me a little nervous. But he'll be able to get where he wants on a court.

Maxey I think will be able to keep the ball alive and get into the paint and finish, but obviously needs to get the jumper consistent and add more advanced moves to compensate for his lack of first step. But his handles look advanced enough that it isn't as much of a demand as hoping Terry can get there.

If Terry was a more advanced ball handler, he'd probably be a top 10 pick.

But I'm with you in the respect that I don't think ball handling is something that significantly improves a lot once you get into the NBA. To that end, I think Terry's going to end up being more of an off-ball player in the pros. A small, non-explosive, good shooting 2 guard in the Seth Curry mold.

I'm just not a big fan of Maxey. I don't see point guard skills. I see a good, but not a game-changing defender like Marcus Smart. He's a good finisher, but he's not a great athlete or ball handler so he didn't get to the rim very much. With Maxey it all comes down to how confident you are that he's going to be a shotmaker in the pros and I'm not

I like Lewis the most of the three. I think his speed and quickness with the ball is a legitimate building block for the rest of his game which is pretty promising. I also really like the fact that he has double the experience of these other guard prospects and is still the youngest of the bunch.

Not everyone we draft is gonna be a star. Some are just role players. Terry would be a perfect 2 along Fultz. And he can develop his handling in the NBA. He is only 20

[Skin]

Not reading *too* much into it because it’s just a workout video, but Hampton’s jumper does look a lot cleaner under Mike Miller’s tutelage.

That’s a real swing skill for him. If he can develop his jumper there’s a much easier path to him becoming a starting caliber player.

Agreed. He's young enough that no doubt he can improve as a shooter. I got more excited seeing him do some Zach Lavine-esque dunks! I didn't know he had that kind of explosive athleticism. He's on my short list.

[Knightro]

Now that we're officially into November and the draft is just a few weeks away, let's talk rankings...

Top 5 Players for Magic in a TRADE UP
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Killian Hayes
4. Anthony Edwards
5. Devin Vassell

Top 5 Players for the Magic at 15
1. Josh Green
2. Kira Lewis Jr.
3. RJ Hampton
4. Tyrell Terry
5. Saddiq Bey

Five Players I am HIGHER on than most (not necessarily for the Magic, but in general)
1. Xavier Tillman
2. Tre Jones
3. Malachi Flynn
4. Reggie Perry
5. Paul Reed

Five Players I am LOWER on than most
1. Obi Toppin
2. Aaron Nesmith
3. Tyrese Maxey
4. Cole Anthony
5. Jaden McDaniels

Overall Top 40
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Onyeka Okongwu
4. Killian Hayes
5. Anthony Edwards
6. Devin Vassell
7. Josh Green
8. James Wiseman
9. Aleksej Pokuševski
10. Isaac Okoro
11. Xavier Tillman
12. Kira Lewis Jr.
12. Tre Jones
13. Malachi Flynn
14. Reggie Perry
15. Jalen Smith
16. Paul Reed
17. RJ Hampton
18. Deni Avdija
19. Tyrell Terry
20. Saddiq Bey
21. Theo Maledon
22. Leandro Bolmaro
23. Devin Dotson
24. Mason Jones
26. Desmond Bane
27. Nate Hinton
28. Precious Achiuwa
29. Patrick Williams
30. Cole Anthony
31. Nico Mannion
32. Tyler Bey
33. Payton Pritchard
34. Ashton Haggins
35. Obi Toppin
36. Jahmi'us Ramsey
37. Grant Riller
38. Aaron Nesmith
39. Tyrese Maxey
40. Jaden McDaniels

I have a lot of bigs, both 4s and 5s, in my top 20 prospects. I simply cannot support pulling the trigger on any of them in a trade up or at 15 unless the Magic show a willingness to trade away Gordon or Vucevic (or both) this offseason.

[Skin]

Now that we're officially into November and the draft is just a few weeks away, let's talk rankings...

Top 5 Players for Magic in a TRADE UP
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Killian Hayes
4. Anthony Edwards
5. Devin Vassell

Top 5 Players for the Magic at 15
1. Josh Green
2. Kira Lewis Jr.
3. RJ Hampton
4. Tyrell Terry
5. Saddiq Bey

Five Players I am HIGHER on than most (not necessarily for the Magic, but in general)
1. Xavier Tillman
2. Tre Jones
3. Malachi Flynn
4. Reggie Perry
5. Paul Reed

Five Players I am LOWER on than most
1. Obi Toppin
2. Aaron Nesmith
3. Tyrese Maxey
4. Cole Anthony
5. Jaden McDaniels

Overall Top 40
1. LaMelo Ball
2. Tyrese Haliburton
3. Onyeka Okongwu
4. Killian Hayes
5. Anthony Edwards
6. Devin Vassell
7. Josh Green
8. James Wiseman
9. Aleksej Pokuševski
10. Isaac Okoro
11. Xavier Tillman
12. Kira Lewis Jr.
12. Tre Jones
13. Malachi Flynn
14. Reggie Perry
15. Jalen Smith
16. Paul Reed
17. RJ Hampton
18. Deni Avdija
19. Tyrell Terry
20. Saddiq Bey
21. Theo Maledon
22. Leandro Bolmaro
23. Devin Dotson
24. Mason Jones
26. Desmond Bane
27. Nate Hinton
28. Precious Achiuwa
29. Patrick Williams
30. Cole Anthony
31. Nico Mannion
32. Tyler Bey
33. Payton Pritchard
34. Ashton Haggins
35. Obi Toppin
36. Jahmi'us Ramsey
37. Grant Riller
38. Aaron Nesmith
39. Tyrese Maxey
40. Jaden McDaniels

I have a lot of bigs, both 4s and 5s, in my top 20 prospects. I simply cannot support pulling the trigger on any of them in a trade up or at 15 unless the Magic show a willingness to trade away Gordon or Vucevic (or both) this offseason.

What about your Top 15 Magic Board? Those are most meaningful to for us.

[Knightro]

What about your Top 15 Magic Board? Those are most meaningful to for us.

This is going to sound like a hedge, but it really depends on what the Magic are willing to do this offseason in terms of trades. They’ve been so conservative with their roster that it makes projecting *who* they should take very difficult.

For example, I think Onyeka Okongwu (my No. 3 overall prospect) is a *really* good player. As a pure prospect, I like him quite a bit more than I like someone like Kira Lewis Jr.

But I also think Okongwu is definitely going to have to play center in the NBA and the Magic already have a starting center on a 100M contract and a guy who they used the No. 6 overall pick behind him. It would be even more egregious roster malpractice to pick another center when they already have a young one blocked by a veteran he can’t share the floor with.

In three offseasons, this front office has been extremely conservative and hasn’t shown any willing to alleviate roster crunches. If the Magic are not willing to move Vucevic or Bamba (and candidly it would need to be Vucevic) then there’s just no possible way they could select Okongwu, Wiseman or any other center.

To your question...

For the Magic specifically, I’m calling this the “status quo” big board and keeping the current roster construction in mind. I’ve removed all PFs and Cs and also eliminated the players from my big board that I really like, but who at least have the chance of being available at 45 like Jones and Flynn.

MAGIC STATUS QUO BIG BOARD
1. Ball
2. Haliburton
3. Hayes
4. Edwards
5. Vassell
6. Green
7. Okoro
8. Lewis Jr.
9. Hampton
10. Avdija
11. Terry
12. Bey
13. Maledon
14. Bolmaro
15. Bane

If the Magic are willing to actually move veterans this off-season, then a lot more names would come into play for me.

[tiderulz]

What about your Top 15 Magic Board? Those are most meaningful to for us.

This is going to sound like a hedge, but it really depends on what the Magic are willing to do this offseason in terms of trades. They’ve been so conservative with their roster that it makes projecting *who* they should take very difficult.

For example, I think Onyeka Okongwu (my No. 3 overall prospect) is a *really* good player. As a pure prospect, I like him quite a bit more than I like someone like Kira Lewis Jr.

But I also think Okongwu is definitely going to have to play center in the NBA and the Magic already have a starting center on a 100M contract and a guy who they used the No. 6 overall pick behind him. It would be even more egregious roster malpractice to pick another center when they already have a young one blocked by a veteran he can’t share the floor with.

In three offseasons, this front office has been extremely conservative and hasn’t shown any willing to alleviate roster crunches. If the Magic are not willing to move Vucevic or Bamba (and candidly it would need to be Vucevic) then there’s just no possible way they could select Okongwu, Wiseman or any other center.

To your question...

For the Magic specifically, I’m calling this the “status quo” big board and keeping the current roster construction in mind. I’ve removed all PFs and Cs and also eliminated the players from my big board that I really like, but who at least have the chance of being available at 45 like Jones and Flynn.

MAGIC STATUS QUO BIG BOARD
1. Ball
2. Haliburton
3. Hayes
4. Edwards
5. Vassell
6. Green
7. Okoro
8. Lewis Jr.
9. Hampton
10. Avdija
11. Terry
12. Bey
13. Maledon
14. Bolmaro
15. Bane

If the Magic are willing to actually move veterans this off-season, then a lot more names would come into play for me.

you have Bane? he isnt even on some 2 round mock boards. 6'6 with 6'4 wingspan, do you really think the front office would consider?

[Knightro]

you have Bane? he isnt even on some 2 round mock boards. 6'6 with 6'4 wingspan, do you really think the front office would consider?

I don't think this front office would consider him strongly, no.

But these are my rankings and I think Desmond Bane is a late first round talent.

[Skybox]

I see lots of (possible/sensible) opportunity to trade way up...specifically, with GSW. If I'm them, I'm looking for win-now guys like Vuc, AG,Evan, Ross combos. But, let's not speak anymore about whether GSW should (General Trade boards for that)...

IF Edwards goes #1, would we even want Ball? I just don't see it but I'm interested to hear. Personally, I'd trade the same (our) guys for #1,2,3, 4, 5, so, if GSW is the most sensible trade partner, I wouldn't have a problem picking the guy I want...who is it? Hayes sounds great, but I don't really know enough to jump in. Haliburton and Vassell sound like nice but limited pieces? If it's not Edwards - who is it? I want nothing to do with Wiseman.

I really like #15, lots of prospects of interest. I'd give up AG or Evan to get another shot in that area (AG a little better, Evan a little later). Hopefully, we get to take a couple swings this year.

[jonbob17]

Riller measured shorter and lighter than expected. Might be in play for us in 2nd round

Read on Twitter

I wish there was only one place for this info,. Someone else had his wingspan at 6'7"
I would love it if he was there at 45.
This draft feels fairly deep, and we might find someone at 45 that sticks. I like some of the other PGs: Dotson, Winston, Jones, or Jalen Harris.

Naji Marshall has had really impressive workouts.

[Skin]

I see lots of (possible/sensible) opportunity to trade way up...specifically, with GSW. If I'm them, I'm looking for win-now guys like Vuc, AG,Evan, Ross combos. But, let's not speak anymore about whether GSW should (General Trade boards for that)...

IF Edwards goes #1, would we even want Ball? I just don't see it but I'm interested to hear. Personally, I'd trade the same (our) guys for #1,2,3, 4, 5, so, if GSW is the most sensible trade partner, I wouldn't have a problem picking the guy I want...who is it? Hayes sounds great, but I don't really know enough to jump in. Haliburton and Vassell sound like nice but limited pieces? If it's not Edwards - who is it? I want nothing to do with Wiseman.

I really like #15, lots of prospects of interest. I'd give up AG or Evan to get another shot in that area (AG a little better, Evan a little later). Hopefully, we get to take a couple swings this year.

I honestly have a very bad feeling about Ball. Feel like he's a fake basketball player with no translateable skills, and could be the bust of this draft. But I'm afraid of convincing myself of that because he might be damn good. Lol. I would not risk anything to get him though. I know that.