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lw32 · 05-01-2005, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobojoe

You're probably right about Taft being gone by the time the Magic pick, but he's not overrated at all in my opinion. I'd definitely prefer him over a guy like Splitter who I've never seen play and who pulled out of the draft last year because he got exposed in pre-draft workouts. If Taft's available the Magic need to take him.

I don't see the infatuation with Taft, sure he's an athletic freak with a great NBA-ready body but I don't see that killer instinct in him, at least not while he was at Pittsburg. I do believe he'll be gone before we pick, if we do pick at #11 like predicted.
As the team stands now, I'd definitely be looking at a 2-guard in the draft, or the best player available at the time. If there is a talent we can't pass on at 11, then we should draft him, unless he really would not mesh with Howard. As it is, I'd say that the PF/C position (only one of them, depending where we put Howard) is the only place where we do not need to improve. We should be building to make a run with Howard in 3 years, so we might need to look at a replacement at the SF position too (if Hedo can't successfully improve to fill Hill's shoes). I'd be looking at Gerald Green (very unlikely he is around), Martell Webster and Antoine Wright to fill a position. I think we should look at Blatche as well, mind you I've only seen a few tapes of him which were mostly All-Star events, if he can translate into an NBA center, or a sidekick up front for Howard. I do think they would gell well together. This draft is deep at the point position, but there is no need to draft another point unless Weisbrod is sure that Francis will be sent packing this summer, and we won't be receiving a point in return. If this is the case, Deron, Paul and Felton should be gone before we pick leaving us Jack. Honestly, I think there are more talented players to be had at the 11th pick that would fill a need for us.
As for our 2nd round picks, if we keep them and don't trade for a first, I'd go with 1 unknown, and 2 college stars. In recent drafts the successful college players have really been over-looked, and I believe the same will be the case this year. Some names that could be around when we pick are Jawad Williams, Salim Stoudamire, and Julius Hodge.
This draft will be interesting for us because of the amount of picks we have, and this could give us the ability to move up from 11, or acquire another 1st rounder for some 2nd rounders possibly and cash.

hobojoe · 05-01-2005, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lachlanwood32

I don't see the infatuation with Taft, sure he's an athletic freak with a great NBA-ready body but I don't see that killer instinct in him, at least not while he was at Pittsburg. I do believe he'll be gone before we pick, if we do pick at #11 like predicted.

I agree that we likely won't be able to get him because he'll be gone, but I don't think it's very telling to judge somebody by their killer instinct, or basically by the emotion they display on the court. Does LeBron James appear to have the "killer instinct"? In my opinion no. How about guys like Chris Bosh, Shawn Marion or Elton Brand? You can be a very good player without having what you call the killer instinct, or without being an emotional player.

Quote:

As the team stands now, I'd definitely be looking at a 2-guard in the draft, or the best player available at the time. If there is a talent we can't pass on at 11, then we should draft him, unless he really would not mesh with Howard. As it is, I'd say that the PF/C position (only one of them, depending where we put Howard) is the only place where we do not need to improve. We should be building to make a run with Howard in 3 years, so we might need to look at a replacement at the SF position too (if Hedo can't successfully improve to fill Hill's shoes). I'd be looking at Gerald Green (very unlikely he is around), Martell Webster and Antoine Wright to fill a position. I think we should look at Blatche as well, mind you I've only seen a few tapes of him which were mostly All-Star events, if he can translate into an NBA center, or a sidekick up front for Howard. I do think they would gell well together. This draft is deep at the point position, but there is no need to draft another point unless Weisbrod is sure that Francis will be sent packing this summer, and we won't be receiving a point in return. If this is the case, Deron, Paul and Felton should be gone before we pick leaving us Jack. Honestly, I think there are more talented players to be had at the 11th pick that would fill a need for us.

I agree that our first priority should be SG with out first pick, but the problem with that is Green is in my opinion the only player worthy of the 11th pick and he'll be gone by then. Again, I don't know very much about Antoine Wright, but I'd rather fill another need, even if it's not an immediate need than to reach for a SG that probably won't end up as our SG of the future anyway. Martell Webster could be the only other SG I wouldn't mind taking at 11, but I'm going to have to see how he works out and watch video clips of him before I can make that judgment. As for Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Raymond Felton, Jarret Jack, etc. -- I'll pass. Like you said, Williams Paul and Felton will be gone (likely), and Jack flat out isn't worth the 11th pick. Not only that, but I'd be willing to be that Jameer Nelson has a better career than him, and we already have Nelson and know what he is capable of giving the team right now. He's a lot more proven then any of the PG's in the draft we could pick up. As far I'm concerned, Nelson is the PG of the future and we shouldn't draft a PG with our 1st Rounder even if it's a done deal that Francis is gone and a PG isn't coming our way.

Quote:

As for our 2nd round picks, if we keep them and don't trade for a first, I'd go with 1 unknown, and 2 college stars. In recent drafts the successful college players have really been over-looked, and I believe the same will be the case this year. Some names that could be around when we pick are Jawad Williams, Salim Stoudamire, and Julius Hodge.
This draft will be interesting for us because of the amount of picks we have, and this could give us the ability to move up from 11, or acquire another 1st rounder for some 2nd rounders possibly and cash.

I think we're only going to end up with 2 2nd Rounders this year, DraftCity and NBAdraft.net both have Utah picking #34 now instead of the Magic for whatever reason. I thought the Magic could choose when to take that 2nd Rounder from the Jazz that was acquired in the Giricek/Stevenson trade, but I could be wrong. Anyhow, I think it's imperative that the Magic take at least one proven college stud that we know can make the team and contribute. My first choice is Salim Stoudamire, but guys like Julius Hodge, David Lee, Luther Head, Ryan Gomes or Nate Robinson would be good as well. I'd like to take a risk on a foreigner or a high schooler with the other pick, but this time actually keep them (cough Anderson Varejao cough

). A guy like Monta Ellis, Marcelo Huertas, Uros Slokar or Shawne Williams would be nice.

hobojoe · 05-10-2005, 01:09 PM

Originally projected to be a Top 3 or Top 5 pick, Martynas Andriuskevicius is being picked at #11 by the Magic in DraftCity's most recent mock. What do you guys think of picking him, a guy who most likely won't be able to help right away but could be great down the line?

DraftCity Profile

hobojoe · 05-25-2005, 03:33 PM

The Draft Lottery was yesterday, and we're now set in at the #11 pick. The popular names being thrown around for us seem to be Martell Webster and Antoine Wright among others. Now that the order is setm who do you see us getting?

ec23456 · 05-31-2005, 02:54 PM

I agree with JNice we need a Small Forward because next year we will not have hedo to cover Grants back so we need to bring someone in who can be effective NOW! ec23456

hobojoe · 05-31-2005, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ec23456

I agree with JNice we need a Small Forward because next year we will not have hedo to cover Grants back so we need to bring someone in who can be effective NOW! ec23456

We will not have Hedo to cover Grant's back? Explain.

lw32 · 06-01-2005, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobojoe

The Draft Lottery was yesterday, and we're now set in at the #11 pick. The popular names being thrown around for us seem to be Martell Webster and Antoine Wright among others. Now that the order is setm who do you see us getting?

We need to plan to take one of the two obvious pathes. Of course, everyone is saying this, but we either need to put our 11th pick towards a center (Splitter or Petro) or a wing player (Wright, Granger, Graham or Webster). At the moment it's difficult to project who will be available when we pick, but at least 2 of the mentioned players should still be on the board. It's difficult to assess who is the best player available for the Magic until some word comes out on personal workouts. Whichever position we go with in the 1st round, we should go for the opposite in the 2nd unless there is an unforeseen circumstance (such as a player dropping).
I've seen people suggesting May and Warrick at #11, but I believe that we can draft a player who could potentially have a much larger role for our team. Both are good players, no doubt, and successful college stars but if the Magic want to take the next step, I believe we need to find something special to partner with Howard for the future.
Personally, I would pounce on Wright or Splitter if available at 11. If not, I'd look at Graham or Granger as both are solid defenders at the wing position, something which we need. Stevenson did play well for us, but unless he improves drastically I could never see him playing for a challenging team, which means eventually he will have to be replaced. Wright would be the favorite choice here, as he has college experience and can really shoot the rock. I don't believe that Francis can move to the 2 and we can be successful. Webster also would be a decent pick, as he fills the same type of role as Wright, just with less athleticism.
With the 11th pick the Magic should go with: Splitter or Wright depending on our approach, and if they are both available. If not, as it stands now, I would draft Graham, Granger, Webster and then Petro in that order.
As for our 2nd rounders, I would throw the first one towards either a HS guard (such as Ellis or Williams) or a college star (I'd personally take Hodge). With the 2nd pick, a college senior such as Jawad Williams would fit a role perfectly, as would Hodge if still available. If we were to trade up into the 20's, I would take a look at Rudy Fernandez as a 2 and definitely draft Splitter with the 11th. I know 2 Euro's would not be a popular route, and the Magic are looking for "popularity" with our current arena-situation, but in the future it could be key to our success. Euro's, I feel, are starting to be overlooked because of a lack of immediate success (or any success at all) out of recent picks Skitta and Darko just to name a few.
As it stands now, this is who I'd be looking at if I was in charge.

hobojoe · 06-01-2005, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lachlanwood32

We need to plan to take one of the two obvious pathes. Of course, everyone is saying this, but we either need to put our 11th pick towards a center (Splitter or Petro) or a wing player (Wright, Granger, Graham or Webster). At the moment it's difficult to project who will be available when we pick, but at least 2 of the mentioned players should still be on the board. It's difficult to assess who is the best player available for the Magic until some word comes out on personal workouts. Whichever position we go with in the 1st round, we should go for the opposite in the 2nd unless there is an unforeseen circumstance (such as a player dropping).
I've seen people suggesting May and Warrick at #11, but I believe that we can draft a player who could potentially have a much larger role for our team. Both are good players, no doubt, and successful college stars but if the Magic want to take the next step, I believe we need to find something special to partner with Howard for the future.
Personally, I would pounce on Wright or Splitter if available at 11. If not, I'd look at Graham or Granger as both are solid defenders at the wing position, something which we need. Stevenson did play well for us, but unless he improves drastically I could never see him playing for a challenging team, which means eventually he will have to be replaced. Wright would be the favorite choice here, as he has college experience and can really shoot the rock. I don't believe that Francis can move to the 2 and we can be successful. Webster also would be a decent pick, as he fills the same type of role as Wright, just with less athleticism.
With the 11th pick the Magic should go with: Splitter or Wright depending on our approach, and if they are both available. If not, as it stands now, I would draft Graham, Granger, Webster and then Petro in that order.
As for our 2nd rounders, I would throw the first one towards either a HS guard (such as Ellis or Williams) or a college star (I'd personally take Hodge). With the 2nd pick, a college senior such as Jawad Williams would fit a role perfectly, as would Hodge if still available. If we were to trade up into the 20's, I would take a look at Rudy Fernandez as a 2 and definitely draft Splitter with the 11th. I know 2 Euro's would not be a popular route, and the Magic are looking for "popularity" with our current arena-situation, but in the future it could be key to our success. Euro's, I feel, are starting to be overlooked because of a lack of immediate success (or any success at all) out of recent picks Skitta and Darko just to name a few.
As it stands now, this is who I'd be looking at if I was in charge.

Good post Lachlanwood. I definitely agree that Splitter and Wright should be our Top 2 choices. If by some miracle they were both still available when we picked, I'm undecided who I'd take. We need to know how they work out and what they measure at officially in Chicago (particularly Splitter).

I think it's the consensus that with out two 2nd rounders we should take a college star without a whole lot of potential which will make him fall to the 2nd round, and one risk either with a high schooler or an international player. My personal preferences (which could change depending on what route we take with the 11 pick) would be Salim Stoudamire or Julius Hodge and Monta Ellis, Marcelo Huertas or Uros Slokar. I wouldn't mind Ryan Gomes, David Lee (if available), or Brandon Bass.

**JNice** · 06-03-2005, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobojoe

Good post Lachlanwood. I definitely agree that Splitter and Wright should be our Top 2 choices. If by some miracle they were both still available when we picked, I'm undecided who I'd take. We need to know how they work out and what they measure at officially in Chicago (particularly Splitter).

I think it's the consensus that with out two 2nd rounders we should take a college star without a whole lot of potential which will make him fall to the 2nd round, and one risk either with a high schooler or an international player. My personal preferences (which could change depending on what route we take with the 11 pick) would be Salim Stoudamire or Julius Hodge and Monta Ellis, Marcelo Huertas or Uros Slokar. I wouldn't mind Ryan Gomes, David Lee (if available), or Brandon Bass.

Well, sounds like Antoine Wright is on the rise and Splitter might be dropping out. So there goes those top 2 choices.

hobojoe · 06-04-2005, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JNice

Well, sounds like Antoine Wright is on the rise and Splitter might be dropping out. So there goes those top 2 choices.

Unfortunately, yeah. Wright looks to be the undisputed 2nd best swingman behind Gerald Green right now, and Splitter dropping out hurts our chances of getting Wright even more. There's a very good chance Wright goes to Toronto in my opinion, seems like he'd be a good fit there.

Without having ever seen Petro or Vazquez play, between the two I'd rather choose Petro because he's 3 years younger and is also taller and about 30 lbs. heavier than Vazquez. If they're close in terms of talent and potential, you've gotta go with the younger/bigger guy and hope you can develop him.

Another guy we haven't really discussed, but probably is in the mix here for the Magic is Ike Diogu. The problem with him is that he's undersized at 6'8'' but he's an extremely skilled player who may be the most ready to contribute big man in the draft outside of Bogut. Supposedly he dominated Chris Taft in a workout recently. He will probably be available when the Magic pick at 11, so he seems to be a viable option to put at PF and move Dwight to C for the future.

orlmagicmnvikings · 06-15-2005, 08:05 PM

How Does Everyone Feel About Hakim Warrick From Syracuse??

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