Hoping For “Magic” in the Draft
So the draft is this Thursday? I hate to say it, but I’m not that thrilled. I’ll watch it regardless, because basketball is basketball, and there is always hope. Plus, there is usually a surprise or two which can make the first round interesting.
As for the Orlando Magic, I’d like to see them “make a splash”, unfortunately I’m just expecting one (pick) and done.
I know I’m just being pessimistic based on the past. And there’s the fact that I’m not overly confident in our scouting, especially as it relates to having the No. 22 selection.
But like I said, there is always hope. My hope isn’t that the Magic draft a shooting guard, point guard, small forward, power forward, or center. At No. 22, my hope is that the Magic draft a guy who can come in, play, and contribute. Who might be that player?
So far the most common names mentioned have been Chris Douglas-Roberts, Courtney Lee, and Brandon Rush.
Otis Smith is rumored to be a big fan of Rush. But unless Orlando trades up, this will never happen, as he’s projected to be long gone before #22.
Courtney Lee on the other hand could be around, and would be a nice fit for the Magic. However, some have him going as early as #17, but if he is still available, I expect the Magic to pick him.
Lastly, there is Chris Douglas-Roberts. He’s expected to be available, mainly because he hasn’t looked great in his workouts. I wouldn’t pass judgment on him based on his workouts though; he has a solid inside-outside game.
Other notable mentions:
Joey Dorsey, Robin Lopez, Darrell Arthur, Jason Thompson, Marreese Speights, JJ Hickson, and Mario Chalmers
After mentioning all of those names, I wouldn’t be shocked if none of their names were called when Orlando is picking. There have been too many times throughout the years where I’ve been left saying “who”? You know, David Stern calls the players name, and you can just hear in the commentators voice and tell that they are scrambling to find out who in the hell was just drafted. The good news is most of those picks seemed to happen when John Gabriel was in charge. And despite the bitter to no results of from Fran Vasquez and J.J. Redick, I think Otis, David, and Stan will pick somebody who will help this team.
In the end, I have no illusions or wild expectations for this pick. I don’t expect the guy to come in and start. I just hope the pick is a guy who can come in and contribute.
For a detailed breakdown of Orlando’s likely 1st round candidates, check out Brendan Sonnone’s article: Orlando first-round preview.
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2 Responses to “Hoping For “Magic” in the Draft”
June 24th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
This pick could go a lot of ways, But I believe that Orlando is in a good position here, despite history.
I think Otis and Stan will get a good guy here, especially with Stan’s knowledge and input. They might have to swing something to trade up a little, maybe J.J? A trade into the second round is likely too, and it also is a good place to be picking.
June 24th, 2008 at 8:09 pm
I saw your last comment about e-mailing you a little too late. But it worked out because Jon helped me get back on here.
Speaking of Jon, he was dropping some “dope lyrics” making fun of Shaq and his recent free style rap about Kobe. You should read them if you haven’t already, it’s a good laugh.
I am more optimistic than normal with this draft. The main reason for that is that I believe in Stan Van Gundy. He will be right there with Otis and David in the war room. And I’m positive Stan will speak his mind to Otis in regards to what kind of guy he’ll play, and what kind he won’t.
As for what they’ll do. I would like to see them move up. If not, I still think they can get a decent player who isn’t a total stiff at 22. But what I’d really like to see, is them make a simple move to get a 2nd round pick and possibly land a guy like Joey Dorsey there.
As for Redick, he is definitely expendable, but Otis won’t just give him away. The thing that has sucked for Redick has been that he is the type of player that should excel with Howard and in this system. The problems have been the other players. Namely, that we play “small”, or with two small forwards, and our point guards have been small and average defenders at best. In turn, Redick has been the odd man out.
But he could find a position really quick. If Battie comes back healthy, and we pick up a solid perimeter defender, then Redick could find a spot in the rotation off the bench. Maybe starting out with a bench something like this:
Mario Chalmers
J.J. Redick
Tony Battie
With our roster, especially Nelson, Redick will never be able to start. But I could see him having a role off the bench. He just needs to be out there with some solid defenders, which is something we lack.
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