Magic assistant general manager Matt Lloyd spoke with Josh Robbins of The Athletic about his team’s 2020 NBA draft planning, addressing the challenges of limited in-person player evaluations, psychological assessments, and Zoom interviews.
“We’re not allowed to bring any of the players to Orlando this year,” Lloyd noted of the Magic’s limitations this offseason. “The NBA has said that each of the teams can make the decision to go to a draft prospect or go see a draft prospect work out. We’ve been in the advantageous position of having a couple (of prospects who) were within driving distance, and we took advantage of that.”
There’s more out of the Sunshine State:
- Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald examines what the Heat might gain by trading their 2020 first round draft pick, N0. 20, either for multiple future picks or for immediate veteran help. Jackson notes that a move for future draft equity could save the Heat $3MM, which could help clear the team’s coffers ahead of a loaded 2021 free agency window.
- After playing in the NBA Finals as recently as October 11, the Heat face an action-packed November ahead of the league’s December 22 restart, according to The Miami Herald’s Anthony Chiang and Barry Jackson. The 71-day gap between seasons is the briefest in the history of the NBA, MLB, NFL, or NHL. The Heat will have to deal with six upcoming unrestricted free agents and a potential big extension for new All-Star Bam Adebayo.
- As we recently relayed, the Magic will need to assess all options for offseason roster improvement, from the draft to a litany of potential trades.
Is the 20th pick in the draft enough to get Dennis Schroeder? No players going out – just cap space + #20 for Schroeder.
Seems light, right?
Or maybe the 20th pick for Derrick Rose?
Maybe Rose, but I’m sure OKC wants a lot more than that for Schroder.
It’s a little light, but I don’t think it would take THAT much more. Maybe Kelly Olynyk + Kendrick Nunn+ 20 for Schroder + Miami’s 2021 1st rounder.
Right now, the best Miami could do in a trade for a third star is a 2025 first rounder. This would give Miami the ability to include a 2021 first in a deal for Giannis or whoever they want to try and pair with Butler and Bam.
That trade assumes Schroder is an upgrade from Nunn… but it’s an upgrade so small that it isn’t worth doing. Nunn’s stats should rise to Schroder’s level when he gets used to the longer season, and his nature is less solo than Shroder’s, good for a PG.
I think Schroder is a large upgrade from Nunn. At least in the short term. And he is much less of a gamble for a team with championship desires. You say Nunn’s stats “should” rise, but he could also be a Yogi Ferrell that comes back to Earth once the league figures him out. Which likely has already happened since Miami basically left him on the bench for the majority of the playoffs.
This is true. However Riley would be taking a risk if he doesn’t get as far; critics would say he messed with a good thing.
Obviously I don’t care for Schroder… I thought he had a terrible series vs HOU… a low PER of 12 but a remarkable +31 on/off! He is active, and he forced the 3-PG attack to get no the court.
It’s hard to take Barry Jackson seriously when his first option for the Heat is trading pick #20 in this weak draft for TWO future first round picks. It would be surprising if anyone was willing to give ONE future 1st for a pick as low as 20, but definitely no one would give 2.
I’ve floated the idea of moving the pick for 1 in the future, just based on how many roster spots may be open for the Heat this year. I can see it being moved in a deal, but depending on how the board looks, i think there should be a few interesting options for the Heat, and especially if they lose Crowder and/or derrick jones, or even potentially move Iguodala, it would make sense to draft a wing, if one is still there
Why would they want Schröder if they got Nunn and Dragon. They need a rim protector most. Or a big deal for Beal.
Herro, 20th pick, Future #1, Nunn, Olynyk, It’s a start.
If I’m Heat I get a rim protector. Resign Dragic, Crowder. For one yr contracts. And go for it again. Howard at 5.5 mill ME is worth it to me. He can end his career with Heat. He and Bam on front line is very formidable. Especially defensively.
Dragic is a free agent, so he might not be back. Especially if they are only offering a one year deal. I’ll bet he can get a multi year deal from someone. Plus you have Nunn in your theoretical deal, so would that make Schroder necessary now?