The Magic probably won’t stray from conventional wisdom when it comes to the top overall pick, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (hat tip to RealGM). They’ll either select Chet Holmgren or Jabari Smith Jr.
“This is the draft lottery of the power forwards and three very different players,” Wojnarowski said. “We’ll see how this shakes out, but certainly I think Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga and Jabari Smith of Auburn… I think the consensus right now is those are really the two players competing for No. 1 with the Magic.”
We have more from the Southeast Division:
- The Wizards are unlikely to trade up in the lottery, due to the high cost of doing so, but they could use the No. 10 pick to facilitate a trade for a veteran point guard, according to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington. However, they have a history of holding onto their first-rounders in recent drafts.
- With top exec Mitch Kupchak signing an extension, the Hornets‘ biggest task will be hiring a head coach who can get more out of LaMelo Ball, Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer opines. Ball must get much better on defense and cut down on his habit of committing unnecessary fouls.
- Rudy Gobert would be the kind of impact player that could lift the Hawks to new heights. What would the cost be? A package of Clint Capela, De’Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson and their first-rounder this June would be the bare minimum, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger. Utah would also likely ask for multiple future first-rounders. Hollinger and Chris Kirschner explore the Hawks’ potential trade, free agent and draft targets.
how exactly does getting Rudy help Trae in the playoffs when they just shut Trae down? that trade scenario does nothing to Atlanta to get them any further. they need another ball handler
Bogdanovic is supposed to he that guy. Trae needs a lob man, and Rudy would be an upgrade over Clint. Just playing devils advocate here
Hawks should not want Rudy Gobert. Capela does 75% of what Rudy does on D and he can actually dribble the ball more than once and score. He’s just as good at rim running at a fraction of the price. Atlanta needs a second go-to scorer.
Wizards should keep their pick (not move up) and not take a point guard.
Hawks should definitely not make that trade for Gobert. Capela is a good defender and gives you 80% of what Capela does. That extra 20% isn’t worth DeAndre Hunter, Jalen Johnson and a first round pick.
I think everyone is undervaluing DeAndre Hunter so much right. He is a solid defender and is getting better as a scorer. He just needs to avoid getting inured.
I’m all for the hawks improving by adding another star type guy but not Gobert. Here are some ideas on acquiring top talent to go with Trae.
Trade John Collins for Ben Simmons.
If not Ben, Sign and trade Zach LaVine and Patrick Williams for John Collins and Kevin Hueter.
Or lastly and who should be their number 1 option, Zion Williamson.
Trade John Collins, Kevin Hueter and 3 first round picks for Zion Williamson and DeVonte Graham.
I want bulls keep patwill.sign and trade zach for john collins
Big Men take years to develop. The league is wing-dominant. Take Smith it’s a no brainer tbh.
where’s giannis, jokic, joel, rudy, and ayton at right now?
Lol. I think the no brainer here is clearly Chet. Lots of metrics showing Jabari might not be an above average NBA player. Chet is a force. Don’t over think this one Orlando.
Chet is <90 kg soaking wet, there’s some metrics for you.
Jabari’s career arc could resemble Tatum. Chet could resemble KP. I’d take Jabari.
Gee thanks Woj. Isn’t the news there that Ivey and Banchero have slipped a bit?
Did Woj previously indicate that either Ivey or PB had a chance to #1 overall-? Anybody else have Ivey or PG in play for #1-? I know it was floated awhile ago that CH might drop from the top tier due to concerns about his physique, but, even if so (unlikely), that drop could only elevate Ivey or PB to #2 at best.
I like Ivey number 2 in this draft behind Chet.
The talk has been a top 4, not a top 2. 2 is the news. It is for Vencenie and Hollinger too, but they are behind a paywall. Woj mentioned 3 forwards in the same passage, but that is not his number either.
Actually at the time I was bothered by his naming of the two player’s colleges like he was officiating a ceremony. But he missed the lede IMO.
Theone I saw Ivey improve so I will assume that he can improve more. He’s not just a blown-up pocket rocket daring opponents to get in his way. He learned to find bail-outs like a PER-master. He does need more slickness.
Holmgren is a center. Will never be a PF. Doesn’t have any power in his game. Holmgren will need yrs to become a center. So I doubt very much Magic go anywhere near Holmgren. It’s Smith or Banchero, most likely Smith. Who will Thunder take is the question. I know Rockets are praying they take Holmgren.
Id take Mark Williams first overall, he is built like Shaq was when he played for LSU.
The top 4 picks should be…
1/ Holmgren
2/ Banchero
3/ Jovic
4/ Jabari
Teams passing on Jovic will live to regret it, mark my words!
I’m a long time Rocket’s fan and I watched Clint Capela take it Gobert big time. Dominated the hell out of him. If that’s what the Hawks front office calls improving their defense maybe the front office is the problem.
Well, that would be a pretty damn good deal for Utah, giving them multiple pieces they could use, plus assets, but how does it make amy sense for Atlanta to give up all those pieces and assets for a big? If anything Jalen Johnson should have got minutes for them against the Heat against their small ball lineups
Atlanta needs another ball handler not a center. Jones from Memphis would be good. Terrance Ross would be a good vet to get too. Capela is good enough.