Wilbur

And do what? Bless the former Gator's heart, but if he doesn't have the ball in his hands, he loses tremendous value. There is a reason why he and Tre Mann couldn't coexist on the court. Both NEEEEEEEED the ball in their hands to be effective.

By deciding his inability to get to the rim consistently will prevent him from ever being a dominant NBA player. We could pass on Chet because his physique suggests his ability to defend in the post could be problematic OR we pass on Paolo because his defense and ball dominance don't fit our style OR we pass on Ivey because his size and ball dominance are duplicative of Markell and Jalen. I wish there was a clear cut #1. Oh well.

I find that very interesting in the following ways: 1. We have confirmation Sharpe is playing in 3 on 3 workouts. That doesn't say he is hiding himself. 2. He couldn't separate himself from Muthrin and Dyson. Doesn't say he was outplayed by them. Those two are top half of the lottery projected guys and have played competitive games. If Sharpe is holding his own in that 3 on 3 competitive workout, that should be answering some questions about the impact of the layoff on his game. 3. Who leaks the outcome of his workout with Detroit? Is it the organization? Is it the other players? Is it Sharpe's camp? All three would seem to have a reason to leak this kind of statement, but the first seems the most likely. And if they are leaking that these three are all similar, it is likely a smoke screen. Glad Sharpe is coming to Orlando for a workout and I hope they will do a similar competitive 3 on 3.

“Most of the questions that teams got is how will I come out and play,” Sharpe said. “I’ve haven’t played in about a year, but for me I feel like that’s really not any big deal because as a basketball player once you start playing and getting back into the flow, it (doesn’t) really matter. Just keep playing.” -Shaedon Sharpe Read more at: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/charlotte-hornets/article262393812.html#storylink=cpy I know the one on one tape can be deceiving. I know that. In this draft... If I ask myself "with the clock ticking down and a shot at the tie or win who do I want with the ball in his hands?" it is pretty easily Sharpe followed by Ivey and Paolo.

I agree with the premise. The problem is you have to have one of those clubs at 2-6 think they will get way more value at #1 in order to make that move. If we have to stay at #1, Chet's probably my guy based upon some version of Dirk with exceptional rim protection. Pairing him with Carter, (a healthy) JI and Okeke gives us a pretty good 4 man big rotation. If 2-6 are willing to make the trade, I want Shaedon.

If you haven't left yet...

I think it is becoming pretty clear at #1. If you go safe you get Smith and have a 3 and D guy as a floor that should play a decade plus even if he is never a star. If you want a potential superstar you go Chet and understand you may end up with a guy that is out of the league in 3 years (injury or inability to defend in the post). I still believe Sharpe is the biggest upside in the draft and best fit for our roster, but he isn't going #1. I see the best hope as Houston wanting Smith/Chet to pair with Wood and trading 3 and 17. The Magic might be able to convince Charlotte to part with 13 for 17 plus an asset of some sort if Mark Williams or Jalen Duren are still around.

I question his ability to play off ball. If you put the ball in his hands, you take away what Fultz and Suggs do best. Are you better with someone who can play off ball and keep developing Fultz/Suggs or take Paolo and make Fultz/Suggs less effective?

For me Sharpe's allure is his ability to play without dominating the ball. When you have Suggs and Fultz to handle the rock, I'd rather take a swing on the guy that doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective. That's why I don't see Paolo as a great fit either. Watching Sharpe highlights, his basketball IQ allows him to move without the ball in a way that gets him open looks. That's the skill that might be the most exciting to me. I don't see that in Ivey.

Who's the win now help Orlando has to offer that Sac will want for 4? Would love to take Sharpe 1 and then take the last of the big three still on the board. If someone shockingly goes Ivey you get your pick from 2 of the 3.

I thought we covered why he didn't play. Wasn't the explanation as follows: 1. He plays in Canada and wasn't a top 10 recruit until he hit the summer circuit and dominated. 2. His advisors apparently misunderstood his high school eligibility in Canada. My guess is they were caught a bit flat footed when he blew up over the summer. 3. When they find out Canada considers him to be in a 5th year and won't be eligible for playoffs they call UK and ask if he can come early. Why not he's graduated and needs better competition to develop. 4. Cal says he has a scholarship, but is worried about promises he has made to his current freshmen. Cal tries to resolve both issues by saying you can come but you won't play. Sharpe agrees to come and practice. 5. Sharpe's team and Cal agree he will only practice. Cal protects his current crop of freshmen and Sharpe's team can start hyping him for the NBA lottery a year earlier than they expected. If it doesn't work they come back to UK and play a year per the original plan. 6. UK has injuries and fans decide they'd rather play Sharpe than the remaining guys on the bench even if Cal might have promised them playing time. 7. Whether it was Cal or Sharpe's team, someone said there was a commitment to not playing and we aren't going to alter the commitment. Cal releases a statement saying after talking to Sharpe's parents, Sharpe will not play. https://www.zagsblog.com/2022/05/19/kentuckys-tyty-washington-says-shaedon-sharpe-made-a-business-decision-not-to-play-this-season-for-wildcats/ Kentucky guard TyTy Washington said Shaedon Sharpe made a “business” decision not to play for Kentucky this season and that he respects it. But he also believes the 6-foot-6 Sharpe was “frustrated” that he didn’t play and could’ve helped the Wildcats. “Any kid that plays basketball, wants to play. Nobody wants to just sit around and practice every day and then go to the games and watch his teammates play. Nobody wants to go through all that bumping and grinding, lifting, all that heavy stuff and not play. So I’m pretty sure in the back of his mind, he really wanted to play. I know if that was me in that situation, I would’ve wanted to play.” https://www.on3.com/teams/kentucky-wildcats/news/shaedon-sharpe-has-stepped-on-the-gas-in-practice-teammates-want-him-to-play/ “He does something, they all kind of look at me like, ‘Come on now. That’s who he is, put him in,'” Calipari said. “But you got to make sure you’re looking after him.” “What does he do? He scores the ball,” Calipari said. This is the thing about discussing Sharpe. The discussion is never about his ability to play the game. It is about where he played (or didn't play) the game. I guess I understand it because the others at the top of the draft all played college ball, but each of those three get their games disected and their weaknesses discussed. With Sharpe, it seems to come down to what's between his ears.

I don't see wing in Smith's game at all currently. I see high post/low post and catch and shoot 3. Horford is 35 now, but go back and look at him with the Hawks.

I am a huge Horford fan. Horford is one of those glue guy's with a huge basketball IQ that makes the right play consistently and makes those around him better. Smith could develop into a two way player with three level scoring and the ability to create, but I didn't get from the video above that he has a scorer's mentality (think KD/Carmello). Thus, I see his ceiling as more likely a Horford type good defender with good offensive game that is a great compliment to his teammates. If Fultz or Wagner were #1 type scorers, Smith is probably a no-brainer Pick #1. But the Magic already have a number of really good young players that look like they might develop into good supporting cast members. Do they use Pick #1 on a player that is likely another supporting cast member? I don't agree with the logic behind the position the Magic can't use Pick #1 on a high upside low floor guy for fear of failure. First, when you look at draft history, so many great players weren't #1 picks. Clearly, when there isn't a Shaq, Duncan or Lebron, taking the safe pick doesn't always pay off. How many teams wish they had taken the gamble on Giannis? He clearly had the greatest upside, but his floor was so low. The Cavs and Washington get ripped for taking huge upside low floor guys at #1 that didn't pay off, but Portland gets a pass for taking Oden over KD. Why? I seem to recall the consensus at the time being KD had higher upside, but he couldn't lift his bodyweight and Oden was more guaranteed. Injury had other plans. Second, the Magic have used picks in the 5-10 range to accumulated a pretty promising supporting cast. Maybe one of them will continue to develop into a star, but can they rely on it? Having Pick #1 means the Magic won't be in the situation they've found themselves in many times before where they are rumored to really want a player that goes a spot or two ahead of them. They get whoever they want. Shouldn't they want the guy that has the highest upside and forget about the floor? If Pick #1 turns into Kwame Brown 2.0, the rebuild based upon this current collection of talent in Orlando isn't going to look drastically different than if you get another good supporting cast member. However, if Pick #1 is the guy that develops into a star, there is a sea change in the Orlando rebuild. Isn't the upside worth the risk? I'm enjoying the debate on here as to the player with the most star potential. I just think if Weltham decides Sharpe isn't the the player with the greatest chance of being a star, he needs to have a better reason than "There's no video of him playing in college."

If I understand correctly they say Brad Beal is "mediocre" so I'm questioning the methodology that seems to put a wet blanket on the percentages of obtaining a great player.

I look at that Smith video and I see Al Horford with potentially a better shot (Horford is 36% from 3 for his career). Am I wrong? Assuming I'm not, that's a really valuable player. Then again, Horford (a 5 time All-Star) is in year 15 and just now made the finals. Do you pass up that player at #1?

I wouldn't wish the Bullets/Wizards on anyone. How many promising careers have gone there to die? I keep hoping Beal will get out before the curse catches up to him.

Majority of Magic Fans on Paolo- Don't overthink it. We just got out of a long-term relationship with a ball dominant big that played no defense and couldn't get us out of the First Round. Chet/Jabari Fans on Sharpe - Don't overthink it. Don't talk to me about potential. He didn't even play college ball. All we have to look at are self-selected highlights of him playing in a senior citizens rec league at the local YMCA. UK Fans on Sharpe - Don't overthink it. He ruined two of our seasons without every playing a game. You should ignore his talent because he treated us "like a blanket from the convenience store." (I'm sorry. I may be the only one that finds that to be pure comedic gold. I get that Kentucky can be colder than Florida, but come on. "Hey honey. I'm running down to the convenience store for a 12 pack and smokes." "Don't forget the blanket?")

I'd prefer he continue to refuse public workouts. Why advertise for other teams? When he gets to Orlando, I'd want to see him work individually against Franz and Suggs. See if Fultz or Cole are willing to run with Sharpe in a 2 on 2. For good measure get Carter and JI/Okeke involved to see if his controlled pace lends itself to PNR action in 3 on 3. That's a much better Guage than pitting him against other prospects. What excites me about Sharpe more than some other options is his reputed basketball IQ. You talk about needing to see that alpha quality. High basketball IQ coupled with his skill talents almost require he will develop that alpha quality as he matures and realizes how dominant he can be at the NBA level.

You can buy blankets at convenience stores in Kentucky? Why?

I think the fact there is no consensus actually makes it more likely you could see a trade at #1. For example, Weltman may decide he has absolutely no real preference between 3 players. Houston decides it has to have Holmgren/Smith to team with Green and Wood. Weltman knows he gets one of his guys at 3. Why not pick up an asset? When you have only one guy is when you need to pick #1. How many times during the previous era did we hear about the guy we had locked in on only to see them go a pick or two before the Magic drafted. On Penny: “I thought it was the greatest trade in history,” said Danny Ainge. “I thought Penny Hardaway was the best player coming out of college that year. Straight up, I thought it was a pretty good trade, and still do. And three No. 1 picks? C’mon.” Two of the three picks were dealt by the Magic so we typically don't think about how lopsided the trade became because the Magic didn't maximize the value. The three actual picks: Todd Fuller (#11 in 96), Vince Carter (#5 in 98) & Mike Miller (#5 in 00). It was simply a ridiculous trade for a guy that was completely dominate at the college level. A PG with 1.3 blocks per game? Seriously.

Agreed. But I think given JI has been out for 2 years, you are probably looking at having to give up Wendell Carter, Jr. (plus other assets). Weltman on Carter: "This is a guy, who everything that he does is about winning – on the court, off the court. Tremendous young guy. Just turned 23. His future is entirely in front of him and all that he does is lift his teammates up, on the court (and) off the court.” That was after having said Carter established himself as a top 10 center in the NBA There is a pretty good argument to be made that pairing 23 year old Carter with Sabonis and Fox is a better path for the Kings than taking yet another lottery ticket at 4. I think the better question is whether it is better for the Magic. I guess Weltman is in the best position to determine if JI, Mo and/or Bol make Carter a sell high candidate. Even if Weltman and the Kings were willing to pull the trigger, if Sharpe has impressed the Magic so much they'd be willing to deal Carter +, you'd have to worry about Houston at 3 deciding to do a deal with Detroit at 5. Sharpe looks like a really great fit next to Cade Cunningham. Sharpe refusing media appearance in Detroit? So what? If he refuses to work out, that's a story. Houston will be watching Ivey. If Ivey and Sharpe both find their way into the top 5, Houston lucks into a big from the "Big 3" plus additional assets. I just don't see Sharpe in Orlando unless it involves the #1 pick in some fashion.

Won't Cleveland tell you it worked out for us almost exactly the way it worked out for everyone else in the top 10 in that draft? 9 years later Oladipo is the only all-star and he had already moved on from us when that happened. 2022 NBA Draft Combine Measurements: 6’4.25” barefoot, 6’5.25” in shoes, 8’7.5” standing reach, 198 lbs, 6’11.5” wingspan. Those metrics are pretty good for a SG. Does anyone on here really doubt Sharpe has the following attributes: range on his jump shot and really good hops allowing him to finish at the rim?

Measured: 6’4.25” barefoot, 6’5.25” in shoes, 8’7.5” standing reach, 198 lbs, 6’11.5” wingspan at the 2022 NBA Draft Combine … According to NBAdraft.net: Big, strong hands give him excellent control of the ball. Certainly has NBA range on his jumper that he showed during the EYBL tournament … Can seal off in the low-post and has a scoring arsenal with his back turned as well in the high post … One of the highest upside players available for this year’s draft … Coach Calipari gave him the stamp of approval saying Sharpe would be the (2023) number one pick if he were to return to Kentucky next season. Think about it this way. When we look at Chet we say can he ever put on enough weight. When we talk about Jabari we ask if he is a good enough athlete to be more than a spot up shooter. Those discussions are about whether the player has the physical ability to be great. I don't perceive that to be the discussion we have with Sharpe. With Sharpe it is about why he didn't play college ball. It is about whether he has the drive to be great. It is about what his team has done. I guess I should start with this disclosure. I love watching NCAA Basketball, but I don't think it at all predicts who will be successful in the NBA. I am old enough to have watched Christian Laettner dominate college ball and be terrible as a pro. Thus, I don't care at all that I can't watch tape of him dominating college age kids. The above tells me that he has all of the attributes (metrics) you'd like to package into a SG. Size, length, weight, hands, range, high and low post moves and jump out of the gym hops. So the only question I have on Sharpe is whether he has the competitive fire. The Magic can find that out in interviews.

Bamba's problem is he is getting more expensive than the pick. On Sharpe. If I'm a scout for a team draft in the 6-10 range I'm throwing shade non stop hoping he drops. UK needs to get over it. The kid didn't think he was draft eligible. When he found out he was draft eligible and he'd likely go top 10 he decided to take the money and run. High school and AAU games, and even college games are a great predictor of NBA success. What are his metrics and what's the attitude? Sharpe's metrics are freakish. That's not in dispute. The Magic should basically have scouts living with him the next few weeks. He says he wants to be #1, prove it. Prove you've got the drive.

My best guess would be when draft night comes and the #1 pick is announced... whoever that ends up being... no one should assume we are keeping the player drafted until the 5th or 6th pick has been announced. I had more fun watching Penny and T-Mac than I did Lewis, Dwight, Vuc, Ryan Anderson, etc. So if Sharpe truly has as high a ceiling as anyone in this draft, I want him above everyone else. Ask Houston if they liked passing on MJ even though they got Hakeem.