Big mystery in how the draft will unfold from 4-8

[Tr1boy]

Embiid, Parker, Wiggins are likely 90 percent to go in the top 3.  The only team making a suprising move but not shocking imo would be the bucks choosing Exum at #2. They desperately need a pg to lead the team somewhere

But say this doesn't happen. Embiid, Parker, Wiggins go 1,2,3. Then Magic are up at 4 and not many are sure what they will do.  Magic could go with Exum to pair with Oliadipo , but they also see Afflalo a big part of their future.  He is a key vet, and a pretty darn good underrated SG to guide/lead a bunch of young players.  The team is pretty strong in all areas with Vucevic, Tobias Harris had some huge games and looks like a promising sf, Afflalo and Oliadipo (not a pure pg but did an ok job). With Andrew Nicholson failing to provide consistent production as the starting pf last year, the Magic could very well go with Randle or Gordon and start them right away at the pf spot. Especially Randle.

The Jazz are set at the C and PG positions and could really use a good SF. I think they will not pass on Aaron Gordon.   Exum or Smart are possiblities here also to play alongside Burke.

So the Celts could actually end up with Exum and make alot of fans happy.      Danny would be happy.  I don't think Exum will play right away bc he is frail as heck, but will come off the bench, and provide a nice spark.  This also puts the Celts in a position to not have to give Rondo max or the type of contract he is looking for

Saric could also be picked up at 6 if Danny thinks he is going to be a special player. This will then likely mean the end of Jeff Green as a Celtic and the team looking to add a bonafide Center/rim protector to balance out the lineup.

Thoughts?

[86MaxwellSmart]

I think Orlando WILL take Exum....but stranger things have happened before...it all comes down to these team workouts.....Maybe Exum bombs.

[Tr1boy]

I think Orlando WILL take Exum....but stranger things have happened before...it all comes down to these team workouts.....Maybe Exum bombs.

what about Afflalo and Oliadipo pairing then? Unless they think too highly of Exum and Afflalo becomes expendable

[colincb]

Embiid, Parker, Wiggins are likely 90 percent to go in the top 3.  The only team making a suprising move but not shocking imo would be the bucks choosing Exum at #2. They desperately need a pg to lead the team somewhere

But say this doesn't happen. Embiid, Parker, Wiggins go 1,2,3. Then Magic are up at 4 and not many are sure what they will do.  Magic could go with Exum to pair with Oliadipo , but they also see Afflalo a big part of their future.  He is a key vet, and a pretty darn good underrated SG to guide/lead a bunch of young players.  The team is pretty strong in all areas with Vucevic, Tobias Harris had some huge games and looks like a promising sf, Afflalo and Oliadipo (not a pure pg but did an ok job). With Andrew Nicholson failing to provide consistent production as the starting pg last year, the Magic could very well go with Randle or Gordon and start them right away at the pf spot. Especially Randle.

The Jazz are set at the C and PG positions and could really use a good SF. I think they will not pass on Aaron Gordon.   Exum or Smart are possiblities here also to play alongside Burke.

So the Celts could actually end up with Exum and make alot of fans happy.      Danny would be happy.  I don't think Exum will play right away bc he is frail as heck, but will come off the bench, and provide a nice spark.  This also puts the Celts in a position to not have to give Rondo max or the type of contract he is looking for

Saric could also be picked up at 6 if Danny thinks he is going to be a special player. This will then likely mean the end of Jeff Green as a Celtic and the team looking to add a bonafide Center/rim protector to balance out the lineup.

Thoughts?

Most draft pundits have Exum at 4.

NBA.com:"Australian point guard Dante Exum is the closest thing we have to a consensus, appearing at No. 4 on 10 of the 12 mock drafts. Exum and Victor Oladipo would make up a young backcourt the Magic could really build around."

Quick check I did off the NBA.com list and a few other sources:

NBA.com
DraftExpress (Givony)
ESPN (Ford, Goodman)
SI.com
SheridanHoops
NBADraftnet
NBA Draft Insider
NetScouts
CBSSports (all 3 analysts)
NBA Draft Room
Yahoo (Spears)
SB Nation
BleacherReport
BasketballInsider also has him at 4 if he's still there. 

According to Givony, the Magic have done more research into Exum's "background" than any other team has.

[droopdog7]

Here's the thing.  This isn't the nfl, where often very little separates guys in the draft.  They might be able to afford to draft for need yet, most will still take the best player available.

In the nba, this is pretty much the only way to go.  Exum, by some, is projected to be a star.  Gordon might be, but has lots of question marks.  Seems to be that exum is clearly the better prospect.  Oral isn't passing him up because of afflalo.  No way.

[D.o.s.]

Noel was a consensus top 4 pick last year, too.

Things aren't always so cut and dry as they appear (even if the draft probably won't offer many surprises).

[colincb]

Here's the thing.  This isn't the nfl, where often very little separates guys in the draft.  They might be able to afford to draft for need yet, most will still take the best player available.

In the nba, this is pretty much the only way to go.  Exum, by some, is projected to be a star.  Gordon might be, but has lots of question marks.  Seems to be that exum is clearly the better prospect.  Oral isn't passing him up because of afflalo.  No way.

ORL is looking for a PG to pair with Oladipo. Outside shot it's Smart in which case UTA scoops Exum. Afflalo had a breakout season, but never did much before. Per Wojo before the trade deadline:

"Orlando strongly inclined to keep Arron Afflalo past trade deadline and revisit deals around NBA Draft in June, league sources tell Yahoo."

Doesn't sound like a cornerstone to me.

[Nef-Oracle]

For me:
Cavs - Jabari
Bucks: Wiggins
Philly: Exum
Magic: Embiid
Jazz: Smart
Celtics: Aaron Gordon
Lal: Saric
Sac: Randle
Hornets: McDermott
Philly: Vonleh
Denver: Stauskas
Magic: Harris
Minny: Hood
Suns: Payne
Hawks: Cj Wilcox
Bulls: Hairston
Celtics: TJ Warren
Suns: Capela
Bulls: Payton
Raptors: McDaniels

[Celtics4ever]

I'd love to see this board reaction if the Lakers drafted Doug McD.  He'd go from favored son status to pariah in a heartbeat.

[knuckleballer]

I'd love to see this board reaction if the Lakers drafted Doug McD.  He'd go from favored son status to pariah in a heartbeat.

Absolutely, and for good reason. 

[SHAQATTACK]

Kevin Love has hi jacked the draft from the 5 pick on down .....with teams like LA and Boston chopping at the bit to get him.

The teams sitting on the top four pics have unattractive teams to land a Star....none seem like a destination for an unhappy Star looking for a better fit...and too they are desperate to cling to their top four picks .  All thinking Wiggins is the next MJ.

These picks 4-6 were cloudy enough before the KLove deal.

[BballTim]

Here's the thing.  This isn't the nfl, where often very little separates guys in the draft.  They might be able to afford to draft for need yet, most will still take the best player available.

In the nba, this is pretty much the only way to go.  Exum, by some, is projected to be a star.  Gordon might be, but has lots of question marks.  Seems to be that exum is clearly the better prospect.  Oral isn't passing him up because of afflalo.  No way.

ORL is looking for a PG to pair with Oladipo. Outside shot it's Smart in which case UTA scoops Exum. Afflalo had a breakout season, but never did much before. Per Wojo before the trade deadline:

"Orlando strongly inclined to keep Arron Afflalo past trade deadline and revisit deals around NBA Draft in June, league sources tell Yahoo."

Doesn't sound like a cornerstone to me.

  I agree.

[celticmania]

No there's no question Orlando would pick Exum. He isn't falling to 6

[Spilling Green Dye]

I agree that Exum is almost certainly going at 4, if he's still there. 

The REAL question is, who do the Jazz want at 5?  Has there been any leaks about this?  Do they go Smart, Vonleh, Gordon... other?  I honestly don't know, and it worries me because I prefer Gordon over the others that could be available there.   It seems that the proverbial "coin flip" for the #4 spot (which resulted in the #5 draft) has turned out to be a bigger deal than we had expected.

[footey]

Noel was a consensus top 4 pick last year, too.

Things aren't always so cut and dry as they appear (even if the draft probably won't offer many surprises).

ACL didn't help him.