Orlando Magic's Selection of Daniel Orton Could Pay Dividends Down the Road
by Evan Dunlap on Jun 25, 2010 11:00 AM EDT
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PrintThe Orlando Magic's selection of untested freshman Kentucky center Daniel Orton, whose per-game averages of 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds won't wow anyone, with the 29th pick of the 2010 NBA Draft, must have come as a shock. Yes, the three players picked immediately prior to him also happen to be guys who attended the Magic's lone pre-draft workout on Monday, but three other workout attendees were still on the board. Yet here we are, with Orton, and not Devin Ebanks, Darington Hobson, or Andy Rautins, set to join the Magic for summer-league play on July 5th. Orton was Magic GM Otis Smith's guy, as Smith went so far as to say Orton was "the best available player" at no. 29, and that he would have traded out of the first round entirely had Orton not still been on the board.
And while Orton faces questions surrounding his NBA-readiness, the knee injury that ended his senior season at high school, and the way he handled the entire pre-draft process, he still grades as a solid pick in terms of potential. Certainly, one can take issue with the fact that the Magic, a conference finalist with five big men under contract for next season, used a first-round pick--and therefore guaranteed money--on a raw big-man project rather than addressing needs at point guard and on the wing. But again, Orton's potential is there. Exactly a month ago, DraftExpress' Jonathan Givony projected Orton as a lottery pick, with the same stats and questions about his knee.
Size is at a premium in this league. Orton's big (6'10" and 269 pounds), blocks shots (4.0 per 40 minutes, when adjusted for pace), and shows promise as a defender; opponents scored on only 16 of the 48 post-ups he defended last season, while committing 7 turnovers, according to Synergy Sports Technology. And he'll get the opportunity to learn from, battle against, and play behind Dwight Howard, the two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year and the league's best center. Though initially floored by the pick, and utterly confused, I've gradually come around on it.
Gradually is the key word, because I'm not sure he'll be an impact player of offense, and no, the Magic don't expect him to be an impact player, period, for a while. He needs some work, particularly on that end of the floor. He does not have a reliable jump shot (just 9 attempts all year) and is merely adequate in the low post (0.809 points per possession), which accounted for 29.9% of his possession usage; expect the Magic to increase his pick-and-roll usage, as he got just 4 touches as a roll-man all season, and scored on 3 of them.
There's risk in taking Orton, because he may never pan out, like so many young big-men before him. But he's in a good situation here, facing no pressure, while learning from the NBA's best center and, in Stan Van Gundy, one of its top coaches. Considering the potential reward (relative to draft position, anyway), Orton appears to be a good enough choice, and certainly not one that Smith will regret.
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If he’s sticks on the roster for the regular season, I hope Otis will finally make some use of the D-League and give Orton some burn so he can put into practice what Ewing & Dwight can teach him.
"I've had people say, 'I don't need to check the [player statistics]. I've seen it with my eyes.' Well, I would also say your eyes lie to you sometimes, and some of the guys you may really like and think are really doing things, when you get deeper into it, aren't or vice versa." ~Stan Van Gundy
YES!
The Magic have under-utilized the D-league. I think Orton should spend a month in the D-league to get ready for the NBA.
Thanks Vince.
We cant use the D-League when we have the fossils Anthony johnson and Adonal Foyle taking up roster spots
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 25, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I like this pick a lot more than others it seems
A high risk, high reward pick. I thought it was a good choice at 29.
I was sort of thinking along the same lines
It seems like the potential reward far outweighs the risk. Given the situation he’s coming into he could become a really solid player in 2-3 years. He also might turn out to be complete rubbish, but at 29 you can only expect so much, and the chance of getting a potentially very good player (a center at that) is too good to pass up.
by BlueSkyOneCloud on Jun 25, 2010 3:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Possible trading piece to NO who coveted him at the 11th pick?
The Ping piece says that Orlando is looking for a third team to take on Okafor’s contract. Smith admitted to talks with TOR about Hedo, is TOR that third team that will rid themselves of Turk and accept Okafor at the 5 and move Barney to the 4?
ORL★NDO, our time will come.
by magic12ball on Jun 25, 2010 11:55 AM EDT via mobile reply actions
Just my own speculation.
Paul, Posey, Turkoglu to ORL
Carter, Nelson, Orton to NOH
ORL TPE, Okafor, future picks to TOR
ORL★NDO, our time will come.
by magic12ball on Jun 25, 2010 11:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Oops
Add MP and maybe Bass to ORL’s outgoing list.
ORL★NDO, our time will come.
by magic12ball on Jun 25, 2010 11:59 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wow
I never looked at it like that. But that is not that bad. However, Turk needs the ball in his hands and so does Paul. Look at Jameer’s All-Star year. Turk was not as good because the ball was out of hands. And he is not a straight up shooter. So we will see.
Gortat and Bass
To me both seem expendable at this point. Either Orton or Gortat is gone, and with Ryan Anderson, Bass is expendable.
That's not really true about Turk
he was/is? among the best spot up shooters in the NBA
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 25, 2010 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe before
But Toronto used him last year as spot up shooter and we all know the type of season he had.
Paul
You have to do what it takes to get Chris Paul. Despite what people say about Deron Williams and Rondo, Chris Paul is still far and away the best PG in the league. More assits, more steals, more points, I mean this guy is John Stockton reincarnated. But a better shooter. I know he was injured, but there is no question he is the best Point Guard.
well with that 10 mil a year he definitely could afford to pay the D
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 25, 2010 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm wondering the same
He’s notorious for being a ‘point-forward’ but if we get CP3, we’ll finally have somebody who can both score and help others score. I don’t see the point in bringing him back, then. I’d rather resign Barnes.
by Ol' Uncle Munnerlyn on Jun 25, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Good pick at #29............you can't ask for more.
Otis just picked the best available player at that moment, period.
The Daniel Orton’s future with the Magic will depend in how well he play in the summer league. Regardless of Orton’s game I can see one or two moves from the Magic this summer; R Lewis, Gortat, Anderson, Bass and now Orton it is almost impossible to think that Orlando will keep all of them in thier roster this year.
Could D. Ort possibly be Gortat's replacement???
"I just Rashard'ed my pants!!!!"
by Wally Balls 407 on Jun 25, 2010 12:34 PM EDT reply actions
If it took JJ so much time to be a valid player, I can't even imagine how much time Orton gonna need.
Don't mind my spelling. I'm a Typo Master.
Impossible Expectations
GM have to build for the future while also winning in the now. The pick was luxery pick. You build assets so that you can make a splash when neccesary.
I doubt it.
But would you really want to get rid of Bass and Gortat? don’t you think we should keep one of them? -Or is this the final nail in the coffin that they’re only going forward with the 4-1 offense?
I'm willing to get rid of anyone
except Dwight if the right deal can be made.
"I just Rashard'ed my pants!!!!"
by Wally Balls 407 on Jun 25, 2010 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
No way Otis does this but I bet the loser of the LeBron/FA sweepstakes would be willing to take on Lewis contract
I’m looking at you NY
I probably know Judo! How many of you can make the same boast?
by Souwantmyname on Jun 25, 2010 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
And for the record...
I DO have a beef with the 4-1 system, always have, always will. MAYBE I won’t if Howard learns and utilizes more move this season. -Oh, and the remaining 4 making their shots.
But I also feel we should be able to switch to a more traditional set when we need to, not just forcing the 4-1 when we know it’s not working.
I partially agree
Being able to run a more traditional style offense without abandoning the 4-1 would be nice. When we were forced to run the half court offense against Boston we got killed.
"I just Rashard'ed my pants!!!!"
by Wally Balls 407 on Jun 25, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Like it or not, Otis is keeping the 4-out-one-in offense
Smith: “I really do like our team. I think our team has a chance to win. I don’t think we need to revamp the system because it’s broken, because it’s not broken.”
Smith: “Yeah, I like our team the way it is. So we have the ability to play different ways if we want to. If we want to play with a ‘traditional’ power forward, we can play with a ‘traditional’ power forward. If we want to play with a ‘stretch’ power forward, we can play with a ‘stretch’ power forward. So I don’t think that piece is missing at all”
Bottom line, as Charles Barkley said; “If it ain’t broke, don’t break it!”
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."; Carlos Boozer
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
The only way to stop LeBron is Smith and Wesson, but even that's a double team.
by NC Magic Fan on Jun 25, 2010 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions
In the Magic post season special he sounded like he wanted to give way more minutes during next season to the “traditional” line up. Even talking about the “twin towers” line up which might lead at that time to think that he wants to keep Gortat. I prefer to wait till the end and see how everything will play out cause trying reading between the lines with Otis might drive one crazy. The man can have a great carrer in politics after basketball.
Don't mind my spelling. I'm a Typo Master.
I liked the pick
since Vasquez and Pondexter were off the board. Orton will be 20 yrs old when the season starts and he has Dwight, Ewing, and maybe Gortat and Bass(if they are not traded) to learn from. He’s going to be in a good situation for a young player. I think he can be a Kendrick Perkins type of player.
Thanks Vince.
Keep Bass away from him!
The kid needs to learn to pass, not how to be a black hole.
"There are two ways to argue with a woman, and neither of them work."; Carlos Boozer
I'll tell ya about the Magic It'll free your soul but it's like trying to tell a stranger 'bout rock n roll
The only way to stop LeBron is Smith and Wesson, but even that's a double team.
by NC Magic Fan on Jun 25, 2010 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Bass does have some offensive tools
and it sounds like Orton could use any help he can get on offense
I am the world's best basketball player! *
* Among those with no skills whatsoever
Trade on the ESPN Machine
Since all we can is pretend to be GMs I pulled off this whooper of a deal.
Hornets- Carter(expiring Contract) and Troy Murphy(expiring contract) and the 6 mill trade exception and Orton
Pacers-Nelson and Okafor and Wright
Magic-Granger, Paul, Posey, and Brandon Rush(throw in)
Lineup of-
PG-Paul, Minimum vet
SG-JJ, Pietrus, Rush
SF-Granger, Wright, Robertson
PF-Lewis, Anderson, Bass
C- Dwight and Gortat
Rush is far from a throw in
As far as Larry Bird is concerned. He said he wasn’t just going to dump him and sees him as a good role player/starter some day.
by Ol' Uncle Munnerlyn on Jun 25, 2010 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Vince Carter wont traded until the trade deadline but the Magic should resign JJ reddick and start him over carter
Only if the Magic are out of contention or have an injury need.
Otis does not lean toward deadline deals.
"I've had people say, 'I don't need to check the [player statistics]. I've seen it with my eyes.' Well, I would also say your eyes lie to you sometimes, and some of the guys you may really like and think are really doing things, when you get deeper into it, aren't or vice versa." ~Stan Van Gundy
by magicfaninTN on Jun 25, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Some perspective for today.
Last year’s draft grades. http://twitter.com/tomhaberstroh/status/17040158395
Today is too soon to tell.
"I've had people say, 'I don't need to check the [player statistics]. I've seen it with my eyes.' Well, I would also say your eyes lie to you sometimes, and some of the guys you may really like and think are really doing things, when you get deeper into it, aren't or vice versa." ~Stan Van Gundy
What did he do???
I keep hearing all about how this guy screwed up the pre-draft process but no specifics except for no hiring an agent. What else is there?
Bring Charles Oakley as an assistant coach...........
It might sound funny but if we have Patrick Ewing to coach DH 12; Why no bring Charles Oakley to train Orton? afterall him (Oakley) is one of the best power forward of all times. R Lewis, Bass, Anderson and Gortat could learn also how to play the position # 4, from a real old school power forward > Charles Oakley…..your thoughts?
After what he said about Dwight?
I don’t think so!
I'm a dude!
Orlando Pinstriped Post: Where game threads turn into online chat rooms!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPlLyVuMf7U
by GameManager on Jun 26, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
No way the Magic would hire Oakley in any capacity after Oakley recently ripped Dwight Howard
Here is some of what Oakley had to say about Howard when he was recently interviewed by Sid Rosenberg of WQAM in Miami:
“Dwight Howard is embarrassing Patrick (Ewing) if you ask me. He doesn’t have a ball player’s mind. And they tell me he is one of the best centers in the game. He wouldn’t have even made the league 10 years ago. He would be on the bench. They say he won’t listen. Dwight won’t listen. How can you not listen to Patrick Ewing?”
Here is the link for that whole article:
Orlando Magic... 2010 Eastern Conference Finalist
Chicago Blackhawks... 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Champions!!
by Mike from Illinois on Jun 26, 2010 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
You're trolling. Cut it out.
If you’re trying to be funny, it is far from obvious.
"I've had people say, 'I don't need to check the [player statistics]. I've seen it with my eyes.' Well, I would also say your eyes lie to you sometimes, and some of the guys you may really like and think are really doing things, when you get deeper into it, aren't or vice versa." ~Stan Van Gundy
by magicfaninTN on Jun 26, 2010 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
They say....
your IQ lowers by 25 points every time you read one of roger40’s comments.
I'm a dude!
Orlando Pinstriped Post: Where game threads turn into online chat rooms!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPlLyVuMf7U
That's not necessary either.
"I've had people say, 'I don't need to check the [player statistics]. I've seen it with my eyes.' Well, I would also say your eyes lie to you sometimes, and some of the guys you may really like and think are really doing things, when you get deeper into it, aren't or vice versa." ~Stan Van Gundy
by magicfaninTN on Jun 26, 2010 9:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I hope Orton doesn't turn out to be the next Steven Hunter
Hunter was drafted number 15 by the Magic in the 2001 NBA Draft. He played just 2 years at DePaul and didn’t accomplish much there, but was drafted so high because of his potential.
Hunter lasted three seasons with the Magic, and has played with 5 NBA teams in 8 years.
Orton played just one year in college compared to the two years Hunter played in college.
Let’s hope Orton can have a more significant impact on the Magic than Hunter ever did.
Orlando Magic... 2010 Eastern Conference Finalist
Chicago Blackhawks... 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Champions!!
by Mike from Illinois on Jun 25, 2010 11:53 PM EDT reply actions
I feel better about Orton's chances.
Assuming he stays and Gortat is the one traded, Orton will have Ewing and Dwight to learn from and be able to practice against Dwight on off days. This made Gortat a better player and it could certainly make Orton a better player if he has a strong work ethic and a desire to get better. Steven Hunter only had an over-the-hill Ewing (who retired after that season) for one year and pretty much no one else as a mentor. Plus, Hunter was seen as an eventual starting Center whereas Orton will be Dwight’s backup (assuming he’s the one who stays).
I'm a dude!
Orlando Pinstriped Post: Where game threads turn into online chat rooms!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPlLyVuMf7U
by GameManager on Jun 26, 2010 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Steven Hunter was awesome in NBA 2K2.
Oh, memories.
P.S. Anyone remember the year after we got rid of Steven Hunter (#34), we added Brandon Hunter (by trading Bogans to CHA, I think?). Brandon Hunter wore number 34 for us. I think they just recycled Steven’s old jerseys.
FEAR THE MEER!
Yeah, they wore the same uni number.
Reminded me of Ben/Rasheed Wallace with the Washington Bullets.
Good memory, bandrew
According to basketballreference.com, Brandon Hunter was traded by the Charlotte Bobcats to the Magic for Keith Bogans on November 1. 2004.
The 2004-05 season was the only one he played with the Magic, as he averaged 3.1 points and 2.2 rebounds in 7.2 minutes a game. That translates to a decent 15.3 points and 11.1 rebounds per 36 minutes.
Sadly, that season with the Magic was Brandon Hunter’s last NBA season.
Orlando Magic... 2010 Eastern Conference Finalist
Chicago Blackhawks... 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Champions!!
by Mike from Illinois on Jun 26, 2010 2:50 AM EDT up reply actions
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