Over at IndyCornrows(Pacers sbnation fan site) we have a community mock draft/trading period. I've already made a few trades and just want to know what everyone thinks.
First, I had to have a goal. Originally, I wanted to clear Bismack Biyombo's salary at all costs, but then I looked at his stats from his Toronto year before and thought, this is a guy who could be a very good player if surrounded with the right team. Then, the GM of the Hawks said they want to unload Kent Bazemore. One of the main needs was an athletic wing who could play solid defense and hit open 3's. So, I traded C.J. Watson and the 35th pick for Kent Bazemore and the 31st pick. I understand his salary is huge. If he doesn't turn it around he will probably be right back on the block next offseason, but for now, he fits this team well. Also, I wasn't too thrilled about putting Gordon next to Biyombo, so I managed to trade Evan Fournier(and his big contract) and the 25th pick to Philly for Dario Saric. Saric would give Biyombo the ability to control the offensive glass without clogging the paint too much. Lastly, I wanted another shooter, so I traded #33 for Etwaun Moore and the #56th pick. I'm still looking to acquire another 2nd rounder, because there is a few guys I want to target for that team, especially Sindarius Thornwell from SC. First round pick, I'm not really decided yet but I love Jonathan Isaac. BTW, I'm also looking to unload Nikola Vucevic, but haven't found a suitor yet.
Final Rotation/Roster would look something like this
Elfrid Payton//FA signing
Kent Bazemore//Etwaun Moore
Jonathan Isaac//Sindarius Thornwell
Dario Saric//Aaron Gordon
Bismack Biyombo//FA Signing
Why I like this team: Defensively, they should be top 5 in the NBA, especially if Frank Vogel can coach a defense as good as he did in Indiana. Offensive rebounding would be terrific, Defensive rebounding would be good, especially if Isaac can rebound as well as he did in college. Offense would be based off of consistent ball movement and slashing and transition. If Bazemore, Isaac, and Saric can all hit 3s fairly consistently, this offense has a chance to not be awful.
Why I don't like this team: Offensive cold streaks would be all too common of an occurrence. Without a guy you could give the ball to and say "Get me a bucket" it might be hard to break out of slumps. 3pt shooting should be good, but Bazemore and Isaac could both have bad years shooting, since they aren't really sure things.
Final prediction
Dario Saric's versatility and ability to space the floor, paired with Biyombo's offensive rebounding make the 17-18 Magic a scrappy, young squad that could be a few good FA moves and positive drafts away from being a post-Lebron era Eastern Conference contender.
What do you guys think? Leave any thoughts below.
