The Orlando Magic hold the 15th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman expects his team, at this point, to stay there.
That, however, doesn't mean the team has been idle. In fact, some reports have indicated the Magic are willing to move up the draft board, with forward Aaron Gordon likely being part of a trade package.
Weltman confirmed he and his staff have had conversations with other teams, but he also pointed out that not all information is what it seems. While the rumors and speculation bantered about during draft season are part of the NBA, Weltman said some reporting has been inaccurate. He did not specify which reports those were.
"We've had discussions to move up. We've had discussions to move down, and as I always say the greatest likelihood is that we pick where we are," Weltman said Monday during a pre-draft media session. "It's our job to talk to teams and it's our job to explore all options and to explore all avenues. Obviously, I won't comment on kind of what we're looking to do, but I will say that there's an awful lot of stuff that's been reported or rumor that has no basis in reality. I won't say which does or which doesn't, but that's always the case, obviously, this time of year."
Weltman said he and his staff have received calls on all of the Magic players. Any interest in Gordon is higher is due to his talent level, Weltman said.
"Look, there's a lot of buzz on AG because he's a really talented player. I think it's as simple as that," Weltman said. "It's just amazing how unfounded information, as it gains steam, kind of becomes assumed to be true. We get calls on all of our guys. We have a pretty deep roster and I can tell you that there literally has not been a guy that we haven't had a conversation about."
The Magic reportedly have worked out point guards Kira Lewis of Alabama and Cole Anthony of North Carolina, and shooting guard Devin Vassell of Florida State, as well as international players RJ Hampton (combo guard) and Killian Hayes (point guard).
Hayes and Vassell are projected by most mock drafts to be taken in the first 12 picks, so the Magic's interest in them could indicate the team is, in fact, willing trade up. Or perhaps the team is confident or hopeful that one of those players will still be available when the 15th pick arrives.
As in past drafts, Weltman said the emphasis will be on players that match the talent and character levels the Magic seek. He also said looking at players who are more NBA-ready will play a role in their selections but will not be a deal-breaker.
"How ready are guys to play and what is their timeline? I think that we've demonstrated that we're willing to wait if we believe in the player and who he's going to become," Weltman said. "We've kind of drafted guys that have a more extended timeline. It factors in but it's not the ultimate decision-maker.
"You have to take what the draft gives you. The trick of the draft is figuring out what the draft is giving you. I think you just have to look at the available talent and the character, and you guys know the kind of players we look to bring in here: high-character guys who are tough and smart. We'll continue to do that."
Last year the Magic took Chuma Okeke in the first round, knowing he would almost assuredly miss the season while recovering from an ACL injury.
Weltman said one challenge of draft preparation has been the lack of in-person workouts. The absence of the one-on-one interaction with draft prospects adds an element of risk. Weltman said the good news is that all the teams are on "equal footing" when it comes to evaluating players.
"We're all trying to kind of figuring out the best way to go about it," he said.
The NBA draft, which is being conducted virtually, begins at 8 p.m. Wednesday on ESPN.
