Derrick Walton Jr. to Orlando Magic
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as few undrafted rookies make NBA rosters. But thanks for the negative add.
because it's not good to be playing all-american caliber basketball in the months preceding the nba draft.
didn't work for jake rudock either in the nfl.
Cogent analysis.
I think Walton may end up having a better career that Trey Burke and could be a solid 2nd unit PG. Burke was just replaced as John Wall's backup on the Wizards by a guy - 6'1, 170 lb Tim Frazier from PSU - that started as a free agent for the Pelicans D-league team two years ago and earned a 2 year contract last season after a productive stint as an injury fill in.
Walton is a slightly better athelete than Burke with longer arms and a stronger frame. He may be able to play at least passable defense. He's about the same height as Burke but his hops and rebounding ability seem better. Offensively he's a good to very good passer, a great shooter and his speed and handle on the fast break translates well to the space and pace NBA.
What kind of fan says negative shit about players from their team no reason? You suck, man.
Elfrid Payton has a spot locked down, but the only other point guards on the Magic roster are CJ Watson and DJ Augustin -- both had really awful advanced stats last year, and both will be 30+ this year. In a season where the Magic will basically be starting over after a series of bad roster decisions, I think Walton has a real chance to make the team and get some run.
As a Magic fan I disagree on Payton. He came on strong at the end of last year but he can't shoot and in the NBA today you can't have a PG who can't shoot. He's a great passer but he can't shoot and can't play D, he's not long for this team. My guess is the new front office lets this year play out and if he can't develop a shot he's gone, as will be many more.
Regardless, Walton should be a solid back-up/role player on this team.
Absolutely.. I'm sure the new front office will explore all their options but I'm not sure how much trade value Payton has, I liken him to Rondo, but without the defensive ability.. Not many teams are trying to acquire guards who can't shoot or play defense.
I think Payton would be better as a back-up PG for them, but on a team without any elite scorers his lack of shooting comptence to even get teams to respect his jumper makes him expendable as far as I'm concerned.. which is why even though I love Jonathan Isaac I wanted Dennis Smith Jr.
I think Walton has a great shot to make the roster but there's no room right now. I think he'll play a couple years in their G-League affiliate until they can clear some roster space for him.
They do not fully realize it yet, but Orlando has a keeper!
Agree with the sentiments here that he is a great pick up and a keeper. Good luck to him.
he's going to have a role in the NBA. He won't be a star, but I don't see why he can't be a super solid back up for a decade.
As an Orlando resident and Magic fan, I LOVE this! Welcome to Orlando.
This is a great landing spot for him. They really lack competent outside shooting among their guards, so Walton can fill a valuable role.
Walton has the talent to be a nice backup PG in the league. With how he shots the ball, it'd be easy to see him in the league for some time.
with Yogi Ferrell. You don't have to be the quickest or fastest, but if you're good at basketball, theres room for you
for DW. Go get em kid.
We know the kid has heart and will work hard. He's got a shot. Don't count him out.
GO BLUE!!
I think he deserves a chance.
Good to know
Shouldn't have left early. /s