Presto in the Paint 5-on-5: NBA Draft

Feb 18, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Rodney Hood (5) shoots over Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets forward Quinton Stephens (12) in the second half at Hank McCamish Pavilion. Duke won 68-51. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports

5. Who do you think the team should select 12th? Why?

Oliver: Rodney Hood. Hood would be a great addition to the team who desperately needs more outside shooting. Drafting the Dukie would also give the Magic another versatile piece, as he can play some shooting guard in bigger lineups, his customary small forward spot, and even power forward for small stretches in small ball lineups. He’d give them another scoring option off the bench, and someone that they could plug and start due to injuries or matchups. He’s got work to do defensively, but with the right coaching he should be serviceable on that end.

Haynes: Elfrid Payton. Orlando seems interested in adding a point guard, so I if they go elsewhere at four, I can see Payton at 12. He can’t shoot, but he can do everything else; similar to Rajon Rondo with his defense, playmaking, and rebounding traits. The lineup of Payton, Oladipo, Harkless, Vonleh, and Vucevic would be one of the better young starting lineups in basketball. With those five, plus Harris and O’Quinn coming off the bench, the Magic will have a really bright future.

Cleary: Rodney Hood. I’ve been high on a combination of Exum and Hood in the draft for a long time now. I think it just makes sense for the team in terms of what they need out of the draft. They get their point guard in Exum and a good shooter in Hood. Although we agree on the pick, unlike Zach, I think Hood could and should be a starter for the Magic, given what he can bring. He gives the Magic a more reliable shooter in the starting lineup. I think Tobias Harris would be better suited to come off of the bench instead of Hood. Also, I don’t think his lack of defense would be an issue if the Magic start Exum and Oladipo beside him. They can pick up the slack.

Palmer: Rodney Hood. If you look at Orlando’s depth chart they don’t have another small forward on the roster so this pick is a great combination of need and value. Hood is an excellent shooter (42% from 3) and brings some good size at small forward (listed at 6’7.25 w/out shoes). His wingspan is a bit of a concern from a defensive standpoint but if you temper expectations and view this guy as a bench scorer I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Smith: Elfrid Payton. With Dante Exum now probably being out of the equation at #4, you’d have to think that the Magic want to come away from this draft with at least one point guard. The Louisiana-Lafayette was underlooked by many this year and has been dubbed “the sleeper of the draft.” And that title comes with sound evidence. Payton is extremely athletic, excels on the defensive end, and has a ton of room to grow. At #12, he might have the most potential out of anyone left on the board.