Orlando Magic Mock Draft Roundup: Three weeks out
The Orlando Magic have three weeks to finalize draft preparations for the big day. It has been all quiet as we use mock drafts for clues of where they go.
The calendar has flipped to June and the NBA Finals begin tonight, putting the focus squarely on the end of the season. Most teams are already in that mode with just the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers left playing.
The NBA Draft is now the next big date on the calendar. Exactly three weeks away on June 23.
Related Story: Magic must take different strategy to draft
Almost every team is working out players now and making their final preparations for the Draft. Some general managers could be traveling to Europe to get a last look or interview with some of the European prospects and things will pick up for job interviews domestically too.
The Magic like to do their draft workouts and interviews behind closed doors. So while other teams make draft prospects available to the media after workouts, the Magic do not. There may not be many reports about who or how many prospects the Magic have talked to.
Most of the draft work is done by now though. The Magic have likely done their research on the players they are targeting and now just need to get some longer face-to-face time with them.
There have been no reports about who the Magic have worked out or interviewed since the NBA Draft Lottery. However, Orlando Magic Daily can confirm the team has worked out several prospects. Just none have leaked to the media.
That may pick up some as the Draft gets closer. There are still three weeks after all.
The Magic did complete some interviews during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago a few weeks ago including Utah center Jakob Poeltl, Michigan State center Deyonta Davis, Marquette forward Henry Ellenson, Michigan State guard Denzel Valentine and intriguing prospect Thon Maker (a likely second round option) there. The Magic were expected to use all 20 of their slots then.
Orlando certainly has done its homework as expected.
Mock Draft season is in full effect. With three weeks remaining before the Draft, let’s take a look at who the major media outlets issuing mock drafts have the Magic taking:
Davis is a high-upside player with good athleticism and explosiveness, particularly on the defensive end. He can move his feet well and be effective in switches already, he crashes the glass, and protects the weak side of the rim. On offense, he’s still working on improving his jump shot, but it’s possible that will be a weapon soon. He fits with any variety of the Magic’s forwards with his ability to play the 4 and the 5. —Sam Vecenie, CBSSports
Other Options: Henry Ellenson, Marquette; Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga
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Deyonta Davis
PF, Michigan State
Davis is a high-upside player with good athleticism and explosiveness, particularly on the defensive end. He can move his feet well and be effective in switches already, he crashes the glass, and protects the weak side of the rim. On offense, he’s still working on improving his jump shot, but it’s possible that will be a weapon soon. He fits with any variety of the Magic’s forwards with his ability to play the 4 and the 5. —Sam Vecenie, CBSSports
Other Options: Henry Ellenson, Marquette; Domantas Sabonis, Gonzaga