NBA Draft 2013: 5 Players Orlando Magic Should Trade Down to Obtain

Apr 8, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Trey Burke (3) drives against Louisville Cardinals center Gorgui Dieng (10) during the second half of the championship game in the 2013 NCAA mens Final Four at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

1) Trey Burke, Point Guard, Michigan

After winning Player of the Year in the NCAA and nearly leading the Wolverines to a title, Trey Burke began to shoot up the draft charts. There are even those who feel he could be the best talent in the draft class. But Burke is still not projected to go until the 5th pick by NBADraft.net.

After the withdrawal of Marcus Smart, Burke became the de facto best point guard in this class. He is a bit on the small size at a generously listed 6’0″, but he makes up for it with sheer will. He goes into battle. That trait is enormously valuable in the Association, particularly at the 1-spot. Burke should also be a good three point shooter, especially spotting up. In time, he could be an elite point guard.

The Magic are seeking to replace Jameer Nelson, the team’s oldest starter at 31 years of age. Nelson is not a long term option, and his biggest attraction at this point in his career, at least on the Magic, is that of a mentor. Nelson’s contact is reasonable, but at $7-plus million, he is hardly a bargain. Teams will not line up for Nelson, so Rob Hennigan may be forced to hold onto Nelson.

In the meantime, Jameer, a small guard himself, could impart some of the lessons he’s picked up in a reasonably successful career as a one-time All-Star and sidekick to the league’s best center. Burke would benefit, and in time, hopefully be the Magic’s franchise backcourt talent. The hope is that the Michigan guard would pair nicely with Nikola Vucevic in pick and rolls. The possibilities are pretty tantalizing, actually.