2013 NBA Draft: Orlando Magic’s Rob Hennigan Needs to Look to Early Second Round For Hidden Gems

Mar 27, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Hurricanes guard Shane Larkin (0) shoots during practice the day before the semifinals of the East regional of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

1) Shane Larkin, 5’11” Point Guard, Miami (FL)

Shane Larkin is the son of baseball HOFers Barry Larkin, and the talents of the Cincinnati Reds’ shortstop found a unique way of manifesting themselves in the Miami Hurricanes floor general.

Larkin averaged 14.5 points per game and hit 40 percent from behind the arc, and he definitely has three point range. He’s not a premier shooter from mid range, but he has a capable set of handles and also appears to have a few valuable intangibles, such as leadership, hustle and some raw grit & determination.

It can sound cliche, but in some senses Larkin is the furthest thing from that. He’s a short point guard who managed to thrive in the ACC and drive the Hurricanes deep in March.

Ultimately, Larkin may end up being no better than Troy Hudson or Chucky Atkins; or he could be as good as Tim Hardaway and Kevin Johnson. The fact that he lacks the athleticism and speed of the former Warrior and Suns point guards leads me to believe it may end up being more Hudson and Atkins.

Larkin is a diminutive fella, and he hails from Central Florida’s Dr. Phillips. Larkin would be an nice home state pickup and would draw a lot of fans who might not otherwise come out to the Amway. It’s not the kind of move that can make or break a franchise, but trading up in the second round or purchase a pick to grab Larkin would probably please an ailing Magic fan base.