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

Mar 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Jeff Withey (5) dunks the ball as he is defended by Michigan Wolverines forward Mitch McGary (4) and Glenn Robinson III (1) in the second half during the semifinals of the South regional of the 2013 NCAA Tournament at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

4) Jeff Withey, 7’0″ Center, Kansas

Jeff Withey really has “solid backup” written all over him. That might not sound like much for Magic fans to get excited about, but it also must be remembered that it’s always best to have a capable 5-man.

It’s a position which often renders the starter in foul trouble, and on nights when Nikola Vucevic found himself picking up a couple whistles early on, Withey could come in for some good relief work.

Withey is, most of all, a really big body. He’s also a very good shot blocker and a true seven-footer. Just that alone can get a guy $7 to $10 million on the open market in the NBA, and that potential is definitely enough to put the Jayhawk in the mid first-round.

But he’s not projected to go that high. Kelly Olynyk of Gonzaga is listed in the late lottery by most, and Withey really brings just as much to the table, if not more. He’s slow, not athletic, and probably has the high upside of Greg Ostertag.

But even Ostertag started for a long while, and the Magic could do worse than have a big bruiser as their backup while Vucevic does the real damage.