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Early 2016 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 27, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) moves through Florida Gators defenders in the second half of their game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers forward Ben Simmons (25) moves through Florida Gators defenders in the second half of their game at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Skal Labissiere, Kentucky Wildcats
Feb 9, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Skal Labissiere (1) reacts after dunk the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs in the first half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Georgia 82-48. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Tier 2: Dragan Bender, Jaylen Brown, Kris Dunn, Jamal Murray, Skal Labissiere

There are likely four or five more players in this draft who will be quality role players or minor stars in their own rights.

The Magic are really at a point where another quality player could tip the balance in the team’s favor, especially if they can contribute immediately as they mature and develop.

Orlando needs both shooting and a defensive, big-bodied frontcourt player. All of this can be found if the team drafts between No. 3 and No. 8, which is by no means a given with the Magic currently slotted to draft at pick No. 11. Nor should the Magic want to drop that low in the draft.

If the Magic wanted to get a starting 2-guard to shift Victor Oladipo into a spark-plug bench role, the chance is there.

Providence’s Kris Dunn, Kentucky’s Jamal Murray and California’s Jaylen Brown all could represent backcourt options for a quality starter at the minimum. With Mario Hezonja and Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier in the mix, it is unlikely the Magic aim to get a 2-man, but at the same time, if a major talent is available when Orlando selects, it would be foolish to move away from drafting the best talent available.

Dunn is a big point guard who could easily serve as a combo guard in the NBA. The 6-foot-4 junior from Providence has the size to play 2-guard but really is a playmaking talent who needs time at the 1.

He handles the ball well enough to thrive in pick and roll basketball, but he also can create his own shot. The Magic could get the coveted isolationist it needs to win close games at the end, and Orlando has been in more close games than any other team.

Dunn is really long like Elfrid Payton, but he is a much better shooter and could help solve Orlando’s issues at point guard. The Magic may still be searching for their point guard of the future, as incriminating as it seems to say Payton has been a disappointment as a sophomore.

Jaylen Brown, California Golden Bears, USC Trojans
Feb 28, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Jaylen Brown (0) dribbles the basketball against USC Trojans guard Elijah Stewart (30) in the first half at Haas Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /

Jaylen Brown of California is another phenomenal athlete. Many see him as one of the top picks in the Draft, but he could very well be limited and be perfect for drafting as a role player with other solid pieces around him.

He should be an elite defender with some seasoning, and it has been Orlando’s tendency to draft strong defensive backcourt players.

That alone makes Brown a possibility if he slips down Draft boards, if not because he overly fits the mold Hennigan has sought so far.

He is an exceptional leaper and will create highlights, but the Magic currently have no shortage of that already on the team. Brown would add further depth, but may not be Orlando’s top player on any draft boards.

Dragan Bender and Skal Labissiere are both solutions to the rim protection the Magic have lacked. Both players could be played at the 4-spot, and given the slight frame of both big men, they would at least initially be better off at power forward anyway.

Labissiere has been a little bit disappointing to many Wildcats fans at Kentucky, but the raw tools are too good to overlook.

He is defintely skilled with a good and mechanically sound jump shot. He has a high enough basketball IQ it seems pretty obvious he is going to figure it out.

He works hard and at the minimum could better serve as a backup 5 than Dewayne Dedmon. Dedmon has worked immensely to expand his skill set, but Labissiere already has it and will likely be a steady role player in the NBA.

The Magic have upcoming scorers and Labissiere is not someone that could be steadily helped off at at the 4-spot given that he can be a court stretcher. His underwhelming performance this year will likely make him an available option if Orlando selects after pick 10.

Bender perhaps is the riskiest but best project after the top-2 names in the draft. He hails from Bosnia & Herzegovina, and watching his scouting videos it is clear his ability to run the court will allow him to thrive in this fast paced era of basketball.

Bender can finish powerfully and his long frame allows him to be a dominant offensive rebounder. He has great hands around the basket and a number of moves in the post that reflect his great skill set well.

Bender is a borderline franchise player, and the Magic would likely have to trade up in the draft to have a chance at him.

But given Orlando’s need for another dominant big man, Bender could give Orlando the dominant 4-man that would allow for Nikola Vucevic to be properly complemented. Landing him just might be an unlikely long shot.

Next: Role Players Extraordinares