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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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Scott Skiles, Orlando Magic
Feb 26, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Scott Skiles looks on from the sidelines against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 108-95. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

All things said…

It is still excruciatingly early to evaluate just what the Magic will do with its draft pick this year. We truly do not even know definitively that it will be a lottery pick, though it is seeming more certain with each passing game Orlando has some ping pong balls in the hopper.

There are so many potential targets for this draft, and this slideshow really only considered a standout handful of the names that will be there.

Among the other names that could show up linked to Orlando include Domantas Sabonis of Gonzaga, the son of all-time great Arvydis Sabonis; Diamond Stone of Maryland, Stephen Zimmerman of UNLV; Buddy Hield of Oklahoma; and Malik Beasley of Florida State.

Sabonis, in particular, is an intriguing draw for a lot of teams because of his pedigree and all-around brilliant skill set that is not dissimilar to his father’s. But there could be more darkhorses still to leap up draft boards as the NCAA season winds down and March Madness comes and goes.

Orlando is a team with a few notable needs. A defensive-minded big man to add to the mix is in order. Orlando still wants to address its backcourt by adding a tempo-controlling guard who can shoot the ball (this could happen in free agency). Getting another shooter is also on the list, because the Magic still need court spacing and jettisoning Channing Frye left the Magic one sharpshooter short while it was already badly hurting in that area.

The Magic obviously cannot address all their needs via the draft anymore. That point in the rebuild has likely passed. But even with a low lottery pick or mid-first round selection the Magic could find immediate help and prospects to shore up some of the weaknesses of the current roster.

Hennigan has typically done very well in drafts, and the Magic will be in play to do some wheeling and dealing on draft night too.

Orlando is in a favorable cap situation with a lot of brilliant assets on the team that could be used as leverage to obtain the star talent the Magic are currently lacking. It is not overly likely that Orlando lands one of the two franchise players in this draft, but it is also not impossible.

Scott Skiles should exert his influence in the matter and give Hennigan an idea of what he most wants to complete the current roster. Skiles has shown a propensity toward crafting a defensive team, but in developing this team’s identity the Magic have still shown a sore weakness in scoring the ball. Getting a primary scorer is possible through the draft, but if Orlando cannot land Simmons or Ingram, it can look toward free agency to get its premiere player.

No matter what the situation, draft night will be a chance for Orlando to further its prospects as a viable club for the postseason.

Before the team ascends to that level, it is going to require some tinkering and likely a big splash in free agency. Nothing is certain yet, but this is a draft that could end up being a pretty good class of rookies.

Next: How to solve a problem like the Orlando Magic's backcourt

We will continue to look at the prospects throughout March Madness and leading up to the draft as we consider just who could be right for the Magic.