Orlando Magic Prospect Watch: Early Introduction

The Orlando Magic have made it clear their focus is making the playoffs, they currently still have a first round draft pick. Here are some potential targets

The Orlando Magic have made it very clear they are going all in for a playoff spot in 2017. But this may be a bad time to flip the gear on their rebuild.

As the season moves on, and if things quickly turn south, flip they will.

Although people often exaggerate how strong upcoming drafts are, the consensus is this year’s batch of prospects is a particularly strong one, with numerous potential stars projected to go in the lottery.

Although the Magic are completely focused on making the playoffs, the franchise will still have a pick in this draft unless a major trade comes up. And it is shaping up to be an important pick for the franchise’s future as they either try to improve their Playoff positioning or climb in once again.

They will likely not be in the running for the first pick because of their insistence to go for a Playoff spot, but their current record and point differential point to a most likely outcome in the 6-12 range in the lottery.

The Magic will have to seriously hit on their first round pick. Likely someone who can contribute immediately rather than a project, something they have not done since drafting Courtney Lee in 2008.

It is still very early to project draft spots. Some guys will rise as scouts see their improvements, and some guys will fall as their weaknesses are brought out in conference play and the postseason.

Some teams will change their standings based on streaks and personnel moves.

Here are some early potential prospects in the aforementioned range that could help the Magic going forward and fit the team well.