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Orlando Magic Prospect Watch: Early Introduction

By David Iwanowski

January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) moves to the basket against the defense of California Golden Bears guard Stephen Domingo (31) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) moves to the basket against the defense of California Golden Bears guard Stephen Domingo (31) during the second half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Top of the Class

I think it was a mistake to speed up the rebuild and go all in for a low playoff spot, and these players — Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball and Dennis Smith, Jr — are a big reason why. The current consensus top three picks are all point guards who can do most everything on the basketball court.

The current consensus top three picks are all point guards who can do most everything on the basketball court.

Fultz, a 6-foot-5 point guard, is considered the clear number 1 pick at this point. He is an incredible offensive talent despite his Washington Huskies team not living up to expectations. He can shoot, drive and set up teammates with ease.

Ball is an incredible passer with a Kevin Martin-like shot that is effective despite looking strange. He can definitely improve defensively but his height (6-foot-6) and instincts show potential for significant improvement there.

Dennis Smith Jr. is a little bit smaller than the other guys (6-foot-2), but he is an incredible athlete with strong court vision and shooting ability.

The Magic could get extremely lucky to win the lottery with low odds, but it is unlikely they will be able to get one of these potential stars. The Magic may end up leaving the 2017 Draft with no potential superstars, while the highly scrutinized Philadelphia 76ers could have three in Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and one of these players.

Next: Aaron Gordon is the Orlando Magic's future . . . and soon its present

All three of these guys may make huge impacts in the NBA and will leave Magic fans wishing they had stayed course, collected young assets and targeted one of these potential stars as opposed to selling for veterans and setting up an extremely low ceiling for the franchise in the near future.