A lot of talk has been about the top of the upcoming NBA Draft, but the Orlando Magic have three other draft picks. Here are some guys they should target.
The NBA Draft is the one glimmer of hope in Orlando Magic fans’ minds. After an extremely disappointing season, the Magic will potentially be looking at a top 10 pick and possibly three picks later on in the draft — a first round pick coming from the Toronto Raptors, a likely second round pick coming from the Los Angeles Lakers (should the Lakers’ first round pick end up in the top three) and their own second round pick.
Much of the talk has been about the top three point guards in this draft as potential franchise changers, highlighted by Washington’s Markelle Fultz. But with the Magic acquiring a second first round pick, it is time also to think about who the Magic could target with their later picks.
Currently, the Magic are in line to receive the fourth pick (their own), the 23rd pick (the LA Clippers’ pick via the Raptors), the 33rd pick (the Lakers’ second round pick) and the 34th pick.
I have profiled a few players currently projected in that range by a variety of mock drafts who I believe would fit in well for the Magic and potentially grow into solid NBA players. The expected value of later draft picks is not nearly as high as that in the lottery, but it is possible to get solid contributors in that range.
Particularly early in the second round.
Teams have also struck gold a few times in the end of the first round and beginning of the second round. That can be a complete franchise-changer.
Jimmy Butler (29th in 2011) and Draymond Green (35th in 2012) are the most notable recent picks in this range. Both made this year’s All-Star team.
I specifically targeted wings and guards for the Magic, as they have two highly paid centers and one intriguing project in a time where the demand for bigs is way lower than the supply.
Here are some players for Magic fans to keep their eye on as the NCAA postseason rolls around.