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Orlando Magic Mock Draft Roundup: Past the (first) deadline

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) controls the ball against Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) during the second half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /
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Chad Ford, ESPN.com (April 18)

5th Pick: Jayson Tatum (F/Duke)

Jayson Tatum may be the favorite pick among Orlando Magic fans for this spot if he is still available. There is talk Tatum could climb into the top three and maybe, if you squint really hard, a shot at the top two.

Tatum had a stellar freshman year for the Duke Blue Devils, averaging 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Tatum was an efficient scorer at a 50.7 percent effective field goal percentage. He was the kind of player who could put up a lot of points, even when he was not involved.

Ford writes:

"Tatum is the prototypical NBA small forward. He can score from anywhere on the floor, though his consistency as a 3-point shooter has been questioned."

His 3-point shot is about the only weakness in his game offensively. But like a Rudy Gay or a Carmelo Anthony, he can hit from the mid-range pretty effectively. And there are still plenty of signs he can step out and hit a 3-pointer on occasion. At worst, he is Tobias Harris.

Tatum has star potential written all over him. He may not be the perfect star for this day and age, but he can score and that is something the Magic need.

After the top two guys in Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball, Orlando will look seriously at the versatile Tatum and hope he can translate his style to the NBA.

25th Pick: Jawun Evans (PG/Oklahoma State)

If the Magic pass on a point guard with their first pick, there are still some intriguing options later on in the draft who can play that reserve role, possibly growing into a starter. Jawun Evans tops that list.

Evans averaged 19.2 points and 6.4 assists per game last year for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, leading the team to the NCAA Tournament. His stellar 23-point, 12-assist game against the Michigan Wolverines in the first round nearly led the team to a big upset.

He has proven himself a solid 3-point shooter too, making 37.9 percent of his attempts.

Ford writes:

"There’s a dearth of point guards in this draft after the top five picks are off the board. But Evans has promise both as a scorer and a playmaker. He can shoot 3s, get to the rim and set up the pass by creating his own shot. If the Magic miss out on a point guard with their first pick, he’ll be a strong fit here."

Evans is a strong athlete who can get to the basket at will. Finishing is his big issue once he gets near the basket. And it is unclear if he has the otherworldly athleticism to be anything more than a career backup.

With D.J. Augustin already under contract long term, it would seem a backup point guard may not be a pressing need. Then again, if the Magic plan to play at a faster pace, then they will need a point guard who is more comfortable playing at a faster pace.

The Magic are probably not as comfortable at point guard they were heading into last season. Elfrid Payton’s status is up in the air. And so too would D.J. Augustin’s even with his long-term deal.

Evans is definitely a player to keep an eye on for this second pick.