Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

2017 NBA Lottery can bring much needed stability to Orlando Magic

By Patrick Flynn

Feb 1, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots a layup against the USC Trojans during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots a layup against the USC Trojans during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Markelle Fultz, Washington Huskies, Arizona State Sun Devils
Jan 25, 2017; Tempe, AZ, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots over Arizona State Sun Devils guard Shannon Evans II (11) during the second half at Wells-Fargo Arena. The Sun Devils won 86-75. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Scenario: The Magic land the #1 overall pick (8.8% chance of getting #1 pick)

Magic should draft: Markelle Fultz, PG/Washington

Why Markelle Fultz?

The most obvious answer is Fultz is the best player in the draft. Fultz has shown he has the ability to carry the scoring workload.

The NBA point guard has evolved to become a more athletic and to have a scorer’s mentality player. Fultz fits that mold and could lead the Magic into the NBA of the future.

Fultz can also shoot the three (41 percent 3-point percentage with the Washington Huskies) which will allow the Magic to spread the floor. Additionally, Fultz’s ability to create his own shot would give the Magic someone to lean on late in games when they need a bucket.

Does this mean the Magic move on from Elfrid Payton?

Not necessarily. With the skill set Fultz possesses along with his size at 6-foot-4, Fultz is big enough to play the 2-guard in the NBA. Accompany his size with his ability to score and quickness does not force the Magic to make a decision on Elfrid Payton who seemed to be much more comfortable the second half of the season in a more up-tempo offense.

Payton is still only 23 years old and it may be a little early to give up on him.

But if Payton does flame out, the Magic could still shift Fultz to full-time point guard duties and serve as their point guard of the future.

There is also the ripple effect on how this would impact Evan Fournier. Fournier, who has shown he is more likely a second or third option on offense, would have a lighter workload going forward. Evan Fournier would also make an excellent sixth man, which is a role all contenders need to fill.

More versatility and more talent is never a bad thing for a team.