Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Mock Draft Roundup: Post-Lottery Edition

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives against Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives against Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next

Aran Smith, NBADraft.net

6th Pick: Jonathan Isaac, Florida State

Jonathan Isaac, to me, is one of the big mysteries in the Draft.

The 6-foot-10 forward had the mobility and skill to be a two-way star. He can wow in an empty gym with his athleticism and shooting ability. It would seem like he could put everything together.

But, too often, Isaac remained passive. He did not seem able to put all those tools together. His shot would betray him. And what happens when his athleticism does not simply dominate and take over a game?

Such is the question with Isaac, who averaged 12.0 points and 7.8 rebounds per game at Florida State last year.

"Isaac is another extremely promising player further giving this draft an insane amount of depth/talent in the top 10. He has been compared favorably to 2016 number 2 pick Brandon Ingram as he has a similar game with his great size, length and versatility. He’s a little older but he was a late bloomer and before suffering his early season ankle injury was getting some top pick hype from scouts. His ability to pull up and shoot over defenders is absolutely effortless."

As Smith notes on NBADraft.net, Isaac might very well be the most talented player in this draft. If the Magic are looking to swing for the fences and take a risk that a player does not pan out, Isaac is their guy. It is not entirely clear the Magic can afford to do this.

His workout and interview in Orlando, along with the other intelligence they have gained will be critical in his evaluation.

25th Pick: Donovan Mitchell, Louisville

"Mitchell isn’t high on every scout’s list, and some write him off as a 6-foot-2 small forward. But he was a steadying force for the Cardinals all season and plays with great energy and emotion. He possesses toughness and leadership and despite lacking ideal height, he’s extremely long and athletic. He has a huge wingspan, close to 6-foot-10, which helps. But his 8-foot-1 standing reach is clearly small for a 2. He also has proven to be an extremely aggressive guard attacking the rim for ally oops and put back dunks. His jumpshot has shown enough improvement to be a late first rounder."

There is a theme developing among the mock drafts at this point. If the Magic do not take a point guard with their first pick, many see them taking a point guard with their second pick.

Mitchell is not a classic point guard. He played mostly off the ball in college, but it seems like some believe he can transition there off the bench. He will have to if he wants to stick in the league.