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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 /
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Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated

6th Pick: Dennis Smith, NC State

Adding to the Magic’s many needs is the need for offense, plain and simple. The Magic struggled to get the ball moving and maybe initiate the offense. They lacked a lot of the creation and simple playmaking to gut out points when the offense was stuck.

And this is where Smith is really attractive. Smith can create offense off a broken play. And get to the foul line. He averaged nearly six free throw attempts per game. That is the part the Magic want to see translate. They need that offensive creation and a scorer’s mentality.

"More than anything, the Magic need a player they can count on to shape games offensively. Of the remaining players, Smith has the best chance to be what they’re looking for. His explosiveness and creativity with the ball, particularly in isolation, should in time give Orlando the necessary jolt to move back in the right direction. With his innate ability to generate offense and move the basketball, Smith is a serious upside swing they can afford here. He has a chance to be a star."

Indeed, when the Magic had Smith in for a workout earlier this week, they were watching his athleticism carefully and trying to put him through his paces to extend his range to the 3-point line. It would not be surprising to see the Magic get Smith in for a second workout as they consider him for this pick.

25th Pick: Jonathan Jeanne, France

As noted earlier, the Magic are probably not in the market for a center. . . yet. The Magic very well might decide the best way to improve is to trade one of their centers, leaving a gap to fill at center one way or another.

That leads to one of the bigger mysteries in this year’s draft in Jonathan Jeanne.

Jeanne has drawn natural comparisons to his fellow countryman Rudy Gobert. Jeanne does not quite have the length or athleticism Gobert has, but he has plenty of both to make an impact in the NBA if he can put all the pieces together.

Jeanne is a big center with the same kind of skills that Gobert came into the league with. He might be a little further along offensively.

But, without doubt, Jeanne is a project. He should still be available at 25 and could be a good risk if the Magic feel comfortable with the players they can get in the second round who can contribute immediately.

Next: Orlando Magic can still find hope drafting at sixth

We will be back with another Mock Draft Roundup in a little more than a week when the prospect list is finalized.