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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Early Draft thoughts

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 13, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dunks the ball over Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) dunks the ball over Sacramento Kings center Willie Cauley-Stein (00) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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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. /

How are we feeling about drafting sixth? Can the Magic get a quality player — a star player — at this spot?

Ryan Doyle (@RDoyle27): To be honest, it is a bummer to be picking sixth. The Magic are in an ugly situation and need to find a way to get out of the basement in the Eastern Conference. Getting lucky and landing a top pick would have solved that much quicker. Sadly, it may take even longer for the Magic to become relevant again. For months I have been hearing this is a deep draft class, and I agree with that assessment. However, I do not see the Magic getting a bona fide star. Guys like Jayson Tatum, Dennis Smith Jr. and Jonathan Isaac are quality prospects, but they are not stars in my eyes.

Zach Palmer (@FmrTankCommandr): Obviously, drafting sixth is less than ideal. Even worse the Magic ended up losing the first round pick the Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to give them. With that said, the Magic can still get good players and, I would go as far as saying, potential perennial All Stars at No. 6. I believe the two best chances for that outcome lie in the talent of Dennis Smith Jr. and Jonathan Isaac. Based on how the lottery turned out, it may be hard for Smith to fall to the Magic but it would be hard to believe Isaac and Smith will both be off the board. It was not a great lottery for Orlando. But if they play their cards right they should be ok.

Philip Rossman-Reich (@omagicdaily): I am feeling pretty good about this pick right now actually. I think the Orlando Magic will get themselves a player with star potential and someone who can contribute and fit with this roster pretty immediately. If the top eight in this draft are Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, Josh Jackson, De’Aaron Fox, Jayson Tatum, Jonathan Isaac, Dennis Smith and Malik Monk and my team is guaranteed to get one of those, I am feeling pretty good. Yes, the risk is greater drafting at six. More options are always better. But the Magic will be able to get someone they feel comfortable with and decide between some pretty talented players.

Ricky Scricca (@scricca1): A lot of the big names will be off the board at sixth, but there will still be guys with great upside and NBA skills available. Dennis Smith Jr., Jonathan Isaac, Malik Monk, De’Aaron Fox and Jayson Tatum. At least two of those guys will be available. The situation could be better, but there are plenty of opportunities. I am optimistic.

Patrick Flynn (@pflynn33): Obviously not what I was hoping for, but I feel okay about it. The Magic will still have some options for which direction they want to go. Backcourt options in Malik Monk and Dennis Smith or shore up the frontcourt of the future in Jonathan Isaac. The new front office will have to do their homework as some of the players available at six come with more risk.