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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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Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State Cowboys, Texas Tech Red Raiders
Feb 3, 2016; Lubbock, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) is fouled by Texas Tech Red Raiders guard Keenan Evans (12) in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

What kind of players would you target with the Magic’s second first round pick? Should the Magic take a reach or high-potential player later in the Draft?

Doyle: I think the Magic are done taking risks. I am right there with them. Orlando drafted guys based on their potential in Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja and it has not panned out to this point. With the late first round pick, they can land someone who can fill a role in his rookie season. Maybe a strong defensive prospect or a player who can stretch the floor. Taking a project late in the first round will have him buried on the bench for a few years. I am all for taking a player that can contribute from day one and help this team in some way.

Palmer: Based on how bad Orlando’s bench was this past season, I would pick guys who could provide immediate production off the bench. Last year, the Milwaukee Bucks took Malcolm Brogdon and it paid off big time for them. It was clear Brogdon was going to be a NBA player coming out of college. But he fell because his ceiling was limited. That should not be a problem for the Magic. Having valuable role players is something that they’ve learned isn’t as common as you would hope.

Rossman-Reich: I think it is really important to replenish the Magic’s bench with these late first round picks. If a lottery-quality guy drops and the team’s research suggests they should pick him or he is undervalued, then absolutely the Magic should pick him. But even then, I would like to see them pick a player who can at least fill a role on next year’s team, even if it is coming off the bench in sparse minutes. I would go for more ready-made prospects, not the high-ceiling guys. The Magic should not be looking to get that reach for a starter at 25 or 33 or 35, they need to get someone who can play off the bench and succeed in that role.

Scricca: I think the Magic need to snag someone with a definable NBA skill regardless of their weaknesses. The first pick should be someone with high upside, but the second round pick does not need to project as anything more than a rotation-quality player. There is no point in taking a risk in the 20s. Just get someone you can feel confident will give you something as soon as possible.

Flynn: The Magic should be looking to draft someone that they feel can contribute right away in some aspect. Another risky, long-term project is not what the Magic should be looking for.