Orlando Magic Mock Draft Roundup: Past the deadline, end on the horizon

Andrew Sharp, Sports Illustrated

6th Pick: Jayson Tatum, Duke

Jayson Tatum seemingly has the tools a team would want in a star player. He looks and plays like a traditional star player in many, many ways.

Tatum can isolate and create his own shot. Or he can wait on the wings and hit 3-pointers at a decent clip — 34.2 percent, but that can still improve. Tatum works better inside the 3-point line. And the mid-range jumper is the provenance of the star. So Tatum better be good.

"Tatum might be the most polished player available in the top 10. He’s got excellent iso skills in the halfcourt. His jumper’s not quite a weapon yet, but the mechanics look improved, and it’s not hard to imagine his outside shooting coming in the next few years. He can play either the three or the four, and while I’m not totally sold on his ceiling as a superstar, he’s got a pretty high floor (Harrison Barnes). Meanwhile, for Orlando and the new management tandem of Jeff Weltman and John Hammond, they need… everything. Anything. The entire roster is either a problem, or a question mark. In that case, it makes sense to grab at least one player they can definitely build around. Tatum fits."

What might be most impressive with Tatum is he can still score even when he is not involved. He is a strong rebounder in addition to his scoring ability. It would be a surprise to see him slip to sixth, but not at all impossible.

25th Pick: Jawun Evans, Oklahoma State

I profiled Jawun Evans in our first draft profile this week — more to come, including a few names on this mock draft roundup.

Evans is a strong point guard option. He can get to the basket and into the paint seemingly at will. He carried a heavy burden for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. And carried it well.

The only thing to watch with him is his size. It often prevents him from finishing at the rim and could be a hindrance on defense.