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

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 17, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) brings the ball up court against Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (11) during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Starkville, MS, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Malik Monk (5) brings the ball up court against Mississippi State Bulldogs guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (11) during the first half at Humphrey Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chad Ford, ESPN.com

5th Pick: Jayson Tatum, Duke

Not much has changed with Ford’s mock draft since the Lottery. He updated it to reflect the players who have pulled out of the Draft since the NCAA’s deadline.

It is clear the draft will likely turn on whom the 76ers take at No. 3. They could go in any number of directions. It feels like point guard is their biggest need. But then again, they have some plans to run Ben Simmons at that spot.

"This pick should come down to either Tatum or guard Dennis Smith. Neither player fits a need exactly, but Smith would give them a nice complement to Elfrid Payton in the backcourt. Tatum is, perhaps, the most NBA-ready freshman in the draft. He has a pro game and might be the best pure wing scorer."

If they pass on Jayson Tatum, it could start a little bit of a fall.

The versatile forward from the Duke Blue Devils certainly has plenty going for him. The Magic could be doing backflips if he does unexpectedly fall to them. He averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He is a traditional isolation-based small forward. But he certainly has an ability to contribute and create for himself.

25th Pick: Frank Jackson, Duke

The Magic certainly could do a double dip with Duke players. And everyone seems to expect the Magic to take at least one point guard with one of their first-round picks. If they do no get one at six, there are a few intriguing options at 25 to take.

Jackson is definitely one after averaging 10.9 points and 1.7 assists per game last year for Duke. He got more comfortable as the year went on and it seems like his game would translate better to the NBA.

He has great length and athleticism. It is just about maturing as a player. And now recovering from an injury he suffered in an early workout.