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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 24: One Draft to rule them all

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Aaron Gordon (Arizona) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Aaron Gordon (Arizona) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number four overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ike Anigbogu, UClA Bruins, Arizona Wildcats
Feb 25, 2017; Tucson, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins forward Ike Anigbogu (13) shoots the ball as Arizona Wildcats forward Lauri Markkanen (10) and center Dusan Ristic (14) defend during the first half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /

I will start by saying this, I have the Magic avoiding centers in this year’s Draft at the moment. I do not think the Magic should draft a center unless they already have a deal or plan in place to deal with that famed logjam at center.

It is important, first and foremost, with these draft picks to make sure they actually play. There is no sense in drafting a player with one of these high-value picks and then letting them waste away on the bench with little chance at playing time (especially when you still have Stephen Zimmerman sitting there collecting dust).

But there are several intriguing centers in this draft. Especially around the area the Magic are picking. Those four — Ike Anigbogu, Justin Patton, Jarrett Allen and Bam Adebayo — are certainly among them.

So how would I rank them?

I would go with Jarrett Allen first. With the Texas Longhorns, he averaged 13.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He struggled at the start of the season but found his footing later on and became a force defensively. And that showed a lot of potential. Of all the guys mentioned here, Allen has the most complete skill set. He is able to step out and hit jumpers and has a few post moves he can continue working on.

I would go with Justin Patton next. He averaged 12.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game last year for the Creighton Blue Jays. He showed a ton of activity and versatility around the basket. He can finish above the rim and has a good sense for blocking shots, even though he is not an elite athlete. He has to continue developing strength but could change things defensively off the bench.

Third, I would have Ike Anigbogu. Even though he did not average a ton with the UCLA Bruins and has to work to decrease his fouling and improve his defense, he has a good shot-blocking sense. His athleticism around the basket is also really good. He looks like he could fit in this new NBA era with that ability to be smart around the basket. I think he has a good base to build from.

Finally, I would take Bam Adebayo. Adebayo was a workhorse with the Kentucky Wildcats last year, averaging 13.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He is good at establishing position defensively and working around the basket.

All four of these players have talent. And if the Magic are looking to move one of their centers, they would all be capable of filling in backup roles pretty quickly. They fit the model of the modern NBA center.