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2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: The Best of the Rest

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket as Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) defends during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Coral Gables, FL, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) drives to the basket as Miami Hurricanes guard Davon Reed (5) defends during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tony Bradley, North Carolina

This Draft is surprisingly chock full of centers. And that is not something the Magic are necessarily looking for. Unless they take a draft-and-stash guy like Anzejs Pasecniks, I find it hard to believe the Magic will take a center in the first round.

Some of those big names could fall into the second round. But this could be a chance for the Magic to take a raw prospect and allow him time to develop either in Lakeland or behind Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo (sorry, Stephen Zimmerman).

Tony Bradley of the North Carolina Tar Heels has gotten some buzz as a potential difference maker. He did not get much playing time last year playing behind Kennedy Meeks, but he still put up big numbers. Better numbers than Ike Anigbogu.

Bradley averaged 7.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game in 14.6 minutes per game. Those are solid numbers. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound center has a good frame to build around. He just needs time to get comfortable with his body and against better competition.

He has the raw ability to play, but he needs more seasoning to make it in the NBA. At this point, Bradley is going to use his raw physical ability and his desire to play hard to make a difference. That helped him produce off the bench for the Tar Heels last year.