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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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Alec Peters, Valparaiso

This is a Draft that is heavy in centers and stretch-4s, especially around where the Magic are picking. Everyone will likely focus on Tyler Lydon and T.J. Leaf. But do not forget about Valparaiso Crusaders forward Alec Peters.

Peters averaged 23.0 points per game and 10.1 rebounds per game last year, shooting 36.3 percent from beyond the arc. That was actually the worst mark for his career — he shot 41.6 percent from beyond the arc for his four-year career. The Horizon League Player of the Year showed a multi-faceted game.

Every team needs a good stretch-4. And Peters is among the very best in this Draft. He just came from a mid-major conference. That always raises some questions.

It is instructive how he did against power conference teams. He scored 23 points and eight rebounds against the Kentucky Wildcats, although he did not take many 3-pointers in that game. Peters had 24 and 10 against the Alabama Crimson Tide and 26 and 12 against the Brigham Young Cougars.

He at least can hold his own.

Peters looks a bit like Ryan Anderson when he plays. Like Anderson, he has a little bit of a post game and is willing to play with his back to the basket. Unlike Anderson, he has a little bit more length and girth to him to position in the post. Where Anderson relies more heavily on his fadeaway game, Peters can go up and under and work his way to the basket.

The question with Peters, like it is with most stretch-4s, is with his athleticism and defense. Peters is probably not going to keep too many people in front of him. And he probably is not going to attack anyone off the dribble.

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But the typical stretch-4 is not able to do that either. If he can hit NBA 3-pointers and provide some post presence offensively, he could be a good second-round steal.