Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Orlando Magic Daily 2017 NBA Mock Draft

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next
Jonathan Isaac, Florida State Seminoles, Illinois Fighting Illini
Nov 25, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini guard Tracy Abrams (13) defends during the second half of the consolation game of the NIT Season Tip-Off at Barclays Center. Florida State won, 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

The Sixth Pick

38. . Forward. Florida State. Jonathan Isaac. 6. player

The Orlando Magic have some very good options with the sixth overall pick in this draft. Whether they take Dennis Smith or Jonathan Isaac in this scenario — and maybe even Malik Monk — there is not a lot for the Magic to be upset about. They will pick between two players with clear star potential.

As everyone seems to say and know, the Magic cannot focus on position yet. They need to take the best player available and be prepared to use this pick as a building block cornerstone. That makes this pick even more difficult to gauge. The Magic have several different ways they can go.

But essentially it boils down to two players. Smith and Isaac. Both are very good players. The Magic will be right to take either with this pick.

My preference is Smith. I have targeted him for some time. I think that he can make the most immediate impact and grow into a potential star. And I believe he fits the need at point guard to upgrade the position into a more modern player. I think Smith can grow to hide many of his weaknesses.

For a Magic team that still has Playoff aspirations, they need both a player who can continue to grow and who can contribute quickly. I think Smith is that guy.

But Jeff Weltman and John Hammond are right too. The Magic need players who fit a more modern style too. They need players with length and athleticism. And they should not be as concerned with need — even though in my opinion I think the Magic should avoid constricting Aaron Gordon‘s development.

That leads me to think the Magic may be willing to take a big swing here. And the biggest swing is Jonathan Isaac.

Isaac is a versatile and long forward. He has all the physical tools to be a lockdown defender. And the fluidity and athleticism to be a solid perimeter player. It will just take time. He is not ready to do it all now.

The potential is tantalizing. The question the Magic have to answer if they make this pick is whether they believe Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon can play together.

If Orlando can answer that in the affirmative, then Isaac is the upside pick the team needs to make.

Personally, I am not sold. But I think Orlando could be.