Orlando Magic Daily 2017 NBA Mock Draft

Mid-First Round

Justin Jackson was a late bloomer who really found his role last year for the national champion North Carolina Tar Heels. He is a good defender and a still growing offensive player. Veteran leadership should be valued.

Terrance Ferguson is this year’s international man of mystery. And he is actually American. A lot of scouts like his athleticism and potential to grow offensively after he played in Australia instead of attending college last year. But he does not measure out well. The Chicago Bulls need some wing help, and he is the best in a draft short on wings. Maybe T.J. Leaf is an option here.

Even though John Hammond is no longer in Milwaukee, the Milwaukee Bucks likely still want to find a way to add length and they need a strong rim protector to back up Thon Maker as he continues to grow. Patton would be a nice compliment. He runs the floor well, blocks shots and can hit some jumpers. Still, he needs plenty of work.

Myles Turner still has a bit of a reputation for being somewhat soft around the basket and staying out on the perimeter. He needs a power forward who will do a lot of the dirty work. That is John Collins. Regardless of what the Indiana Pacers do with Paul George. Collins can help cover for Turner’s weaknesses.

The Atlanta Hawks definitely need a center after trading Dwight Howard to the Charlotte Hornets. Jarrett Allen would be a perfect player to come in and fill part of that gap. He is a strong rebounder and shot blocker with a rudimentary offensive game. Centers just need to protect the rim. Allen can do that.

Harry Giles might be one of the most talented players in this Draft. Injuries have slowed him down in the last two years, including his freshman year at Duke. Maybe going to the Portland Trail Blazers is not the best idea considering the team’s history of centers with injuries.

The Oklahoma City Thunder need to put an emphasis on spreading the floor and putting as many shooters around Russell Westbrook as they can. T.J. Leaf is probably one of the better shooters in this Draft. And as an athletic stretch-4 would be a great running partner.

Ike Anigbogu is super raw as he did not get a ton of playing time for the UCLA Bruins last year. But in those minutes he showed a propensity to block shots and an ability to run at the rim and score in transition. He has to clean up his fouling and his defense. The Brooklyn Nets are a perfect laboratory.

I am personally very high on Jawun Evans. I like his ability to get to the basket and create his own shot in the mid-range and for others. He was the point guard for the best offense in the NCAA. I think Evans will be a great backup point guard as his size will prevent him from being a strong defender.

Semi Ojeleye would be my dream scenario for the Orlando Magic if the team keeps the 25th pick. He is an athletic, strong defender with a good knack for scoring. He would be a great pickup late in the first round for anyone. He would fit in perfectly on a competitive team.