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Orlando Magic Draft Grades Roundup: How did the Orlando Magic fare?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jonathan Isaac (Florida State) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number six overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 22, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Jonathan Isaac (Florida State) is introduced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver as the number six overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Isaac, Florida State Seminoles, North Carolina Tar Heels
Jan 14, 2017; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Jonathan Isaac (1) and North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) fight for a rebound in the second half. The Tar Heels defeated the Seminoles 96-83 at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Chad Ford, ESPN.com: A-

"Isaac is especially intriguing. Some scouts believe he has the highest ceiling of anyone in the draft, and yet he might also have the most bust potential of anyone in the top 10. That said, I think he’s got a real chance to be a star. He has the physical tools and skills to succeed and should be terrific alongside Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic in the frontcourt."

ESPN.com was particularly high on Jonathan Isaac throughout the draft process. Their statistical projections had him as adding the third-most wins above replacement player of any player in this draft in their first year. That used a series of statistical markers and projections. Do not take it as a hard and fast truth.

But there are plenty of signs the Magic took a deep cut and should be able to get a solid return on this investment. Of course, no one can predict how humans will perform or what will happen when Isaac actually steps onto the court.

Whereas many are questioning whether Isaac will fit in with the Magic, Ford seems very certain that this is a perfect fit.

Not only does Isaac, in his mind, fit the versatility element the Magic seem to be looking for. But Ford also believes he fits with the Magic’s front court featuring Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic. Certainly, Gordon and Isaac should be able to become a devastating defensive tandem. But ultimately, this group’s success is reliant on Isaac and Gordon’s development from beyond the arc.

Ford notes Iwundu should be able to help out defensively too. But his 3-point shot will be what determines whether he sticks in the league or not.