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How did the Orlando Magic’s rivals fare in the NBA Draft?

By Joe Buckley

Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends against Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) defends against Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) during the second half at Amway Center. Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Markelle Fultz, Philadelphia 76ers
Jun 23, 2017; Camden, NJ, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number 1 overall draft pick Markelle Fultz (center) poses with owner Joshua Harris (left) and general manager Bryan Colangelo (right) during an introductory press conference at Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia 76ers

The process strikes again.

The Philadelphia 76ers are always big players in the draft. That is what you get for racking up all those losses. And this year was no different.

Trading up to the No. 1 spot (because last year was not enough) the Sixers got the surest thing in the draft while filling their biggest need.

Markelle Fultz has a lot of hype for a reason. He can score from anywhere on the floor, create for others and has a passing game that will compliment the team perfectly.

It is all coming together for the Sixers. They have a possible MVP-type player in the middle (injury-allowing) in Joel Embiid, two wings in Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz who, if they are worth half the hype, are going to be an amazing backcourt to watch and a diamond in the rough in Dario Saric, who seems like the perfectly complementary fourth option.

The key for the Sixers, and the Magic by extension, is Joel Embiid’s visits to the team doctor. When on the floor, he is an amazing player. Off of it, well he is still amazing, but it does not matter as much if he is not playing.

If it does all work out…it’ll be fun to watch.

If the injuries strike, then sure the Magic might stay ahead of them. But as it looks right now, Philadelphia is poised to leap Orlando next year.

Have the Magic held them off? NO

It is only the beginning of the offseason. There is still free agency, summer league and preseason to go.

And the above post only considers those teams who also missed out on the playoffs last year. There will be playoff teams dropping out of the race, the Atlanta Hawks and Indiana Pacers most likely, the Magic can look to catch too.

Because it is pretty well-known, the Magic faithful can be happy with as many draft picks as they like, but they will eventually want to leave the ‘rebuild’ shadow behind them.

Next: 2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Point Guards

Slowly they will have to climb the ranks ahead of them.