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Dennis Smith Jr.: ‘Almost certain’ Orlando Magic would take him with sixth pick

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 5: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 5, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 5: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks goes to the basket against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 5, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith Jr. lit up the scoreboard in the summer and got Orlando Magic fans jealous. Smith said he was certain he’d go there.

Until the regular season really gets going and fans have a good grasp of their new rookie player, the debate rages on among Orlando Magic fans.

Did the team make the right choice selecting Jonathan Isaac with the sixth overall pick?

With this much-hyped rookie class and the Magic in a bit of a bind in the middle of their rebuild, fans felt the team had to make the right pick. And most fans turned to two prospects — Jonathan Isaac and Dennis Smith Jr.

Orlando eventually selected Isaac. He was the lengthy, defensive-minded wing the Magic seem to favor and build around. That kind of versatility and athleticism is something president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has focused on in his early acquisitions.

Isaac has played well during the preseason. His length and athleticism are very noticeable and coach Frank Vogel said he feels Isaac is ready for the NBA defensively.

Still, by all accounts, the decision was close on draft night. And it is hard not to watch Smith and wonder. Especially after his big Summer League and preseason numbers.

Smith, who worked out for the Magic before the team hired Weltman and interviewed with the Magic’s new management afterward, was surprised the Magic passed on him with the sixth overall pick. He told the media at shootaround Monday morning in Dallas he was certain the Magic would take him.

Smith undoubtedly fits a lot of needs for the Magic. They needed a dynamic scorer and creator. And that is what Smith does. He might end up being the best pure scorer in this loaded draft.

Instead of going sixth, Smith fell to ninth where the Dallas Mavericks scooped him up. They have done nothing but rave about him.

He displayed his skill at Summer League. He has shown a knack for getting into the paint and scoring so far in the preseason. Smith is averaging 10.0 points per game and 1.7 assists per game in the preseason, shooting 37.0 percent from the floor and 45.5 percent from beyond the arc.

He can get into the paint, but he is obviously learning the finer points of the NBA game still.

That athleticism and playmaking certainly would look fine in the Magic’s lineup, even with his defensive shortcomings at this point.

But Orlando selected Isaac. And it does not appear the team has any regrets about it.

Isaac has been fairly productive offensively in the preseason and has looked strong defensively. The physical tools for Isaac seem like a perfect fit for the way the Magic want to build. They will figure out the fit with Aaron Gordon later.

Through three preseason games, 10.0 points per game on 47.8 percent shooting. There is no separation between the two statistically in the early part of the preseason — although Dallas is asking Smith to be on the ball more and playing him with the starters whereas Isaac is more a complementary piece off the bench.

Next: Orlando Magic Daily Podcast: National Perceptions

This will continue to be a debate Magic fans have as the two rookies play out their first seasons. It is hard not to make the comparison, although both teams seem very happy with how things turned out.