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2018 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Trae Young may be the answer to Orlando Magic’s star search

By Ryan Doyle

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts between Jeff Dowtin #11 and Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half of the game during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 15: Trae Young #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners reacts between Jeff Dowtin #11 and Fatts Russell #2 of the Rhode Island Rams in the second half of the game during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 15, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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The Bad

It will not be pretty for Trae Young on the defensive end. Teams will attack him early and often in his rookie campaign.

His small frame will be a target coaches will try to exploit. He is not strong enough yet to be a lockdown perimeter defender and his height will make it tough to contest shots. At least it is good news to hear he has put on some muscle since the college season ended.

Young’s defensive shortcomings are probably his biggest concern. Magic fans were well aware of the issues Elfrid Payton‘s defense caused. Although Young may bring more on the other end of the floor, weak perimeter defense will put all of Orlando’s bigs in an impossible situation.

The biggest concern is his motor at the defensive end. Top-tier NBA guards are prone to this, look at Russell Westbrook and James Harden. Both exert so much energy to score, they have lapses on defense and it can look ugly.

It is probably too early to tell if Young will have that same issue in the NBA. But if his time at Oklahoma gives any indication, he will need to focus more.

The weaknesses on the offensive side are not as apparent. The turnovers should be less of an issue now that he will not have an otherworldly usage rate. Unless he becomes ultra-crafty, his play style would never allow him to be a serious threat on drives either. And Young’s smallish frame made it hard for him to finish at the rim and over bigger defenders.

Young relies heavily on getting to the foul line as a driver. He averaged 8.6 free throw attempts per game last year. It is a big part of his game. That could lead to some difficult and awkward finishes if he is unable to get that whistle.

Lastly, his frequency to throw up bad shots could be reigned in from a coach like Steve Clifford. The coaching staff and teammates won’t allow a rookie to play that way, it just won’t fly in the locker room.

As strong of a prospect is on offense, he is just as big of a risk on defense.