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2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Review: Melvin Frazier learns to use his length

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 22: Draft Pick Melvin Frazier speaks at the Orlando Magic Draft Press conference on June 22, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JUNE 22: Draft Pick Melvin Frazier speaks at the Orlando Magic Draft Press conference on June 22, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Melvin Frazier, Tulane Green Wave
CHAPEL HILL, NC – DECEMBER 03: Tulane’s Melvin Frazier during the North Carolina Tar Heels game versus the Tulane Green Wave on December 3, 2017, at Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC. (Photo by Andy Mead/YCJ/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Final Word

Melvin Frazier has the athletic frame the Orlando Magic seem to like. His wingspan and height will give him defensive versatility and allow him to play almost any position on the wing on the court. That switching ability obviously has value in the modern NBA.

Frazier fits that profile to a tee. Picking him makes sense as a low-risk, second-round selection who fits a philosophy and style the Magic want to pursue.

If that is something the Magic want to pusue and grow and develop, it makes sense that president of basketball opeations Jeff Weltman had Melvin Frazier pretty high on his board. Certainly much higher than 35. The Magic seemed very pleased to get Frazier on their board.

Second-round picks are not supposed to be star players. Expecting Frazier to become the team’s star is going a bit too far. What is important is to find a role for him to fill. That is how he will eke out time on the court.

Frazier has that capability. He is already a player who has cut his teeth on the defensive end. That is where he can put all his physical tools and abilities to bear on that end. That is what the Magic will expect off the bat.

But Frazier will have to prove himself all over again on the offensive end. That is undoubtedly been a story of much of his basketball career. HIs struggles to shoot is likely what held him back and made a NBA dream seem unachieavable.

Last year’s sudden emergence as an offensive threat helped put him over the top and helped him get to this point. But he will have to prove himself all over again.

Frazier has a varied offensive set and skill. He showed it in bursts last year with Tulane. And he looks like a capable 3-point shooter as he continues to develop. And he has that versatility and length that should make him a good defensive player in the end.

Orlando is certainly hoping he can develop into a 3-and-D player. His ability to make it in the NBA will be determined on that 3-point shot.

Next: For Orlando Magic to improve, they may have to take on salary

But Frazier has that ability and has shown he can work to get there. For now, he fits the profile and fits the identity the Magic want.