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Orlando Magic 2019 NBA Draft Preview: Orlando Magic Daily’s Mock Draft

By Philip Rossman-Reich

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 19: Ja Morant speaks to the media ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Grand Hyatt New York on June 19, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 19: Ja Morant speaks to the media ahead of the 2019 NBA Draft at the Grand Hyatt New York on June 19, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images) /
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Nickeil Walker-Alexander, Virginia Tech Hokies
BLACKSBURG, VA – DECEMBER 05: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies looks to pass in the second half during the game against the VMI Keydets at Cassell Coliseum on December 5, 2018 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

The Magic’s pick

Virginia Tech. Nickeil Alexander-Walker. 16. Video Breakdown. SG. Scouting Report. player. 38

The way this draft breaks down, the Orlando Magic will have a ton of options. Even if the league has an inexplicable avoidance of big men, the team should expect to be comfortable with whomever they pick.

There are plenty of good options here that lots of people can argue for — from Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyler Herro to North Carolina Tar Heels forward Cameron Johnson to USC Trojans guard Kevin Porter Jr. to even some outside shots like Republic of Georgia big man Goga Bitadze, Kentucky Wildcats forward P.J. Washington, Tennessee Volunteers forward Brandon Williams or Stanford Cardinal forward KZ Okpala.

There is little difference between a lot of the players the Magic could choose from when the draft actually breaks down. And there are a lot of players they should feel comfortable selecting when their pick comes up.

They may not get a star — even if someone like Nassir Little or Romeo Langford falls to them — but they should count on finding someone who can fill a role in the league.

All that will matter, and where their draft process has to be sharp, is in figuring out whether that player will embrace that role, put in the work to improve and listen to their player development staff. This draft is really about figuring out if the infrastructure the Magic have build is successful.

For a long time, I have had my eye on Virginia Tech Hokies guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker. He fits a lot of the traits the Magic like in a prospect with his length and general improvement. He got better from his freshman and sophomore year. That suggests he is still growing his game and able to make an impact.

Alexander-Walker is a solid 3-point shooter. That obviously fits a need for the Magic. But he is solid defensively too, can handle the ball in the pick and roll effectively as a secondary playmaker. That is the kind of guy that can fit into a role and grow into something more.

Alexander-Walker checks off all the boxes for me as for what the Magic need from this pick. He fits their style and fills a need.

When the Magic pick, I believe he should be their guy. He stands out to me among all the options the Magic have available to them.