Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 7
Next
Matisse Thybulle, Washington Huskies
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 16: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Washington Huskies drives against Kenny Wooten #14 of the Oregon Ducks during the championship game of the Pac-12 basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 16, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

The rest of the first round

Matisse Thybulle. player. . . G/F. Washington. 18. 22

Matisse Thybulle is a raw prospect who was still finding his way through his talent. He is not going to provide much offensively. But his length and size made him a defensive terror in college. And he should be someone who can translate that to the league.

This is the perfect spot for him to go. And honestly, Thybulle could be a dark-horse candidate for the Orlando Magic to take because of his length and defensive ability.

. F. player. . P.J. Washington. 23. 211. Kentucky

P.J. Washington is one of the intriguing talents in this draft because he is a tweener in so many ways. He is a solid driver and can run the open floor effectively. His defense is solid. But his lack of 3-point shooting makes it tough to find a place for him.

At this point in the draft, there is too much talent here to pass up. Washington can play at a high level when given a chance.

PF. Gonzaga. 24. player. 93. Brandon Clarke. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis

Brandon Clarke is a player who could go just about anywhere in the draft. He is a solid player around the basket and a great shot blocker. One of the best shot blockers in the nation. He has an understanding of positioning and footwork that is not usual for a player of his age.

But Clarke has a lot working against him. He is just 6-foot-8 with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. He does not possess a ton of length or athleticism. And footwork and positioning can only get you so far.

. . Nicolas Claxton. 34. PF. Georgia. 25. player

Nicolas Claxton has slowly risen on draft boards since the NBA Draft Combine when he had a good showing. He has good athleticism and strength on the block (although like all rookies, he needs to put on muscle). He can move well and he will attack from the paint.

There is not a lot of refinement to his game yet. He is all energy and buoyancy. And Claxton is not going to to do a whole lot outside the paint.

Florida State. Mfiondu Kabengele. C. Pick Analysis. 26. player. 156. Scouting Report

If anyone knows how to fill a role and make the most of their opportunity, it is Mfiondu Kabengele. With the Florida State Seminoles last year, he came off the bench and dominated his minutes. He was a solid shot blocker and defender who can finish around the basket.

It is hard to get a sense of just what he can do. And this seems a bit low for him. But if you are not a super athletic, shot-blocking center, it is kind of hard to get noticed. Kabengele could be a steal.

27. player. . . Chuma Okeke. Auburn. 147. G/F

Chuma Okeke is an intriguing player with a solid jump shot and good defensive instincts. Teams like him for all those intangible traits. It seemed like Okeke was set to become a first-round pick as a workhorse player.

But Okeke is coming off a torn ACL as he enters the draft. That injury at this juncture is a detriment to his draft chances. And he will have to prove himself quickly when he gets in the league.

Stanford. KZ Okpala. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. SF. 28. 41

KZ Okpala has a lot of skills that will intrigue NBA draft prospects. He has good size and length that projects him as a good defender. He took a big leap scoring with his offense this year with the Stanford Cardinal that bodes well for him.

Okpala should not be relied upon as the top scorer on any team. He struggled to get the Cardinal wins in that role. His game is still pretty rudimentary and his 3-point shot is still improving. He is a bit of a project but he has tons of talent to get there.

29. Luka Samanic. 29. player. Croatia. . . PF

Luka Samanic was one of the few international prospects who went to the NBA Draft Combine. He is a versatile forward who can move at 6-foot-11 and hit the outside shot.

The big thing with Samanic is just his maturity and coming into his own with his game. He is still learning what it takes to play at a high level. But his skills are intriguing.

PG. Carsen Edwards. 30. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Purdue. 64

Carsen Edwards was a killer shooter for the Purdue Boilermakers proving to be one of the most dynamic scoring guards in the nation. That goes far beyond his hallmark NCAA Tournament performance.

He is not a traditional point guard. He has a scorer’s mentality. But his size makes him different than a lot of those type of guards. Edwards has a killer instinct and the size to defend. He just has to prove he can create separation and distribute the ball better.

dark. Next. Best Case/Worst Case scenarios for Orlando Magic's draft

We will be back after the draft to break down what the Orlando Magic did. Enjoy the draft!