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NBA Draft: Early draft options for the Orlando Magic with the 15th pick

By Chet Stirston

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 16: Head Coach Steve Clifford of the Orlando Magic attends Day One of the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 16, 2019 at the Quest MultiSport Complex in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 16: Head Coach Steve Clifford of the Orlando Magic attends Day One of the 2019 NBA Draft Combine on May 16, 2019 at the Quest MultiSport Complex in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Point Guards

R.J. Hampton

Age: 19   Height: 6-5 Weight: 182lbs Projects: Point Guard
2019: Played in Australia   Born: Dallas, TX

Average Draft Pick: 12.8
Orlando Magic Daily Rank:  11

R.J. Hampton is probably out of reach for the Orlando Magic.

If he is available at No. 15, the Magic should draft him. I have him as my No. 11 overall player in the draft and he carries a 12.8 average draft pick amongst popular mock drafts.

Some will have you believe this unknown could be a top 10 pick. And at the beginning of the season, he almost certainly was a top-10 caliber pick. The talent is undoubtedly there.

Hampton played in the NBL in Australia professionally last year at age 18.  With limited stats and minutes, it is not easy to project. An injury cut his season off short, so his stats are even more limited.

Arguably, he has the best-looking shot in the draft. But he just projects to need a bit of fine-tuning as with any rookie.

He can create and does not take bad shots. There is no proof however he can run an offense by himself.

He could also be the consistent shooter the Magic need, but he is not there yet of course. Hampton will expectedly come off the bench as a third point guard or even spell Markelle Fultz if the Magic keep Michael Carter-Williams as a 2-guard.

If D.J. Augustin goes somewhere else in the offseason, drafting Hampton may reveal that.

Tyrese Maxey, Kentucky Wildcats
Tyrese Maxey of the Kentucky Wildcats is a promising point guard with lots of work to do. (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images) /

Tyrese Maxey

Age: 19 Height: 6-3 Weight: 198lb Projects: Point Guard
2019: Kentucky   Born: Dallas, TX

Average Draft Pick: 17.2
Orlando Magic Daily Rank:  12

This Kentucky Wildcat could be a steal at pick No. 15 for the Magic.  I have him as my No. 12 player in the draft and he trends a 17.2 average draft pick.

His exceedingly high agility separates him from defenders near the wing. He excelled in a tough conference in college, averaging 14.0 points and 3.2 assists per game in his lone season at Kentucky.

Maxey has a great-looking jump shot. His catch-and-shoot form is already there. He has great shot mechanics.

Maxey’s versatility will also be a plus. He could work as a point guard more at the NBA level. He would need time to make this transition to point, but it could pay off nicely.

Theo Maledon

Age: 18 (6/12/01) Height: 6-4 Weight: 180lb Projects: Point Guard
2019: France   Born: Rouen, France

Average Draft Pick: 17.6
Orlando Magic Daily Rank:  13

France’s Theo Maledon could be a great value pick for the Magic as I have him ranked the 13th best player in this year’s draft.  He currently sits with a 17.6 average draft pick amongst a host of experts.

Both Evan Fournier and Theo Maledon have won France’s best young player award. Maledon has dealt with some injuries this year, but his basketball smarts and lateral quickness stand out. Those are things Jeff Weltman and the Magic typically like.

That, and his positive wingspan.

Maledon is a spark plug with a smooth jumper and ball-handling. He reacts fast and anticipates ball movement. You could see him spelling Fultz making an immediate impact or playing alongside him.