2020 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Saddiq Bey is the safe choice

Overall Evaluation

There is a high probability Saddiq Bey will be available for the Orlando Magic when the clock starts to count on the 15th selection Wednesday.

Bey’s growth makes him an enticing prospect, the possibilities of development continuing to mold a 20-year-old combo forward are endless. He has a strong floor — proven outside shooting and a track record of putting in the time to improve.

In an unheralded draft class, this makes Bey an enticing prospect. No NBA coach would protest his addition to the roster.

But what if Bey’s dedication never materializes in-game? What if his body, athleticism, and pure skill never get to the point where he’ll be a justifiable first-round pick?

If you have a solid rotation and bright future it makes sense to select Bey. You would not have to rely on him to contribute from the start, changing his immediate production from a prerequisite to a “nice-to-have”.

But as Magic fans know all too well, the Magic do not have that luxury. Making the playoffs is an accomplishment, but the franchise has aspirations beyond being a perennial eighth seed.

Bey has all the intangibles to become a solid player at the next level without convincing evidence that he will transcend the NBA game.

This is what makes Bey a safe choice. If a team is content in continuing down the path they are on then he is the right selection.

Yet, Magic fans are not content with another 10 years of mediocrity, and if the franchise is in accordance they will need to take a bigger risk with the 15th pick.