Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Four second round options

The Orlando Magic are trying to add to their team. Their second-round pick is also going to be a key area for the team to improve and find talent.

The Orlando Magic are not just focused on their pick in the first round (No. 15).

They spent countless time interviewing hundreds of prospects from this draft to get an understanding of everyone available to them. Especially when it comes to their second pick in the draft — the 45th pick occurring in the second round.

UPDATE: The Magic have traded the 45th pick to the Milwaukee Bucks for two future second-round picks.

While this is far from a prized asset, Orlando can potentially find some hidden gems. If nothing else, at least somebody who can help for depth purposes at a position devoid of talent off the bench.

Ideally, this pick will be somebody who can crack the rotation.

No one is prognosticating that Orlando will procure the next Nikola Jokic or Khris Middleton in the second round, but there are some options.

Whether they stay at pick number 45 or even trade up or back in the draft, they need to make the most of their opportunities. Here are a few options that make sense for Orlando, while going over the pros and cons for each player.

Jordan Nwora, Louisville

The Louisville junior is an underrated small forward who can likely be had in the middle of the second round.

He had his best season this past year before COVID cancelled the season, averaging 18.0 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, while shooting better than 40-percent from behind the arc, better than 80-percent from the charity stripe and a respectable 44-percent from the field.

He has the requisite height, wingspan, the faculty to be a professional scorer, basketball IQ and even has proven to be a capable rebounder. The concerns are his speed, athleticism and shot selection leave a lot to be desired.

However, he definitely makes sense considering he is number 42 on NBADraft.net’s big board, which means he would be a high-value pick.

Keep in mind that James Ennis just declined his player option and Jonathan Isaac tore his ACL in the bubble back in early August. So, Orlando needs help at small forward and ideally somebody who can start right away.

Tre Jones, Duke

The floor general with ice water in his veins. The sophomore Duke point guard reminds me of his older brother Tyus, who also played for the Blue Devils.

Orlando Magic

Tre Jones showed some promise as a freshman alongside Zion Williamson, Cameron Reddish, and R.J. Barrett, but became Duke’s best player last season, winning ACC player of the year and the conference’s defensive player of the year, too.

He averaged 16.2 points, 6.4 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game on a title contender. He is blessed with a natural gift of being an elite on ball defender, who has a good handler to avoid turnovers, is a proficient facilitator and has all the intangibles when it comes to leadership and taking charge with the game on the line.

If available, he would be an outstanding backup point guard as a rookie, which has to be considered. Let’s not forget that both D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams are both free agents this offseason and it is possible both leave and likely that at least one doesn’t return.

Immanuel Quickly, Kentucky

A 6-foot-3 combo guard from Kentucky who really broke out during his sophomore season at Kentucky playing alongside Tyrese Maxey. He won SEC Player of the year and back to back SEC player of the week honors. Looked very impressive by averaging over 16.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, while shooting better than 42 percent from behind the arc and 92 percent from the charity stripe.

Going from not even starting to one of the best scorers in the nation is very impressive.

He possesses some inherent qualities that are indispensable to succeed at the next level, including silky smooth athleticism, speed that can bring out big strides and exceptional body control.

He is a solid rebounder for a combo guard that also is an adroit spot shooter from behind the arc. But he does need to put some more muscle on his wiry frame, finish at the rim better, improve his explosiveness and physicality. While not a polished prospect, he would definitely be a great consolation prize to take a flyer on in round 2.

Abdoulaye N’Doye, France

Abdoulaye N’Doye is another versatile combo guard from France. The 22-year-old guard is 6-foot-7 and weighs 200 pounds. He can play all the perimeter positions with an outstanding wingspan at almost 8 inches taller than his actual height.

He is also self aware about his game by not trying to do much and zeroes in on just playing to his strengths. He is also a good ball handler and passer.

He still needs to work on his feel for the game and basketball IQ. He needs to also work as a pull-up jump shooter and weakside defender.

He most recently played in France with Cholet Basket, which plays in France’s most prestigious league. In his most recent season, he averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 helpers while leading the team in steals with 1.3. He also improved as a perimeter shooter with the ability exude playmaking skills off the dribble.

He is definitely worth the risk as a mid-second round pick.