Orlando Magic 2021 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: Sorting through the tiers
Orlando Magic Big Board Tier IV
Keep an eye on
9
James Bouknight G
UP 1
The Orlando Magic need pure scorers and that should be a premium with the players they are looking to select in this draft. Guys who can create their own shot and put the ball in the basket is the biggest need on the roster. And that is what James Bouknight is simply good at.
The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 18.5 points per game last season before injury cut it short. He was a high-volume shooter (14.6 field goal ttempts per game). That would account for his low field goal percentage — including a sub-30-percent 3-point field goal percentage.
He slips because of that inefficiency. But the hope is that in a lesser role and with NBA spacing, he can unlock that scoring potential.
10
Keon Johnson G/F
DOWN 2
Keon Johnson is similarly rated in this draft as Moses Moody because of his scoring and driving ability. Johnson averaged 11.3 points per game. But he showed plenty of athleticism and the ability to finish around the rim.
Johnson’s biggest detraction right now is his poor shooting. He made only 27.1-percent of his 3-pointers and 70.3-percent from the foul line. Where Moody shows some potential as a shooter, previewing a move off the ball. The question is whether Johnson can take all that talent and work off the ball too.
This is why Johnson is probably rated a bit lower. Even if he seems to have more overall talent.
11
Josh Giddey SF
NR
Josh Giddey started to turn heads as the NBL season in Australia came to a close. He ended up leading the league in assists with 7.5 per game. Again, very impressive for an 18-year-old in a growing and competitive league like the NBL. Going back to back with LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey leading that league in assists is impressive. Clearly Ball, who had a similar stat profile as Giddey, translated well to the league.
At a certain point, too, unique skill sets should get some value. There are few players at 6-foot-8 with these kinds of passing and playmaking skills. Point forward seems like a passe phrase at this point. But nobody should be so moored to positions anymore. It is about skills. And Giddey has them. He just needs to add the shooting.
Still, the Magic have a penchant for seeking length. A guard with his size is someone that is absolutely on the Magic’s radar. His poor shooting is what will keep him from climbing into the next tier or surpassing a similar player in Scottie Barnes.
12
Jalen Johnson F
--
The more you think about Jalen Johnson, the more his physical gifts and potential seem to fit the NBA more than they would in college. And certainly enough to look past any skills gap he still has to make.
The brief flashes of athleticism and his 6-foot-9 frame are more than enough to keep NBA folks interested. He was fine when he did play at Duke too with 11.2 points per game.
The lingering questions are more about his injuries and how he recovers from the ailment that had him leaving Duke before the season ended. Johnson will get his opportunity at the NBA level. The question is which team will be patient enough to give him time to develop.
13
Alperen Sengun C
NR
There are not many centers available in this draft. Those who want one better hope they land high enough to get Evan Mobley. But there is increasing buzz over Turkish star Alperen Sengun.
Sengun averaged 19.2 points and 9.4 rebounds per game for Besiktas in Turkey. He added 1.7 blocks per game for good measure.
The 6-foot-9, 18-year-old is turning heads with his play to finish the season in Turkey. But he is a paint-bound center who will not venture too far outside. But Sengun is extremely talented and will help just about any team that gives him the chance.