5 best NBA Draft fits for the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic Draft Fits: Combo Guard
Jalen Suggs, Gonzaga
Adding to the disappointment of the NBA Draft Lottery coming up bust for the Orlando Magic was missing on another high-level prospect who would seemingly fit right into the lineup.
Jalen Suggs is the perfect mix of guard skills that a lot of teams have been hungering for, especially with more teams trying to get as many ball-handlers and creators out on the floor. Having a guard who can both space the floor as a shooter and attack the basket in pick and roll is the dream, creating constant pressure on defenses no matter who is initiating the attack.
Suggs had a stellar run last year in Gonzaga’s run to the NCAA Tournament Championship Game. It was far more than just that big half-court shot in the Final Four over UCLA.
Suggs averaged 14.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game and 4.5 assists per game. He shot 33.7-percent from beyond the arc and a 56.0-percent effective field goal percentage.
The 6-foot-4 guard showed good strength getting to and finishing at the rim. And he is a good enough shooter to keep defenses honest.
What is really interesting is the time that Suggs comes into the league and how he might fit in with a roster like the Magic’s.
Orlando under Steve Clifford was never afraid to play two point guards together — even if the fit was awkward. He played Markelle Fultz alongside both Michael Carter-Williams and D.J. Augustin. The team intended to play Cole Anthony and Markelle Fultz together and R.J. Hampton played a lot with another point guard — whether it was Cole Anthony, Devin Cannady or Chasson Randle.
The point is teams around the league are seeing the value of having multiple ball handlers and eliminating a lot of traditional roles by position. Guards have to do a little bit of everything these days.
And with the Magic having so many guards, if they go the combo guard route, they need someone who is comfortable enough to play off the ball at least early in their career.
Other Options
Davion Mitchell, Baylor: All the college-based scouts want to pump up Davion Mitchell after his strong run through the NCAA Tournament. They are not wrong, even if there is some overhyping. He might be the best defender in the draft class.
Tre Mann, Florida: Tre Mann took a huge leap this year averaging 16.0 points per game and shooting 40.2-percent from beyond the arc. He projects more as an undersized shooting guard in the NBA.
Sharife Cooper, Auburn: The super athletic forward from Auburn comes with a good pedigree and plenty of scoring highlights after averaging 20.1 points per game with the Tigers last year.