5 best NBA Draft fits for the Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic Draft Fits: Straight buckets
James Bouknight, Connecticut
The Orlando Magic’s biggest problem might still be needing someone who can put the ball in the basket. I already detailed the Magic’s general lack of elite perimeter scoring for nearly a decade and a half. Terrence Ross is popular with fans because he is simply someone who puts the ball in the basket no matter how much pressure or defense is on him.
Making tough shots is a big key to any team advancing far in the playoffs or even the differences in making the playoffs or not. The Magic need guys who can get the ball in the basket.
That was a big part of the thought process in getting Cole Anthony. He was a great scorer in high school who had some struggles in college. The Magic surely believed he would be capable of scoring off the bench and just providing the team with a little bit more bravado and shot creation.
See: Anthony’s game-winning shots and postgame interviews.
The team still has this need though. They need guys with a little bit of an edge and the ability to hit a shot.
These are the guys that are important to teams — think Jordan Clarkson or Lou Williams in addition to Terrence Ross — and the guys who might be able to surprise and break through into stardom — see Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell.
So fans have centered this thinking on Connecticut guard James Bouknight. And for good reason too.
Bouknight averaged 18.7 points per game last year and was a dynamic finisher at the basket and a skilled shooter off the dribble.
If there is a player who is a secret star in this draft, it might be Bouknight. And every team in the range the Magic are drafting should be reviewing him to see if he can have a similar breakthrough to the similarly sized Mitchell.
Bouknight played only 14 games last year becuase of an injury. So the tape on his breakout performance last year is a bit limited. That could also explain why his 3-point shooting dipped below 30-percent after a 34.7-percent performance in his freshman season.
Bouknight does one thing really well and that is score. It is hard to argue against that.
Other Options
Jonathan Kuminga, G-League Ignite: Jonathan Kuminga is already pegged as the likely pick for the Orlando Magic at No. 5. He is not a scoreer as a shooter and he still has work to do to be a scorer, but he has an NBA-ready body and can get to the basket and finish well already.
Ayo Dosunmu, Illinois: Ayo Dosunmu is a bit undersized to be a win, but he is a solid scorer and a tough player who can take a hit and still finish in the paint.
Jaden Springer, Tennessee: Jaden Springer is getting a little bit of buzz although not as much as teammate Keon Johnson. He averaged 12.5 points per game and shot 43.5-percent from deep last year.