Sweet Sixteen: 3 key prospects the Orlando Magic should be watching

Jaden Ivey

Purdue University

6’4 195 lbs Sophmore

Next Game: March 25 vs. Saint Peters @ 7:09 pm EST (CBS)

Jaden Ivey is a dazzling combo guard who seems to make a spectacular play on the hardwood every time you watch the sophomore play.

With an elite and tight ball handle and an explosive first step, Ivey premiered his ability to reach the basket at his discretion.

Ivey averaged 17.6 points per game during his sophomore campaign, all while improving his shooting percentages across the board compared to his freshman season. Ivey’s 3-point shot has particularly taken a leap skyrocketing up to 41.6-percent, after shooting a merely 26-percent during his freshman year.

Ivey has been extremely effective in pick-and-roll situations. He has continuously displayed the means to read defenders while turning the corner on ball screen situations. Getting into the paint and finishing with a floater or explosive dunk when a defender blitzes a pick-and-roll.

Ivey has also shown the wherewithal to take and make shots from deep when defenders are giving him open shots.

His fearlessness attacking the rim and ability to finish with either hand shadows the comparisons of Ja Morant and Dwyane Wade. However, in my opinion, those comparisons are so spot on because of Ivey’s process to bail himself out of tough situations by finding open teammates.

Wade made a name for himself throughout his career in doing the same thing.

However, the knock on Ivey has centered around his fearlessness, as well. NBADraft.net stated that Ivey often “gambles and reaches for steals“. And although I mentioned that Ivey seemingly finds a way out of tough situations, he consistently finds himself in such scenarios. Often leaving his feet to find an open passing lane.

That sort of aspect to a players game can usher too many turnovers and ultimately lead him to the bench.

Another weakness of Ivey’s game has come from his tough shot selection. Ivey uses his quick first step and strong body base to blow by defenders at the collegiate level, however the players in the NBA are much faster and stronger which could lead to negative trends with Ivey on the floor.

While Ivey may be the next highlight factory — a title Magic fans would welcome to Orange County with open arms — the Magic might be a little bit hesitant on where Ivey’s minutes would come from.

With an already guard centric rotation, Ivey would have to eat into the minutes of either Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz and even R.J. Hampton.

That being said, Orlando has shown promise and hope in their young guards, and I do not believe they are ready to punt on those players, just yet.