Orlando Magic Daily 2022 NBA Draft Big Board 1.5: After the Madness

Orlando Magic 2022 NBA Draft Big Board 1.5

Sorting the rest

NCAA Tournament (3 games): 21.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 37.3% FG%

Bennedict Mathurin probably had the best individual game of the NCAA Tournament when he scored 30 points in a second-round overtime win over TCU. He was dynamic closing that game out and putting the finishing touches on the game.

Mathurin is still an imperfect player. But he has good size and a solid body that should fit the NBA. He is a good shooter and a potentially good defender. Mathurin is easily one of the most intriguing guards in this draft class.

The fact Shaedon Sharpe has not played all year as Kentucky held him out over potential eligibility issues and the fact this is largely considered a week draft has only added to the intrigue for this guard. Sharpe, by all accounts, has the talent to be the top overall pick. He just has not played for a year. Absence is only making the intrigue about him bigger.

NCAA Tournament: 8.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 31.8% FG%

Jalen Duren is as good as traditional bigs get in the NBA these days. He is a bulldozer in the paint who will defend the paint. Think of him as a perfect energy big off the bench — like a Montrezl Harrell type. He did a good job challenging Chet Holmgren physically in Memphis’ second-round matchup against Gonzaga.

Do not expect a ton of scoring from Duren. It is at this point in the draft that things really drop off (something the Orlando Magic may not have to worry about) and teams will be looking for solid role players. Duren should be a solid big to throw in off the bench and lock down the paint.

NCAA Tournament (6 games): 13.7 PPG, 42.3% 3FG%

There is still a current of people who will tell you that seniors have little to give the NBA. And it is true, they may be topped off or near the top of their potential. If that is the case, then Ochai Agbaji is pretty good. And he already looks like he could fill a role as a 3-and-D win on a good team. It feels like whichever Lottery team drafts Agbaji is going to get the piece they need to make a playoff run.

Some credit has to go to the guy who won the NCAA Tournament’s most outstanding player. He had a big shooting game to beat Villanova in the Final Four. But his defense was good throughout. And this is the kind of guy who gives the same effort no matter if his shot is going down. Put him in the right position, and he is going to find his place.

NCAA Tournament (5 games): 10.4 PPG, 33.3% 3FG%

AJ Griffin had a lot of buzz entering the draft as the do-everything, 3-and-D wing. Then he sort of laid an egg in the NCAA Tournament. Save for 18 points in the Elite Eight against Arkansas, Griffin was fairly underwhelming. Duke definitely missed him in the Final Four loss to North Carolina.

Griffin still has solid defense and 3-point shooting to lean on. But it did not emerge well in the NCAA Tournament run for the Blue Devils.