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Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Prospects to watch in the NCAA Tournament

By Harrison Brown

Keyonte George and Grady Dick are two of the big players the Orlando Magic may focus on when the NBA Draft comes into focus. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Keyonte George and Grady Dick are two of the big players the Orlando Magic may focus on when the NBA Draft comes into focus. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 9: Nick Smith Jr. #3 of the Arkansas Razorbacks drives down the court against the Auburn Tigers during the first half of the second round of the 2023 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 9, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 9: Nick Smith Jr. #3 of the Arkansas Razorbacks drives down the court against the Auburn Tigers during the first half of the second round of the 2023 SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 9, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Carly Mackler/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic prospects to watch in the NCAA Tournament

4. Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas

vs. Illinois, Thurs., 4:30 p.m. (TBS)

Nick Smith Jr. was the third overall prospect coming out of high school and decided to play for the hometown Arkansas Razorbacks. But he had a difficult start to the season due to injury. He is starting to find his own as a college scorer and is another shooter the Orlando Magic could target.

At the beginning of the season, Smith Jr. missed six games due to right knee management, so it took him time to settle. So far, he has shown the ability to shoot the basketball and if you can shoot, you will find NBA minutes.

He has a quick release and has good size for an off-guard standing at 6-foot-5. Smith Jr. has a rip through move when defenders close out to get in the paint and use his floater well.

He can be crafty with different finishes such as finger rolls and reverse layups, but he shies away from contact and can struggle to finish, however he goes to the free throw line fairly often.

Smith Jr. needs to improve in a number of areas, and one of them is his playmaking.

He can be reckless with the basketball and have a “head down” mentality where he does not look to create for others. He does a solid job of finding bigs who cut to the lane for lobs at the basket, but he lacks finding open players on the perimeter.

As a former standout trying to find his footing in college, he is consistently looking for his own shot. His frame is small and does not look strong when he plays, often getting bumped with minimal contact or looking at the official after a turnover.

Smith Jr. will need to add muscle if he expects to contribute immediately in the NBA.

He is averaging 1.8 rebounds per 26.4 minutes and 41.7 percent on two-point field goals. He cannot handle the strength of the interior defense of the SEC and if he cannot create for others he would be categorized as a spot-up shooter.

Smith Jr. will have an uphill battle trying to display his talents in the NCAA Tournament, as his eighth seeded Razorbacks will face the Kansas Jayhawks if they advance to the second round. If he can contribute to an upset and a tournament run it will most definitely improve his draft stock.