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2023 NBA Draft Orlando Magic Daily Big Board 1.0: The Madness Begins

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Arkansas' Nick Smith Jr. brings the ball down the court during the NCAA men's basketball tournament first round match-up between Illinois and Arkansas, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines, Iowa.0316 Illinos Arkansas 016 Arw
Arkansas' Nick Smith Jr. brings the ball down the court during the NCAA men's basketball tournament first round match-up between Illinois and Arkansas, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Wells Fargo Arena, in Des Moines, Iowa.0316 Illinos Arkansas 016 Arw /
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Brandon Miller, Alabama Crimson Tide
Brandon Miller was quite in Alabama’s debut game in the NCAA Tournament. But he is still getting buzz and climbing into the conversation to go No. 2. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa NewsNcaa Basketball Ncaa Tournament Alabama Vs Texas A M Corpus Christi /

Orlando Magic Daily Big Board 1.0

The Top Guys

Last Game: 15 points, 11 rebounds in Loss at LDLC Asvel (March 14)

Next Game: March 24 vs. Le Portel (French Ligue Pro A)

This should not be complicated. Even with the Orlando Magic’s frontcourt set with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter, they should not be afraid to take Victor Wembanyama if they land the No. 1 pick.

Wembanyama is just a generational kind of talent. A 7-footer with guard skills, shot-blocking and defensive instincts and creative shot-making.

He has played really well for Metropolitans in France, averaging 21.5 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game and 3.2 blocks per game. He has delivered on all the promise and hype so far.

Last Game: 15 points, 12 assists at College Park Skyhawks (March 9)

Next Game: Shut down for Season

There is increasing noise about Scoot Henderson’s stock slipping in recent weeks.

He did not have the greatest season for G-League Ignite, averaging 16.5 points per game and dishing out 6.8 assists per game during the G-League’s regular season. Yet, somehow this was still a bit underwhelming. His shot did not come around — he made only 27.5 percent of his 3-pointers — and that raises at least some questions.

Still, the Orlando Magic need a dynamic and athletic guard to anchor their team. Looking at the Magic’s needs and it is clear that beyond shooting as a skill, the team needs more dynamic guard play and more size and rim protection from the center position.

So while there is a lot of talk of Brandon Miller climbing into the conversation to go second, the Magic should be pretty certain that Henderson is their guy if they get the second pick. He is a dynamic playmaker who will create space with his drives and can hit pull-up jumpers from the mid-range.

Henderson is the perfect elite prospect to add to the Magic’s lineup.

Crimson Tide . Brandon Miller. 3. player. 523. . F

Last Game: 0 points, 5 rebounds vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi (NCAA Tournament First Round)

Next Game: Saturday vs. Maryland, 9:40 p.m. (NCAA Tournament Second Round)

There are at least a few draft people raising some concerns about Brandon Miller’s lack of involvement and zero-point game in Alabama’s NCAA Tournament First Round win over Texas A&M Corpus Christi. The top overall seed still scored 96 points including 54 in the first half in a win to advance.

That is all that matters for the team. But do not worry, you will get a chance to see him again in this tournament.

What you will see when Miller takes the floor again is one of the most dynamic and impressive scorers in the nation. Along with a versatile forward who can guard the interior and the perimeter and play inside and out on offense too. He has a lot of the tools the NBA loves.

Miller fits the Magic’s eye with all the measurables that he has a big, dynamic, potential playmaker at forward. Nobody sees him though as a first-level scorer though despite all these skills. It is still all coming together for him.

After a poor showing in Thursday’s game, he will need a good bounceback Saturday.