3 dream scenarios for the Orlando Magic at the 2023 NBA Draft

3 dream scenarios for the Orlando Magic at the 2023 NBA Draft

3. They find another Franz Wagner

It is quite remarkable when you think about it, that the Orlando Magic drafted Franz Wagner eighth overall in the 2021 NBA Draft. To have done so with the first pick from the Nikola Vucevic trade to the Chicago Bulls made it all the sweeter.

Two seasons in and that draft class was a fantastic one, with the Magic also taking Suggs fifth overall. But you could make the case, as has been attempted here, that Wagner is actually the best player in the league currently from that crop of youngsters.

In order to build a true contender, these are the picks that you have to nail.

In hindsight, Paolo Banchero was the obvious first-overall selection last year, while Jalen Suggs is beginning to show signs of promise after an inconsistent start to life in the league.

So to get Wagner eighth, and from a pick that belonged to the Bulls no less, was huge in accelerating the rebuild the organization was undergoing.

To repeat that trick this summer, whether it is with their own selection or again through the pick coming from the Bulls, would be massive.

Who is that player? That is the trickier proposition.

Magic fans have started to fall in love with UCF forward Taylor Hendricks. Hendricks is a bigger forward with good mobility and rim-protecting abilities with an outside shot. But he is not nearly as put together skill-wise as Wagner was coming out of Michigan.

Other fans have looked at Villanova forward Cam Whitmore. He was a heavy-usage scorer for the Wildcats last year with some concerning shooting splits.

Then there is a player like UConn’s Jordan Hawkins, who has flown a bit under the radar in his sophomore season until he starred on the national championship Huskies. His shooting numbers look very promising. He could be a solid option even as a reach with the second pick.

And finally, Ohio State forward — and Lake Highland Prep alum — Brice Sensabaugh showed some promising scoring and creating abilities. He could be a standout scorer taken at the end of the Lottery.

If the Magic could nab another player who could have a similar rookie season impact to Wagner, no matter what position they play, then it would seriously help their prospects of making the postseason next year. No pressure though, as in year one Wagner made All-Rookie First Team and averaged 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.9 assists.