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Orlando Magic Daily 2023 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: A focus on the Orlando Magic’s needs

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jeremiah Davenport (24) draws a charge foul against UCF Knights forward Taylor Hendricks (25) in the first half of a college basketball game between the UCF Knights and the Cincinnati Bearcats, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati.Ucf Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats Feb 4 0123
Cincinnati Bearcats guard Jeremiah Davenport (24) draws a charge foul against UCF Knights forward Taylor Hendricks (25) in the first half of a college basketball game between the UCF Knights and the Cincinnati Bearcats, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati.Ucf Knights At Cincinnati Bearcats Feb 4 0123 /
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Ausar Thompson
Dec 9, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; City Reapers guard Ausar Thompson (0) shown during the game against the Cold Hearts at Overtime Elite. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic Daily 2023 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0

Tier 2: Potential Stars

It is probably cliche to say there is very little separating Amen and Ausar Thompson. They both have a lot of the same questions about their transition to the NBA just as they both have a lot of the same skills and potential to make it in the NBA.

One of the most challenging parts of this draft is trying to figure out whether these two players and make the big leap up from Overtime Elite to the NBA.

In both Amen and Ausar Thompson, teams are going to get very athletic wings who can attack off the dribble and get to the basket. They have clear NBA bodies already and once they get the speed of the game down, they should be able to make an impact when they get downhill.

For both players, the questions with them lie in their jump shots. Both really struggle with consistency from the outside. They have always been able to trade on their athleticism to get by. That has been more than enough for them to dominate at every level.

That is not going to work in the NBA. Their potential path to stardom runs through their ability to develop as jump shooters.

That is why have Ausar ahead of his brother even if most mock drafts and big boards will have Amen as the better player. In essence, Ausar Thompson showed more progress as a shooter last year, particularly in the team’s championship series. That gives him an edge for a Magic team that should take shooting at a premium.

But Orlando is not in a position to turn down either of these really talented players over shooting concerns. That is something they can develop and grow into. Even if it is not immediate.