OMD Big Board 3.0: Clarifying the Orlando Magic’s goals
Shooters Galore
Alas, everyone wants shooting. The Orlando Magic’s biggest need is shooting. I know I am on record saying the Magic need to come away from draft night with shooting. That should be their top priority. And it is certainly something the team has to consider with every move the team makes. The Magic are so desperate for that skill.
Shooters can be a bit limited in what they do beyond. And obviously, the draft is about how players grow and what they project to being rather than their simple skill set now.
That is why I might be among the outliers who likes Jordan Hawkins over Gradey Dick among the top shooters in this draft class.
Both Hawkins and Dick are fantastic shooters. But for me, Hawkins edges ahead of him because his shooting is more dynamic — he can shoot on the move very effectively and has some driving ability although nobody should be asking him to change direction or pace on his drives.
Hawkins also projects as a better defender. Even though he is a bit smaller at 6-foot-5, Hawkins uses his size well and can keep his man in front of him effectively.
For that reason, I really like him as the option at No. 11. His game is just a bit more dynamic with room to grow.
Having said that, the Orlando Magic would not be wrong to target Gradey Dick either. He does everything the Magic need as a shooter with good size at 6-foot-8 to boot.
Dick is widely considered the best shooter in this draft. He can hit stand-still shots effectively and has deep range. Dick is a smart team defender, even if he is someone whom teams will target one on one.
The reason why I drop Dick below Hawkins is because of Dick’s limitations athletically. It is hard to see Dick doing much more than being a shooter. He is a very good shooter and should be able to do that at a high level in the NBA.
But it is hard to say the Magic should not still be focused on more.