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Orlando Magic Daily 2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: The Questions the draft poses

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 8, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Cam Whitmore (22) controls the ball against Georgetown Hoyas guard Jay Heath (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 8, 2023; New York, NY, USA; Villanova Wildcats forward Cam Whitmore (22) controls the ball against Georgetown Hoyas guard Jay Heath (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Scoot Henderson, G-League Ignite
HENDERSON, NEVADA – DECEMBER 27: Scoot Henderson #0 of G League Ignite brings the ball up the court against the Ontario Clippers in the first quarter of their game at The Dollar Loan Center on December 27, 2022 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated the Clippers 114-108 in overtime. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic Daily 2023 NBA Mock Draft 3.0

The top of the draft

1. player. 29. . C. San Antonio Spurs. Victor Wembanyama

Question: How fast can the Spurs make this pick?

Do I even need to take the time to explain this pick anymore? I do not have any fancy videos to show you how incredible Victor Wembanyama’s potential and talent is. The only new thing I have to share is that he has let slip publicly that he expects to be a San Antonio Spur.

I have no clue if that is disqualifying with how secretive the Spurs tend to operate. I do not think that would change things either. Wembanyama is really good.

So no more wasting words on it.

2. player. 170. . F. Charlotte Hornets. Brandon Miller

Question: How close do the Hornets believe they are to competing?

There are several big decision points in this draft. The first one will come with the Charlotte Hornets who still seem to be trying to decide what to do with this pick. Both Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller are expected to head to Charlotte for a final workout with outgoing governor Michael Jordan in attendance.

No pressure.

This pick is the ultimate question of whether the Hornets believe they are really close to competing and just need a healthy LaMelo Ball or if they still feel like they need to add more talent.

At this stage of the draft and considering the Hornets’ struggles to even be competitive in the Play-In Tournament the last two times they made it, they probably should lean toward adding more talent in the end.

That answer is clearly Henderson. He is a dynamic attacker and scorer. And while his shooting fit next to Ball should be a question, it is not something they cannot overcome or develop past.

However, it appears the Hornets are going in the other direction and going with the better fit in Miller.

. G. Portland Trail Blazers. Scoot Henderson. 3. player. 34

Question: What are the Blazers doing with Damian Lillard?

The NBA Draft this year really starts with the second and third picks with two franchises in the Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers who are still trying to figure out who they are franchises.

With the Washington Wizards having traded Bradley Beal, everyone’s focus and attention is squarely on the Portland Trail Blazers and Damian Lillard. It is still not at all clear what they will do. But it seems the team is closer than it has ever been.

So what does that mean for this pick? Could it mean a restart with a Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, Amen Thompson or Cam Whitmore? Which player is the one the Blazers would want to rebuild around most — I would rank them: Henderson, Thompson, Miller, Whitmore?

Or. . . if the plan is to keep Lillard, is this the pick they trade to get that secondary star they feel they need to remain competitive?

There are no easy answers. For this mock draft, I want to assume everyone keeps their pick. I think Brandon Miller helps the Blazers as constructed the most. He is a floor spacer and could be a solid defender. He does not need the ball to be successful and that should fit in best with Portland.

But with him potentially off the board, they have to stick with talent and hope that trading Anfernee Simons could put them in a position to add veteran talent to improve the team. Or perhaps use Henderson as a major trade chip to get that veteran.