The Orlando Magic have missed the playoffs in six consecutive seasons and, with only one season with more than 30 wins over that time period, things haven’t been rosy in the happiest place on Earth. If anything, the Magic have been used as a negative example by fans of other teams arguing against the potential of a rebuilding scenario and, frankly, it is hard to argue that Orlando’s lack of success in building even a playoff team wouldn’t serve as a potential tanking deterrent.
With that said, the Magic do have talent on the roster, especially if they elect to bring Aaron Gordon back in restricted free agency to pair with soon-to-be sophomore Jonathan Isaac in an intriguing frontcourt tandem. There is no question that Orlando needs more talent on the high end, though, and that is where the 2018 NBA Draft comes into play as a potential pivot point.
Orlando holds three picks in the top 41 (No. 6, No. 35 and No. 41) and, while only one of those picks screams importance, it will be very interesting to see what the front office does. Here are a handful of prospects that would fit snugly with what the organization is trying to do, combining potential value with availability.
- Mo Bamba – C, Texas – From a fit perspective, Bamba isn’t perfect in Orlando but this also may represent his realistic floor in terms of the draft board. It would be a “best player available” selection of the highest order but Bamba has top-five talent and there is no one (or no contract) on Orlando’s current roster that should keep them away from a specific position. Bamba’s floor isn’t obscenely high, even with his measurables, but it is easy to dream of his ceiling.
- Jalen Brunson – PG, Villanova – Brunson likely won’t be around at No. 41 but he certainly could be at No. 35 and he would be a great value. Of course, he wouldn’t make too much sense if the Magic go with a point guard (see below) early but Brunson has a steady hand and projects as a low-end starter or a high-end backup in the league. That is the kind of player that can be a steal in the early second round.
- Wendell Carter – C, Duke – Like Bamba, Carter wouldn’t be a “need” fit for the Magic but many scouts project him as a top-six prospect in this class and that brings him into view here. The Duke big man doesn’t bring the kind of ceiling that Bamba can but Carter is a two-way player with polish on both ends and the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways. Throw in considerable pedigree and a frame that is NBA-ready and you have a lottery pick.
- Michael Porter Jr. – PF/SF, Missouri – Porter has been heavily dissected in the days before the draft and it is impossible to figure out where to project him. Orlando would be in his range, however, and it only takes one team falling in love with the (very) talented forward prospect. On paper, this doesn’t make much sense with Jonathan Isaac under contract and restricted rights on Aaron Gordon but, if the Magic aren’t high on paying Gordon a hefty sum, Porter could come into view.
- Landry Shamet – PG/SG, Wichita State – Scouts are all over the place on Shamet but, in the early-to-mid second round, he is absolutely in consideration. Orlando needs an injection of talent in the backcourt and, while Shamet isn’t necessarily a pure point guard, he can handle the ball and provide offensive versatility.
- Gary Trent Jr. – SG, Duke – Trent is less versatile than a player like Shamet but he is a good athlete and, most importantly, can really shoot the basketball. Every team in the league needs that kind of skill set but that is even more true of the Magic, who aren’t overflowing with floor-spacing at the moment. He would make sense with either second round but especially at No. 41 if available.
- Trae Young – PG, Oklahoma – This is the most popular mock draft scenario by far and it is easy to see why. The Magic need offensive upside desperately and Young may have the highest in this class. Beyond that, Orlando’s point guard situation is among the most dire in the league and, if Young slips to No. 6, this is a soft landing spot that combines the possibility of renewed interest in the organization and the potential for a home run pick. Young’s downside has to be acknowledged but this might be his most likely destination.
