The NBA draft lottery is in the books and the Orlando Magic fell exactly where they were slotted—at No. 11. It’s been a case of hoping for the best and falling right where the odds have them for the franchise these last few years.
The biggest difference this time around for the team is that there is no evident position need at this time-- and potentially they could draft without having a named a head coach—after Scott Skiles stepped down last Thursday.
Now last year the goal was to find a shooter—hence Mario Hezonja’s selection at the number five spot.
This time around the team has the bones in place and will possibly zero in on taking the best available at the time of their 11th overall pick.
What does that look like—it’s hard to tell. Right now as this rookie class offers depth and very little disparity after the top five go.
You can bet on Kentucky’s Skal Labissiere being available for the taking at that time—the 7’0 power forward could back up Nikola Vucevic and offers a lot of long-term upside even after having underachieved his freshman year averaging only 6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
Another option –if still available would be Cal’s hardnosed wing Jaylen Brown—his less than stellar performance at the combine may drop his stock and allow for the Magic to scoop him up. Right now Brown draws comparisons to Jason Richardson and offers strength and speed checking in at 6’6, 225lbs.
As for the Magic and their track record of picking overseas players here’s another name you can count on circulating the interest board—6’7 shooting guard Furkan Korkmaz from Turkey. He’s been playing pro ball for years and is an elite scorer who can pose many mismatches out on the wing.
Utah Center Jakob Poeltl can also be in the mix—he is rated as the top center on the board this draft class and offers up great rim protection and defense.
The NBA draft falls on Thursday June 23 this year—with the Magic holding the 11th and 41st overall picks.