Following the NBA Draft Lottery, the Orlando Magic will officially select sixth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. For head coach Frank Vogel, and interim general manager Matt Lloyd, the draft presents a chance for the franchise to change direction. Although the basketball gods did not smile on Orlando during the lottery, there is still room for Magic plans to be optimistic with their pick.
Orlando Magic Mock Draft 2.0: Post-Lottery Edition
The Magic will hold the sixth, 25th, 33rd and 35th picks of this years draft. A class loaded with talent, there will certainly be an opportunity for the Magic to mix up the roster and perhaps look to change the culture in Orlando. With that being said lets jump straight into the second mock draft of the post-season.
Round One, Pick Six
Dennis Smith Jr. (North Carolina State, 6’2″, PG, Freshman)
The common consensus amongst Magic fans at the moment is that Smith would be the best way to go. A highly athletic, offensively minded point guard, Smith excels running the game and has the capability of carrying the load for his team. Averaging an impressive 18.1 points per game during his freshman year, Smith shot a reliable 45.5% from the floor, as well as a solid 35.9% from beyond the arc. His scoring mentality is certainly an upgrade on current point guard Elfrid Payton, who has yet to find any sort of offensive consistency to his game; despite showing flashes towards the end of the season. Smith frequently displays great court vision and is certainly a well-rounded point guard, averaging 6.2 assists per game.
His defensive abilities are also to be marvelled at, averaging 1.9 steals per game, Smith has the ability to perform on both ends of the floor. Despite showing some inconsistencies to his offensive game from time to time, Smith looks to be a great fit for the Magic. Following his Draft Combine interview with Orlando, the Magic could be set to land a new franchise point guard.
Round One, Pick 25 (via Toronto Raptors)
Luke Kennard (Duke, 6’5″, SG, Sophomore)
I made this selection in my earlier mock draft and there seems to be no cause for change. Kennard is arguably the best offensive player in the ACC and demonstrated that consistently this season. Kennard averaged a stellar 19.5 points per game this season and is a lights out shooter. Averaging 49% from the floor as well as improving his three point game to 43.8 percent this past year, Kennard is an offensive juggernaut. With the ability to knock down a shot from almost anywhere, Kennard will be a welcome sight for a Magic roster that ranked 29th in offensive efficiency this past season.
Round Two, Pick 33 (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Mathias Lessort (Nanterre, 6’9″, PF, France)
Perhaps the most attractive quality of Lessort is his sheer athleticism. The frenchman plays with aggressiveness and is one of the most physical athletes in the draft class. The Magic will surely be looking to add some depth at the four spot behind Aaron Gordon and Lessort looks to be the perfect compliment. Lessort displays high intensity on the boards and is a fierce defensive player. Averaging 7.2 rebounds this season. His 10.6 points per game are steady, shooting an efficient 58.8% from the field. Lessort has several areas for improvement, including being undersized for a power forward. Additionally, his shooting leaves a lot to be desired, especially from beyond the arc. Despite these faults, Lessort has the potential to be an effective role player in Orlando.
Round Two, Pick 35
Josh Hart (Villanova, 6’5″, SG, Senior)
A player who has consistently improved during his collegiate career, Hart has been clinical to the Wildcats success in recent years, leading them to the NCAA Championship in 2016. Another impressive offensive player, Hart has developed his shooting every season at college. This past year he put up 18.7 points per game, shooting 51% from the floor and over 40% from three. Hart also excels on the defensive end, averaging 1.6 steals per game and taking home the 2016-17 Big East Defensive Player of the Year Award. At the age of 22 however, although there is room for development, Hart’s age has limited his prospects. Having said that, the Villanova guard would be a great threat off the bench for the Magic.
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