The Orlando Magic entered the 2021 NBA Draft in a tough spot with picks five and eight. This was seen as a top-heavy draft with picks one to four considered the creme-de-la-creme in this class. The Toronto Raptors made a surprise choice, gifting Orlando one of the best prospects in this class.
2021 NBA Draft: Orlando Magic Grades
Jalen Suggs Brings Tenacity and Flair to O-Town
With the #5 pick, the Orlando Magic select Jalen Suggs from the University of Gonzaga.
2020-21 AVERAGES:
14.4 points
5.3 rebounds
4.5 assists
50.3 – 33.7 – 75.4GRADE: A+ pic.twitter.com/HRmbl658PA
— The Thunder Roundtable (@NBASkoolOfThort) July 30, 2021
Originally considered as one of the blue-chippers up until draft night, Jalen Suggs surprisingly fell to the Magic at number five. Suggs had a wonderful season at Gonzaga which featured an epic half-court game-winner to send them to the NCAA Final. The 22-year-old is a leader amongst men and showed a tenacity most teams covet.
There is some conjecture regarding his ceiling as a player but Suggs falls under the hooper category. He is a winner and knows how to win games. The Magic should be cheering with this selection at five.
Grade: A+
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Franz Wagner Adds a Two-way Punch at the Forward Spot
With #8 pick in the Orlando Magic select Franz Wagner from the University of Michigan
2020-21 AVERAGES:
12.5 points
6.5 rebounds
3.0 assists
47.7 – 34.3 – 83.5GRADE: A pic.twitter.com/HaJyhkseGr
— The Thunder Roundtable (@NBASkoolOfThort) July 30, 2021
Franz Wagner is a solid player that fills a real need for the Magic at the three and four spots. Highly coveted by multiple teams, Wagner will make an instant impact defensively mirroring his time at Michigan State.
Universally considered a high-end role player, Orlando snagged a smart, intelligent forward to pair with Suggs. This was another excellent pick by the Magic who beat teams like Memphis and Sacramento to the spot.
Grade: A
Final Thoughts
The Orlando Magic came into the draft as a team in the toughest spot and made out like bandits. While Suggs adds to a jam at the guard spot, he is considerably better than others on the roster not named Markelle Fultz. Wagner slots in as a versatile forward and appears ready to contribute right away.
Orlando’s front office has done a great job since trading away core pieces Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier last season. Times appear to be changing.
Overall Grade: A+
Main Photo
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