In the same vein as other Eastern Conference teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Washington Wizards, the Orlando Magic did an amazing job at the 2025 NBA Draft. They picked up two highly talented prospects who flashed their potential during their time at Summer League.
Undoubtedly, both rookies have the skills and overall talent to be amazing fits with the Magic for the long haul. However, with their rookie season in sight, each of them will have expectations they need to work on throughout the upcoming year. Let’s dive into one expectation for each Orlando Magic rookie in the coming season.
One Expectation For Each Orlando Magic Rookie
Jase Richardson
Expectation: Richardson Proving His Size Won’t Be an Issue
Using the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Magic selected Michigan State guard Jase Richardson. Standing at around six feet tall barefoot, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson is one of the better guard prospects in this past draft. Specifically, he possesses a versatile, all-around skill set that leads him to be impactful on both ends. On offense, Richardson is an efficient three-level scorer who also flashed passing talent. Defensively, he compensates for his poor size by playing high-motor defense while guarding ball-handlers. Despite his short time in Summer League, Richardson showed his consistent production, especially on the offensive end.
Considering his skill set and overall talent, Richardson is a perfect fit for the Magic. Not only that, but he can be an incredibly impactful player in the future. However, one area of concern for Richardson is his size. At just around six-foot-one in shoes, Richardson is on the small side, even for a point guard. That lack of size can be a serious detriment on both ends for him. He could find it more difficult to finish at the NBA level despite the touch he displayed in college due to the increased length and athleticism in the league. As for defense, NBA teams will look to hunt for him due to his size. While Richardson will play hard on defense, opponents can take advantage of his size by just shooting right over him.
For Richardson, the expectation is for him to prove that his size won’t be an issue. Based on his time in Summer League and preseason currently, he is succeeding. If he can prove that, he will surely be a long-term NBA player.
Noah Penda
Expectation: Penda Finding A Way To Contribute Offensively
As for Orlando’s second selection, they traded for the 32nd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and used it to get French forward Noah Penda. The six-foot-eight Penda is certainly one of the best defensive prospects in the 2025 draft class. He is an extremely proficient ball-stopper who can be impactful as a defensive playmaker. Plus, he has the versatility to guard multiple positions. His ability to rack up steals and blocks was apparent during Summer League.
Without a doubt, Penda’s defensive acumen will be his calling card in the league. Nevertheless, his offense lags behind his defense significantly. For his rookie season, the expectation for Penda is for him to find a way to contribute offensively. While he did show he can handle the ball and drive to the rim, there are questions as to whether it will translate to the NBA level. If he can succeed in finding a way to contribute, especially if he figures out how to shoot, Penda would be a complete fit for Orlando.
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