Pre-Draft Outlook
There’s a collection of youth on this team that hasn’t quite blossomed yet and the signals about the future of these 20-somethings are mixed. There’s Franz Wagner, an All-Rookie First Team member in 2021-22 … and Jalen Suggs, who was inconsistent. Cole Anthony had moments while stepping in for Markelle Fultz. Same for Wendell Carter Jr., which means, do the Magic give up on Mo Bamba after three so-so seasons? And have we forgotten about mystery man Jonathan Isaac, who has virtually missed two straight seasons while recovering from knee surgery? Orlando needs to dismiss any ideas about drafting for positional need and just get the best prospect, add him to the mix and figure it all out later.
A Stat That Matters
4 — The Magic were the only team that ranked in the bottom 10 in each of the four factors on offense. They finished 28th in effective field goal percentage, 28th in free throw rate, 23rd in turnover rate, and 27th in offensive rebounding percentage.
The Way To Go
In a Draft that lacks a clear people’s choice as the No. 1 overall pick, you must lean on your scouting and vision and take the player most likely to be a perennial All-Star. In that sense, 6-foot-10 forward Jabari Smith Jr. of Auburn is the best hunch over Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero. The 19-year-old is a solid shooter who is still developing in other areas. Since Orlando likely isn’t winning big anytime soon, there’s no rush on his star trek.
Under Contract
G: Cole Anthony
G: Devin Cannady
G: Markelle Fultz
G: R.J. Hampton
G: Jalen Suggs
G/F: Terrence Ross
F: Jonathan Isaac
F: Chuma Okeke
F: Franz Wagner
F/C: Mo Wagner
C/F: Wendell Carter Jr.
Free Agents
G: Gary Harris (unrestricted)
F: Ignas Brazdeikis (restricted)
F: Admiral Schofield (restricted)
C/F: Bol Bol (restricted)
C: Mo Bamba (restricted)
C: Robin Lopez (unrestricted)
> 2022 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2021: Jalen Suggs (5), Franz Wagner (8), Jason Preston (33)**
** = traded in draft-night deal
— Shaun Powell