The Orlando Magic, homeowners of the Nos. 1, 32 and 35 picks within the NBA draft, could have a number of possibilities so as to add to their roster on June 23.
After kicking off a rebuild in March 2021, the Magic have already got vital younger expertise. Orlando has 9 gamers who had been drafted within the first spherical since 2017 signed to contracts for the 2022-23 season.
Nonetheless, the Magic have clear wants after ending 2021-22 with a 22-60 document.
Because the roster stands, Orlando wants a 3-and-D wing/ahead — with an emphasis on dependable 3-point capturing — who has good dimension and size for his or her place. The Magic additionally might use one other large/middle, relying on what occurs with Mo Bamba’s restricted free company.
After taking a step ahead of their pre-draft evaluations throughout the mid-Might NBA draft mix in Chicago, the Magic are internet hosting prospects for exercises forward of the draft.
This story is a part of a collection on gamers the Magic both interviewed or labored out in Orlando:
Gabe Brown (Michigan State)
Peak: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 215 kilos | Age: 22 | Wingspan: 7 ft
2021-22 averages: 11.6 factors (42.8% from the sphere — 49% on 2s, 38.2% on 3s), 3.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Connection: Labored out for the Magic on Might 25
Observe: Simply because a participant is figuring out for a staff doesn’t imply they’re a goal to be drafted. A staff not figuring out a prospect additionally doesn’t imply they gained’t draft them. Six pre-draft prospects are allowed on the courtroom at a time and aren’t allowed on the courtroom with NBA gamers. Some gamers sought suggestions from NBA groups forward of the June 1 deadline faculty gamers needed to determine whether or not they’ll keep within the draft or withdraw and maintain any remaining collegiate eligibility.
The excitement: Brown, a former 4-star within the 2018 recruiting class out of Belleville Excessive College in Michigan, spent 4 seasons with the Spartans. Final yr was his first as a full-time starter. Brown averaged profession highs in a number of classes, together with minutes, factors, rebounds, assists and steals (0.7). He’s anticipated to be taken within the second spherical or go undrafted.
Scouting report: Versatile, left-handed wing who has the potential to suit the “3-and-D” mould. Dependable spot-up menace from outdoors the arc, flattening 37.9% (154 of 406) of his 3-point makes an attempt in faculty. Made 89.6% of his free throws on low quantity. He’ll want to enhance on pull-ups and attacking closeouts to be a extra multi-dimensional offensive menace. Doesn’t shield to be a self creator offensively. Athletic and quick, particularly on fastbreaks. Must be efficient in transition. Good lateral quickness when guarding one-on-one and energetic within the passing lanes. Occasions his assist rotations properly as an off-ball defender.
Match: Brown can be the form of participant each staff seems for if he maximizes his skillset on each ends of the ground. It isn’t clear if he’ll venture to be elite at a sure talent and as an older prospect, his perceived ceiling is probably not a lot greater, which might make it troublesome for the Magic to take him within the top-35. He might make sense for the group’s G League staff, the Lakeland Magic, or a two-way deal.
This text first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. E-mail Khobi Worth at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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