The Orlando Magic, homeowners of the Nos. 1, 32 and 35 picks within the NBA draft, may have a number of probabilities 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 have 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 file.
As the roster stands, Orlando wants a 3-and-D wing/ahead — with an emphasis on dependable 3-point taking pictures — who has good dimension and size for his or her place. The Magic additionally may 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 in the course of the mid-May 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:
Jabari Smith Jr. (Auburn);
Height: 6-foot-10 | Weight: 220 kilos | Age: 19 | Wingspan: 7-foot-1
2021-22 averages: 16.9 factors (42.9% from the sphere — 43.5% on 2s, 42% on 3s), 7.4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1 block.
Connection: Worked out for the Magic on June 9
Note: Just as a result of a participant is understanding for a crew doesn’t imply they’re a goal to be drafted. A crew not understanding a prospect additionally doesn’t imply they received’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 resolve whether or not they’ll keep within the draft or withdraw and preserve any remaining collegiate eligibility.
The buzz: Son of former NBA participant Jabari Smith Sr., Smith was a McDonald’s All-American and 5-star out of Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Ga. 247Sports ranked Smith because the No. 7 participant nationally within the 2021 recruiting class. Smith scored in double figures in 29 of 34 video games. He was named the Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year, a member of the All-SEC first crew and a second-team All American.
Scouting report: Elite shooter, particularly for his dimension. Doesn’t want lots of house to get his jumper off. Consistently made photographs when tightly contested. Shoots over most defenders due to his dimension and excessive launch level. Good pull-up shooter from mid-range and past the arc, particularly in transition or when solely needing to take 1-2 dribbles. Effective from the elbows and the put up with jab steps, fadeaways and turnaround jumpers. Will be efficient coming off screens and as a choose and popper. Defensively, strikes hit ft properly laterally to chop off drives. Should be switchable. Length permits him to get better properly if overwhelmed off the dribble. Makes the suitable rotations as an off-ball defender. Stays vertical when contesting and powerful sufficient to protect within the put up.
Struggles to create separation. Settles for jumpers typically. Needs a faster first step to get by defenders. Too upright as a ball handler and was stripped simply since his handles aren’t tight or fluid.
Fit: Smith’s greatest offensive ability — taking pictures — is an space the Magic want to enhance. Orlando’s 33.1% 3-point proportion throughout 2021-22 was the league’s third-worst mark. Smith, who’s anticipated to be a top-three choose, would immediately assist make life simpler for the Magic’s playmakers within the half-court. He’d additionally assist make them extra versatile defensively. Frontcourt combos of Franz Wagner, Chuma Okeke, Wendell Carter Jr., Smith and Bamba — if he returns — would be capable to swap extra and play a number of coverages with out sacrificing dimension.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com