The Orlando Magic, homeowners of the Nos. 1, 32 and 35 picks within the NBA draft, may 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 important 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 document.
As the roster stands, Orlando wants a 3-and-D wing/ahead — with an emphasis on dependable 3-point capturing — who has good measurement and size for his or her place. The Magic additionally may use one other massive/middle, relying on what occurs with Mo Bamba’s restricted free company.
After taking a step ahead of their pre-draft evaluations through 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 sequence on gamers the Magic both interviewed or labored out in Orlando:
Justin Lewis (Marquette)
Height: 6-foot-7 | Weight: 235 kilos | Age: 20 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2 1/2
2021-22 averages: 16.8 factors (44% from the sphere — 49.5% on 2s, 34.9% on 3s), 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.1 steals.
Connection: Worked out for the Magic on May 25
Note: Just as a result of a participant is figuring out for a crew doesn’t imply they’re a goal to be drafted. A crew not figuring out a prospect additionally doesn’t imply they gained’t draft them. Six pre-draft prospects are allowed on the court docket at a time and aren’t allowed on the court docket with NBA gamers. Some gamers sought suggestions from NBA groups forward of the June 1 deadline faculty gamers should determine whether or not they’ll keep within the draft or withdraw and maintain any remaining collegiate eligibility.
The buzz: Lewis, a former 4-star, was named the Big East’s Most Improved Player after his second season with the Golden Eagles. He was additionally named to the All-Big East first crew. Lewis spent most of 2020-21 as a reserve earlier than stepping right into a full-time beginning function this previous yr.
Scouting report: Big, bodily and athletic ahead whose protection will get him on the ground. Good measurement, energy and size to defend greater wings. Can additionally defend smaller/faster guards and wings. Powerful within the open flooring. Good straight-line driver, however wants to enhance his deal with and contact across the rim on non-dunk finishes. Improved his 3-point proportion from his freshman to sophomore yr by 13%, however might want to present the advance is actual. His improved free-throw proportion (57.7% to 76.1%) suggests it’s. Could be a viable catch-and-shoot and pick-and-pop possibility if the surface capturing is legit. Defensive effort wanes and he wants to enhance his approach on that finish.
Fit: If his capturing continues to enhance, Lewis might be the form of participant who can knock down 3s and defend at a excessive degree the Magic may use, however he’ll probably be used extra as a ahead as an alternative of a wing. Would probably should battle Chuma Okeke and Franz Wagner for enjoying time, along with the opposite gamers who’ll get minutes at energy ahead. Lewis gained’t require plenty of offensive utilization. He’s projected to be taken within the second spherical and needs to be obtainable for the Magic with both of their later picks.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or comply with him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
()
Source: www.bostonherald.com