With the 2021 NBA draft kicking off in just nine days, many teams such as the Orlando Magic will need to begin to narrow down their draft board of prospects. For Orlando, they’ll need to focus on players that can help take pressure off the rest of the team. Luckily for the Magic, this draft class is filled with plenty of difference-makers on the offensive end of the floor. If the Magic can find a perfect complementary scoring guard to Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and R.J. Hampton, they could return to the playoffs sooner than later. The key for Orlando is to be content with whom they draft, regardless if they trade up (or down). With this being said, selecting any one of these five guards will be a top priority for the Magic in the draft.
Cade Cunningham, PG/SF, Oklahoma State
Of all the players in this draft class, Cunningham seems to stand out above the rest, and for good reason. The 6’8″, 220 pound versatile Cunningham enters the NBA with the ability to play either guard and even the small forward position. Due to his unique frame, Cunningham was able to exploit big-twelve defenses all season long, as he averaged 20.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 3.5 APG in 35.4 MPG. Cunningham does possess something that other big-name prospects in this class don’t have, which is consistent shooting. Cunningham shot the ball very well last season, going 43.8% from the field, 40.0% from three-point range, and 84.6% from the free-throw line. Cunningham’s defense was also solid, totaling 43 steals and 21 blocks last season. Yes, Cunningham did struggle in the spotlight, including the NCAA Tournament. That’s why going to a small market team like Orlando could be beneficial for Cunningham.
Jalen Green, PG/SG, G-League Ignite
While it’s unlikely that Green will still be available for Orlando to take, he would be a great fit. Standing at 6’6″ and 178 pounds, Green’s ability to score at all three levels and initiate the offense is unmatched. In 15 games, Green averaged an impressive stat line of 17.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 1.5 SPG in 32.0 MPG. In addition to this, Green was still an efficient shooter, going 46.1% from the field and 36.5% from downtown. Finally, Green’s uncanny ability to cut to the basket expanded his offense immensely, as he made 69.1% of his shots that came five feet or closer to the rim. In spite of this, Green will still need to work on his defense and his streaky three-point shooting. Luckily for Green, recently hired head coach Jamahl Mosley could help Green develop as he did with Luka Doncic in Dallas.
Jalen Suggs, PG/SG, Gonzaga
The possibility of Orlando selecting Suggs hinges on what Toronto decides to do with the fourth pick. If the Raptors end up taking Suggs, then this scenario is off the table. Despite this, Toronto has recently been linked to liking the idea of picking Barnes, especially if they decide to keep Kyle Lowry. So, if Toronto goes with Barnes, then Orlando should just go with the best available player in Suggs. In his time with Gonzaga, Suggs showed off his stellar playmaking skills and his ability to initiate the offense. While Suggs isn’t a developed scorer like other prospects, he has a well-rounded offensive game, averaging 14.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, and 4.5 APG in 28.9 MPG. The fit wouldn’t quite make much sense, with the Magic already having playmaking guards in Fultz, Anthony, and Hampton. Still, Suggs would be an excellent addition to the Magic’s young core.
James Bouknight, SG, UConn
While it may be a reach to add Bouknight with the fifth pick, he’s the perfect three-level scorer the Magic need to add. The All-Big East standout averaged a team-high 18.7 PPG, along with 5.7 RPG and 1.8 APG. Bouknight’s shooting was reliable throughout the season, going 44.7% from the field and 77.8% from the free-throw line. Bouknight definitely has his concerns, which include his health and three-point shooting. To begin, Bouknight missed eight of UConn’s 23 games due to a nagging elbow injury. This may be the reason why Bouknight’s three-point shooting took a dip. This past season, Bouknight connected on 29.3% of his five three-point attempts per game. That mark was much worse than his 34.7% on 2.6 attempts per game last season. While this is concerning, Bouknight’s overall offensive game may be enough for Orlando to select him with the eighth pick in the draft.
Davion Mitchell, PG, Baylor
It may come as a shock to some, but Mitchell possesses one of the most balanced games in the class. To start off, Mitchell was the main cog in Baylor’s superb offense, averaging 14.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, and 5.5 APG in 33.0 MPG. What’s more impressive about Mitchell is his ability to shoot the ball very efficiently. During this past season, Mitchell shot 56.5% from the field and 44.7% from downtown on 10.3 and 4.7 attempts per game. These shooting marks, along with his points, rebounds, and assists averages turned out to be career-highs for the former Auburn transfer. Mitchell also had positive contributions on the defensive end on the floor, averaging 1.9 SPG and 0.4 BPG. So, Mitchell’s 2020-2021 season certainly put him in the conversation to go in the top ten, and Orlando can easily snag him with the eighth pick.