After selecting franchise cornerstones Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner with their first-round picks, the Orlando Magic only had their second-round pick left (No. 33) to make. After selecting Ohio’s Jason Preston, Orlando traded the rights of Preston to the Clippers in exchange for Detroit’s 2026 second-round pick and cash considerations. The Magic are clearly trying to save as much money as possible for Suggs’ and Wagner’s upcoming rookie contracts. As for Preston, he’ll join a crowded rookie draft class in Los Angeles consisting of Keon Johnson (No. 21 pick) and Brandon Boston Jr. (No. 51 pick). Instead of trying to package their picks to land a veteran to win now, Los Angeles opted for the rookies. You can only wonder how much the news of Kawhi Leonard missing the beginning of the season impacted that. Ultimately, they took a couple of fliers on potential wings in Preston, Johnson, and Boston.
Entering the 2020-2021 season, most people doubted Preston as a future draft pick. With this being the case, Preston proved everyone wrong while breaking out in his third season at Ohio. In 20 games this season, Preston averaged 15.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.3 assists (fifth in the nation). Preston also had his best shooting season yet, as he shot 51.4% from the field and 39% from three-point range. With this said, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Preston led Ohio to their seventh MAC Tournament Championship. Preston rightfully earned the MAC Tournament MVP and a spot on the All-MAC Tournament team. After being picked by the Magic, Preston is the first player to be selected in the NBA Draft out of Ohio since 2003. Courtesy of the draft-day trade between Orlando and Los Angeles, Preston will now begin his NBA journey with the Clippers.