As one of the NBA’s youngest and most inexperienced teams, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Orlando Magic fielded one of the league’s worst offenses. As a team, Orlando averaged just 104.2 PPG (29th in NBA) and 23.7 APG (20th in NBA), and didn’t even have a player who averaged 17.0+ PPG. For context, all other 29 NBA teams had at least one. In addition to this, the Magic were highly inefficient shooting the ball, as they shot 43.4% from the field (28th in NBA) and 33.1% from three-point range (28th in the NBA). In spite of this, some of Orlando’s players did have solid individual seasons. 2020 first-round pick Cole Anthony averaged a team-high 16.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 5.7 APG, while 2018 first-round pick Wendell Carter Jr. broke out with career-high averages of 15.0 PPG and 10.5 RPG. Finally, 2021 first-round forward Franz Wagner exceeded all of Orlando’s expectations by averaging 15.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.9 APG. If the Magic decide to address their struggling offense in the 2022 NBA Draft, these three players would be ideal for Orlando to select.
Note: This Mock Draft was Finalized Before Tuesday’s NBA Draft Lottery, where Orlando won the No. 1 Overall Pick.
Round 1, Pick 1: PF/C Jabari Smith, University of Auburn
Like Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Smith is an incredibly unique draft prospect with a great set of all-around skills. Standing at 6’10” and 220 pounds, Smith impacted the game in a multitude of ways at Auburn, averaging 16.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.0 APG in 34 games. When Smith isn’t attacking the paint, he’s likely out on the perimeter knocking down deep field-goal attempts. This past season, Smith went 42.9% from the field, 42.0% from three-point range, and 79.9% from the free-throw line. With Smith possessing a smooth shooting form paired with a high ball release, it’s no wonder that Smith is nearly automatic from downtown. Smith’s ability to score at all three levels of the floor has made him so special, as his offense seems to have no key flaws.
Although Smith’s per-game averages of 1.7 SPG and 1.0 BPG aren’t too impressive at face value, his impact on the defensive end of the floor can’t be understated. While at Auburn, Smith used his major length and size to successfully guard any opposing player, including shifter guards. In doing so, Smith typically pressured his opponents into bad shots or turnovers, which is evident in his 90.7 defensive rating (Eighth in SEC) and 3.8 defensive box plus/minus (14th in SEC). Despite this, Smith will definitely need to work on defending the paint against bigger and stronger forwards in the NBA, as those opposing forwards usually had their way when working on Smith one-on-one in the paint. This past season, Smith was typically bailed out of this by teammate Center Walker Kessler, but there’s no guarantee that Smith will be paired with a lockdown rim protector in the NBA.
Round Two, Pick 32: David Roddy, PF/C, Colorado State University
If Orlando does decide to draft Smith with their first selection, then drafting Roddy, a 6’5″, 252-pound physical two-way forward would be wise. Thanks to his aforementioned size, Roddy simply outworks his opponents in the paint, whether he’s attacking or defending the paint. In 31 games this season, Roddy averaged 19.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, and 1.1 BPG, all of which were career highs. This past season, Roddy enjoyed posting up smaller guards and forwards in the paint, as he made 62.0% of his two-point attempts (second in MWC). Roddy’s offense isn’t limited to attacking the paint, however, as he went 57.1% from the field, and 43.8% from downtown. In addition to his impressive shooting splits, Roddy is a great ball-handler, which allows him to play the role of a “point forward” in the NBA. To reiterate, Roddy’s efficient shooting and solid ball-handling skills have translated to an all-around offensive game, which is highlighted by Roddy’s 4.4 offensive win shares (second in MWC) and 8.7 offensive box plus/minus (first in MWC).
For as offensively-skilled as Roddy, his defensive skills shouldn’t be overlooked. Through the use of his size and length, Roddy was a disruptive force for his opponents, as Roddy totaled 177 defensive rebounds (fifth in MWC), 36 steals (13th in MWC), and 33 blocks (sixth in MWC) this season. Roddy’s ability to defend the perimeter and the paint is quite uncommon in the 2022 NBA draft class, adding value to his solid defensive skillset. Roddy still has his obvious weaknesses, with none being greater than committing turnovers and fouls. Over the 2021-2022 season, Roddy committed 72 total turnovers (2.3 TPG) and 71 fouls (2.3 FPG), both of which were career highs. Despite his turnover and mistake issues, Roddy seems to have his basketball ahead of him at just 21 years old, and his ability to impact both ends of the floor would make him a great addition with Smith, Wendell Carter Jr., and Mo Bamba in Orlando.
Round Two, Pick 35: Terquavion Smith, PG/SG, North Carolina State University
After a fantastic freshman season at NC State, Smith has been quickly moving up NBA Draft Boards, and for good reason. In this past season at NC State, Smith averaged 16.3 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 1.3 SPG while shooting 39.8% from the field and 36.9% from downtown. Smith’s superb statline was largely attributed to his great all-around offense and selflessness, where he can create shots for himself or his teammates. When Smith does decide to shoot, good results tend to follow. In addition to shooting 36.9% from three-point range (Fourth in ACC), Smith led the ACC with 96 total three-pointers, which also ranks as the fourth-highest total by a freshman in ACC history. Although Smith posted a team-high 27.5% Usage Rate, he continued to deliver for the Wolfpack, as he produced 478 total points (18th in ACC). At just 19 years old, Smith’s combination of youth, dynamic shot-making, and confident style of play make him a sneaky draft prospect.
Even with all of his success at the collegiate level, Orlando should be wary of how Smith would fit into their rotation if drafted. In addition to Smith, Orlando would also have Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and R.J. Hampton all on the roster, all of whom were selected in the first round of their respected drafts. Smith can certainly play off-ball and on the perimeter, but he’s more suited to lead an offense, rather than being a part of one. If Smith does find himself in a facilitating role in the NBA, he’ll need to lower the number of turnovers and fouls he’s committing. In 32 games last season, Smith committed 54 total turnovers (1.7) and 69 fouls (2.2), both of which ranked inside the top three among NC State players. Finally, it would also be encouraging for NBA teams to see Smith put on weight, especially if he were to play the small forward position.
Note: On May 31st, 2022, NC State Guard Terquavion Smith decided to withdraw his name from the 2022 NBA Draft and return to school for his sophomore season, per Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
“I have to be honest and admit money has never been at the center of my thoughts,” he said. “My agent explained to me that teams as high as the late teens, through the rest of the first round, all have me ranked as a first-round talent. It’s exciting to hear that. But I told him I have more work to do. I like school and my college in particular. Remember, my last two years have been so strange, thanks to the pandemic. I just want one more season to get everything right and just be a college student.”