Round 1, Pick 1, Orlando Magic:
Jabari Smith, PF from Auburn
I believe this pick is all wrapped and ready to go for the Orlando Magic. Smith brings long playmaking energy to the Power Forward position which would be a fantastic addition to the young core of Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner. Smith also brings a shooting touch that is needed in the evolving game of today’s NBA. Smith can space the floor and knock down the outside jumper with ease. If Smith continues to work at his on-ball scoring and finishing at the rim, the sky could be the limit for this young man.
Player Comp: a combo of Jerami Grant and Chris Bosh.
Round 1, Pick 27, Miami Heat:
Wendell Moore Jr. from Duke.
If Moore falls to Miami at 27, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra should sprint to the podium with their selection. Moore fixes so many problems that became present in this years run to the NBA Finals. Moore is a prototypical 3 and D player but emphasizes the three. He can shoot the lights out, would be a fantastic spark off the bench, and could contribute immediately. Also, Moore could be an excellent addition if Miami decides to move on from Duncan Robinson. Moore would be able to step into that role and provide more of a spark on the defensive side which aligns with Miami’s grit mentality.
Player comp: Mikal Bridges with a quicker first step.
Round 2, Pick 32, Orlando Magic:
Max Christie, SG from Michigan State.
After Orlando gets their bonafide big man, it’s time for someone who can score the rock. Orlando struggled sometimes last season, having stretches of offensive inconsistencies and scoring droughts. Christie is a lights-out shooter who can attack off the dribble as well. Christie would be a perfect scoring spark off the bench for the Magic and could help them continue to grow their young core. Christie does lack some size in his frame, but he makes up for it with quickness and a release that looks pure. Christie is going to be an elite shooter with a scoring upside that would be a perfect option for the Magic in the second round.
Player comparison: Immanuel Quickley.
Round 2, Pick 35, Orlando Magic:
Christian Koloko from Arizona.
Koloko brings an old-school style of tenacity that could fuel the Magic and aid on the defensive end. Koloko is an efficient beast down-low, shooting 65% from the field last season at Arizona. Koloko is also a presence on the defensive side of the ball, averaging 2.8 blocks per game and 3.9 per 36. Koloko is a grind-it-out big man who could be a valuable role player and a defensive presence to an average defensive team (17th in defensive rating last season). Koloko might not be the prototypical stretch-big in the modern NBA but I firmly believe that his style of play could still make a serious impact for the Orlando Magic now and in the future for years to come.
Player Comp: Mitchell Robinson.