Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 33 in 2017 NBA Draft
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Here are five options the Orlando Magic should consider with the 33rd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Orlando Magic are going to be busy tonight. Orlando owns four selections in the 2017 NBA Draft; two in the first round and two in the second round. In the first round, they will be selecting sixth and 25th. In the second round, they will be selecting 33rd and 35th.
With so many selections, the Magic could be active on the trade market as well. It will be difficult to find spots on the roster for four rookies, especially since the Magic already have 12 players on their roster.
However, the Magic do have some needs to fill on the roster. They could use some depth on the roster, more floor spacing and rebounding help. The easiest way to find some cheap, controllable help is through the draft. With as many picks as the Magic have, they should be able to fill some Thursday night during the draft.
Narrowing down who the Magic will be targeting is tough. With so many picks, their draft plans could change on the fly based on how the board falls. If a prospect they want is taken, they could look to move some picks. Or, if a prospect they didn't expect to be available is there for the taking, their draft strategy could change as well.
Based on what the Magic need help with, we take a crack at picking some players the Magic could target with the first of their two second round picks. Here are five options for the Magic with the 33rd pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Mar 18, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Iowa State Cyclones guard Monte Morris (11) celebrates during the first half of the game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
5. Monte Morris, PG, Iowa State
The Magic have seemingly soured on Elfrid Payton since acquiring him in a trade on the night of the 2014 NBA Draft. Payton has not developed as hoped and was even benched at times last season. Orlando will probably look to bring in some competition in the backcourt this offseason and Morris would present that.
Morris is one of the most underrated point guards and prospects overall in this year's draft class. The only thing holding him back is his athleticism. He doesn't possess much explosiveness, but he more than makes up for it with his high basketball IQ and point guard skills.
Morris is as good as they come running an offense. During his four-year career with the Cyclones, Morris averaged only 1.2 turnovers compared to 5.5 assists per game. In addition to his ability to run an offense, Morris can also help the offense with his ability to knock down three-pointers.
Morris would make for an excellent selection should he be sitting there at the top of the second round. He brings a lot to the table that the Magic could use and should be able to provide backup minutes right off the bat.
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
4. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU
Arguably the biggest hole currently on the Magic roster is at small forward. Mario Hezonja has not performed as Orlando had hoped when they selected him fifth in 2015. The Magic like Aaron Gordon, but he probably profiles best as a power forward. Ojeleye could help the Magic out right away at small forward.
The former Duke recruit exploded onto the scene in his first and only season with the Mustangs after barely stepping on the court his first two seasons with the Blue Devils. Ojeleye won AAC Player of the Year, averaging 19 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. The Magic would definitely benefit from adding a player that can score and rebound.
Ojeleye would also help the Magic in three-point shooting. He made 42.4 percent of his three-pointers at SMU and has some range. He has an NBA body and is very physical. Ojeleye is not afraid to mix it up inside and is athletic enough to play on the perimeter.
Some people would label Ojeleye a tweener, but that is not as big a knock nowadays in the NBA as in the past. With the wide open style of play, Ojeleye should be able to move between small forward and power forward with ease given his size and physicality.
Ojeleye would present solid value for the Magic at No. 33. His skill-set would help in areas the Magic are weak at. However, his defense would need to improve if he wants to become a serious rotation player.
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Dec 21, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) shoots the ball against the St. John's Red Storm during the second half at the Carrier Dome. St. John's won 93-60. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
3. Tyler Lydon, PF, Syracuse
If Tyler Lydon is still available when the Magic are on the clock at 33, he will be difficult to pass over. The Syracuse big man is the exact type of player that Orlando is currently lacking on its roster.
Taking a look at the depth in the frontcourt and there are some good players. Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo are both solid. Aaron Gordon has a high ceiling. But, none of them can stretch the floor and shoot the ball from the perimeter; that is Lydon's strength.
Lydon is exactly what a team is looking for in a stretch-4. He has range beyond the three-point line and would immediately find minutes in the Magic rotation. While shooting is his best trait, he is also capable of scoring off the bounce.
While Lydon isn't a great defender, he is a good rim protector. His great burst and athleticism help in that area. He is also a very good rebounder, as he averaged 8.6 per game last season. Lydon would provide the Magic with good versatility, as he could play small forward, power forward and even center in some instances; he did it for stretches at Syracuse last season in the middle of their zone.
Lydon would be an excellent selection for the Magic if he slips. He has been mocked in the first round a few times, so there is a chance that he isn't there when the Magic are picking. But, if he is, the Magic should seriously consider pulling the trigger on him.
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Mar 9, 2017; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) is pictured during a Pac-12 Conference Tournament game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at T-Mobile Arena. Oregon won the game 80-57. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
2. Tyler Dorsey, SG, Oregon
Three-point shooting and defense are two major weaknesses for the Magic, so why not draft a player that can help in both areas? Tyler Dorsey checks off both of those boxes.
Dorsey was a knockdown shooter for the Ducks. He made 42.3 percent of his three-pointers as a sophomore after making 40.6 as a freshman. Dorsey can do more offensively than just shoot. He can really fill it up, as he scored at least 20 points in his final eight games at Oregon during the Pac-12 tournament and NCAA Tournament.
Scoring is definitely Dorsey's strength, and every team could use some scoring. But, he would also help on the defensive end of the court. He has the size to defend multiple positions and is very athletic. His non-stop motor is nice as well.
Dorsey does have some things to work on, such as his decision-making. He would find more playing time if he showed he is capable of playing some point guard.
Shooting guard is a spot that could be wide open for the Magic this season, especially if Evan Fournier spends most of his time at small forward. The only other shooting guard on the roster would be Terrence Ross. Landing with the Magic would be a good spot for Dorsey as he would fill a need and could find playing time right away.
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Dec 7, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Valparaiso Crusaders forward Alec Peters (25) passes the ball against Kentucky Wildcats guard Isaiah Briscoe (13) in the second half at Rupp Arena. Kentucky defeated Valparaiso 87-63. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
1. Alec Peters, SF, Valparaiso
When you have as many selections as the Magic do, you are afforded certain luxuries that other teams aren't, such as taking some risks. Peters would present a risk, but a worthwhile one.
Peters was well on his way to being a first round pick with a monster senior season. He was averaging 23 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game for Valparaiso before suffering a season-ending injury. Peters was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his foot in late February, costing him the final four games of the season.
That injury not only ruined the end of his senior season, it has ruined his draft outlook as well. After being projected as a late first round pick throughout the season, Peters could fall out of the draft altogether. He has been unable to work out for teams and could be sidelined for another five weeks.
That puts a serious damper on his potential to be drafted, but if the Magic take a chance on him, it could pay off in a big way. Peters has the talent to be in the NBA. He could fill the stretch-4 role as he is a great shooter and rebounds very well, too. Peters also possesses a high basketball IQ, so there is a lot to like.
While Peters may not be able to get on the court for a while, selecting him is a worthwhile risk for the Magic. They have three other picks in the draft, and landing a first-round talent in the second round would present some great value.
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