By Peyton Wesner
PG-Elfrid Payton
---8.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 6.5 APG, & 1.7 SPG
SG-Victor Oladipo
---17.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, & 1.7 SPG
SF-Tobias Harris
---17.1 PPG & 6.3 RPG,
PF-Aaron Gordon
---5.2 PPG & 3.6 RPG
C-Nikola Vucevic
---19.3 PPG & 10.9 RPG.
6th-Evan Fournier
---12.0 PPG, 2.6 RPG, & 2.1 APG.
Could this upcoming season be one full of "Magic" in the "happiest place on Earth?" The Orlando Magic, who could not surpass more than twenty-five wins each of the last three seasons under Jacque Vaughn, has already filled a big need with the hiring of former Magic point guard Scott Skiles as head coach. Skiles, who is known for his no-nonsense attitude, has a career record of 443-433 with fifty-one of his victories coming during the 2000-2001 season with the Phoenix Suns. The now fifty-one year old was always a fan favorite during his five years in "City Beautiful" and is commonly remembered for a thirty assist game he had as a player, which was an NBA record at the time. With his experience in the backcourt, an obvious goal is to raise the team's assist to turnover ratio from the second worst in the Eastern Conference the last two seasons.
From a personal standpoint, Magic General Manager Rob Hennigan has made the number one objective resigning small forward Tobias Harris. Harris, who played for Skiles as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, averaged 17.1 points (second most on team), 6.3 rebounds (second most on team), and 1.8 assists per game this past year. A positive for Orlando is the former Tennessee Volunteer being a restricted free agent meaning the team will have the opportunity to match whatever deal is presented to him from other clubs. In addition to Harris, key bench big man Kyle O'Quinn is heading to free agency as a restricted free agent. O'Quinn has brought an element of toughness to the organization since being drafted in 2012 from Norfolk State and can be classified as the current fan favorite in "O-Town."
Prospects to Consider with the Fifth Pick:
Justise Winslow SF
19 yr old Freshman from Duke
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 225 lbs
Stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.1 APG, & 1.3 SPG.
Like many drafts in the last century, numerous Freshmen have been taken within the first five picks, so it will be no surprise if Magic GM Rob Hennigan selects Duke Freshman Justise Winslow with his first round selection. Winslow's play during the NCAA Tournament was huge for him as it raised his draft status from just a first round selection to one of the best players in the draft. The Houston, Texas, product is a solid defender who attacks the basket on offense and has the capability to hit three pointers (41.8%). The Magic would be a perfect fit for Winslow due to their young core (Oladipo, Payton, and Gordon) and the possibility of an opening at the small forward position if Orlando does not resign Tobias Harris. Although there seems to be no gaping holes in his game, at Duke Winslow was not being guarded by the best defender on the other team and the quality of his defender will be much better in the NBA.
Kristaps Porzingis C
19 yr old who played in Latvia
Height: 7'1"
Weight: 220 lbs
Stats: 11.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, & 1.1 BPG.
When the NCAA Tournament ended, anyone who would have said Kristaps Prozingis would be selected by a team with a top three pick in this year's loaded draft would have been laughed at, but now that is a possibility. Prozingis is very capable of playing either the four or five spot, yet if the Magic select him, he will likely get most of his minutes as a power forward with Nikola Vucevic at center. The seven foot, one inch big man has the ability to stretch the defense with perimeter jumpers in addition to taking defenders to the block for post moves. An area of concern for Porzingus is his strength as it is unknown how he will handle NBA physicality on a nightly basis.
Willie Cauley-Stein C
21 yr old Junior from Kentucky
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 240 lbs
Stats: 8.9 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.7 BPG, & 1.2 SPG.
SWAT! Willie Cauley-Stein does it again! Kentucky Junior Willie Cauley Stein's shot-blocking ability and overall defense appeals to many teams including Orlando. Picking Cauley-Stein with the fifth pick would help the Magic become one of the best rebounding teams in the Eastern Conference since they would have him, Nikola Vucevic, and Aaron Gordon controling the glass. A downside for the seven footer is his offense game as he is not as gifted as other prospects.
Stanley Johnson SF
18 yr old Freshman from Arizona
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 245 lbs
Stats: 13.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG, & 1.5 SPG.
Athleticism, strength, and toughness on defense are all skills Arizona forward Stanley Johnson possesses. Johnson is a very young wing that can "put defenders on skates" with his dribbling while also having the accuracy to knock down long two point jumpers and treys (37.1%). NBA experts have Johnson lower on their boards now than in November due to his inability to finish at the rim, an attribute one must have at the pro level.
Prospects to Consider with the Fifty-First Pick:
If Orlando selects a PF or C with first round pick:
Anthony Brown SF
22 yr old Senior from Stanford
Height: 6'7"
Weight: 207 lbs
Stats: 14.8 PPG, 6.9 RPG, & 2.5 APG.
Simply put can be that the Stanford Cardinal would not be 2015 NIT Champions without Anthony Brown's contributions during the tournament. His desire to rebound the basketball in addition to his shooting skill from beyond the arc (42.4%) makes up for his average athleticism for a small forward. But his inconsistancy on a gamely basis and offensive passiveness could keep the Magic from pulling the trigger on him with the fifty-first pick.
If Orlando selects a SF with first round pick:
Aaron White PF
22 yr old Senior from Iowa
Height: 6'9"
Weight: 225 lbs
Stats: 16.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, & 1.3 SPG.
The pride of Strongsville, Ohio, aka Aaron White could not have finished his collegiate career any better than he did as he was a first team All-Big Ten selection that led his team to another NCAA Tournament win while turning himself into a legit NBA prospect. The six foot, nine inch big has advanced knowledge of the game and uses it to score easy baskets by running the floor and filling the paint in transition. Although, White's outside shooting ability complements his post game very well, many wonder if his productivity at Iowa will translate in the NBA.
Richaun Holmes PF
21 yr old Senior from Bowling Green
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 236 lbs
Stats: 14.7 PPG, 8.0 RPG, & 2.7 BPG.
The last time the Magic ended draft night with a college player from a non power conference was last year as GM Rob Hennigan made a trade for Louisiana-Lafayette's Elfrid Payton. Worked out pretty well didn't it? Richaun Holmes may not be as well known as one who suited up for Kentucky, Duke, or any ACC, Big Ten, or PAC-12 school, but his selection at this point in the draft could be a steal. The 2014-2015 first team All-MAC selection and MAC Defensive Player of the Year is a great force on the defensive end that affects shot attempts and grabs rebounds. Although his offensive game is predicated around the paint, Holmes has the ability to step out and nail three pointers and long range field goals. Like White, the concern with Holmes comes with if he will be able to hold his own against NBA veterans.
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