Draft Outlook
Orlando moved Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier at the trade deadline, basically pressing the reset button on the franchise to start building around youngsters such as Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Mo Bamba and Jonathan Isaac. Orlando has advanced to the postseason twice since 2012, and both appearances resulted in first-round exits. The brass decided that wasn’t good enough and moved into rebuilding mode. The deadline flurry of moves landed Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and two first-round picks from Chicago, in addition to R.J. Hampton and Gary Harris along with a first-round pick from Denver and two second-round picks from Boston.
A Stat That Matters
2 — The Magic were one of two teams (Houston was the other) that ranked in the bottom five in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
The Way To Go
With two top-eight picks Orlando eyes the perfect opportunity to land not just one but two franchise-changing players. At No. 5, Orlando should be able to land Jonathan Kuminga, who is widely considered to be the fifth-best prospect. At 6-8, Kuminga would give the Magic a long, athletic wing prospect to play alongside their talented guards. At No. 8, Michigan forward Franz Wagner would provide Orlando a solid defender.
Under Contract
G: Cole Anthony
G: Michael Carter-Williams
G: Markelle Fultz
G: R.J. Hampton
G: Gary Harris
G/F: Dwayne Bacon
G/F: Terrence Ross
F: Jonathan Isaac
F: Chuma Okeke
F/C: Wendell Carter Jr.
C: Mo Bamba
Free Agents
G: Chasson Randle (restricted)
G: Sindarius Thornwell (unrestricted)
F: Ignas Brazdeikis (restricted)
F: James Ennis III (unrestricted)
F: Otto Porter Jr. (unrestricted)
F/C: Moritz Wagner (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Cole Anthony (15)
— Michael C. Wright