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Josh Cohen

ORLANDO - If you play NBA 2K or follow the NBA 2K League, you are likely familiar with player archetypes, which basically are the combination of strengths and weaknesses that make up an individual’s on-court ability. On the virtual hardwood, there are a variety of archetypes one can choose at each of the five positions.

Although we don’t categorize players quite the same way in real-world basketball, the concepts still apply, especially around the draft when teams must decide what strengths they value most in prospects.

When examining the point guards and combo guards in this year’s draft, there’s a whole platter of “archetypes.” There are a few excellent two-way playmakers, several three-level scorers, some sharpshooters, a couple crafty creators, and a few speedsters who love to fly up and down the floor.

Among those projected to be selected in the lottery, or for some a little later in the first round, include the G League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson, Overtime Elite’s Amen Thompson, Arkansas’ Anthony Black and Nick Smith Jr., Baylor’s Keyonte George, Kentucky’s Cason Wallace, and UCLA’s Amari Bailey.

Henderson is an electric point guard with prime Russell Westbrook or Derrick Rose speed and explosiveness. Although just 6-foot-2 in height, he has a very long wingspan and is well built to handle contact on his drives to the basket.

In 19 games with the G League Ignite this past season, he averaged 16.5 points, 6.8 assists and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 42.9 percent from the field overall and 27.5 percent from 3-point range.

“I kind of changed my mind(set) during the season that it’s going to be guys out there lankier, stronger, faster, smarter (in the NBA) than the whole G League season,” he said. “I think I’ve prepared mentally at a good level…I know it’s going to be way harder than what I’ve been doing going against NBA guys. I know I am going to be ready.”

Thompson is another dynamic lead guard with a blazing quick first step and superb vision. At 6-foot-7 and over 200 pounds, he likes to get out and run in the open floor. Like Henderson, perimeter shooting is his main weakness.

Black, meanwhile, is arguably the craftiest guard in this draft. He has outstanding footwork and body control. Some have compared him to Josh Giddey and others Austin Reaves or even Jalen Brunson, but longer. He relies more on change of pace rather than burst. He has a knack for initiating contact, too.

In his one-and-done year with the Razorbacks, he averaged 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 45.3 percent from the floor overall and 30.1 percent from beyond the arc. He also averaged 5.3 free throw attempts per contest.

His Arkansas teammate, Smith Jr., only appeared in 17 college games because of a knee injury, but that was enough of a sample to show what he can do. One of his best games came against Georgia on Feb. 21, when he erupted for 26 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor and 5-of-8 from 3-point distance. He’s a self-creator with a smooth pull-up jumper and a soft floater on his short drives.

“I feel like I can shoot the ball at a high clip,” he said. “I feel like making reads was very important for me. I didn’t really get to show that my freshman year. I feel like I can be a really good on-ball defender. Only thing I’m worried about is wins and helping an organization win championships.”

George is similar in many ways. Not many defenders can contain him when he’s cooking. He’s got a sweet stroke from long range and an extensive shot creation package. However, he wasn’t very efficient at Baylor, making just 37.6 percent of his shots from the field and 33.8 percent of his threes.

“My scoring ability – I feel like I’m an elite scorer,” the 6-foot-4, 185-pound guard said. “I think I showed this year that my passing ability is really up there – passing with my right hand and my left hand. I think I showed toward the end of the year my athleticism. My tenacity on the defensive end…I think I showed I can have an all-around game.”

Wallace is widely considered the best defensive guard in this draft. Some have compared him to Jrue Holiday, others Marcus Smart. His defensive instincts and quick hands help come up with a lot of steals and deflections. He averaged 2.0 steals at Kentucky this past season, fourth most in the SEC. Underrated is his passing. He averaged 4.3 dimes.

“Defense is one and making reads out of the pick-and-roll is the other,” he said of his main strengths.

Another stifling backcourt defender is Bailey, known for playing with relentless energy, hustle and tenacity. He’s an elite point-of-attack defender who moves his feet extremely well at 6-foot-4. He was also very efficient in his one season at UCLA, making just a shade under 50 percent of his floor shots.

Like Wallace, his playmaking gets overlooked a bit.

“My playmaking ability and being able to get others open – I don’t think that was something I was necessarily able to fully display this past season, and I think I showed (at combine) what I am capable of doing when I am a primary ball handler,” he said.

Some of the other point guards and combo guards who could get selected in the first round or early second include Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino, NC State’s Terquavion Smith, Houston’s Marcus Sasser, Miami’s Isaiah Wong, and TCU’s Mike Miles Jr.

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Josh Cohen are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

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Plenty of Intriguing Point Guards and Combo Guards in 2023 NBA Draft

ORLANDO - What we’ve learned about Wendell Carter Jr. ever since he arrived in Orlando over two years ago is that his hard-working nature extends into the offseason, which explains why he’s made great progress each year with the Magic.&nbsp;

The same can be said about his involvement in the community.&nbsp;

It’s been almost two months since the Magic’s season ended, and yet the 6-foot-10 center is still doing all that he can to help people.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, May 30, Carter participated in a live streaming Mario Kart Relay Race video game event organized by AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida to raise money for cancer research.&nbsp;

Joining him were Orlando Solar Bears defenseman Jimmy Mazza, singer Cesar De La Rosa, local content creator and gamer Sceptic, several Magic Gaming players, AdventHealth doctors, and youth cancer patients.&nbsp;

“I’ve never been to an event like this,” he said. “It was a lot of fun being able to play a game like Mario Kart, which a lot of people if not everybody knows, just to raise awareness for a good cause. I don’t think it gets any better than that.”

The event, which aired live across multiple social media platforms, featured four teams competing to win the relay race and the fundraising goal. “Team Luigi,” with Mazza as their captain, came in first place. All funds raised support cancer research efforts in reducing relapses and potentially bringing cures through clinical trials and translational research.

“Having Magic Gaming, the Orlando Magic, and Orlando Solar Bears come together to support our patients and families for cancer research is really why this event happened,” AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida Marketing Manager Meredith Hall said. “It’s so impactful how our community is rallying around this cause to really put in an effort to make sure cancer is no more or there is better, unique ways to detect cancer. Just to have the support of our community, to make sure our patients are cared for in the right way close to home is really what this event is all about.”

As original Champion of the Community partners, AdventHealth Central Florida has been working with the Magic on community projects that impact and benefit Central Florida. Magic Champion of the Community partners represent organizations that are committed to improving the lives of all Central Floridians. Since the Magic and AdventHealth partnership began back in 1989, they continue to grow their approach in community programming, unparalleled branding and category exclusivity in the area of healthcare while expanding their commitment to the local community.

This past March, Carter was named the 2022-23 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award winner for his tremendous impact off the court. Philanthropy has always been a staple of who he is as a person.&nbsp;

“Any opportunity I can to give back to a community, I am going to always take it,” he said. “A situation like this or an event like this, I’m just glad to be a part of it. This is a very small part of what I want to do for this Orlando community.”

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Wendell Carter Jr. Participates in AdventHealth’s Mario Kart Relay Race

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Wendell Carter Jr. Participates in AdventHealth’s Mario Kart Relay Race to Raise Money for Cancer Research

Official Release

Open at New Orleans on October 10; First home game on October 17 Host Flamengo (Brazil) at Amway Center on October 20

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic will open the 2023 preseason at New Orleans on Tuesday, October 10. After playing at Cleveland on Thursday, October 12, Orlando will host its first preseason game at Amway Center on Tuesday, October 17 vs. New Orleans. Tip-off is 7 p.m.

On Friday, October 20, Orlando will host its preseason finale against Brazilian-team Flamengo. Tip-off is 7 p.m. This will mark Flamengo’s third trip all-time to Amway Center (2014, 2018) and the fourth time that the Magic and Flamengo have faced each other during the preseason. In 2015, Orlando traveled to Brazil as part of NBA Global Games Rio.

Single-game tickets for the 2023 preseason are on sale now. Fans can log on to OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.

Orlando Magic season tickets, partial plans, group and single-game Amway Center suite rental opportunities are on sale now. For ticket information log on to OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC. Orlando opens training camp at the AdventHealth Training Center on September 26.

2023 ORLANDO MAGIC PRESEASON GAME SCHEDULETICKET INFORMATION: 407-89-MAGIC or ORLANDOMAGIC.COM

HOME GAMES AT AMWAY CENTERDate Opponent Time (ET)Oct. 10 @ New Orleans 8 p.m.Oct. 12 @ Cleveland 7 p.m.Oct. 17 NEW ORLEANS 7 p.m.Oct. 20 FLAMENGO (BRAZIL) 7 p.m.

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Orlando Magic 2023 Preseason Schedule Released

ORLANDO - Three-point shooting was one of the Orlando Magic’s biggest weaknesses during the 2022-23 season. They ranked 27th&nbsp;in 3-point attempts, 25th&nbsp;in made 3-pointers, and 24th&nbsp;in 3-point percentage.

With two selections in the lottery (Nos 6 and 11) and another early in the second round (36th), perhaps the Magic will consider adding one (or two, or three) of the premier long-distance shooters from this draft.

Among them are Kansas’ Gradey Dick, UConn’s Jordan Hawkins, Michigan’s Jett Howard, Creighton’s Trey Alexander, Baylor’s Adam Flagler, and Santa Clara’s Brandin Podziemski.&nbsp;

As a freshman for the Jayhawks this past season, Dick made the second-most 3-pointers in the Big 12 with 83 of them and shot 40.3 percent on his attempts from downtown. He knocked down at least five triples in three games, including on Nov. 23 against NC State when he made six of his 12 tries.&nbsp;

“First, people see the shooting,” the 6-foot-8 swingman said. “But, I think at the same time, I’m excited to show my versatility – on the offensive side and defensive side. With my size, I can guard multiple positions. I’m just willing to step up to the plate and just do that, and my mindset is just go out there and kill everything. That’s what I’m going to do from day one.”&nbsp;

Dick says he watches many players to try and gain tips from, including all-time great 3-point shooters Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Reggie Miller.

Hawkins, meanwhile, led the Big East in threes made as a sophomore with 109 of them. That was also the 12th&nbsp;most in all of Division I college basketball during the 2022-23 season. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound shooting guard helped the Huskies win the school’s fifth men’s basketball national championship.&nbsp;

Born and raised in Maryland and a former standout at DeMatha Catholic High School, which is where current Magic point guard Markelle Fultz played several years earlier, Hawkins drilled at least three 3-pointers in five of UConn’s six NCAA Tournament games, including hitting six of them in the Elite Eight against Gonzaga.&nbsp;

“I think I’m the best shooter in the draft,” he said. “My ability to move and shoot. I think that’s a skill – getting open is also a skill. My championship-caliber tenacity I would bring every single day to a team.”

He says he models his game after several players, including UConn legends Ray Allen and Richard Hamilton.&nbsp;

Howard played for his dad, Juwan, at Michigan. His 78 made threes were third-most in the Big 10 this past season. His best performance came on Jan. 12 at Iowa when he erupted for 34 points and knocked down seven 3-pointers.

“Being able to be versatile,” the 6-foot-8, 215-pounder said when listing his main strengths. “Being able to be a secondary ball handler, someone who can create their own shots, something who can knock down open shots, someone if you need me to be a utility guy – I can do all those things.”

Devin Booker and Thompson are players he likes to watch, but he believes he’s one of one.&nbsp;

Not many players made more improvement with their 3-point shooting from the 2021-22 season to the 2022-23 season than Alexander, who helped the Bluejays reach the Elite Eight back in March. He went from shooting 28.1 percent from 3-point distance on just 1.8 3-point attempts during his freshman campaign to shooting 41 percent on 4.4 attempts in his sophomore season.

Twice – once on Christmas Day against DePaul and again on March 1 against Georgetown – he buried seven 3-pointers.&nbsp;

“I’m one of those guys on the team that’s always clapping, always keeping the energy up,” he said. “Obviously, me being able to shoot the ball at a high level, I feel like I’m really good at that. Being able to score at all three levels, but also being able to play the one a little bit and being able to playmake a little bit.”

At 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, he’s looking to show scouts that he can run an offense if called upon to do so. People have told him that Jamal Murray and Dejounte Murray are players that he plays somewhat like.&nbsp;

Another combo guard with an excellent outside shooting touch is Flagler, who won a national title at Baylor in his first season with the Bears after transferring from Presbyterian. That season that Baylor won the championship, he shot 43.4 percent from 3-point range. He had his best overall season, however, this past year with a scoring average of 15.6 points while shooting 40 percent from downtown.

“Shooting, my ability to play the one and the two, ability to manage the game, get guys involved,” the 6-foot-3, 185-pounder said of his top strengths. “My defense has been something a lot of people question, but I’ve been able to show that, especially these past two days (at draft combine), being able to pick up full court and challenge guys.”

Many have compared him to CJ McCollum and Tim Hardaway Jr.

Another recent mock draft riser in recent weeks has been Podziemski, who had a breakout season with the Broncos after transferring from Illinois. He averaged just a shade under 20 points per contest as a sophomore a year after barely playing for the Fighting Illini. At 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, he shot 43.8 percent from 3-point range at Santa Clara.&nbsp;

Beyond shooting, though, he’s an incredibly good rebounder for a guard, averaging 8.8 rebounds this past season. He actually had double-digit rebounds in five of his last six games, including on Feb. 23 against Pepperdine when he pulled down a whopping 18 of them.&nbsp;

“I’m a true point guard. I tell people that I’m a hooper that can shoot, not a shooter that can hoop,” he said.&nbsp;

He says he watches a lot of Manu Ginobili, Luka Doncic, Jalen Brunson, Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo – players that aren’t necessarily super athletic but are extremely successful because of their high basketball IQ and creativity.

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2023 NBA Draft Class Features Several Superb Outside Shooters

Dan Savage

ORLANDO –&nbsp;The dust from the draft lottery is just starting to settle and the NBA Draft Combine is now underway.&nbsp;

Now that the Orlando Magic are fully aware of where they’ll be selecting in the 2023 NBA Draft, they’re beginning to fully evaluate which players will be worthy of their picks, who will potentially be available, and what other teams around them might do.&nbsp;

“To have two lottery picks is exciting for us,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “Now, the hard work starts and the fun starts. We get to meet these guys that we’ve been tracking all year and talking about and tracking on video. So, to have them in and see who’s the right fit for us will be a really exciting process to go through as always. And it’s also a lot of work. We have to figure out for the architecture of our team what allows us to play the best basketball? What gives us the greatest upside? And how to move forward?”&nbsp;

In order to come to that conclusion, Orlando will take all the data it gains from the combine, in-person interviews, and individual workouts at the AdventHealth Training Center and pair that with all the scouting information it’s gained over the years. &nbsp;

With that process just getting underway, it’s impossible for anyone to accurately predict who the Magic will select with their two lottery picks. However, that doesn’t stop us from taking an early look at who the media is pegging for Orlando at the No. 6 and 11 spots, and which prospects will be in play when the Magic are on the clock.&nbsp;

Here’s a look at what they’re saying:

No. 6 -&nbsp;Taylor Hendricks | F | UCF:&nbsp;"The Magic love guys like Hendricks who are long, athletic and have high upside. On top of that, Hendricks actually fills a real need as a shooter for a team that really could use one."

No. 11 -&nbsp;Gradey Dick | SG/SF | Kansas:&nbsp;"The Magic need shooting around Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, especially if they’re going to continue with a backcourt core of Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs. Dick is an elite shooter. This is an easy one." -&nbsp;Sam Vecenie&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Ausar Thompson | SF | Overtime Elite:&nbsp;"Thompson has the chance to sway some hesitant executives during workouts with enough comfortable shooting that points to achievable improvement. Regardless, he's going to bring Orlando instant transition offense, easy baskets and defensive pressure/versatility while his creation and shot-making skills gradually develop."

No. 11 -&nbsp;Keyonte George | SG | Baylor:&nbsp;"George's shot-making would also work well in the rotation, either at the starting 2-guard spot or for a bench-scoring role." -&nbsp;Jonathan Wasserman&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Anthony Black | PG | Arkansas:&nbsp;"The Magic have promising frontcourt players but could really use comparable young guards. Black has a chance to be one thanks to the fact that he has great size for his position and the ability to make incredible passes and make plays out of pick-and-rolls."

No. 11 -&nbsp;Keyonte George | SG | Baylor:&nbsp;"George wasn't the most consistent freshman in the country in his one season at Baylor, but his ability to navigate pick-and-rolls, put pressure on defenses and score is undeniable." -&nbsp;Gary Parrish |&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Ausar Thompson | SF | Overtime Elite:&nbsp;"The Magic are loaded with young talent throughout their roster, especially in the frontcourt, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. Adding an explosive wing with upside such as Ausar who can play anywhere from point guard through power forward makes sense with the roster pieces they currently have."

No. 11 - Jordan Hawkins | SG | UCONN:&nbsp;"Surrounding their young talent with floor spacers will be a major priority for the Magic, who ranked among the NBA's least prolific 3-point shooting teams last season. Hawkins led all projected prospects in 3-pointers made, making 39% of his attempts on UConn's path to a national championship." -&nbsp;Jonathan Givony&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Cam Whitmore | F | Villanova:&nbsp;"The big need for the Magic entering the 2023 NBA Draft? A catch-and-shoot offensive option who can do a variety of things. While Whitmore is not a proven shooter, he has shown the ability to get hot from 3, shooting just over 34% on the season. The first one-and-done Villanova prospect since Tim Thomas in 1997, Whitmore has a good handle while being a really active defender and rebounder."&nbsp;

No. 11 -&nbsp;Gradey Dick | SG/SF | Kansas:&nbsp;"Dick's shooting release is really sharp, and he can move well without the ball, a nice attribute to an offensive system with a playmaker like Banchero. The amount of pressure he puts on a defense to guard the 3-point line can lead to him scoring as a driver and slasher while being able to make plays with a high IQ." -&nbsp;John Fanta&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Anthony Black | PG | Arkansas:&nbsp;"The Magic are building an identity with players who are jumbo-sized for their skillsets and positions. As a 6-foot-7 point guard, Black would fit that mold as another tall playmaker. He would also help Orlando take their already-solid defense up another level as a uniquely versatile guard who is tall enough to switch onto forwards."

No. 11 -&nbsp;Gradey Dick | SG/SF | Kansas:&nbsp;"Known for his 3-point shooting prowess and 40.3% deep-ball percentage this past year at Kansas, Dick has many skills that teams covet in a draft prospect. He plays hard, has good length that leads him to above-average rebounding and steal rates, as well as an assertive demeanor he brings to the court." -&nbsp;Tyler Byrum and Chase Hughes&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Ausar Thompson | SF | Overtime Elite:&nbsp;"With Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and a host of other long, versatile players like Franz Wagner on the roster, the Magic should think about Thompson because of his ability to be a switchable piece on defense."

No. 11 -&nbsp;Gradey Dick | SG/SF | Kansas:&nbsp;"With his shooting ability, Dick provides something the Magic don’t have; the team ranked 27th in 3-point attempts and 24th in 3-point percentage this season. After going with Ausar Thompson at no. 6, it makes even more sense to lean toward a shooter here." -&nbsp;Kevin O’Connor&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Taylor Hendricks | F | UCF:&nbsp;"Hendricks is suddenly one of the hottest names in this draft with real potential to go in the top-10. The 6’9 forward checks a lot of boxes teams are looking for in a modern four: he can protect the rim a bit (his 6.2 percent block rate ranked No. 94 in the country), he can hit a spot-up three (39 percent from deep this year), and he can finish plays above the rim as a dunker."&nbsp;

No. 11 -&nbsp;Gradey Dick | SG/SF | Kansas:&nbsp;"Dick is the favorite to earn the ‘best shooter in the class’ label. The 6’8 freshman made 40.3 percent of 206 attempts on three-pointers this year, mostly on shots his teammates created for him. With deep range and a quick release, Dick is the sort of shooter opposing defenses have to stay glued to, and that opens things up for everyone else." -&nbsp;Ricky O'Donnell&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Cam Whitmore | F | Villanova:&nbsp;"Whitmore brings a motor and selflessness to a team already hosting some interesting pieces like Franz Wagner & reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero."

No. 11 - Gradey Dick | SG/SF | Kansas: "The Magic went with a tenacious athlete at pick six in this mock, and pair him with elite sharpshooter Gradey Dick at pick 11. Dick will be an effective and efficient offensive option from day one." - Ian Black | Read More

No. 6 -&nbsp;Ausar Thompson | SF | Overtime Elite:&nbsp;"The Magic are set in the frontcourt with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr. In Ausar, Orlando will add another tenacious backcourt defender with a much-needed scoring prowess."

No. 11 -&nbsp;Keyonte George | SG | Baylor:&nbsp;"The Magic have an opportunity to add two young, talented guards to the mix with their lottery picks. After taking the more defensive-minded Ausar Thompson at No. 6, they should target an offensive weapon like George at No. 11." -&nbsp;Kyle Irving&nbsp;|&nbsp;Read More

No. 6 - Ausar Thompson | SF | Overtime Elite: "Ausar has great size, especially when he plays point guard. He also has strength and athleticism ... He can beat defenders with the dribble, can direct the offense, and he improved his jump shot this season."

No. 11 - Cason Wallace | G | Kentucky: "You can rely on Wallace for highlight reel-worthy steals and chase-down blocks, but he can also get it down on the offensive end with his ability knock down a shot." - Lindsay Schnell, Cydney Henderson, and Jeff Zillgitt | Read More

No. 6 - Jarace Walker | F | Houston:&nbsp;"Walker's size and defensive versatility make him an intriguing prospect inside the top 10. He has the most NBA-ready frame for a big and is comfortable stepping outside the paint and knocking down shots."

No. 11 - Keyonte George | SG | Baylor: "George had an up-and-down season at Baylor but one thing is loud and clear, he can score from all over the court and isn’t afraid to have the ball in his hands in big moments or at the end of the shot clock." - Krysten Peek | Read More

Note: The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Orlando Magic. All opinions expressed by Dan Savage are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Orlando Magic or their Basketball Operations staff, partners or sponsors.

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Media Mock Drafts: Who Will the Orlando Magic Take at No. 6 and 11 in the 2023 NBA Draft?

CHICAGO - Expect a plethora of versatile players to be chosen in the first round, and specifically the lottery portion, of this year’s draft.

Several have been climbing up mock draft boards the last couple months, which isn’t a surprise considering multi-skilled players tend to last in the league a while.&nbsp;

The word “versatile” is part of everyday basketball conversations these days. One can be versatile strictly on defense, while another can be versatile strictly on offense. Then there are those who truly are versatile on both ends. Those are often the players NBA team personnel pay extra attention to.&nbsp;

Being extremely versatile helped the Orlando Magic make major strides during the 2022-23 season. In Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, they have two of the more versatile young players in the entire league. Wendell Carter Jr., meanwhile, has blossomed into one of the game’s most versatile centers. Several of their other players can juggle various roles as well.

If the Magic decide they want more frontcourt versatility with either or both of their two lottery draft selections, there are a few prospects in this year’s draft that might catch their interest.

Among them are Houston’s Jarace Walker, Villanova’s Cam Whitmore, South Carolina’s G.G. Jackson, UCF’s Taylor Hendricks, Iowa’s Kris Murray and Alabama’s Noah Clowney.&nbsp;

One thing we’ve learned about Villanova players over the last decade or so is that they are gritty and tough, and in many cases very talented, too. Kyle Lowry, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart are great examples.&nbsp;

Whitmore, who’s 6-foot-7 and 232 pounds, appeared in 26 games for the Wildcats as a freshman this past season and averaged 12.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals.

“I can get to the basket easily off the dribble,” he said. “I can make sure I get around my defender with my moves…Defensively, I can maintain my guy. I can on-ball pressure – guard one through five. Those are my main strengths right now.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Walker, meanwhile, averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and one steal in his freshman year for the Cougars, who finished the season 33-4. The 6-foot-8, 240-pounder scored in double figures in two of Houston’s three NCAA Tournament games, including in a Sweet 16 loss to the Miami Hurricanes when he had 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and four blocks.

“My defensive versatility and just my offensive package – whether it’s catch-and-shoot, shooting off the dribble, passing, getting teammates involved. I would say just my overall versatility,” he said of his main strengths. “I’ve been getting a lot of shots up every single day – just trying to expand my range, so I can knock down open shots.”&nbsp;

Jackson is a very good shot creator at his size. As a freshman for the Gamecocks in 2022-23, the 6-foot-9, 215-pounder averaged 15.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 0.8 blocks and 0.8 steals over 32 games. He scored in double figures in 25 of those contests, including against Auburn on Jan. 21 when he erupted for 30 points.

“I’m a very versatile player,” he said, sticking with the theme. “I’m pretty good on both ends of the floor. I’m still working on my lateral quickness, being able to stay in front of an offensive player for more than three seconds. I’m a competitor. I’m looking to win.”&nbsp;

No prospect elevated his draft stock throughout the college season more than Hendricks, who averaged 15.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.7 blocks over 34 games as a freshman with the Knights. He’s a big-time shot blocker, moves well laterally on the perimeter, and can hit spot-up threes. His ball handling and shot creation need work, but his combination of athleticism and assertiveness makes him an offensive threat.&nbsp;

Murray is the twin brother of Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray. Like Keegan the year before, Kris was one of college basketball’s most improved players in 2022-23 with averages of 20.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals over 29 games with the Hawkeyes.&nbsp;

“For me, definitely shooting is one of my strengths,” he said. “Just kind of getting used to the new ball, the distance obviously is a change. I feel like versatility (is a strength). I’m someone who can guard multiple positions. Offensively, I can play multiple positions. Defensively, I can guard multiple positions. I think my length can be a big disruptor at the next level, and I have to use that to my advantage.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Brandon Miller garnered most of the attention for the 31-6 Crimson Tide this past season, Clowney was a huge part of that school’s success on the hardwood. At 6-foot-10, 210 pounds, he has great touch near the basket and can finish with either hand while also being able to space the floor.&nbsp;

There are many others in this draft who warrant the “versatile” label. These are a few that seem to be generating the most buzz with a little over a month left before the draft takes place.&nbsp;

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2023 NBA Draft Class Filled With Frontcourt Versatility

CHICAGO –&nbsp;The Orlando Magic now know where they’ll pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.&nbsp;

After the ping-pong balls fell on Tuesday night, the Magic emerged from the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago with the No. 6 and No. 11 overall selections in this year’s draft to go along with the already pre-determined 36th&nbsp;pick.&nbsp;

While they were certainly hoping to emerge with the top overall selection for the second year in a row – just as they had done 30 years earlier – they’re certainly pleased with the outcome of not falling back from their position and securing No. 11 overall from the Chicago Bulls as the final part of the Nikola Vucevic trade.&nbsp;

“That board looks pretty good,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman as he pointed to the lottery results. “To be six and eleven and have two lottery picks. The greatest likelihood coming into tonight percentagewise is that we would move back from six. So, to hold six and add eleven is a good day for us.”&nbsp;

Now, the real heavy lifting starts for Weltman and his team. Orlando’s basketball operations staff is currently out in Chicago for the NBA Draft Combine and will remain there throughout the week.&nbsp;

Upon the completion of the combine, the Magic will host a number of prospects for in-person workouts and interviews at the AdventHealth Training Center. Considering Orlando is now armed with three picks in the top 36, they’ll cast a wide net and certainly do their due diligence on a multitude of players.&nbsp;

“It increases your workload because we’re going to be able to get more kids in now,” said Weltman of having multiple lottery selections. “We cover a broader swath of the lottery (this year) so we can now bring in guys that maybe wouldn’t have come for this pick or that pick … Other than that, the work doesn’t change. We always go through the whole draft for any eventuality. We have to plan on trades. I say planning on unpredictability and organizing chaos. That’s the draft. So, that’s what the next month is for us.”&nbsp;

Regardless of who Orlando selects with its picks – assuming the Magic keep those selections – those players will join a promising young core. Along with reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, Orlando has five other former lottery picks all 25-years-old or younger on its roster, and that doesn’t even include other promising pieces such as Cole Anthony and Caleb Houstan, who were selected slightly later in the draft.

The Magic are also coming off a season where they improved by 12 victories over their prior campaign – the biggest jump in the Eastern Conference – and are armed with plenty of cap flexibility to potentially add pieces through free agency. &nbsp;

“I love our team, I love what we’re doing, I love how we’re building, (and) I love how they’ve come together,” said Magic Head Coach Jamahl Mosley, who represented the team on stage for the second straight season. “It’s just such a tremendous group in how they care for one another. We’ll say it over and over again, how much they really root and empower each other to strive to be great. They hold each other accountable. Them being together this summer is going to be huge as well.”

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2023 NBA Draft Lottery: Jeff Weltman

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Orlando Magic Emerge From Lottery with Sixth and Eleventh Overall Picks in 2023 NBA Draft

ORLANDO –&nbsp;The Orlando Magic are hoping that history truly does repeat itself.&nbsp;

Thirty years ago, the Magic pulled off the near impossible when in back-to-back NBA Draft lotteries, they emerged with the No. 1 overall pick.&nbsp;

Those lucky ping-pong balls netted them Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 and then subsequently in 1993, the draft rights to Penny Hardaway and three future first-round picks – courtesy of a blockbuster trade with the Golden State Warriors. That duo instantly morphed Orlando into a 50-win club and helped propel them to their first Finals appearance in 1995.&nbsp;

Now, 30 years later, the Magic have the opportunity to nab the top pick in back-to-back drafts once again.&nbsp;

Last season, Orlando jumped up one spot in the lottery and utilized the No. 1 overall pick to draft Duke’s Paolo Banchero. Like Shaquille O’Neal, who was selected 30 years earlier, Banchero went on to win the NBA’s Rookie of the Year award.&nbsp;

Armed with the sixth-best odds (9.0 percent) of earning the first overall selection, the Magic are crossing their fingers and hoping the historical trends continue when the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery takes place on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET in Chicago.&nbsp;

The 39th&nbsp;annual lottery will determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the draft. Drawings will be conducted to determine the first four picks. The remainder of the lottery teams will select in positions five through 14 in inverse order of their 2022-23 regular season records.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The process for that drawing is as follows: 14 ping-pong balls numbered 1 through 14 will be placed in a lottery machine. There are 1,001 possible combinations when four balls are drawn out of 14, without regard to their order of selection. Before the lottery, 1,000 of those 1,001 combinations will be assigned to the 14 participating lottery teams. All 14 balls are placed in the lottery machine, and they are mixed for 20 seconds, and then the first ball is removed. The remaining balls are mixed in the lottery machine for another 10 seconds, and then the second ball is drawn. There is a 10-second mix, and then the third ball is drawn. There is a 10-second mix, and then the fourth ball is drawn. The team that has been assigned that combination will receive the No. 1 pick. The same process is repeated with the same ping-pong balls and lottery machine for the second through fourth picks.&nbsp;

Like last year, the Magic will be represented on stage by head coach Jamahl Mosley for the ESPN broadcast. In the back room – where the actual drawings take place – Orlando will once again send Chief Communications Officer Joel Glass on its behalf to sit alongside NBA officials, representatives of the other teams, select media, and the accounting firm Ernst & Young.&nbsp;

The results of that drawing will determine whether the Magic pick as high as No. 1 or as far back as No. 10 overall with their selection. Here are the odds for where Orlando could potentially pick:&nbsp;

The process will also determine if the Magic end up with a second lottery pick in this year’s draft. If the Bulls do not jump up into the top four, their pick will convey to Orlando as the final piece of the deal that sent Nikola Vucevic to Chicago – a trade that also netted the Magic Wendell Carter Jr., the draft pick that eventually became Franz Wagner, and Otto Porter Jr.&nbsp;

Regardless of where the Magic land in the lottery, they’re certainly well set up for the future. Along with the reigning Rookie of the Year, Orlando has a promising core that features five other former lottery picks all 25-years-old or younger, and that doesn’t even include other promising young pieces such as Cole Anthony and Caleb Houstan, who were selected slightly later in the draft.&nbsp;

The Magic are also coming off a season where they improved by 12 victories over their prior campaign – the biggest jump in the Eastern Conference – and are armed with plenty of cap flexibility to potentially add pieces through free agency.&nbsp;

“It’s about improving our team every way possible way we can, so that Paolo can reach his potential, all of our guys can, and our team fits and fights as I always say,” said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman at Banchero’s Rookie of the Year ceremony. “We’ve got to get better. We have a lot of avenues to do that. We have a lot of information to gather before we understand how best to approach it. Where are we going to be drafting? How many picks are we going to have? What are other teams looking to do. So, we’ll get to that point shortly. But right now, we’re about understanding the draft, trying to figure out the landscape, and really build our organization, the infrastructure of our organization, so that we can put Paolo and his teammates in the best possible position to succeed.”&nbsp;

In a draft that features names like Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Brandon Miller, having a top pick would certainly help the Magic take the next step.&nbsp;

Now, it’s just a matter of history repeating itself. &nbsp;

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Thirty Years After Landing the No. 1 Pick in Back-to-Back NBA Draft Lotteries, the Magic Hope History Repeats Itself 

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