Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball: Magic Looking at Potential Third Blue Devil

Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. may not be the only Duke basketball products in Orlando next season.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball guard Jared McCain and forward Kyle Filipowski
Duke basketball guard Jared McCain and forward Kyle Filipowski / Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
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The two years with two former Duke basketball talents on the Orlando Magic roster have coincided with the franchise's emergence from a 22-60 campaign the season before the arrival of No. 1 overall draft pick Paolo Banchero to a 47-35 record and playoff berth this past season.

With that in mind, it's no wonder the Magic appear to be considering a third Blue Devil to join Banchero and 2017-18 Duke basketball one-and-done Wendell Carter Jr.

Orlando owns the No. 18 overall selection in this year's NBA Draft, June 26-27, as well as one pick in the middle of the second round. And on Wednesday, the Magic hosted Duke's Kyle Filipowski for a workout, along with NC State's DJ Horne, Tulane's Kevin Cross, Marquette's Oso Ighodaro, Southern Illinois' Xavier Johnson, and Washington State's Isaac Jones.

Based on recent mock drafts, No. 18 falls at or near the center of the range that Filipowski is likely to come off the board.

Outside of the NBA Draft Combine, Orlando is the only team that the 7-foot, 20-year-old forward has worked out for, according to insider Cody Taylor and Rookie Wire's draft workout tracker.

Kyle Filipowski, the 2023 ACC Rookie of the Year and All-ACC First Team selection as a sophomore, isn't the only 2023-24 Blue Devil who might still be available and worth watching when Orlando is on the clock. The other, of course, is Duke basketball one-and-done guard and fellow projected mid-first-rounder Jared McCain.

RELATED: Duke's Jared McCain All Smiles After Workout Out West

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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