Options for the Orlando Magic in the 2023 NBA Draft

With potentially two lottery picks, the Orlando Magic have a plethora of options in the 2023 NBA Draft.

After nabbing two star point forward-esque players in their past two drafts, many think the Orlando Magic could be in the market for a guard in the 2023 NBA Draft.

But with Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs and a size-driven philosophy, the Magic might not necessarily need to add a true point guard, or guards at all, in the upcoming draft.

With that in mind, here are some draft options for the Magic:

Keyonte George, Baylor

Despite not having the positional size that Orlando has sought in recent years, George, with some development, could offer a nice mix of both traditional point guard and hyper-active shooting guard.

A stocky bucket-getter who saw some ups-and-downs in his lone season with the Baylor Bears, George showcased a nice shooting stroke, solid off-ball scoring and flashed real potential as a primary handler and playmaker at times with Baylor.

Alongside Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Fultz, George could be used as a primary handler situationally, but would otherwise function as an off-ball scorer.

Jalen Hood-Schifino, Indiana

Hood-Schifino will likely be in the Magic’s second pick range, if it conveys from Chicago. And as a 6-foot-6 true point guard, he might be high on their board.

A pick-and-roll maestro whose only true knocks were turnovers and inefficient shooting, Hood-Schifino projects to be an eventual three-level scorer with some passing and playmaking chops, as well as some defensive upside.

He’s not a project pick, but he’s not exactly a sure fire bet here, either. Orlando could take the risk in developing him as their point guard of the future, creating a jumbo lineup.

The Shooters

If Orlando wants to continue down the path of lengthy, do-it-all players, they’re going to need the proper spacing to make it all work. In the 2022-23 regular season, they finished 24th in 3-point shooting as a team.

With their second 2023 selection, there’s plenty of picks that could bolster their shooting, including Kansas’ wing Gradey Dick, UConn sharpshooter Gradey Dick or even Central Florida forward Taylor Hendricks.

Regardless, shooting will need to be addressed before Orlando returns to the Playoffs.

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