NBA Draft: Duke's Dereck Lively II to Magic?

The Orlando Magic needs a center, and Dereck Lively II could be an option with the No. 11 pick.

The Orlando Magic drafted one Duke player last year, and it may make sense to take another one this year.

Dereck Lively II is zooming up draft boards and could be an option for the Magic if he is still available with the No. 11 pick.

In 34 games as a freshman, Lively averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks on 65.8 percent shooting from the floor in just under 21 minutes per game.

Sure, 10 combined points and rebounds per game don't necessarily jump off the stat sheet, but it's the 2.4 blocks and the 7-foot-8 wingspan that stand out while only playing half of the game on average. Most lottery prospects played north of 30 minutes per game.

Offensively, Lively should translate to the NBA as an elite rim-running big who can be a legit lob threat in the pick-and-roll or coming off a backdoor cut. As a whole, Lively is still raw on the offensive end of the floor when it comes to facing up or creating shots for himself, but recently showcased his improved jumper at his pro day with Klutch Sports.

Where Lively truly shines as a prospect is on the defensive end. You could argue that he is the best defensive prospect in the entire draft due to his instincts and potential. Again, 2.4 blocks in just 21 minutes per game is more than impressive. His ability to not just block shots at the rim but alter and contest shots on every possession is a game changer.

Lively's athleticism and agility also offers him the ability to step out onto the perimeter and be a threat defending in the pick-and-roll and switching onto smaller guards and wings.

The Magic has a hole at the center position, with Wendell Carter Jr. starting but no legitimate option to back him up. Goga Bitadze has a team option for this season, and  Moe Wagner is a free agent, but Lively could be a better option long-term.

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