NBA Mock Draft: Orlando Magic Eye Top Freshman SG?

Could the Orlando Magic look to add to their backcourt once again in the 2024 NBA Draft?

ORLANDO - It's never too early to take a glimpse toward the future when it comes to mock drafts. 

Bleacher Report dropped one of its own and with the No. 9 overall pick, Bleacher Report they had the Orlando Magic selecting Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter.

"His strong, 6'5" frame, athleticism and confident shot-making will hint at his NBA potential, even if he isn't a regular top option or high-usage creator," Bleacher Report writes. "Though Walter may spend more time spotting up, with a quick handle to get to spots, he's an isolation and ball-screen threat with a pull-up and runner. He'll make secondary noise with high-level passes and defensive playmaking as well, ancillary strengths that will paint scouts a picture of a more complete, two-way wing."

Ja'Kobe Walter of Link Academy goes to the basket during a game against the Legacy (Texas) Broncos in the Ozark Mountain Shootout at Glendale High School on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022 :: Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

Walter was one of the top high school recruits coming out of perennial powerhouse Link Academy in Texas. There he developed into the No. 1 overall player in the state and the best shooting guard in the nation by 247 Sports, which rated him as the No. 8 player in the class of 2023. 

Collegiately at Baylor, Walter will play against the best of the best in the Big 12 Conference, including teams like Kansas, Texas and Houston among other national title contenders. CBS Sports also tabbed Walter as its Big 12 Preseason Freshman of the Year. 

For Orlando, taking another guard after drafting Anthony Black and Jett Howard in 2023 is peculiar at best. Taking both Black and Howard raised eyebrows because of the depth Orlando already has in its backcourt.

If Walter is the best player available and has the kind of season that would make him a steal at the No. 9 overall pick, then drafting him is a no-brainer. But outside of that, the Magic taking another guard is head-scratching at best.