NBA Mock Draft: Magic Add 'Connective Player' And 'Best Shooter'
The Orlando Magic is just hours away from a potentially franchise-altering draft on Thursday.
With the No. 6 and No. 11 picks, Orlando can go in many different directions. In ESPN's latest mock draft, they had the Magic adding to its backcourt with both picks. Orlando took Arkansas guard Anthony Black at No. 6 and Kansas guard Gradey Dick at No. 11.
At No. 36, Orlando added Houston guard Marcus Sasser.
Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson were off the board at No. 6, while Villanova forward Cam Whitmore was still available. Black's size and feel for the game ultimately made him the pick for ESPN.
"Provided his jumper comes along, Black could be an excellent fit with what the Magic already have, giving them a connective player and versatile defender to accentuate the young talent already in place," ESPN writes.
Black made the SEC all-freshman team and was the only player in his conference to finish top 25 in scoring (12.78), rebounding (5.06), assists (3.92), steals (2.06) and blocked shots (0.61). Black was third in the SEC in steals and fifth in steals.
Black's play on defense can be impactful for Orlando after finishing 15th in points allowed with 114 per game in 2022.
Dick set a program record at Kansas for 3-pointers made with 83 in 2022. The Kansas native was also a finalist for the Jerry West Award and made the Big 12 All-Freshman team.
Dick averaged 14.1 points per game. Orlando was 25th in points per game (111.4) and 25th in 3-point percentage (34.6) and 3-pointers made per game (10.8).
"Picking Dick at No. 11 is a move that many rival teams anticipate due to the floor spacing he could provide as arguably the best shooter in the draft," ESPN writes.
Dick and Black each address key needs for Orlando, though they'd join a crowded backcourt with Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris. While Orlando is well positioned to add two top talents, the ripple effect to its roster will bear watching after the draft.
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