Pre-Draft Outlook
Draft, groom and hold. That was the Magic’s mantra over the last few years … until this month when they chose another blueprint. The trade for Desmond Bane signaled that Orlando, with home-grown Paolo Banchero (age 22) and Franz Wagner (23) and Jalen Suggs (24), is ready to go for it. In the process, the Magic surrendered a hefty load of draft capital — four first-round picks and one swap — to Memphis for Bane. But this Magic team is young enough anyway, and if the Magic soar, a good amount of those future picks will land in the late first round.
The Way To Go
Orlando actually came into this draft with four picks, two in each round, but sent one of its two firsts, the No. 16, to Memphis. The No. 25 selection should bear fruit. Since the Magic bundled a pair of guards — Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony — in the Memphis trade, they might look to restock the backcourt. If so, Orlando wouldn’t have to search too far for Walter Clayton, who sizzled in the NCAAs for Florida.
— Shaun Powell
Here’s a quick look at Orlando’s current roster entering the Draft:
Under Contract
G: Anthony Black
G: Jett Howard
G: Jalen Suggs
G: Ethan Thompson
G/F: Desmond Bane
F: Paolo Banchero
F: Tristan da Silva
F: Jonathan Isaac
F: Franz Wagner
C/F: Goga Bitadze
C/F: Wendell Carter Jr.
Free Agents
G: Gary Harris
G: Caleb Houstan
G: Cory Joseph
G: Mac McClung
G: Trevelin Queen
F/C: Moritz Wagner