NBA Mock Draft: Marquette Guard Kolek Called a 'Dream Fit' for Magic

The Orlando Magic need a reliable outside shooter and playmaker. Marquette's Tyler Kolek was a consensus All-American and a former Big East Conference Player of the Year.

Marquette guard Tyler Kolek (11) turns the corner on North Carolina State guard Jayden Taylor (1) during the first half of their game in the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Friday at American Airlines Arena in Dallas. / Mark Hoffman / Milwaukee Journal

ORLANDO — The addition of a playmaking guard, whether in free agency or the NBA Draft, feels more likely than not this offseason for the Orlando Magic.

The Ringer's latest mock draft affirmed the belief, projecting that the Magic would take Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek with the 18th overall pick.

"Kolek’s shotmaking and playmaking skill would be a dream fit with Orlando’s existing core pieces," The Ringer wrote.

Kolek, 23, was a consensus All-American, made the All-Big East team twice, and was Big East Player of the Year in 2022-23. In his final season at Marquette, Kolek averaged 15.7 points and 7.7 assists per game and shot 38.8 percent on his 3-point attempts.

Kolek's play drew comparisons to New York Knicks All-NBA guard Jalen Brunson and former All-Star guard Goran Dragic.

"High-feel point guard who can play quickly, slowly, and at every speed in between, both out on the break and in the half-court," The Ringer wrote in its scouting report. "He uses his dribble to create angles for perfectly timed passes to cutters and shooters."

Kolek is ranked No. 21 on The Ringer's big board, No. 25 by Yahoo Sports, No. 26 by ESPN and No. 32 by CBS Sports.

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is at 8 p.m. ET on June 26. The second round is at 4 p.m. ET on June 27.

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