New Mock Draft Has Orlando Magic Taking McDonald's All-American

Jun 24, 2022; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman (left), second round draft pick Caleb Houstan (center left), first overall draft pick Paolo Banchero (center right) and Orlando Magic Coach Jamahl Mosley during a press conference at the Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

As the Orlando Magic gear up for the NBA draft, speculation is swirling about who they might take. Most recently, the Magic have been linked to Arizona forward Carter Bryant. In a new mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projected Orlando taking the 19-year-old with the 16th pick.

"Despite Carter Bryant's limited role, production and creation, there will be first-round interest in an athletic, 6'8" wing with clear shotmaking ability and defensive quickness/tools," Wasserman wrote.

"Teams may have to use their imaginations to picture serious upside, but Bryant has an NBA foundation and coveted archetype," he added.

A former McDonald's All-American and top-20 recruit, Bryant averaged 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds with one block in 37 games for the Wildcats. He also converted on 37.1 percent of his 3-point attempts, a promising attribute for Orlando, which is desperate for consistent perimeter shooting.

Listed at 6-foot-6.5 barefoot and weighing 214.8 pounds, Bryant also recorded a nearly seven-foot wingspan at the NBA Draft combine on Monday. Bryant's measurements indicate a strong build that will translate well to the NBA.

Arizona’s Carter Bryant’s official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine:

6’6 ½ barefoot, 214.8 lbs with a 6’11 ¾" wingspan and 8’10” standing reach pic.twitter.com/wHJtB4S996

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 12, 2025

Bryant's athleticism was also displayed during the combine, as he recorded one of the highest vertical leaps at 39.5 inches.

39 1/2 inch max vertical leap for Arizona's Carter Bryant at the NBA draft combine, best jump so far early on. pic.twitter.com/C4WGqZ55q1

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025

The Magic's roster is plentiful at the forward position, especially from a youth standpoint, with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Tristan da Silva and others. Moreover, Orlando may use its first-round picks to acquire a proven veteran in a trade to help the team contend now. If the organization does take a chance on Bryant, it's getting a player who fits the mold.

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