NBA Draft: Magic Target Taylor Hendricks 'Elite 3-and-D Forward?'
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic could look locally with either of its first two draft picks with UCF forward Taylor Hendricks.
Hendricks, UCF's highest-rated recruit in program history, averaged 15.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game this season. He also shot 39 percent from beyond the three-point line.
SI Draft Digest believes Hendricks' ceiling could be an "elite 3-and-D forward."
Back in March, Hendricks was listed as an option for the Magic with its second pick in a mock draft from The Athletic, but his stock continues to rise, and now he could be in play for Orlando's first pick at No. 6 overall.
The Magic needs more help in the perimeter shooting department than any other area. Orlando ranked 24th in three-point shooting this past season at 34.6 percent.
The main concern with Hendricks has nothing to do with him, but rather the situation he'd walk into if he were joining the Magic. Hendricks would possibly the roadblocked from the starting lineup with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner ahead of him. Jonathan Isaac is also expected to play a key role coming off the bench.
There's potential for the Magic to start him alongside Banchero and Wagner, but head coach Jamahl Mosley is more likely to place veteran Gary Harris or rising third-year guard Jalen Suggs next to Markelle Fultz in the backcourt.
Spaces are scarce in the Magic's rotation, and Hendricks would have to earn his opportunities, but he has the potential to do just that.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
