Magic 'Really Good' Heading into NBA Draft, Says Woj
The Orlando Magic has put an emphasis on building through the NBA Draft.
With seven players on its current roster drafted since 2017 - including four in the past two years - the Magic knows the importance of building organically.
But with so many young pieces and two selection in the top-11 this year, the front office is in an interesting scenario heading in Thursday's draft.
"They could package and move up," ESPN NBA analyst Adrian Wojnarowski said on the Ryen Russillo podcast. "Or they could just say 'we're gonna keep taking swings at guys here. Orlando, we don't talk enough about them, they're putting themselves in position to be really good and they've got another chance at the draft here to get another impact guy potentially."
In last year's draft, Orlando selected forward Paolo Banchero and guard Caleb Houstan. Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick went on to win the NBA's Rookie of the Year, while Houstan - a second-round pick - played sparingly over 51 games - posting 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds.
And entering the season in a similar situation to where they are now holding two lottery selections, the Magic selected guard Jalen Suggs at No. 5 and forward Franz Wagner with the No. 8 pick.
Over the past two seasons Wagner has established himself as a key piece to Orlando's optimism - posting 16.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.2 assists over 159 career games. Despite injuries limiting Suggs to just 103 appearances, the potential to be a two-way guard when healthy is obvious.
With another opportunity to add upon this young core, it may be sooner than later when Orlando is back into the postseason.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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.
