NBA Draft: Magic Targeting 'Next Jamal Murray' With No. 6 Pick?
In roughly a week, the Orlando Magic could add two more building blocks to its future.
Last summer, it seemed Orlando shocked the entire NBA world by selecting Duke forward Paolo Banchero No. 1 - and to say it was the right call is probably an understatement.
And once again, the front office has an opportunity to choose twice in the lottery for the second time in three years.
No Ceilings recently constructed a draft preview for the Magic after a much-improved 2022 campaign, with Baylor guard Keyonte George being a player of intrigue.
"Although probably a fairly unpopular opinion, I would feel comfortable taking Keyonte with the sixth pick," No Ceilings writes. "Everyone talks about George’s self-creation on the ball, but to me what makes him a potentially deadly scorer is his ability to play off the ball."
A certified bucket-getter, George scored 32 points in his first game for the Bears during the Global Jam in Italy, going 10-18 from the floor, 6-12 from three-point land, 6-8 from the free throw line and four assists ... in just 27 minutes. Despite a lingering foot injury playing an impact through his one-and-done collegiate career, George showed elite shot-making - posting 15.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 33 career games.
"George has a lot of Jamal Murray to his game in that he can dance with the rock, but his ability to play off of stars is what makes him special," No Ceilings writes. "I want that kind of guy playing next to two high-feel guys like [Banchero and Wagner]. When George shares the court with just one of Disney’s young duo, he can confidently take more on-ball responsibility."
The NBA Draft takes place Thursday, June 22 at 8 p.m. from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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