NBA March Madness Mock Draft: Magic Finding Jonathan Isaac Replacement?
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic enters the 2023 NBA Draft in one of the most intriguing positions across the NBA.
Currently sitting at 28-41 and victims of six of its last nine games, this young roster currently is on outside looking into the Play-In tournament - four games back from the tenth place Washington Wizards.
But even if the Magic miss the postseason for the ninth time in the past 11 seasons, there is plenty of reason to believe this season was a success.
Not only did the team defy many expectations heading into the year, but will also likely hold two top-ten selections in the 2023 NBA Draft.
In Bleacher Report's recent Mock Draft, they predict Orlando will pick in the No. 5 and the No. 9 spots come June's draft.
And with the first of those two selections the site projects they will select freshman forward Jarace Walker out of Houston.
"Jonathan Isaac's inability to stay healthy could sway the Magic to look at Walker," Bleacher Report writes. "His inconsistent scoring production won't bother NBA teams. Most will want to buy the flashes, given the eye test on his three-ball, high-IQ assists and drives into touch shots, and how dangerous they could make a 6'8", 240-pound 19-year-old in a few seasons."
If the Magic holds on to the second of two first round selections, which is a part of the 2021 Nikola Vucevic deal, Orlando could target more backcourt depth in the form of Arkansas guard Nick Smith Jr.
"Smith has something to gain in the NCAA tournament, with some scouts still unsure about his playmaking or shot selection/body for scoring efficiency," Bleacher Report writes. "Regardless, he'll remain in the No. 6-10 range on draft boards, thanks to 6'5" size, shifty ball-handling for creation, high-level shot-making and the skill set to play either backcourt position."
It is unclear what direction the Magic will go with both selections, but if it's anything like 2021 where they selected franchise cornerstones Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs inside the top-ten, Orlando could be building something special.
Orlando is back in action tomorrow night against Phoenix Suns. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:00p.m.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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