The Magic Insider

Orlando Magic Should Look To Add Former Teammate Of Duke Superstar Cooper Flagg In 2025 NBA Draft

Anthony Pasciolla|
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Apr 5, 2025; San Antonio, TX, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Cooper Flagg (2) reacts after a three point basket against the Houston Cougars during the first half in the semifinals of the men's Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Tournament at the Alamodome. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Although the Orlando Magic do not have a lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, it doesn't mean they can't address a glaring issue with their selection.

The Magic have struck out on guards in the draft time and time again, which should steer them away from choosing yet another backcourt player. Instead, Orlando's front office could take a step toward solving their lack of perimeter shooting.

The Magic can do so by selecting former teammate of Duke superstar Cooper Flagg and UConn Huskies forward Liam McNeeley.

At 6-foot-7, McNeeley has the ability to play shooting guard when Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are on the floor, or slide over to the frontcourt if one is injured or resting. He averaged 14.5 points and six rebounds on 38.1 percent shooting and 31.7 percent from three-point range in his freshman campaign with the Huskies.

Prior to that, McNeeley played on the loaded Montverde Academy squad that featured Flagg, Maryland's Derik Queen, and many other notable names.

The lack of efficiency and versatility will likely cause McNeeley to fall out or near the end of the lottery, where Orlando can swoop in. The Magic's front office wouldn't be swinging for the fences by drafting Flagg's former teammate, but he does partially patch an issue in their rotation.

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Anthony Pasciolla works as a contributing writer to Orlando Magic On SI. He can be reached at ampasciolla@gmail.com or follow him on X @AnthonyPasci.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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