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The previous iteration of the Orlando Magic reached its ceiling with Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier. The organization decided to trade that core and rebuild its roster through another young core led by Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr., and the rest of the crew. They struggled to squeak into the playoffs these past two seasons but having the no.1 overall pick in this year's draft will bolster their roster immensely.
This 2022 NBA Draft class is talented from top to bottom so the Magic are still open to a slew of options with their top selection. Choosing Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., or Paolo Banchero would be the realistic and smart options for Orlando, but they still have two weeks to analyze who would fit tremendously into their culture and system. Thus, here are a few needs their squad desires to address in their roster entering the 2022 NBA Draft.
Magic 2022 NBA Draft Needs
Combo Forward
With Mo Bamba entering restricted free agency and Jonathan Isaac continually experiencing lingering injuries, there has been a glaring role at that position ever since Aaron Gordon's departure. Wendell Carter Jr. has the modern skill set and versatility to play either the four or five, but adding either of the three aforementioned names will address that issue of having a starting-caliber forward for the Magic.
Franz Wagner will continue starting at the other wing position as he will be more of a playmaker and Swiss Army Knife for the Magic. Complementing Wagner in that position would not be difficult at all so the Magic will have the massive opportunity of filling in one of their main weaknesses and possibly propel them to compete for a play-in tournament spot next season.
Huge Rim Protector
Even if they add either of the rookies along with Wendell Carter Jr. in the front court, their rim protection and interior defense would still bring issues to coach Jamahl Mosley. For instance, the Phoenix Suns have JaVale McGee or the Milwaukee Bucks have Brook Lopez to contain the athletic slashers that constantly attack the cup. Carter Jr. has terrific instincts and awareness but having one defensive big in a roster will not cut it for the Magic.
Having Holmgren-Carter Jr. or Smith Jr.-Carter Jr. in the frontcourt means the defensive-minded big man they will add will play behind this remarkable duo. The Magic have two early second-round picks wherein they will likely select a big man or sizable forward to mesh with their core pieces. Furthermore, the project big man they would develop must be open and willing to receive limited minutes from the onset and learn from his more tenured veterans.
Knockdown shooter
Cole Anthony was the leading shooter of the Magic last season with 132 made threes on 33.8% from long distance. Chuma Okeke, Gary Harris, and Mo Bamba were the only three players who recorded more than 100 conversions from rainbow country. Shooting has been a cause for concern for Orlando, especially in this era of basketball wherein floor spacing and three-point shooting have been highlighted as essential skills of a basketball player.
Acquiring reliable shooters will not require a steep price for an organization like Orlando. The aforementioned second-round picks would be a plausible approach in adding shooters to space the floor for Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner. Successful NBA sharpshooters like Jordan Poole, Tyler Herro, and Reggie Bullock were underrated entering the league, but they found a name for themselves because of their initiative and hard work in honing their craft.
The Orlando Magic has a bright and intriguing future ahead. Current teams blossoming this season like the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, and Memphis Grizzlies. were built from the ground up as well. Furthermore, the foundational assets are the integral parts from the onset because the ancillary pieces will be influenced by the culture being imparted and practiced in the organization.
It would not take long before the NBA fans see the Orlando Magic stepping into the Amway Center past mid-April.