Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 33 in 2017 NBA Draft

Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) reacts during the second half against the Kansas Jayhawks in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Orlando Magic: 5 options for 33rd pick in 2017 NBA Draft
Dec 21, 2016; Syracuse, NY, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Tyler Lydon (20) shoots the ball against the St. John’s Red Storm during the second half at the Carrier Dome. St. John’s won 93-60. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Tyler Lydon, PF, Syracuse

If Tyler Lydon is still available when the Magic are on the clock at 33, he will be difficult to pass over. The Syracuse big man is the exact type of player that Orlando is currently lacking on its roster.

Taking a look at the depth in the frontcourt and there are some good players. Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo are both solid. Aaron Gordon has a high ceiling. But, none of them can stretch the floor and shoot the ball from the perimeter; that is Lydon’s strength.

Lydon is exactly what a team is looking for in a stretch-4. He has range beyond the three-point line and would immediately find minutes in the Magic rotation. While shooting is his best trait, he is also capable of scoring off the bounce.

While Lydon isn’t a great defender, he is a good rim protector. His great burst and athleticism help in that area. He is also a very good rebounder, as he averaged 8.6 per game last season. Lydon would provide the Magic with good versatility, as he could play small forward, power forward and even center in some instances; he did it for stretches at Syracuse last season in the middle of their zone.

Lydon would be an excellent selection for the Magic if he slips. He has been mocked in the first round a few times, so there is a chance that he isn’t there when the Magic are picking. But, if he is, the Magic should seriously consider pulling the trigger on him.