Orlando Magic: 2017 NBA Draft grades
Building for the future
Instead of transforming its G-League affiliate into one of the most powerful teams, the Orlando Magic managed to add players capable of contributing next season, while adding two future prospects.
The Magic received two future picks, a 2020 first-rounder belonging to Oklahoma City (protected 1-20, converts into two second-rounders if it’s not conveyed) and a second round pick from the 76ers, for the draft rights of Andzejs Pasecniks at No. 25.
Philly will send Orlando a 2020 first-round pick (originally from OKC) and the worst of Brooklyn’s or New York’s 2020 second-rounders.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 23, 2017
The 2020 first-rounder Philly is sending to Orlando is protected 1-20. If it doesn’t convey it converts to two seconds.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 23, 2017
Orlando also managed to transform Ivan Rabb (No. 35) into a future second round selection from Memphis. Adding four rookies to a roster featuring six key contributors under the age of 26 simply didn’t make sense.
The 2019 second Memphis is sending to Orlando for the 25th pick this year originally came from Brooklyn.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 23, 2017
I am sorry. The Memphis-Magic trade is for Orlando’s second-round pick, 35th overall. My mistake.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 23, 2017
The selection of Jonathan Isaac was a bit of a surprise, as he never worked out for the team and prior to hearing his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, hadn’t received any indication the Magic would select him.
While Orlando never tipped its selection, even to Isaac, he has an opportunity to immediately become the face of a franchise in desperate need of a superstar.
The lack of success, combined with a roster returning five players that averaged between 12 and 17.2 points per game a year ago, enables Isaac a chance to tap into his potential — something he felt he was unable to do in college.
Jonathan Isaac just called into the media room. Definitely a humble kid. Said he did not get to show his full ability at FSU.
— Orlando Magic Daily (@OMagicDaily) June 23, 2017
Iwundu addresses a pressing need for a defender on the perimeter, but will likely need some time to develop prior to making consistent contributions.
Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
While Orlando added to promising pieces to the roster, it also managed to land three future picks, perhaps adding some much-needed depth as it transitions from a potentially explosive team into a legitimate threat.
Final Grade: B+