Orlando Magic: 3 reasons for optimism with the sixth overall pick
By Luke Duffy
1. This front office has a plan
In the past, the Magic’s lottery picks were left in the bumbling hands of former general manager Rob Hennigan. With a new front office coming into its second offseason overseeing the team, there’s much more reason to feel confident.
Current GM John Hammond was the man in charge when the Milwaukee Bucks selected Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th overall pick back in 2013. Hammond and president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman also have a solid track record in drafting with the Magic so far as well.
Last summer they took Isaac with the sixth pick, the most versatile player the team has drafted this decade and one who fits most closely with the way the league has gone. His ability to play different positions and defend guards and big men with his foot speed allows the team to progress their conventional roster forward.
Jonathan Isaac cuts off Lebron going downhill, forces the pass, then picks up the rebound off the miss. That's promising defense. @jisaac_01 pic.twitter.com/M9hRzgWqM0
— The Lando (@TheLando__) October 23, 2017
The only concern right now is how much time he missed in his rookie season due to injury (Isaac played in only 27 games).
In addition to Isaac, the Magic selected Wesley Iwundu in the second round. Iwundu didn’t blow anybody away with his play, and he has spent time in the G League too, but he’s an athletic guard. Certainly he already looks like a better prospect than past second round picks like Romero Osby (2012) and Stephen Zimmerman (2016).
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
All in all, the current reigme seems as capable as ever of turning the No. 6 overall pick into something worthwhile. That is the most optimistic thought of all.