Orlando Magic: 2018 NBA Draft grades
By Chris Murch
Overall
To recap, the Magic received a potential unicorn in Bamba, got incredibly unlucky in the second but still ended up with a decent pick at No. 35 in Frazier, then completely punted at No. 43 with Jackson. If I’m a Magic fan, I have mixed emotions.
It seemed as though Trae Young was destined to be in Orlando. They needed a point guard badly and he fit the mold of an exciting, young talent who’s game fits perfectly in today’s NBA. To not be on the receiving end of that is tough. Getting Mo Bamba, however, is such a big win for Orlando. He has serious potential and will hopefully be transcendent moving forward.
The Magic seemed to really be going for high-energy, long defensive players in this draft. With the Bamba and Jackson pick, it looks like they are going to have to make some decisions with movement in their frontcourt.
Does this mean that Nikola Vucevic is finally going to get moved? I personally think it’s too early to give up on a 27-year-old center who is a double-double threat every night, but if a team is willing to give the Magic a solid NBA point guard for him, I’d say go for it.
Overall, the Magic didn’t shore up a few question marks they had going into the draft, but they still ended up getting some solid talent moving forward and with the Bamba pick, a player to be excited about. They are certainly going to resemble Michael Jordan’s final dunk against the Monstars next year at most positions and improved their defense a lot. I would have liked to see shooters being picked and also a point guard, but once again, luck was not on their side.
Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
Final Grade: C