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Orlando Magic: Complete 2018 offseason grades

By Amaar Burton

Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman, second from left, and head coach Steve Clifford, second from right, stand with the newest draft picks during a news conference at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, June 22, 2018. Melvin Frazier (35), Mo Bamba (5), and Justin Jackson (23) were selected in the NBA Draft Thursday night. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
Orlando Magic president Jeff Weltman, second from left, and head coach Steve Clifford, second from right, stand with the newest draft picks during a news conference at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, June 22, 2018. Melvin Frazier (35), Mo Bamba (5), and Justin Jackson (23) were selected in the NBA Draft Thursday night. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Drafting Melvin Frazier

Another long-armed rookie that Hammond acquired on draft night was Frazier, who has the height of a guard at 6’6″ but projects as a small forward due in part to his 7’2″ wingspan.

Frazier doesn’t just look the part, either. He’s an impressive athlete whose speed and leaping ability stood out at the NBA Draft Combine. The Magic took Frazier with their second round pick, No. 35 overall.

Frazier averaged 15.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game last season at Tulane, hitting 55.6 percent of his field goals and 38.5 percent of his 3-pointers.

Defense is one area where Frazier can earn a role in Orlando’s rotation right away. Tulane head coach Mike Dunleavy Sr., who coached for 17 years in the NBA and played 11 years in the league, testified to Frazier’s defensive chops in the New Orleans Times-Picayune:

"“Defensively, I don’t think there’s really any question about what he can do,” Dunleavy said. “Mel can guard [positions] 1 through 3 and guard them at a high level. Now, he’s showing the ability from the offensive end of the floor, as well. He’s one of those guys you look at as a two-way player, a guy that is a very safe bet for the next level.”"

Frazier’s shooting ability, should it translate to the NBA, could also earn him meaningful minutes sooner than later.

Orlando ranked 28th out of 30 teams in the league in 3-point shooting last season (35.1 percent), and two of their most prolific shooters — Mario Hezonja (Knicks) and Marreese Speights (China) — are not returning for next season.

If Frazier can fill that offensive void and be a factor defensively, he’ll turn out to be a steal for a second round pick.

Grade: B+

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