Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2019 NBA Draft

SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts to a play against the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

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Fresh off their first playoff appearance since 2012, the Orlando Magic are finally out of the NBA’s cellar, and are looking to stay that way in the 2019 NBA Draft.

The 2019 NBA Draft will be a little more different than the Orlando Magic are used to. Without any lottery picks, the true colors of their scouting will be on display Thursday night.

Why they lack a lottery pick is a good thing; fresh off a 42-win season that catapulted them into the playoffs, this front office must feel great about what’s to come.

The context of how they got there actually raises more questions about how to draft than answers. Their best player was Nikola Vucevic, who has been with Orlando since the summer of 2012 and made the All-Star team this past season. On top of that, he is ticketed for free agency, bringing about a huge financial decision for the franchise.

Not to mention, head coach Steve Clifford did a wonderful job working along the margins. Despite his only point guard options being D.J. Augustin and Jerian Grant, Clifford maximized the role players around Vucevic to produce a team that won 20 of its last 28 regular season games.

In other words, is this young core, led by Aaron Gordon, truly that good? Can the front office afford to go after role players, or does it need to swing for the fences yet again? Here’s a look at five potential draft options for Orlando’s first round pick at No. 16.

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