2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks play it safe, Wizards go big, Spurs fill two needs
By Cal Durrett
18) Orlando Magic-Johnny Furphy
It's no secret that the Orlando Magic are one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA this season and that weakness came back to bite them in their first-round series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Based on that, it seems more likely than not that they will target a shooter in the draft as well as pursue one in free agency.
One such option is Johnny Furphy, who put together an underrated season for the Kansas Jayhawks. Furphy is just 19 years old and shows potential as a skilled offensive player. One who is terrific in transition, leaking out for easy dunks, scoring off backdoor cuts in the halfcourt and nailing open threes.
All of those things should be something that he can do at the NBA level, possibly for the Magic, giving them someone who can consistently score by exploiting openings in defenses. Better still, he is also listed at 6'9, giving the Magic another tall perimeter player and he has shown flashes defensively, including blocking jump shots with his length, poking away dribbles from behind or jumping passing lanes. Ultimately, there is a lot to like and Furphy could play a role on the up-and-coming Magic.