I don’t think Suggs will be available here, so I’m picking Barnes. While not the greatest fit here right away, and there’s definite concerns about his shooting ability (or lack there of), I think the intangibles such as leadership, high motor and positional versatility make Barnes the BPA at #5
#8: Josh Giddey
A lot of what I said about Barnes also applies to Giddey. Arguably the best passer in the draft, Giddey is also one of the smartest players too. I believe he has the potential to be a high end starting wing in this league and if he improves as a shooter perhaps a multi-time all star as well.
It’s no secret Orlando needs shooting and help at the shooting position so selecting Moses checks off two very important boxes. He shot 36% from 3pt range, 81% from the line, and averaged 17pts per game as Arkansas #1 option. He’s sneaky athletic, defends multiple positions, scores on all 3 levels, and has the potential to cause a lot of mismatches as he matures and grows into his big frame.
#8 Franz Wagner
Like Moody, Wagner can defend multiple positions, shoot, and has a high motor. At 6’11 Wagner gives Orlando a big combo forward that’s comfortable handle the ball in the pick and roll, spotting up for 3, and switching on defense. A player like this coming off the bench will allow T.Ross and Cole Anthony to play more to their strengths as scorers and not have to be playmakers. Wagner brings toughness and plays with a lot of passion and energy which will make him a instant fan favorite
Suggs -Not much to say. Multi time all-star potential guard with high end role player skills and an absolute dog.
#8 Ziaire Williams
One of the more obvious diamond in the roughs in the draft. Killed by context issues at stanford, similar to cole & cam reddish. The 6’10 tough shot maker can get his own, pass and is a legit good defender.
With rumors swirling days before the draft, I think we have the right to be optimistic in Jalen Suggs potentially falling to us at 5. For years, we have struggled with having guys with the IT factor, guys who can score the ball and guys who just seem to want it, Suggs seems to have all those things. What’s great about him is I think he can play well off the ball and be that guy who you can go to get you a bucket (Next to a guy like Kelle) and really command the floor and put guys in their spots, which allows others to really play their game (Next to a guy like Cole/RJ).
#8 James Bouknight
A guy I fell in love with was Jalen Green and I think Bouknight is the next best thing when it comes to being a GO-TO scorer. An explosive player, who looks to get the ball in the basketball is a guy we desperately need. For Uconn he averaged almost 19ppg and shot it at 45%. His improvements will have to come from consistency in his 3 ball and just taking better shots but I think that comes with time, as we saw with Cole as the game slowed down for him throughout the season.
Josh Giddey (under the assumption that Suggs has been taken #4) While this may look like a reach (it probably is because of where he’s being mocked) I am a huge believer in Josh Giddey. He represents both the high floor and ceiling that I think this team needs. Simply put, the Magic are by far the worst playmaking team in the league and adding one of the two best passers in the class should be something worth looking into. Standing at 6’8 Giddey has not only high level connective tissue ability but there is a chance (maybe not a large chance) that we are looking at a jumbo initiator which could pay dividends with this core considering most of our guards are truly secondaries and our big men are play finishers that require setting up more than the current guard is capable of providing.
#8 Ziaire Williams
From a macro perspective (meaning without getting too into detail about this past season and just looking at his skillset) Ziaire Williams is easily a top 5 pick in this class, 6’10 perimeter players with big time shot making potential, movement skills, passing flashes and versatile defense don’t grow on trees and that is exactly what you get with Ziaire Williams. He had a bad year due to injury, context and off the court issues (nothing bad with him personally just dealing with some family issues). However, Ziaire is without a doubt one of the better upside swings in the class and I am beginning to believe that his floor is higher than many have given him credit for.
I know he has been falling for a few reasons, but for me the Magic need to take a big swing on someone who offensively can take over and be the number one option on the wing. Kuminga could be boom or bust but if he hits, he could that athletic wing that puts points on the board the Magic have been missing.
#8 Moses Moody
Moody might feel a bit safe, but I am ready for this Magic team to slowly stop being one of the worst spacing teams in the league. Moody should be able to help spread the floor with his ability to hit shots and I think he should be able to hold his own defensively.
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