[2021] Orlando Magic Draft Recap

[SyndaKyt]

 

 

 

By CHRIS DESSALINES

Orlando Sentinel | July 25th, 2021 9 PM

 

Knowing the notorious history of this franchise when it comes to drafting or developing players, Magic fans have learned to always prepare for disappointing results. However, with the recent tenure of their young, strapping General Manager, there is much to be excited about. His resume includes the ever so electric duo of Ed Brewer at the 3 and Francis Colon at the 4. Despite the success of these players in their prime, the future leaves much to be desired and all Magic supporters will monitor the progress of these young players closely.

 

As far as the predraft interviews and workouts, PG Francis Doyle, PG Thomas Williams, SF Jordan Bridges, and SF Dennis Hall were all cited to be main targets for this Orlando front office. The GM was very intrigued with this historical draft class; He was spotted along with scouts watching the NCAA Tournament Final between the Saint Mary's Gaels and San Diego Toreros featuring some of the above players mentioned. Despite the mediocre performance, he was very vocal about drafting Doyle, with rumors swirling around that he even invited the floor general to his tropical estate. His obsession over the Saint Mary's guard was understandable, as before the trade for veteran point guard, Bruce Young, the Magic boasted the worst point guard group in all of the association.

 

As the draft drew near, Doyle falling to them at the eight pick was being threatened with other teams working with Doyle aggressively. The Magic were in talks with some of the teams in front of them but ultimately a deal could not be agreed upon. Draft day comes and the Magic decide to stay inside the top ten. Disappointment was present among the fans wearing the blue pinstripes as the Saint Mary's guard grabbed a Milwaukee Bucks cap in the end. There were also talks with the Pistons to grab the 18 and 19 for the 8 but the Vancouver Sea Lions jumped at the opportunity.

 

With the collective groans, the motto goes: "Same Ole Magic!"

 

The 8th pick arrives and an idea stored in the back of the GM's mind pops back up. Fred Andrews, Doyle's running mate, DOMINATED competition and has proved to shine when the stage is set. There was no hesitation in the War Room; Fred Andrews is now booking his ticket to Disney World. The 6-9 Western All-Conference 20 year old Center captured their attention with his upside and youth, as well as the physical build. He has the size of a modern NBA big as well as the rebounding and finishing to show for it. The main concerns arise from the subpar ball handling and below average shooting splits. It also doesn't help that he struggled in some games defensively against more traditional bigs with good post control. Despite his weaknesses, he addresses a clear hole at the Center spot and allows for flexibility in the rotation. Andrews walks up the stage, holds up a blue pinstripe as Commissioner Migi is smiling a bit too hard for some reason. He will be starting for the Magic, especially with Jermaine Gray on the move.

 

 

Fred Andrews dunking all over San Diego en route to his 28 point performance

 

The night was thought to be over for Orlando after this pick selection. They were looking at moving into a mid to late first round slot to attempt to grab another target on their board, specifically Thomas Williams. Williams fits the mold with superb court vision as well as a team player. He really is trying to enforce a mindset of consistency and results with his picks. Thomas Williams would end up celebrating in his home as he hopes to become the face of the San Diego Clippers one day at the 17th pick.

 

With the Raptors moving down to a prime position with two late draft picks, the Magic targeted the lower pick at 26 moving Jermaine Gray to Canada, the 57th pick, a 2022 2nd acquired from the Wizards, and a 2023 1st round pick. Criticisms were in store for moving the future 1st, but they have shown to be very focused on player development. There was much discussion between the two front offices, even before the draft. With the 26th pick in hand, 3 and D Forward Stephen Bryant was high on the Magic's board until taken at 23rd by the Grizzlies. The Magic went all in on youth and the future with another sophomore Devin Houston. He also happened to be the first international player to be drafted, being born in Slovenia to a Jamaican father and Slovenian mother. Always a plus, Houston is 20 years old along with machine-like efficiency from the perimeter and an ability to break down defenders with abilities beyond his age. His weaknesses are present in his defensive capabilities despite his NBA size. The play making was needed badly as he may get rotational minutes. The front office was very content with this pick knowing the draft class was very top-heavy.

 

 

Devin Houston ecstatic after leading the Bonnies to an upset over the Hoyas

 

It was clear from these selections that the Magic are planning to work with these young players heavily to adjust to the speed and skill set needed in order to succeed at the NBA level. They are not expecting a microwave-like development where both picks are outshining all other players in their first year. The fish is looks delicious but is raw, so now it must be cooked. Ochocinco said something like that, I think.

 

The grade for this draft is a solid B+, as they got good value at the picks they had and many pundits around the league approve. Here's to hoping these players are ready to relax for a bit and then, go to work!

[cricket]

There are some comments that Andrews might not be the best Center in the class. However, he was the highest rated, and one of the most overall balanced. There were other comments that Doyle was going to be a bit of an enigma because of his defense.

 

If you could have Doyle instead, is that really who you would have picked over Andrews?