NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Orlando Magic working out Rodney Hood, Marcus Smart

By Andrew Melnick | May 25, 2014

Jan 25, 2014; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Rodney Hood (5) drives against Florida State Seminoles guard Ian Miller (30) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /

Just over a year ago, it looked like the Orlando Magic had their selection with the number two overall pick narrowed down to just a few prospects and many believes that former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart was a slight favorite to go second with former Indiana Hoosiers’ guard Victor Oladipo, former Kentucky Wildcats’ big man Nerlens Noel and former Kansas Jayhawks’ guard Ben McLemore just behind him.

More from NBA

Smart, of course decided to return for his senior season and the Magic went with Oladipo, who had an excellent rookie season (Noel was acquired by the Philadelphia 76ers in a trade that sent point guard Jrue Holiday to the New Orleans Pelicans and McLemore was drafted by the Sacramento Kings).

The Magic are reportedly very high on Australian point guard Dante Exum and he appears to be the favorite to go with the fourth-overall pick, but the Magic, along with the Boston Celtics, will still be working out Smart this week and he is certainly in play at number four.

According to Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com, that workout is tomorrow.

Smart won’t be the only player working out for the Magic on Monday – Goodman also reports that former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Rodney Hood will join Smart for a workout Monday.

Well the Magic would have to use to the fourth selection to acquire Smart, Hood will likely be available with the 12th-overall pick. The Magic acquired that pick from the Denver Nuggets via the New York Knicks in the Dwight Howard trade.

Smart averaged 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season while Hood put up 16.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.