NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic not looking for a veteran
The Orlando Magic are showing great patience rebuilding after the Dwight Howard era and that patience could soon pay off.
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Although they have won just 43 games in the last two seasons, they own several future draft and have nice talent to build around, including center Nikola Vučević, forward Tobias Harris, swingman Maurice Harkless, big man Kyle O’Quinn and guard Victor Oladipo.
That’s why Matt Moore of CBS Sports could see the Magic making move on a draft night, but doesn’t see any way they stray from their plan and deal for a veteran.
"Trade up or down: Very possible. The Magic can honestly afford to burn this pick to try and get to the No. 1 spot and take Wiggins. They can package it and Afflalo and go after a higher pick in the 6-7-8 range or move back and pick up future firsts. They have a lot they can do here.Trade for a vet: Nope. Unlike some teams, and despite reports, the Magic have been patient with their rebuild. That’s the play here as well. Don’t force the issue."
Most expect the Magic to take either Australian point guard Dante Exum, former Indiana Hoosiers’ big man Noah Vonleh or former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart with the fourth-overall pick. Moore likes former Michigan State Spartans’ guard Gary Harris, Croatian forward Dario Saric, former Michigan Wolverines’ swingman Nik Stauskas, former Kentucky Wildcats’ swingman James Young, former Spartans’ forward Adriean Payne, Bosnian big man Jusuf Nurkić and Swiss big man Clint Capela with the 12th-overall selection.