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NBA Draft Rumors 2014: Orlando Magic to take Marcus Smart?

By Andrew Melnick

Feb 3, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Iowa State defeated Oklahoma State 98-97 in triple overtime. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2014; Stillwater, OK, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Marcus Smart (33) during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Gallagher-Iba Arena. Iowa State defeated Oklahoma State 98-97 in triple overtime. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the fourth-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, nearly every pundit expects the Orlando Magic to select whichever player is left out of the supposed big four – former Kansas Jayhawks’ center Joel Embiid, his college teammate, forward Andrew Wiggins, former Duke Blue Devils’ forward Jabari Parker and Australian point guard Dante Exum.

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That, however may not be the case.

The Magic have been very impressed with former Indiana Hoosiers’ big man Noah Vonleh, who has reportedly been very impressive in his workouts. Another player who has been connected to the Magic is former Oklahoma State Cowboys’ point guard Marcus Smart. In fact, Smart has been on the Magic’s radar for the better part of two years. There were rumors that the Magic were eyeing Smart with the number two overall selection in the 2013 NBA Draft, but Smart opted to return to school. The Magic wound up taking former Indiana guard Victor Oladipo, who had a solid rookie season.

The Magic obviously need a point guard. They are supposedly higher on Exum than Smart, but Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix is now projecting the Magic to take Smart even if Exum is on the board.

"Smart will have a second workout with the Magic this week, a strong signal of Orlando’s interest. The Magic coveted him last year before he decided to return to school, and there is a growing belief among league executives that Smart is the best point guard prospect in the draft. Scouts don’t love his shooting form, but his size and aggressive style make him an appealing prospect."

The Magic are planning on working out Smart for a second time, showing just how serious they are about him. Smart is ranked as the sixth-best prospect in the draft by Jonathan Givony of Draft Express. He averaged 18.0 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season.

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