NBA Draft Rumors: Orlando Magic aren’t locked in to any prospect
By Bryan Rose
The Orlando Magic sit in a bit of a unique spot come the 2014 NBA Draft.
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Sitting just outside what is likely to be the Joel Embiid, Andrew Wiggins, Jabari Parker window, the Magic will have to pick between what many believe to be potential ‘All-Star’ caliber players, but a franchise savior isn’t likely to fall their way.
Given all of that, the Magic aren’t locked in to any potential prospect at the current time says Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
“Smart improves the team today… Exum more of a project. Magic are not locked in on anyone yet.”
The most likely candidates (at least currently) to eventually find themselves playing in Orlando are either Australian point guard Dante Exum or Marcus Smart of Oklahoma State. Granted, it’s completely possible that neither is drafted by Orlando but in recent days rumors have suggested the Magic brass likes both, especially Smart given his leadership quality and playmaking skills.
Wanting to win now, Smart seems like a more logical pick but Exum’s ceiling may be higher than that of Smart, putting the Magic in a bit of a predicament.
Whatever the case, while the Magic aren’t necessarily locked in to any one player yet (and they shouldn’t be), it does appear that they have a couple of favorites in mind. Whether or not they actually remain their favorites and call Orlando home at the end of the month, remains to be seen.
Orlando is also said to possibly be open to trading the No. 12 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, as well.