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5 players Orlando Magic need to target in NBA Draft

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Feb 27, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah 2on 70-64. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Utes forward Jakob Poeltl (42) dribbles the ball during the second half against the Arizona Wildcats at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Utah 2on 70-64. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts after a play during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 2, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Syracuse Orange guard Malachi Richardson (23) reacts after a play during the first half against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the 2016 NCAA Men /

3. Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse

The Magic have selected multiple wingmen over the past few years, ones who have high upside in Victor Oladipo and Mario Hezonja. However, Oladipo didn’t progress in 2015-16, arguably taking a slight step back. Hezonja also struggled in his rookie year, not really being a high volume scorer, before finishing on a positive note in the final weeks of the season.

Looking for insurance at shooting guard or small forward may be smart then, and at pick No. 11, there are a few options. A top one may be Malachi Richardson, who the Magic met on Saturday.

At 6-foot-6, Richardson has adequate size for the shooting guard position. A wingspan of 7-feet also makes him a threat as a defender, possibly being able to go head to head with some of the better two guards in the NBA. Richardson’s game revolves around being able to do a little bit of everything as well, showing a knack for knocking down a three, getting a steal, being a decent passer, and can grab a rebound or two.

However, Richardson did not prove to be a great scorer in his only year at Syracuse. He shot only 37-percent from the field and left a bit to be desired. If he can fine-tune his jump shot in the NBA, Richardson could become a solid shooting guard.

Next: No. 2

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