Fansided

2017 FanSided NBA Network Mock Draft: Let the experts decide

By Staff

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Kent State Golden Flashes at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 30
Next
trade, Kings
Jan 29, 2017; Louisville, KY, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) dribbles the ball against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports /
6

Dennis Smith Jr.

Point Guard, NC State

The Orlando Magic need to find a star. They need to find someone they can build their team around. Not just for the future but for now too. The team still faces pressure to make the playoffs sooner than later. It may not be a playoff-or-bust year like 2017 season was, but the pressure still exists.

Dennis Smith is the best bet for the team to get someone who can make an immediate impact and develop into a potential franchise building block. He is a strong point guard for the modern game, able to create his own shot and finish at the rim with athleticism. Smith will have to shake off questions about his 3-point shot and length on defense. He is not a completely perfect fit. But at six, the team is not going to get a perfect fit. They need someone who has a high floor and a higher ceiling.

The Magic pass on a player like Jayson Tatum because he does not fit the team’s current roster. Tatum and Aaron Gordon would not likely be a good match as both struggle to shoot from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Smith can groom to become the team’s starting point guard, if not immediately than eventually. He would certainly be an upgrade over Elfrid Payton and his inconsistent play.

Smith in this case fits both needs the Magic have. The need to find a potential star player. And the need to find a player who can take the mantle and make these disparate pieces work together. Or, at least, that is the hope.

— Philip Rossman-Reich, Orlando Magic Daily, @OMagicDaily