NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for center Deandre Ayton

NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Deandre Ayton

BOISE, ID - MARCH 15: Deandre Ayton #13 of the Arizona Wildcats handles the ball against the Buffalo Bulls during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 15, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 4: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 4, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Orlando Magic

The Magic face a pretty interesting offseason. They currently employ Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo at the center position. It’s safe to say that neither of those is going to be the long-term answer for Orlando.

In particular, that duo serves as a really poor fit next to Aaron Gordon the frontcourt. Gordon is an electric athlete but he doesn’t really space the floor for the Magic offense. Ideally, they’d like to add a center who can stretch the floor to create space for him.

Ayton isn’t fully formed as a three-point shooter but it’s easy to see him extending his range out that far in time. Gordon’s athleticism could also help cover up Ayton’s defensive shortcomings. He blocks shots at an astounding level for a power forward. The two could provide the Magic with an excellent frontcourt for years to come.

Unfortunately, the Magic will face the same challenge as the Cavaliers. They won’t have to stretch quite as far to get into Ayton’s range, but they aren’t blessed with a ton of future assets. Orlando might try to pounce on Ayton if he falls past Sacramento, but they lack the ammunition to get up to No. 1 or 2 to take the dominant big man.

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