2019 NBA Mock Draft: Murray State’s Ja Morant is rising
G. Indiana. Romeo Langford. 6. player. 38.
It’s inevitable Orlando will select a guard in this spot as they continue to fill their roster with young players at every position. The point guard spot is the Magic’s biggest weakness right now and to fully see what they have in the likes of Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba, Orlando needs to get a modern playmaker in the building. D.J. Augustin has been serviceable this year to be sure, but the Magic need a more dynamic player at this spot, someone capable of setting the table for the big men and playing good defense.
New general manager John Hammond, who built the Milwaukee roster that stands atop the league today, values length and versatility above all. Since he came in, Hammond added switchable athletes in every draft, including Isaac and Bamba as well as Wesley Iwundu and Melvin Frazier. It’s tough to find a player like that at point guard but Langford at least has the size to make Orlando’s defense more intimidating. A lineup featuring Langford, Iwundu, Frazier, Isaac and Bamba down the line would have a ton of defensive upside.
The great part about drafting Langford — and the reason he will continue to rise up until the draft — is that he can shoot and handle the ball as well as defend multiple positions. He’s in the middle of a 0-12 dry spell from deep over the past four games but Langford is a solid free throw shooter and willing 3-point shooter which bodes well for his shot development moving forward.
If Hammond and the Magic continue to prize versatility, Langford feels like the easy pick to fill their hole at the one spot.