Ever since Dwight Howard left the Magic they have not been the same team. A competitive team who could challenge anyone in the Eastern Conference has turned into a sub-par team who had the third worst record in the league last year. Despite the awful record, the Magic showed many glimpses of potential. They are a young team with a large amount of talent and they drafted three players that could give them a spark to compete again.
Being referred to as a younger Blake Griffin means you are doing something right. Although those are great expectations for newly acquired Magic forward Aaron Gordon, he certainly has the potential to live up to them. Gordon is one of the most athletic players in the draft to go along with a progressing jump shot. He is a high flyer who can rise above defenders and finish with ferocious slam dunks. Gordon is in nice condition and should be ready to make the physical transition to the NBA.
Power forward is the position the Magic lack the most. With Glen Davis out of shape and younger power forwards not working, Gordon seemed like a nice fit for Orlando. It is pretty safe to say Gordon will start on opening night unless he performs poorly in the summer league. Playing alongside Nikola Vucevic, Gordon will complete another dynamic front court in the Eastern Conference. If he can live up to his expectations than the Magic will have a solid player for a while and most likely a franchise guy down the road.
No. 10: Elfrid Payton, PG, Louisiana Lafayette:
Although this young man had issues putting on his draft hat, Elfrid Payton is a great young talent with a lot of upside. Coming out of Louisiana Lafayette many NBA scouts were not sure of how Payton would stack up against more intense competition, but his sheer quickness, ball handling and ability to get to the rim is enough for the Magic to draft him in the top ten. Payton is a decent shooter, but could still definitely improve. He has a number of moves that get him to the basket allowing him to score or pass to a teammate.
This was a nice second pick for Orlando because Payton will be very useful for the Magic in a couple of years. No one really knows how long Jameer Nelson will still be around, but he will be a nice mentor for Payton because he has played with the Magic all of his career. Payton will be able to learn the system from a guard with a lot of experience on the Magic and will eventually take over the starting spot when Nelson leaves. This pick added more depth to the Magic and do not be shocked if you see Elfrid Payton get some minutes this year.
No. 56: Roy Devyn Marble, SF, Iowa:
To cap off their draft the Magic took a very polished small forward in Roy Devyn Marble from Iowa. His draft stock was not very high because he is older than many other players in the draft, but he would still be an asset for any team who selects him. Marble's offensive game is where he thrives. He can score at will both by driving to the basket as well as shooting the ball. Right now his body is not at the point where he can stick with some of the premier small forwards in the league, but that does not mean he will never get there.
The Magic have been lacking a pure small forward for a little while. Tobias Harris stepped it up last year and will most likely be the starter at the small forward position. Harris is still young, but he will be a nice guy for Marble to learn from. Marble is a solid second option at small forward for the Magic and will probably get some time if he is productive in the summer league. Marble has a ton of potential and it could pay off for the Magic.
Do not expect immediate results for the Magic, but they definitely have the potential to be successful in the future.
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