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Nov 23, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against the Cleveland State Vikings in the first half at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
With their second first round pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic have plenty of different directions they can go in.
The Orlando Magic have a chance to add a very special talent with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. They'll likely end up with one of Jonathan Isaac, De'Aaron Fox, Malik Monk and Dennis Smith Jr. Not bad for a franchise going nowhere fast.
Orlando has been a franchise in flux since the breakup of the Dwight Howard-led team that made the NBA Finals in 2009. Year after year, the team has either messed up on draft night or traded away good talent. They have no viable franchise player and have not let youngsters like Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja play their best positions or get enough playing time.
That being said, Orlando could really push its roster in the right direction with two first round picks this year. In addition to the studs available at No. 6, there's some talent to be found late in the first round.
Here's a look at five options for their second pick of the first round in the 2017 NBA Draft at No. 25.
Oct 14, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball during Kentucky Midnight Madness at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
5. Bam Adebayo, C, Kentucky
Whenever we assess Kentucky products who weren't stars, we almost wonder if we got to see all they are capable of. For every Karl-Anthony Towns, there's a Devin Booker we didn't know was a star. De'Aaron Fox has the limelight this year, with Malik Monk more under the radar. But what about their third freshman teammate, Bam Adebayo?
Adebayo is built like an NBA player who can spend time between the 4 and the 5 at the next level. The Magic are loaded at center, but no one else is really competing for minutes with Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo. Orlando could use a third, young big they believe in if they think Bam is the best player available. Selecting him could also open the door for a possible trade of one of the incumbents.
The former Kentucky man is going to eat on the glass. He also showed some glimpses in Lexington of being able to defend in space. Improving his rim protection is a must, but his jumper might be most pivotal. While we should not read too much into pre-draft work outs, this video is a good sign.
Bam Adebayo (@Bam1of1) dunking and making jumpers at the @OctagonBsktball Pro Day in Los Angeles. Quite a few NBA GMs in the building. #BBN pic.twitter.com/icxrAjotly
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 1, 2017
He won't be a skilled big, but energy guys who can protect the rim and defend in space are valuable. If Orlando believes in the jumper, they could add a promising, young big. The way their roster is set up, though, they may be more interested in adding a wing or guard.
Mar 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; McDonalds All American guard Terrance Ferguson (6) poses for photos on portrait day at the Marriott Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
4. Terrance Ferguson, SG, Adelaide
Terrance Ferguson is one of the toughest prospects to get a feel for heading into the draft. A tough season overseas in Australia showed Ferguson's shooting slip. His three-point shot is supposed to be one of his most transferrable skills, perhaps his only one. Ferguson did, however, impress with his toughness and work ethic overseas, which may entice Frank Vogel.
After being a McDonald's All-American, there's certainly plenty of potential there, but it could take a while. Selecting Ferguson would definitely be more of a longer play for the Magic. He'll have to immediately show an ability to defend and knock down threes just to get on the court.
Vogel may be the perfect coach to tap into his potential, though. After dialing up one of the league's best defenses in Indiana, he could be the right coach to turn Ferguson into a defensive stud.
Three-and-D wings are a hot commodity, but there's no guarantee his track record and athleticism will help him become that player. It's certainly not off the table, but there's a lot of homework for Orlando to do on Ferguson. If they like his drive and tools, he could be a nice prospect to take a chance on late in the first round.
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts during the second half against the USC Trojans in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
3. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU
Semi Ojeleye had a monster year at SMU, which could lead to becoming a first round pick. The AAC Player of the Year is built like a character out of Mortal Kombat and has more than enough skill to add to that.
Ojeleye can shoot it and score well from all over the court, though he'll likely take a smaller role at the next level. It's unclear if he'll be a 3 or 4 at the next level, but that position-less nature may appeal to the Magic.
Aaron Gordon and Ojeleye could become a switching force on defense. The latter could also space the floor well around a non-shooter in Gordon. With Jeff Green set to be a free agent, Orlando could have some minutes free on the wing. A lineup of Elfrid Payton, Evan Fournier, Ojeleye, Gordon and Biyombo could be tantalizing. It might also be their best lineup.
Ojeleye's on the older side, which you can look at negatively or positively. The negative would be he's not much of a long-term prospect.
However, at 22, he's more than ready to contribute now and would be a nice complement to the teenager Orlando likely selects in the lottery. Ojeleye put up amazing numbers at the draft combine, so if he can back those up, Orlando might have some real positional value here.
Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) releases a successful three point attempt over Xavier Musketeers guard J.P. Macura (55) in the first half at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
2. Derrick White, PG/SG, Colorado
If Orlando is okay taking an older prospect at No. 25, they may want to opt for Derrick White, even over someone like Semi Ojeleye. White was a late bloomer, but has everything you'd want in a modern combo guard.
Due to his ability to shoot from anywhere on the floor, White could play in lineups with Payton, offering secondary ball handling. White could even play some backup point guard thanks to his playmaking and shooting touch.
The key to his appeal is both his shooting and two-way play. White racked up a plethora of blocks and steals in his one year at Colorado. Additionally, he has a decent wingspan and athletic tools to be a solid defender, maybe even better than that.
He is the only player in Sports-Reference's data base to have a season scoring 18 points, shooting 39 percent from three, and with a 2.2 steal rate and 4.9 block rate! That shows just how many aspects of the game White can influence.
Given that Orlando is getting younger with its first pick, it may be better off taking a guy here who can contribute right away, even if he'll be a 23-year-old rookie.
Jan 7, 2017; Waco, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys guard Jawun Evans (1) claps as he prepares to play defense during a game against the Baylor Bears at Ferrell Center. Baylor won 61-57. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
1. Jawun Evans, PG, Oklahoma State
Jawun Evans might be the best player available at No. 25. He only makes sense for the Magic, though, if they don't take a point guard at No. 6. Should they not take a point guard, Evans should be near the top of their wish list on draft night.
The future of Elfrid Payton is still up in the air, but it seems as though they'll likely hold onto him. As a defensive force, Payton can still be a productive player when surrounded by shooting. What Evans gives them is a low-quality starter who would man their backup point for cheap for four years. That's great value late in the first round. In addition, he could eventually grow into Payton's successor as well.
Evans is under six feet tall, but with a wingspan over 6'5″, he should hold his own against some point guards. He's a bag of tricks with the ball in his hands and could be an incredibly valuable piece for Orlando. Just watch him leave Josh Jackson and Kansas in the dust.
In addition to being a solid athlete and lethal in the pick-and-roll, Evans has been an admirable shooter in college. He carried a high usage and assist rate at Oklahoma State, showing he has a knack for running an offense.
If Orlando is looking into roster building, Evans would be a smart bet to last on a roster that's struggled with continuity.
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