The Orlando Magic, owners of the Nos. 1, 32 and 35 picks in the NBA draft, will have multiple chances to add to their roster on June 23.
After kicking off a rebuild in March 2021, the Magic already have significant young talent. Orlando has nine players who were drafted in the first round since 2017 signed to contracts for the 2022-23 season.
Nonetheless, the Magic have clear needs after finishing 2021-22 with a 22-60 record.
As the roster stands, Orlando needs a 3-and-D wing/forward — with an emphasis on reliable 3-point shooting — who has good size and length for their position. The Magic also could use another big/center, depending on what happens with Mo Bamba’s restricted free agency.
After taking a step forward in their pre-draft evaluations during the mid-May NBA draft combine in Chicago, the Magic are hosting prospects for workouts ahead of the draft.
This story is part of a series on players the Magic either interviewed or worked out in Orlando:
Josh Minott (Memphis); May 25
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 205 pounds | Age: 19 | Wingspan: 6-foot-11
2021-22 averages: 6.6 points (55.2% from the field — 55.9% on 2s, 14.3% on 3s) and 3.8 rebounds in 14.6 minutes (33 games).
Connection: Worked out for the Magic on May 25
Note: Just because a player is working out for a team doesn’t mean they’re a target to be drafted. A team not working out a prospect also doesn’t mean they won’t draft them. Six pre-draft prospects are allowed on the court at a time and aren’t allowed on the court with NBA players. Some players sought feedback from NBA teams ahead of the June 1 deadline college players had to decide whether they’ll stay in the draft or withdraw and keep any remaining collegiate eligibility.
The buzz: Minott, a former 4-star who graduated from Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, impressed in a limited role with the Tigers, especially defensively. He averaged 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per 40 minutes. Minott is expected to be drafted later in the second round.
Scouting report: High-level athlete who thrives in transition and as an above-the-rim finisher. Good cutter and scoring threat along the baseline because he excels as a lob catcher. Should be a multi-positional defender became of his athleticism, length, rim protection, quick hands, quickness on the perimeter and effort. Has the potential to switch 1-5 and makes good reads as a help defender. Good offensive and defensive rebounder. Jump shot will need significant improvements from a form/technique standpoint. Needs to improve as a ball handler in the halfcourt and as a passer. Talent is apparent but skills need refinement. Appears to be most comfortable used as a rim-running big man offensively but he may not have the size to pull that off in the NBA.
Fit: Minott will need a significant amount of playing time to develop his skillset. Although he’d fit the Magic’s defensive identity, he’d have a hard time getting the consistent playing time he’d need. If Orlando drafted him in the second round, spending significant time with the organization’s G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic, could be the most beneficial.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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