2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Pre-Draft
By Owen Nelson
player. 38. . SF/PF. Duke. Jayson Tatum. 6
I really don’t know what direction the Orlando Magic wants to go in this draft. With former Milwaukee Buck’s General Manager, John Hammond, now in charge I wouldn’t be surprised if the Magic threw a curve ball and selected a player that wasn’t on anybody’s radar. He surprised everyone when he selected projects in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thon Maker, both picks looks as if they have panned out.
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I don’t think the Magic will select a point guard here, it’s too early to give up on Elfrid Payton in my opinion. Dennis Smith Jr. will be very enticing but I think they should give Payton more shooters and scorers and see how he fares before giving up on him.
Jayson Tatum offers just that. He gives the Magic a go-to scorer, something the Magic haven’t had for some time. Tatum’s ability to score efficiently in the mid-range is his most impressive attribute. Some see Tatum as the most polished player in this draft. After the utter failure of Mario Hezonja, Tatum must be the pick here.