2021 NBA Mock Draft — 8. Alperen Sengun, Orlando Magic
This is probably the absolute top of Alperen Sengun’s range, but with Nikola Vucevic no longer in Orlando, the Magic could look to reinforce the center position. There’s also a decent chance Orlando dangles this pick on the trade market, either to move down (OKC has the 16th and 18th picks, for example) or to kick the can down the road.
There’s a lot to like about Sengun, who is worthy of a pick this high. He has dominated in Europe, winning Turkish League MVP at 18 years old. He has some throwback qualities, which will deter certain front office execs, but his shooting upside, passing chops, and defensive hustle are reason to believe he can thrive in the modern NBA.
For Orlando, Wendell Carter Jr. is a fine prospect, but Mo Bamba is on the very edge of bust. There aren’t too many holes in Orlando’s young core. Another shot creator would help, but if the Magic aren’t fans of Davion Mitchell or Josh Giddey, then the intrigue of Sengun in the frontcourt could win the day.
BIG BOARD RANKING: 9