2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) passes UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. UCLA won 107-66. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
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Bam Adebayo
Jan 21, 2017; Kentucky Wildcats forward Edrice Bam Adebayo (3) shoots the ball against South Carolina Gamecocks guard Duane Notice (10)  Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Team Needs:

Shooting is the priority with the Magic where they ranked 28th in field goal percentage, finished 29th in offensive rating, and 27th in points. Additionally the squad were the fourth-worst at getting  to the charity stripe

Free Agents:

  • Jeff Green – UFA
  • Jodie Meeks – UFA
  • Damjan Rudez – RFA

Roster Gaps:

The frontcourt is overloaded (though that won’t stop the Magic from selecting a big). That said all the backcourt could use either an overhaul or add depth. Orlando need playmakers, shot creators and guards with an array of offensive weapons.  And, with Vogel at the helm defense will always be a priority.

Bam Adebayo:

As for Bam Adebayo in TI’s draft prospect preview  his skills were highlighted as:

"Like many of the top ranked center prospects Adebayo offers some tantalizing assets such as his 7’21/4″ wingspan and a 9′ standing reach. Notably, while watching a replay of the NBA Draft Combine today Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers said he values those two statistics more than any other stat. And, why shouldn’t he and other GM’s with the league trending toward small ball and position-less players. Adding a talent who can offer length and is physically capable of guarding out to the perimeter is desirable. Another huge asset he brings to the court is his NBA ready body. At 250 pounds he’ll be able to guard his position from day one without being pushed all over the court, unlike some of his prospective center counterparts. With Kentucky he demonstrated agility, mobility, speed, a high motor and the ability to defend in transition. All assets NBA clubs will be seeking out."

Overview:

The new management team for the Magic of Jeff Weltman and GM John Hammond has worked together prior to Orlando. So, it’s no surprise they share a common shortlist of qualities and assets in prospects.

Length, athleticism, defense, and quality of character will trump every other asset on display. That’s not to say they’ll seek out bigs for a roster already chock full of them. But if the pair can’t get the guard they want (particularly in their second first-round selection) they’ll opt for best player. Adebayo has a huge upside and could be the steal of this draft, particularly if selected this late.