Thunderous Intentions
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2017 NBA Draft- Annual Editor’s Mock Draft

By Tamberlyn Richardson

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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Dennis Smith, North Carolina
Mar 1, 2017; North Carolina State Wolfpack guard Dennis Smith Jr. (4) drives to the basket while being defended by Clemson Tigers forward Elijah Thomas (14). Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

. Point Guard . N.C. State. Dennis Smith. 6. player. 38

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.

Dennis Smith:

As for Dennis Smith in TI’s draft prospect preview, his skills were highlighted as:

"Smith’s all around game stand out. He’s not the super tall point guard like Lonzo Ball, but his 6’3″ frame is strong and looks NBA ready. Further, the speed at which the guard can play is blinding. His ability to control pace is well ahead of what you would expect for his 19.5 years. While the pundits have praised the ‘shooters’ in the class and their versatility, Dennis Smith may well be the most diverse driving guard. With his quick first step he’s able to adeptly intermix floaters, lay-ups drives or kick it out to a open shooter. Again, a top asset NBA squads will be looking for."

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 the best player.

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