Mock Draft 3.0 – Predicting how the dominoes fall, with view to fit, shifts, and OKC Thunder best bet
. G. Virginia Tech. Nickeil Alexander-Walker . 16. player. 38
NIckeil Alexander-Walker is Clippers Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Canadian cousin, and no not all of us have incredibly long names.
Although this middle area in the first round of the draft has the potential for the most fluctuation I’m sticking with my initial mock draft selection here for the Magic.
Although Orlando needs to make a decision on what to do with big man free agent Nikola Vucevic with both Mo Bamba and Jonathan Issac in house their needs up front aren’t nearly as dire as their lacking backcourt depth. That said, (and in my first hot take of the offseason) I suspect the Magic who finished with panache are poised to not only improve but become one of the perennial playoff teams in the East.
light. Related Story. Is Nickeil Alexander-Walker a fit for Thunder?
To do that, they’ll need to address their greatest needs which are playmaking, versatile scoring, and just plain overall offense. The cornerstones may already be in place, especially if Markelle Fultz delivers on the chance Orlando took to nab him. Pairing him with a lanky partner would behoove the Magic. Moreover, selecting NAW would extend Jeff Weltman with options regarding how they intend to handle Terrence Ross free agency where he’s bound to get ample offers given his 3 & D abilities.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a nearly identical measurement at the Combine today as Dante Exum did in 2014. Exum was 6'6 with a 6'9.5 wingspan, 196 pounds, and a 8'7 standing reach. NAW is 6'5.5 with 6'9.5 wingspan, 8'6 standing reach, and 204 pounds. #NBADraft #NBACombine
— Mavs/Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) May 17, 2019
Already an extremely long team this selection would also make the Magic perhaps the overall longest and leanest in the NBA.