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- USF, McClain Roll To First Win of the Season
- Bobby Bowden dies: Legendary coach built Florida State into college football powerhouse
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- Tampa Bay Buccaneers DT Vita Vea has broken ankle, likely out for season
- Tampa Bay Lightning have placed Tyler Johnson on Waivers
- USF football excited to bring fans back to Raymond James Stadium this weekend
- Tampa Bay Lightning Win Stanley Cup
NBA Draft grades kind to Orlando Magic
- Updated: June 27, 2015
The Orlando Magic acquitted themselves well in their fourth Draft under general manager Rob Hennigan. That seems to be the consensus, anyway, after the team picked up Mario Hezonja fifth overall and Tyler Harvey at no. 51.
SB Nation NBA contributor Kevin O’Connor gives the Magic an A for fit for picking Hezonja, but only a B for opportunity. Hezonja’s offensive firepower is important for an Orlando team which, as O’Connor says, is more “defensive-oriented” at present due to its recent Draft picks of Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton, and Aaron Gordon. Further, the Magic’s defensive mindset will push Hezonja to work harder at that end to earn minutes.
Meanwhile, at Sports Illustrated, Chris Mannix grades the Magic an A-minus. He calls Hezonja “the total package” and praises him as “the most talented player on the board” when Orlando picked. From that standpoint, it’s tough to argue with their selection.
And while ESPN analyst Chad Ford didn’t offer grades, per se, he’s similarly pleased with the Magic’s picks. “Hezonja immediately becomes the best scorer on the team,” Ford says of Orlando’s first-round choice. And he names Harvey “one of the two or three great shooters in the draft.” According to Ford, Harvey will be a competent backup for Oladipo and Payton in the backcourt.
The Magic may not have won big on Thursday night, but they made two solid pickups who should boost their woeful offense in time. And Hezonja has terrific potential. It’s early yet, but for now it appears as though Orlando did very well for itself as it kicked off its offseason.
