The Orlando Magic have a young team that is growing and learning together. Last year’s No. 1 pick, Paolo Banchero, is a potential Rookie of the Year and possible All-Star. Despite being 5-16, the team is showing promise.
NBA analyst Shams Charania of FanDuelTV spoke highly of both Banchero and Magic center Bol Bol, whom the team is building around. But Charania said the team needs another piece to take the next step.
“They need a guy who can really become that lead point guard – maybe that guy is Scoot Henderson,” Charania said.
Charania pointed to the development of Bol Bol, who is in his first season in Orlando. Bol spent the first three seasons of his career in Denver. Now in Orlando, he is getting a chance to play and is showing signs of the kind of player that scouts thought he was when he was drafted out of Oregon. Bol is averaging 13.5 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and has started 16 of the team’s 21 games.
Charania mentioned former no. 1 pick Markelle Fultz, who is on the roster but has not played this season and only played 26 games in the previous two seasons.
It is possible that the team may end up in the draft lottery next season to have a shot at Scoot Henderson (or the big prize, Victor Wembanyama). Henderson would have to be chosen by the Magic if he is available by the time they pick in next year’s draft.
The Magic have also been without guard Cole Anthony for most of the season. The no. 15 pick in the 2020 draft has been a solid contributor and would give the team some much-needed help in the backcourt.
Who is Scoot Henderson
The most popular name floating around in next year’s NBA draft has been France’s Victor Wembanyama, but there is another major prospect expected to be available. The G League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson has been widely considered the possible No. 2 pick following Wembanyama.
Henderson was a five-star recruit coming out of high school but decided not to attend college and instead played in the NBA’s developmental league.
The 6-foot-4 guard is currently projected to go to the Orlando Magic if the draft lottery ping pong balls fall according to the current records. Henderson would be an asset to whichever team drafts him.
The lottery will be held on May 16.
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