THE 2023 NBA Draft is set to take place later this month, with the next crop of potential superstars set to join the world’s most prestigious basketball league.

With plenty of hype around the talent in the 2023 draft class, thanks to a French phenom locked in as the number-one pick and lots of depth later down the order, June 23 (AEST) will change the future of the league in a big way.

Rookie Me Central will be continuing the NBA Draft Team Preview series, taking a look at each participating side’s draft hand and some potential options at each selection. The next side on the agenda are the Orlando Magic.

The Magic were the recipients of last year’s first overall selection, and seemingly nailed it by acquiring the services of Paolo Banchero, who was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year.

With another strong draft hand this year, the Magic will add even more young talent as they look to return to playoff contention in the coming years.

Orlando Magic

Draft selections

6, 11, 36

Contracted players

Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter, Gary Harris, Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke, Bol Bol, Caleb Houstan, Admiral Schofield (team option), Michael Carter-Williams (team option), Goga Bitadze, Kevon Harris (two-way contract), Jay Scrubb (two-way contract)

With two picks inside the top 11, the Magic are well-placed to add even more young talent to a roster that is already rich in rising guns.

With pick six, the Magic will be looking to boost their backcourt, given the likes of Banchero, Wagner and Carter can carry the load in the paint. One strong option could be Ausar Thompson, who boasts plenty of versatility and can fit onto any roster.

Although his brother Amen is projected to go higher, Ausar has flown under the radar as a result of this. A strong two-way contributor, Thompson can facilitate and score (particularly in transition) on the offensive end, while clamping up when the opposition has possession.

>> AUSAR THOMPSON PLAYER ANALYSIS <<

With pick 11, the Magic could target a three-point shooter, given they were one of the worst perimeter teams in the NBA last season. The obvious answer here would be Jordan Hawkins, who made the most three-pointers of anyone in the draft class last season. A sniper from behind the arc, the shooting guard made 39 per cent of his shots from behind the arc, and would be an ideal fit for a Magic side that needs some perimeter presence.

Another potential selection with the 11th pick could be Keyonte George, who would add a strong shotmaking ability to Orlando’s roster. A seemingly readymade NBA player, George would slot seamlessly as a member of either the starting or bench lineup.

With their third and final pick of the draft, the Magic could take a punt on a player that may require a bit more patience when it comes to development. A player that fits this bill is Bobi Klintman, whose player mould may be exciting with a large amount of upside, but will take some time before he reaches his full potential. At six-foot-ten, Klintman has a nice shooting motion and can facilitate, and could be worth the wait.

The Magic are set to add even more young talent thanks to a strong draft hand, and have plenty of exciting names to choose from.