THE 2024 National Basketball Association (NBA) Draft is rapidly approaching, with each team making their final preparations ahead of adding some young talent to the best competition in the world.

There are some seriously impressive prospects available, with the crop stretching all around the globe as more international players begin to gain recognition. Suddenly, the collegiate system is not the only method to joining the NBA, which has allowed a broader range of players to compete at the top level.

With the NBA wrapping up the 2023/24 season as we speak, the teams already eliminated have spent the past few weeks considering which players they will select to prepare for the future, and the recent Draft Lottery saw the official order determined.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each team and how their draft will potentially pan out on June 26-27. With all 30 sides in their own unique situation, there is plenty to unpack ahead of the next injection of exciting players.

Under the microscope today are the Orlando Magic, who took a promising step forward with their emerging roster, and will certainly benefit from the addition of even more talented youngsters.

Orlando Magic

Draft Selections

18, 47

Contracted Players

Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., Paolo Banchero (team options), Joe Ingles (team option), Mortiz Wagner (team option), Jalen Suggs (team option), Anthony Black, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner (team option), Jett Howard, Caleb Houstan

After several years around the bottom of the standings, the Magic were one of the surprise packets of the 2023/24 NBA season, qualifying for the playoffs and unluckily being eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round. However, the run showed that the team is ready to compete in the postseason and the list is developing nicely.

Orlando’s first pick will come at 18, where the team will find a high quality player such as Aussie Johnny Furphy, who has quickly made his way into the first round of draft projections after leaving his decision to turn pro until the last minute.

However, Furphy would fit Orlando’s trend of picking taller players, given he stands an impressive six-foot-nine, and would add plenty to the Magic’s perimeter presence, an area they sorely lacked last season. Although it would take some time to contribute at the top level as he is quite raw as a prospect, his ceiling is high enough to justify a selection in the first round.

Should the Magic look to add a point guard instead, Marquette senior Tyler Kolek would be a solid fit with the pieces the team already has. A proven shotmaker and playmaker, he has an exceptional feel for what each moment needs in the game, and will make the right decision more often than not.

With their second and final pick, the Magic could find a diamond in the rough based on the players left on the board at 47, and potential fit here may be Antonio Reeves, who has impressed with his catch and shoot scoring, and also added an impressive running floater if the defence closes out.