The Orlando Magic have one of the youngest rosters in the NBA. Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner are all 25 or younger. They have been a well-drafted organization throughout the decade but after last offseason’s blockbuster deal for Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane, Orlando has plenty of second-round picks in the future but not plenty of first-rounders. The Magic must add strong rotational players in the second rounds of these upcoming drafts.
Bleacher Report released their latest two-round mock draft. In their projection, the Magic hold the No. 50 pick and select Florida center Alex Condon. The 21-year-old's pro comparison is former center Meyers Leonard, who had a couple of productive seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2010s before leveling out and retiring earlier this year.
“NBA teams will still have interest in Alex Condon, a 6'11" big who runs the floor, scores around the paint and adds some value as a passer,” the article wrote. “But he'll differentiate himself from dozens of NBA backups by becoming a more consistent pick-and-pop center. The path to upside for Condon is tied directly to his shooting development, and he's missed 18 of his first 20 three-point attempts.”
Condon was instrumental in bringing the Florida Gators their first championship since 2007. Last year, the Australian averaged 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 49.3 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from three-point range. This season, he is averaging more in every category and shooting better from the field but his three-point percentage has plummeted to a dismal 17.4 percent. The Gators are 8-4 before entering SEC conference play.
With the trade rumors surrounding longtime veteran Jonathan Isaac along with the expiring contract of Moritz Wagner this offseason, there would be a role for Condon almost immediately. Depth is something the Magic need since it seems like it's every week one of their starters goes down with an injury. Banchero missed time earlier this season, Franz Wagner is out for the next couple of weeks and Suggs' hip contusion has an indefinite timetable in terms of recovery.
Condon has experience playing in the strongest conference in college basketball while also helping lead a team to a national championship. The pedigree is proven but the shooting splits are concerning. There is a lot more of the NCAA season left and if Condon can improve on his three-point percentage, he could improve his draft stock prior to June.