The Orlando Magic, , will have multiple chances to add to their roster on June 23.
After kicking off a rebuild in March 2021, the Magic already have significant young talent. Orlando has nine players who were drafted in the first round since 2017 signed to contracts for the 2022-23 season.
Nonetheless, the Magic have clear needs after finishing 2021-22 with a 22-60 record.
As the roster stands, Orlando needs a 3-and-D wing/forward — with an emphasis on reliable 3-point shooting — who has good size and length for their position. The Magic also could use another big/center, depending on what happens with .
After taking a step forward in their pre-draft evaluations during the mid-May NBA draft combine in Chicago, the Magic hosted prospects for workouts ahead of the draft.
This story is part of a series on players :
Josh Minott (Memphis); May 25
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 205 pounds | Age: 19 | Wingspan: 6-foot-11
2021-22 averages: 6.6 points (55.2% from the field — 55.9% on 2s, 14.3% on 3s) and 3.8 rebounds in 14.6 minutes (33 games).
Connection: Worked out for the Magic on May 25
Note: Just because a player is working out for a team doesn’t mean they’re a target to be drafted. A team not working out a prospect also doesn’t mean they won’t draft them. Six pre-draft prospects are allowed on the court at a time and aren’t allowed on the court with NBA players. Some players sought feedback from NBA teams ahead of the June 1 deadline college players had to decide whether they’ll stay in the draft or withdraw and keep any remaining collegiate eligibility.
The buzz: Minott, a former 4-star who graduated from Saint Andrew’s School in Boca Raton, impressed in a limited role with the Tigers, especially defensively. He averaged 2.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per 40 minutes. Minott is expected to be drafted later in the second round.
Scouting report: High-level athlete who thrives in transition and as an above-the-rim finisher. Good cutter and scoring threat along the baseline because he excels as a lob catcher. Should be a multi-positional defender became of his athleticism, length, rim protection, quick hands, quickness on the perimeter and effort. Has the potential to switch 1-5 and makes good reads as a help defender. Good offensive and defensive rebounder. Jump shot will need significant improvements from a form/technique standpoint. Needs to improve as a ball handler in the halfcourt and as a passer. Talent is apparent but skills need refinement. Appears to be most comfortable used as a rim-running big man offensively but he may not have the size to pull that off in the NBA.
Fit: Minott will need a significant amount of playing time to develop his skillset. Although he’d fit the Magic’s defensive identity, he’d have a hard time getting the consistent playing time he’d need. If Orlando drafted him in the second round, spending significant time with the organization’s G League affiliate, the Lakeland Magic, could be the most beneficial.
This article first appeared on . Email Khobi Price at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at .
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