2023 Mock Draft 2.0: Spurs roll the dice, Hornets win Wembanyama sweepstakes

The Orlando Magic are up next at #6 overall, and with their first of two 1st round picks, they select Villanova freshman Cam Whitmore. After adding now-Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero to their roster this past offseason, the Magic have quite obviously found their #1 option on offense and will now be tasked with adding more complementary pieces around him.

I noted last draft that the Magic would have quite a bit of pressure to get the pick “right,” being that it was the #1 overall selection in a class that didn’t have a clear #1 prospect. And while they won’t have as much pressure to make the “right” pick this year, being that they already accomplished the difficult task of finding their primary option, I think it’s unlikely we see the Magic with this high of a pick for a while. And being that the team has two lottery picks in this mock draft, I think they can afford to take a bit of a swing with this first one.

With that in mind, being that the team is in need of the most help on the wing—particularly at the small forward position—swinging on a high-upside power-wing like Cam Whitmore makes quite a bit of sense here. The Magic can initially task Whitmore with using his strong frame to play hard-nosed defense and grab rebounds, hit the occasional spot-up three-pointer, and maximize his cutting ability among several talented playmakers. Simultaneously, though, the Magic can remain patient with his development and potentially turn him into something much greater than a complementary role player.