The Orlando Magic, owners of the Nos. 1, 32 and 35 picks in the NBA draft, 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 Mo Bamba’s restricted free agency.
After taking a step forward in their pre-draft evaluations during the mid-May NBA Draft Combine n Chicago, the Magic were hosting prospects for workouts ahead of the draft.
This story is part of a series on players the Magic either interviewed or worked out in Orlando:
Bryson Williams (Texas Tech)
Height: 6-foot-8 | Weight: 240 pounds | Age: 24 | Wingspan: 7-foot-2 1/4
2021-22 averages: 14.1 points (53.5% from the field — 57.5% on 2s, 41.7% on 3s), 4.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists.
Connection: Worked out for the Magic on May 31
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: College journeyman who had his best season with the Red Raiders. A former 3-star prospect in the 2016 recruiting class, Williams spent his first two seasons with Fresno State before transferring to UTEP. Redshirted the 2018-19 season because of transferring. Played two years with the Miners and used an additional year of eligibility to play for Texas Tech. Earned All-Big 12 first-team honors with the Red Raiders, who lost to Duke in the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen.
Scouting report: Strong, long and mature forward. Effective in the post because of his length and touch around the rim. Active on the offensive boards, averaging 1.6 offensive rebounds for his collegiate career. Expanded his jump-shot range, making 40 of his 96 3s last season after making 51 of 159 3s in his previous four seasons. Improved free-throw percentage (79.9% over his last three seasons) indicates the improvements are legitimate. Outside of the occasional post up, someone who’ll score within the flow of the offense instead of looking to create his own shot. Isn’t someone who handles the ball a lot. Defensively, did better with guarding quicker players.
Fit: Williams would be one of the Magic’s older players after spending six years in college. There may be a limited upside because of his age. He was in the same high school graduating class as Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac, who are entering their sixth seasons in the NBA. Williams isn’t projected to be drafted but he could become a forward who’s a reliable outside shooter and a smart positional defender.
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Khobi Price at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @khobi_price.
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