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The speculation is that the Orlando Magic will be drafting either Ben McLemore of Kansas or Nerlens Noel of Kentucky, depending on if the lottery gives them the first or second pick.
But is there someone else the Magic will consider besides those two players?
Probably not, but they might want to consider how Anthony Bennett of UNLV might fit into the whole scheme of things. Many are predicting that Bennett would go after McLemore and Noel. The history of NBA drafts show that sometimes, the third pick turns out to be better than the first or second one.
That’s why the Trail Blazers are fools if they focus only on McLemore and Noel and don’t give Bennett the time of day.
Bennett is a 6-foot-7 power forward who will give the Magic tenacity in going to the basket. Many observers are thinking he could contribute immediately with little trouble while some of the other highly-drafted players are likely to take a year or two before they feel comfortable with the NBA level.
Some observers compare Bennett favorably with Jason Maxiell of the Detroit Pistons.
NBA coaches like Bennett’s focus and intensity. He’s an extremely tough ballplayer to cover. With additional coaching and the proper transition to the NBA game, he could prove to be a bear on the NBA level. The Magic needs more players that cause problems for opponents when it comes to matching up. Those are the type of players who could take the worst team in basketball to a playoff contender on a matter of two or three seasons. Bennett is a terrific scorer in the paint, another area that would strongly benefit the Magic. He can dunk with authority and also is a decent 3-point shooter.
Right now, Bennett looks more like a No. 3 or 4 pick. But the Magic and Bobcats, who both have a good chance to get that top pick, need to take at look at Bennett very carefully.
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