Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Tony Snell is being reviewed heavily by the Orlando Magic as a possible NBA draft pick in the second round later this month. The Magic like what they see, and no one should be surprised if they decide to take the swingman from New Mexico.
He would be best utilized as a shooting guard, but what attracted the Magic to Snell is that he has potential to play the small forward, giving them two positions whenever they’re looking to put him into the lineup.
NBA teams will be looking for players in the second round that have multiple talents and will give them leeway on where they can put them position wise. Snell showed in the past three seasons that he can do a ton of things for New Mexico and do them well . Last season, he averaged 31.2 minutes, 12.5 points, 2.9 assists and 2.6 rebounds a game while shooting 42.2 percent from the floor, 39 percent in 3-pointers and 84.3 percent in free throws.
The assists accomplishment by Snell obviously is his most important feat. The Magic, and many other NBA teams, need someone at the point to show the others how it’s to be done.
His floor leadership is outstanding, and there’s no reason it can’t carry over to the NBA level. If he plays for the Magic, Snell may need to show patience with his teammates during a rebuilding era. But there’s no reason he can’t be as crafty with the ball as he is now. The Magic will be fortunate to have him on the roster.
