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 in Chicago, the Magic are 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:
Dereon Seabron (N.C. State)
Height: 6-foot-6 | Weight: 182 pounds | Age: 22 | Wingspan: 6-foot-8 3/4
2021-22 averages: 17.3 points (49.1% from the field — 51.9% on 2s, 25.6% on 3s), 8.2 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.4 steals.
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: Seabron was one of college basketball’s most improved players. After redshirting 2019-20 and averaging 5.2 points and 3.5 assists in 2020-21, Seabron nearly tripled his scoring and assist production in 2021-22. He led the Wolfpack in points and assists en route to being named the Atlantic Coast Conference Most Improved Player. Seabron was also named second-team All-ACC. He’s expected to be drafted in the second round or go undrafted.
Scouting report: High-level athlete who thrives in transition. Quick and bouncy. Really good at getting downhill and attacking the rim because of his burst, long strides and length. Attacks closeouts off the catch well and creates kick-out opportunities. Good rebounder and passer. Instinctual cutter. Draws fouls really well (averaged 6.3 free throw attempts) and finishes through contact. Flashed the potential to be a strong defender because of his length and quickness.
Not a good shooter, which will limit his effectiveness as an off-ball threat. Slow shooting motion. Improved free-throw percentage (57.6% to 71.3%) gives hopes he can improve as a shooter too. Handles can be tightened. Sometimes tries to attack space in defense even when there isn’t an opening, leading to turnovers. Isn’t the most engaged or disciplined defender despite having the tools to be a high-level defender.
Fit: Seabron’s athleticism and potential to grow into a high-end wing defender who can get to the rim at ease are tantalizing. He wouldn’t take away on-ball reps from Orlando’s young ball handlers (Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton and Jalen Suggs). However, the Magic would likely look for a player who’s further along as an outside shooter.
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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