The Orlando Magic, owners of the No. 1, 32 and 35 picks in the NBA Draft, will have several chances to add them to their roster on June 23.
Magic already has significant young talent, having started rebuilding in March 2021. Orlando has nine players who were signed to contracts for the 2022–23 season in the first round from 2017.
Nonetheless, the Magic have clear needs after finishing 2021-22 with a 22-60 record.
As the roster stands, Orlando needs 3-and-D wing/forward – with an emphasis on reliable 3-point shooting – that have good shape and length for their position. Depending on what happens with Mo Bamba’s restricted free agency, Magic could also use another big/center.
After taking a step forward in their pre-draft evaluations during the conjunction of the NBA draft in Chicago in mid-May, the Magic are offering a host of workout prospects before the draft.
This story is part of a series on players Magic interviewed with or worked for in Orlando:
Jeremy Sochan (boiler)
Height: 6 ft-9 | Weight: 230 pounds | Age: 19 | Wingspan: 7 feet
2021-22 average: 9.2 points (47.4% off the field – 58.5% on 2s, 29.6% on 3s), 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.3 steals.
Relation: NBA Draft Combine Interviewer
Comment: According to a league spokesperson, teams are allowed to interview a maximum of 20 players at the Combine and each player is allowed to interview with a maximum of 13 teams. The league decides which team talks to the players. Just because a team didn’t interview a prospect during the combination doesn’t mean they aren’t interested or won’t pick the player.
buzz: Sochan was a 4-star recruit from powerhouse La Lumiere School in La Porte, Ind., before joining German club Orange Academy for 2020-21. He was named the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year after his only season with the Bears and was placed on the conference’s all-freshman team. Sochan, whose mother is Polish and father is from the US, represents Poland in international sport.
scouting report: Standout defender who can defend 1-4 due to his length, lateral quickness, agility, motor and feel. When defending pick-and-roll can play into multiple defensive plans and multiple areas on the floor. Puts pressure on the ballhandler well, guards the space and recovers after hitting the dribble. Fighting is short with the big guys and the hustle and bustle for the rebound. Showed proactive presence in the passing lane and an understanding of off-ball responsibilities. There are tools to be had reliable weak-side rim protectors. Solid passersby and playwrights, especially in transition. Nice cutter and roller. Does well with finishing on the rim and attacking closeouts.
Solid spot-up shooter with a high release, but the outside shot is inconsistent. Raw offensive skills. The dribble showed a glow of self-build, but the shooting speed is slower and could be more fluid. He would need to improvise the outside shot for the defense to see him as an offensive threat. Gets to the line over and over again, but shooting free-throw (58.9%) leaves worrying about how much better he’ll be as a shooter.
Suitable: Sochan’s defensive versatility fits like magic, but they will be looking for someone who is more polished offensively with the top pick of the draft. He will be taken into the lottery late or in the middle of the first round because of the defensive skills he brings and the ability to develop offensively.
This article first appeared on orlandosentinel.com, email at cost [email protected] or follow him on twitter @khobi_price,
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