NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Final first-round predictions before the draft

NBA Mock Draft 5th Pick: Orlando Magic – Scottie Barnes

Orlando’s lottery results are kind of underwhelming, and factoring in their not-so-sterling young core, things are seemingly progressing a tad slower than ideal. However, in this deep draft class oozing with talent and upside, the Magic should be able to get a prospect whom they can turn into a solid cornerstone as they rebuild from scratch.

Outside of Jonathan Isaac, who’s coming off a major injury, and a prospective image of an ideal Chuma Okeke, the team doesn’t have any frontcourt piece that can viably be a pivotal piece for them moving forward. Drafting a forward to diversify their core should be the way to go in this draft.

Scottie Barnes, with his outstanding versatility and upside as a playmaker and a defender, should be Orlando’s prime target with this pick. While he’s quite limited as an individual scorer, especially outside the paint, true playmaking forwards who can also serve as a do-it-all on defense are quite rare.