2023 NBA Mock Draft: Trail Blazers get future star, Magic surprise at 6
By Tyler Watts
6. Orland Magic draft Jarace Walker
The Magic are another young team that is building a talented core. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are leading their charge, but Orlando has a ton of pieces to develop. They have the freedom to go anywhere with this pick, but most assume they will take Ausar Thompson.
Why Walker over Thompson in this mock draft? He is a better shooter and gives Orlando a potentially elite frontcourt. Walker is 6’7 with a 7’3 wingspan. He already has the size to defend in the paint and has no issues switching onto the perimeter to check guards. Having a big man that can defend one through five is a massive advantage.
Walker also has a versatile offensive game that excites scouts. His high basketball IQ allows him to be a versatile pick-and-roll partner. The 19-year-old makes strong reads and loves to get teammates involved. Can he tighten up his handle and become more of a scoring threat?
The Orlando Magic may not need him to. If Jarace Walker can become an above-average 3-point shooter, he will be an immediate threat in the NBA. His defense and versatile skill set make him a top-ten pick, and the Magic should strongly consider Walker at six if he is still on the board.