Pick No. 18: Orlando Magic select TIdjane Salaun
TIdjane Salaun would be a steal here for the Magic. He’s someone who could go as early as No. 7 to the Trail Blazers or No. 8 to the Spurs. But if Saluan falls past the Blazers again at No. 14, it’s not unrealistic to see him falling past more win-now teams like the Heat, 76ers, and Lakers.
The Magic had tremendous success this season and have a legitimate franchise duo to build around between Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. That said, they still don’t have enough talent on their roster to make a deep playoff run, as evidenced by their first-round exit to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Tidjane Saluan would be the best prospect available at this point and would provide much-needed upside as someone who could potentially be one of the top prospects in the class. The Magic’s team identity centers on length and versatility between players like Banchero, Wagner, and Jonathan Issac. Salaun would add another piece to help bolster that identity.
The Magic must address their backcourt needs. This could be achieved via trade, possibly targeting someone like Anfernee Simons, or through free agency, considering options such as Kentavius Caldwell-Pope. Selecting Salaun would be even better if Orlando opts to fill its guard needs outside the draft. Nonetheless, Salaun would be tremendous draft value for the Magic if he falls to No. 18.