The Orlando Magic snuck into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed this past season with a 41-41 record. They had one of the best defenses in the NBA with the top-ranked defense in points allowed per game (105.5). However, their offense was one of the worst in the entire league highlighted by a league-worst team three-point percentage (31.8%). Orlando attempted to address some of their shooting woes last offseason with the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. However, he only added to the team’s struggles from beyond the arc. The Magic are going into the 2025 offseason looking to find answers and it starts with identifying potential draft targets who can space the floor at a high-level with their two first-round picks (No. 16 and No. 25).

4 Potential Orlando Magic Draft Targets
Jase Richardson

Jase Richardson has a great three-point stroke and was an effective microwave scorer for the Spartans. As a freshman, he led the Michigan State to a Big Ten regular season title as he averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists per game with impressive efficiency. He’s the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson who had a successful career of his own. However, Richardson lacks the size and athleticism of his father, measuring at 6-feet 0.5 inches at the combine.

May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Orlando needs to find connectors in the backcourt to complement the playmaking ability of Anthony Black and defensive prowess of All-Defensive guard Jalen Suggs. Along with his 41.2% from long distance, Richardson would provide an elite feel for the game, knowing when to attack and slow the game down for the offense.

Nique Clifford

Although coming in as an older rookie, Nique Clifford brings a tenacity on both ends of the floor that doesn’t go unnoticed. He is a switchable defender and great rebounder for his size, which is heavily valued within a Jamahl Mosley-led defense. Clifford improved every season in college, breaking out for Colorado State, averaging 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game in his final season.

The Magic have a loaded frontcourt with star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Clifford would add a new dimension on the wing with his improved three-point shot and ability to run through the flow of the offense. However, Orlando could avoid a prospect like Clifford who has a similar skillset coming out of college to their 2024 rookie Tristan Da Silva.

Cedric Coward

Talk about a prospect who has jumped up every team’s draft board during Hu the pre-draft process. Cedric Coward has developed into a premier 3-and-D prospect. He takes advantage of his great athleticism as he plays strong within his frame, serving as a versatile defender and inside-out scorer. In his senior season, Coward averaged 17.7 points, 7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game for Washington State (albeit in just six games).

A versatile 3-and-D playmaker like Coward would fit perfectly in Orlando. His lengthy frame and consistent shooting ability underscore his impressive basketball IQ. He knows his role, playing off-ball on the perimeter and cutting to the open space underneath the basket. These traits are essential with Banchero and Wagner as the main initiators of the offense.

Will Riley

Unlike the potential draft targets listed before, Will Riley is a major project the Magic would have to develop. Riley lacked consistency from deep in his freshman season with Illinois. However, when he was converting them, his upside was on full display. As a freshman, he averaged 12.6 points, shooting 32.6% from three-point range on high volume.

The fit in Orlando would be questionable as they’ve failed at developing similar developmental wings like Jett Howard. However, with two first-rounders in the 2025 NBA Draft, the organization has room to take those types of swings. As Riley develops his streaky outside shot, he can create an immediate impact driving to the basket using crafty shot-creation.

Photo credit: © David Banks-Imagn Images