Orlando Magic Select DeAndre Liggins with 53rd Overall Pick in 2011 NBA Draft

by Evan Dunlap on Jun 24, 2011 12:17 AM EDT in News

The Orlando Magic selected Kentucky swingman DeAndre Liggins with the 53rd overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. The 23-year-old senior showcased remarkable versatility last season, averaging 8.6 points, 4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game for the Wildcats.

Liggins entered Kentucky as a point guard, but shifted into more of a swingman role as his skills continued to develop, said Magic President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith. Though not an efficient scorer--he shot just 44.2 percent on two-point baskets--he nonetheless shows promise as versatile defender capable of checking three positions. As a plus, the Nevada native did connect on 39.1 percent of his threes on 2.4 attempts per game.

Liggins' selection makes it two straight seasons the Magic added a Kentucky player via the Draft, they chose center Daniel Orton with the 29th overall selection last season.

As a second-round pick without a guaranteed contract, he faces an uphill climb to make the Magic's roster.

Liggins joins Justin Harper among Orlando's acquisitions tonight. The Magic obtained Harper's draft rights from the Cleveland Cavaliers for two future second-round picks.

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He'll frustrate us to no end on offense this/next year.

If the magic are smart, they’ll stash him in the D-league.

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by 4QB on Jun 24, 2011 12:25 AM EDT reply actions

I actually think he makes the team.

JJ Redick is our only 2 guard. He shot 39% and is a lock down defender. I actually like what Otis did tonight.

Roll Bass and War Ryno for me

by Mateo9399 on Jun 24, 2011 12:26 AM EDT reply actions

Liggins improved considerably from his sophomore year to his junior year

His points per game improved nearly five points (3.8 to 8.6), his three point percentage improved over seven percentage points (31.8% to 39.1%), free throw percentage improved nearly six percentage points (59% to 64.8%), rebounds per game by 1.7 rebounds (2.3 to 4.0), and assists per game by 1.7 assists (0.8 to 2.5).

He had 15 games (out of 38) scoring in double figures last season, with a season and career-high of 19 points on two occasions.

Whether that’s all good enough and if he’s talented enough to make it in the NBA remains to be seen.

Chicago Blackhawks... 2010 Stanley Cup Champions
Chicago White Sox... 2005 World Series Champions
Orlando Magic... 1995 and 2009 Eastern Conference Champions

by Mike from Illinois on Jun 24, 2011 6:15 AM EDT reply actions

His defense is good...

but his offense needs work. If he makes the team, he probably won’t be asked to do too much offensively.

by GameManager on Jun 25, 2011 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

Ligging is a good pick

Liggins is athletic fast an 1 hell of a dog on D
plus he plays with fire something our soft team lacks after Atlanta namely Kurt hinrick played harder an with more passion than any 1 of our guards now what he wont be is Kobe slapping 30 an 40 point on the board but if we can find a play hard group to put out there when the shots ant falling then we can win deep in the playoffs

by bigmoo on Jun 27, 2011 5:32 PM EDT via mobile reply actions