SB Nation Blogger Mock Draft: The Orlando Magic select Cole Anthony 15th

It’s no secret the Orlando Magic still need some help at the point guard position.

With both D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams set to enter free agency in the coming weeks, finding some insurance at the lead guard spot is a must for the Magic. While it’s likely they’ll bring back one, if not both of Augustin and Carter-Williams, the Magic are still going to need to look towards the future and bringing in someone who’s younger and fits their timeline more.

Using the 15th pick in the SB Nation Blogger Mock Draft, I took North Carolina point guard Cole Anthony for the Magic.

In his lone year with the Tar Heels, Anthony showed an ability to score the ball in a myriad of ways, including an ability to knock down the outside shot, something the Magic are still desperately searching for. His willingness and ability to get out and run in the open court is something that could benefit the Magic as well, who saw glimpses of good play while pushing the pace the last few seasons.

Taking Anthony could also open up some added flexibility for the Magic with lineups. While he’s likely going to be best suited to play a lead guard role, his ability to knock down the three ball in catch and shoot scenarios would open up the potential for him to be able to play along with Markelle Fultz in some lineups, or even with someone like a Carter-Williams if he’s back in a Magic uniform.

Anthony still has some work to do on the defensive end of the floor, but is someone who’s willing to work hard, and showed glimpses of potential to become a serviceable defender, something he would undoubtedly have to do to play in a system coached by Steve Clifford.

In this mock, things didn’t work out the way I was exactly hoping. I was hoping that one of Devin Vassell or Aaron Nesmith would fall to me to shore up things on the wing some, but getting Anthony was still something I was happy about. It’s also worth noting that, due to the uncertainty around the salary cap, we were not allowed to make any trades.

He has the potential to be one of the best point guards in this class, and would be good value and insurance for the Magic with the 15th pick.