The 2024 NBA Draft class is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, particularly for teams seeking to enhance their perimeter shooting. This year’s crop of prospects is teeming with exceptional outside shooters, each capable of transforming the dynamics of an NBA offense.
One of the Orlando Magic’s main weaknesses during the 2023–24 season was 3-point shooting. Ranking 24th in 3-point percentage and making a league-low 11 threes per contest, the Magic struggled to find consistency from beyond the arc. This issue was starkly evident in their first-round playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. At home, they shot 36.4 percent from downtown, while on the road, their percentage plummeted to 26.9 percent.
Promising Shooters in the Draft
With picks 18 and 47 in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Magic have a chance to address their shooting deficiencies. Several prospects stand out as potential targets:
- Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, and Dalton Knecht: These players are likely to be off the board by the time the Magic picks No. 18. They are among the top shooters in the class.
Potential Options
- Antonio Reeves: After two years at Kentucky, Reeves led the SEC in 3-point shooting at 44.7 percent. Known for his scoring consistency, he is a solid option for the Magic.
Took until the last week of the season, but the SEC finally gave Antonio Reeves his Player of the Week. Absurd how many 20+ point games in a row he had to string together until they finally cracked. #AllAmericanAntonio https://t.co/GSlzvy9esr
— Jake (@Jakesbbn) March 11, 2024
- Ja’Kobe Walter: Although not very efficient, shooting 34.1 percent from beyond the arc as a freshman at Baylor, Walter has a quick release and good balance. He has been training with Phil Beckner, adding to his potential.
- KJ Simpson: Simpson improved significantly, shooting 43.4 percent from beyond the arc as a junior at Colorado. His clutch shooting makes him an intriguing prospect.
- Tristan Da Silva: The German forward shot 39.5 percent from three and showcased his versatility and basketball IQ during his senior year at Colorado.
Tristan Da Silva on https://t.co/mwjR75ScI4 last night. What we learned
1) 3pt shooter
2) A+ handles for his size 6’9 210
3) Switchable defender
4) Plays well within the offense
5) Can initiate off
6) Nice jump hook with both hands
7) needs to get stronger
8) Big Wing in NBA pic.twitter.com/RgwUMiEfIq— Adel 🏀 (@DigitalAdel) June 3, 2024
Additional Talents
- Jared McCain: Despite an erratic freshman year at Duke, McCain demonstrated his potential by hitting eight triples in key games.
- Cam Spencer: Spencer played a crucial role in UConn’s national title run, shooting 44 percent from three. His background in lacrosse has helped his basketball footwork and vision.
- Baylor Scheierman: Leading the Big East with 110 made threes, Scheierman shot 38.1 percent from beyond the arc last season at Creighton.
- Jaylen Wells: A former Division II player, Wells shot 41.7 percent from three in his one season at Washington State.
- Kyshawn George: The Swiss swingman is a rising prospect, shooting 40.8 percent from three during his freshman year at Miami.
The 2024 NBA Draft offers the Orlando Magic a plethora of options to improve their 3-point shooting. With several promising shooters available at picks 18 and 47, the Magic have the opportunity to bolster their perimeter game and address one of their primary weaknesses from the previous season.
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