The Magic, who selected fifth in June’s NBA Draft, were expected to pounce on Kristaps Porzingis if Knicks president Phil Jackson got cold feet.
Porzingis agreed to work out, flying into Florida days before the draft. Magic first-year coach Scott Skiles and the front office took the then-19-year-old to dinner and seemed sold he had the physical abilities and the mental makeup to make it big.
Skiles entered the draft process late, but after spending the day with Porzingis, Skiles got only solid vibes.
“I saw him play [on tape]. He came in, worked out, interviewed, had dinner and all that,’’ Skiles said.