ORLANDO – An Orlando Magic franchise in desperate need of the size, shot-blocking, rim protection and mega-watt star power that they have lacked for the past six seasons was able to check all the boxes with their first pick in Thursday’s NBA Draft.
Mohamed Bamba, a 7-footer with the longest wingspan ever recorded among draft-eligible players at 7 feet, 10 inches, became the newest member of the Magic on Thursday night when the franchise boldly selected him with the No. 6 overall pick.
Atlanta, a Southeast Division rival of the Magic, nabbed Trae Young. That dropped Bamba – a top-five pick by nearly every draft analyst – into the laps of a Magic franchise delighted to add the towering center.