NBA Eastern Conference: Most important need for each Southeast Division team heading into the NBA Draft

#1 Orlando Magic 42-40

Orlando Magic v Washington Wizards

2018-19 NBA regular season: 8th seed with a 42-40 record

The Magic were the lone Southeast Division participant in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. They lasted just 5 games against the eventual NBA Champions Toronto Raptors. The Magic had Nikola Vucevic representing them as their lone All-Star averaging a double-double in points and rebounds in the 2018-19 season. The Magic’s needs are varied and include better perimeter defense and more consistent field goal shooting as they were 18th in the NBA in 2019.

The Magic were also 30th in the NBA in free throws attempted so they need to show more of an interior game to open up shots for shooters but also keep defenders at an honest one on one. A tougher interior offense would also get opponents into foul trouble and provide easy scoring for Orlando from the free throw line.

Orlando selects 16th and 46th at the 2019 NBA Draft. In the first round, Orlando would do well if they drafted an offensive power forward like P.J. Washington who has great instincts at the offensive end of the court. He can post-up, shoot the jump hook and play above the rim because of his athleticism.

While every team is ultra focused on long-range shooting, it's still not possible to win consistently in basketball without some type of mid-range or high percentage scoring and Washington would attract double teams opening up easy shots for perimeter shooters on the Magic.

In the second round, a PF like 6’9 Jalen McDaniels from San Diego State would be another lanky forward with a 7’0 wingspan. McDaniels' length makes him hard to defend as he can score over opponents. He does draw a fair amount of contact when he attacks the paint and would make Orlando a more physical team around the basket. McDaniels would also provide the Magic with another rebounder as he averaged 8.3 rpg as a sophomore.