The Orlando Magic, outside the NBA Draft lottery for the first time since 2020, are looking to make an impact with the No. 18 pick by selecting Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter, compared to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Walter, a promising 19-year-old, led Baylor in scoring and was named Rookie of the Year in the Big 12 conference. The Magic hope he can improve his 3-point shooting and emulate Caldwell-Pope's career trajectory, especially with their current need for outside shooting.

By the Numbers
  • Ja'Kobe Walter averaged 14.5 points per game and shot 37.6% from the field in his freshman season.
  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a potential comparison for Walter, has a career average of 11.4 points per game.
  • The Magic ranked 24th in the league in 3-point field goal percentage during the regular season.
Yes, But

Some analysts question Walter's upside due to his limited playmaking ability and the need for improvement in his 3-point shooting.

State of Play
  • The Orlando Magic have a history of being patient with young draft picks, allowing them time to develop their skills.
  • Current Magic players Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris are set to enter free agency, potentially creating gaps in the roster that a draft pick like Walter could fill.
What's Next

If selected by the Magic, Ja'Kobe Walter will aim to refine his skills, particularly in 3-point shooting, to prove his worth as a valuable asset to the team.

Bottom Line

The Orlando Magic's choice of drafting Ja'Kobe Walter reflects a strategic approach to bolster their roster with a promising young player, emphasizing the importance of patient development and skill enhancement for long-term success.