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2018 NBA Mock Draft: Impact of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs

By Maxwell Ogden

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates a win during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Wildcats won 71-59. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MARCH 25: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats celebrates a win during the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at TD Garden on March 25, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Wildcats won 71-59. Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots the ball in the 81-63 win over the Auburn Tigers during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 09: Collin Sexton #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide shoots the ball in the 81-63 win over the Auburn Tigers during the quarterfinals round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 9, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Point Guard. Alabama Crimson Tide. Collin Sexton. 5. player. 38.

Age: 19 (1/4/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’2″, 190 pounds, 6’7″
Slash Line: .447/.336/.778
Season Averages: 29.9 MPG, 19.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.3 3PM

Some may believe that the Orlando Magic are reaching here, but this franchise desperately needs a point guard. Whether it’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Collin Sexton, or Trae Young, the Magic need a player who can solidify the most important position in the modern NBA.

Thus, while I’m inclined to believe Orlando should go with a center to recreate its past success, I also can’t overlook the depth chart.

I listed Young to the Magic the previous time around, but Sexton is the pick here. He’s a penetrating point guard who can put the team on his back as a scorer, work off-ball to help space the floor, or focus his energy to facilitate the offense.

It’s all still coming together for Sexton, but if the 19-year-old puts in the work to polish his skill set, he should become a perennial All-Star.

On the defensive end of the floor, Sexton was coached well by former NBA Coach of the Year Avery Johnson. He’s garnered Eric Bledsoe comparisons for his two-way potential, but if we’re being candid, this is mostly about offense.

Sexton can defend situationally, but what Orlando needs most is a point guard who can meet contemporary standards and lead the offense.

Knicks Note: If the New York Knicks want a slashing point guard alongside Frank Ntilikina, Collin Sexton would certainly make sense.

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