NBA Draft 2019: Top 3 options for Orlando Magic to select at No. 46
By Trevor Marks
2. Justin Robinson, 6-2 guard, Virginia Tech
Although he’s on the older side when it comes to draft prospects, Virginia Tech’s all-time leading assister, Justin Robinson, is one of the the more polished and proven guards in the 2019 NBA Draft, offering efficient shooting, smart passing and great guard defense that make him one of the better second-round targets of the draft.
Look in a dictionary for the term “floor general” and you’ll get a photo of Robinson. The senior guard excelled as a leader both on and off the court for the Hokies this year, with the team noticeably stumbling during his multi-game absence late in the regular season. Without the team’s on-court leader, the Hokies high-octane offense (11th per KenPom) and stingy defense (20th) faltered, speaking truth to the importance of the senior guard.
Athleticism, size and age aren’t on his side, but he nonetheless profiles as an NBA backup given his ability to make reads as a passer (5.0 APG this year), high IQ and coordination as a defender (3.4 STL%), and his ability to knock down shots from deep (41.8 3P%) off the dribble and especially off the catch.
Drafting Robinson with the 46th pick wouldn’t present much of an upside swing for the Orlando Magic, but given his experience and intangibles, as well as his admirable attitude and team-friendly game, he’d be a fine addition to the culture that Steve Clifford is creating down in Florida.