NBA Draft 2019: Top 3 options for Orlando Magic to select at No. 16
By Trevor Marks
3. Tyler Herro, 6-6 wing, Kentucky
Tyler Herro is being linked to the Magic at No. 16 in several mock drafts from publications that have access to front office intel, which suggests that this may be where Orlando is leaning at the moment. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, so it seems that the Kentucky sharpshooter is a legit target for the Magic with their first round pick, which is understandable given the team’s need for additional offense on the wing, especially when Terrence Ross’s impending free agency is thrown into the equation.
During his freshman year as a Wildcat, the 6-6 wing posted averages of 14 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals on an impressive shooting split of 46.2 percent from the field, 35.5 percent from downtown and 93.5 percent from the line. Although he struggled shooting off the catch (34.3 FG%, 0.991 PPP, 47th percentile) according to Synergy Sports, his strong off-the-dribble shooting (44.5 FG%, 0.991 PPP, 82nd percentile) and elite free throw shooting lend credence to the idea that he’ll be more than a useful shooter (with legit self-creation upside) at the next level.
The selection of Herro would stray from what the front office has shown to prefer in the draft (length, length, and more length), as his negative wingspan (6-3) and average athleticism doesn’t exactly mesh with the team stylistically. Yet, with few scorers and shooters on the roster, they could look to the draft to pick up a player that fits a significant need on the perimeter. Getting him at 16 seems a bit high, but when it comes to the draft, sometimes you need to simply pick who you want no matter what consensus thinks.