Former Leesburg standout/Alabama guard Keon Ellis – The Mercury News

The Orlando Magic, house owners of the Nos. 1, 32 and 35 picks within the NBA draft, can have a number of possibilities so as to add to their roster on June 23.

After kicking off a rebuild in March 2021, the Magic have already got important younger expertise. Orlando has 9 gamers who have been drafted within the first spherical since 2017 signed to contracts for the 2022-23 season.

Nonetheless, the Magic have clear wants after ending 2021-22 with a 22-60 report.

Because the roster stands, Orlando wants a 3-and-D wing/ahead — with an emphasis on dependable 3-point taking pictures — who has good dimension and size for his or her place. The Magic additionally may use one other massive/middle, relying on what occurs with Mo Bamba’s restricted free company.

After taking a step ahead of their pre-draft evaluations through the mid-Could NBA draft mix in Chicago, the Magic are internet hosting prospects for exercises forward of the draft.

This story is a part of a collection on gamers the Magic both interviewed or labored out in Orlando:

Keon Ellis (Alabama);

Top: 6-foot-5 | Weight: 167 kilos | Age: 22 | Wingspan: 6-foot-8 1/2

2021-22 averages: 12.1 factors (43.9% from the sphere — 57.9% on 2s, 36.6% on 3s), 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.8 assists.

Connection: Labored out for the Magic on June 14

Word: Simply because a participant is understanding for a crew doesn’t imply they’re a goal to be drafted. A crew not understanding a prospect additionally doesn’t imply they gained’t draft them. Six pre-draft prospects are allowed on the courtroom at a time and aren’t allowed on the courtroom with NBA gamers. Some gamers sought suggestions from NBA groups forward of the June 1 deadline school gamers needed to determine whether or not they’ll keep within the draft or withdraw and preserve any remaining collegiate eligibility.

The excitement: Ellis, a former 3-star, had a profitable preps basketball profession in Central Florida. He performed for Eustis earlier than transferring to Leesburg for his junior season, successful back-to-back Class 6A state titles in 2017 and ‘18. Ellis performed at Florida SouthWestern, a junior school program, for 2 seasons earlier than becoming a member of Alabama in 2020. He was named to the Southeastern Convention All-Defensive crew this previous season.

Scouting report: Tenacious on-ball defender due to his dimension, size, lateral quickness and fast arms. Good finisher on the rim. Can end by contact or over defenders. An efficient spot-up shooter from past the arc. Additionally a taking pictures menace coming off screens. Strikes nicely off the ball and is an effective offensive rebounder. Wants to enhance as a playmaker and self creator offensively, however his age leaves doubt he’ll make important leaps in both space. Might want to work on his handles. Getting stronger would assist him when tasked with guarding larger wings.

Match: The Magic are loaded with younger guards (Cole Anthony, Devin Cannady, Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton and Jalen Suggs), so Ellis would have a tough time getting enjoying time if he was in Orlando. He’s anticipated to be taken late within the second spherical or go undrafted.

This text first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. E mail Khobi Value at khprice@orlandosentinel.com or observe him on Twitter at @khobi_price.

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