The Orlando Magic are making waves as one of the NBA's promising young teams. Their recent draft picks, like Anthony Black, Tristan da Silva, and Jase Richardson, have been integral to their rotation, with Black shining in a breakout season. Now, the Magic have their eyes set on adding another potential star with their upcoming second-round draft pick.
According to Bleacher Report's latest two-round mock draft, post-All-Star break, Orlando is projected to pick at No. 47, selecting NC State guard Paul McNeil. At 19, McNeil draws comparisons to Oklahoma City Thunder's Isaiah Joe, known for his reliable three-point shooting over the past few seasons.
McNeil caught everyone's attention with a remarkable 47-point performance against Texas Southern, followed by a strong showing against Ole Miss. His ability to hit deep shots and thrive as a set-up shooter positions him as a specialist shotmaker from the 2-guard spot.
Leading the Wolfpack, McNeil has helped NC State to a solid 19-8 record. While they sit just outside the AP Top 25, they're poised to be a formidable force in the NCAA tournament.
McNeil's averaging 13.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 0.9 assists, with an impressive shooting line of 43.9% from the field and 43.7% from beyond the arc. As a four-star recruit in the 2024 ESPN rankings, his potential is undeniable.
The Magic have been on the hunt for perimeter shooting, a quest that saw them sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in 2024 and later trade for Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane in 2025. Despite these moves, their three-point shooting hasn't improved as hoped.
Enter McNeil, who could be a game-changer for Orlando. Even as a second-round pick, his shooting prowess could make him an immediate asset to the rotation, addressing the team's pressing need for sharpshooters.