Mar 18, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Eastern Washington Eagles guard Tyler Harvey addresses the media in a press conference during practice before the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tyler Harvey, SG, Eastern Washington | 51st pick, Orlando Magic
Unlike most of the first round draft picks, second round guys usually have one good transferable skill that will help them make a NBA roster. Tyler Harvey isn’t Mr. Do It All, but the one thing he does well is the one thing the Magic need: Shooting. The Orlando Magic were 22nd in the NBA in 3-point makes last season, and that’s exactly where Harvey could help hem.
Harvey averaged 23.1 points per game and shot 43.1 percent from three-point range during the 2014-15 campaign.
"“An interesting guy,” Magic GM Rob Hennigan said. “A very proven shooter, a very capable offensive player. He has a really good feel for the game. I think [he’s] just a pretty sophisticated offensive player and someone who we feel has a chance to make our team because of that. “"
Harvey isn’t going to lock down his opponent on defense, nor is he a great passer or ball handler. He’s a 3-point specialist, a guy that can create his own shot and get buckets. Spacing the floor is important in the NBA, he’ll fit right in with Orlando.
It’s very hard for me not to root for this guy, he didn’t receive any Division I scholarship offers out of high school — and he’s worked hard for everything he’s got thus far and I think that’ll help him in his professional career.
If you aren’t familiar with Harvey, here’s a good read:
Hello, My Name Is: The NCAA’s Leading Scorer — The Cauldron
Next: Montrezl Harrell