2023 NBA Draft: 3 big Winners and 3 losers after the draft lottery
By Ryan McCrary
3. Orlando Magic – winner
The Orlando Magic didn’t get a higher pick than expected, like the Spurs and Hornets, but they still walked away as one of the biggest winners after securing two lottery picks.
The Magic entered the draft with their own pick, which landed at No. 6, and the Chicago Bulls’ pick, which they received in the Nikola Vucevic trade a few years ago. The Bulls’ pick was top four protected, meaning it would stay in Chicago if it landed inside the top four, a situation which had an 8.5% chance of occurring.
Luckily for the Magic, the Bulls’ pick fell at No. 11, giving them two picks inside the lottery. Obviously, the Magic would’ve been huge winners if their pick jumped into the top four, but having two lottery picks gives them a chance to add two really talented young players to their roster. It also allows them to trade up if they love one of the top players in the draft.
No matter what, the Magic are in a position to improve their team, which is all anyone can ask for.