3 Reasons Why The Orlando Magic Won The 2025 NBA Draft

The Orlando Magic are one of the rising young teams in the NBA, building a core of young players through the draft. For the 2025 NBA Draft, Orlando did not have the benefit of a high lottery pick like the Jazz or Sixers. Nevertheless, they were able to leave the draft with two impressive prospects. The first is Michigan guard Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA player Jason Richardson. The second is French forward Noah Penda, who played for Le Mans Sarthe this past season. While they did not find success in Summer League, both of them certainly acquitted themselves well in terms of their talent and skills. Let’s dive into the three reasons why the Orlando Magic won the 2025 NBA Draft.

3 Reasons Why The Orlando Magic Won The 2025 NBA Draft

#1: More Guard Talent

The Magic acquired more guard depth in the form of Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones this offseason. However, they needed another guard to shore up their depth. In that sense, drafting someone as talented as Richardson is a major win for the franchise. Specifically, Richardson has the perfect combination of skills that allows him to provide much-needed offensive punch while also providing perimeter defense. The Magic desperately needed more offense, as evidenced by their offensive woes last season. Undoubtedly, based on his college tape, Richardson’s offensive talent can be a big help in that regard. Not only is he an efficient three-level scorer, but he has demonstrated potential as a passer as well. Paired with his solid defensive abilities, Richardson gives the Magic perfect guard depth for their team.

#2: High IQ Players

Another major win for the Magic in terms of their draft is the fact that both prospects are high-IQ basketball players. Both of them certainly know how to be effective off the ball as movers and cutters. Not only that, but both Penda and Richardson process the game well as passers and playmakers. In particular, both players are capable of moving the ball quickly and decisively, knowing how to keep the offense flowing. On defense, their basketball IQ is even more apparent. The Michigan guard and Le Mans Sarthe forward are both excellent at rotating on defense. They know where they’re supposed to be, and that allows them to make defensive plays. Their level of basketball IQ can be a great help for the Magic as they get even better as a team.

#3: Defense To The Max

Lastly, it is difficult to talk about the Orlando Magic without talking about defense. They were the league’s second-best defense behind the Thunder, and they built a defensive culture there. With both of their new prospects, they will only be adding to their stout defense. Penda has demonstrated himself as one of the better defensive prospects in the draft. Not only is he a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions, but he also brings dynamism as a defensive playmaker. He is amazing at generating steals and blocks through big-time plays. As mentioned before, Penda also knows how to rotate around the court to plug up holes in the defense.

As for Richardson, he is a competitive defender who is a good on-ball defender. Furthermore, Richardson is a solid screen navigator and off-ball defender as well. Both players has shown with their previous teams that they can help fortify an already-great Orlando defense.