Sean Sweeney has high praise for Magic's rookie

The Magic traded back to draft Nelson, 23, with the No. 51 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He played with an outstanding motor in college. As a senior with South Florida, Nelson took home the American Athletic Defensive Player of the Year and Player of the Year awards, averaging 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks per game.

His 9.6 rebounds led the AAC, in addition to his 56.1 field goal percentage. Although what made him someone on so few radars was not only his age, but how raw he was offensively, especially in the halfcourt.

Nelson did most of his damage in transition because of his switchability and motor. He was incredibly disruptive in the passing lanes and crashed the glass ferociously. But he was limited in the halfcourt with poor handle, playmaking and floor spacing. He is also on the skinner side at 6-foot-10, so he must bulk up to withstand the bumps and bruises it will take as a 4/5 tweener.

In three Summer League games, he totaled eight points with nine rebounds, two assists, three blocks and three steals. Before fracturing his ankle, Nelson was exactly as advertised.

Upon returning from his injury, I expect Nelson to get the majority -- if not all -- of his reps in the G-League with the Osceola Magic, with the Magic having a veteran frontcourt. That's the best path to develop his skillset , whenever that may be.