By Josh Robbins Sep 9, 2021
The Orlando Magic front office has created an opportunity for itself that is all too rare in life. Decision-makers have a chance for a do-over of sorts if they want it. Three years after they chose center Mo Bamba sixth overall in the 2018 NBA Draft over center Wendell Carter Jr. and a group of other prospects, the Magic are now faced with a similar choice.
Which big man should the Magic commit to for the long term, Bamba or Carter? Or maybe someone else?
In a blockbuster trade last season, Orlando acquired Carter, forward Otto Porter Jr. and two protected first-round picks from Chicago for All-Star center Nikola Vucevic and forward Al-Farouq Aminu. From the Magic’s perspective, Carter’s inclusion was a secondary, or even tertiary, consideration. The deal launched a fresh rebuilding project for the Magic, and the incoming first-round picks were the most attractive incoming pieces in the deal.