2012 NBA Draft: 3 Pieces Orlando Magic Should Be Eying to Make D12 Happy

The trade talk surrounding Dwight Howard has been suspended for the time being, but if the Magic hope to retain him long-term, they will need to improve their team sooner rather than later.

One of the most efficient ways to improve a team is through the NBA draft. The Magic will be looking to select an impact player to pair with Howard, all in hopes of convincing the best center in the league to sign an extension.

Unfortunately for the Magic, they will not have the luxury of selecting a player during the lottery.

The likes of Anthony Davis, Michael Kidd- Gilchrist and Harrison Barnes will already be off the board when the Magic get to make their first selection.

Luckily for teams around the NBA, this draft is supposed to be much deeper than in years past.

The Magic are in need of a scorer who can create his own shot. Although this is a serious need, the team must make sure not to reach on a player whose game does not project well to the NBA.

They would be far better drafting the best available player than reaching on a player that is likely to fail. The Magic cannot afford to draft another player like Daniel Orton, who more than likely will be leaving Orlando this summer after the team did not pick up his option earlier this season. 

The Magic currently own the sixth best record in the league, and if the season were to end today, they would own the 24th selection in this June's draft.  

The Magic should have their sights focused on these three players when they are on the clock. 

Tony Wroten Jr.

Tony Wroten, Jr., was the second leading scorer for the Washington Huskies this past season as a true freshman. 

The young point guard averaged 16 points, 3.7 assists and five boards per game.

Scouts and analysts love his size (he's 6'5") and his court vision.

Wroten is intelligent with the ball, and is great at leading his passes to create good looks for his teammates. 

Wroten has the size to be a combo guard, with the ability to play both the point and shooting guard positions. 

This ex-Huskie would add size to the Magic's backcourt, especially since current starting point guard Jameer Nelson is only 6' tall. 

Wroten struggled when it came to shooting the ball from behind the arc, converting on just 16 percent of his attempts last season. 

Just like Dwight, Wroten will be a young player when he enters the NBA at only 19 years old. Giving him some extra time to develop, especially his jump shot, would be beneficial for both parties.

The Magic offense is most effective when the point guard is able to drive the ball to the hoop. Wroten is very good at getting into the paint and drawing defenders away from his teammates, thus creating open shots for them from the three-point line.

Draymond Green

Draymond Green was a superb college player; he improved every season and averaged a double-double in his final season at Michigan State. 

During his final collegiate season, Green led MSU in points per game, rebounds and blocks, and was second in assists. 

Green's versatility will be an asset to whatever NBA team is lucky enough to select him in this year's draft. Draymond is capable of scoring both inside the paint and is a threat from behind the arc, converting 38 percent of his shots from that distance just this past season.

Green's natural leadership ability is another thing that should impress NBA scouts and GMs. 

A player like Green is not easy to find in today's college basketball world. He stayed in school for four years and is entering the draft with a lot experience, and this alone could have Green moving up draft boards.

If the Magic drafted Green, he could back up Turkoglu next year before making his transition into the starting lineup. 

Andrew Nicholson

Unlike the previous two players, Andrew Nicholson did not go to a BCS school, which could hurt his draft stock.

Nicholson had a great college career, which culminated in him leading St. Bonaventure to their first NCAA tournament berth since 2000.

In his final collegiate game, a second-round loss to Florida State, Nicholson scored 20 points and dominated the first half against one of the best defenses in the country.

Nicholson is an effective three-point shooter, he was 4-5 against FSU and shot 43 percent from behind the arc this season.

Andrew is 6'9" and is capable of making impact plays on the defensive side of the floor. He is a good shot blocker, and that has been evident since his freshman year, when he averaged 2.7 blocks per contest. 

Pairing Nicholson with Howard on the defensive end would be a great advantage for Orlando. The two could easily form the best low post defense in the entire NBA. 

Nicholson has the potential to make the Magic one of the better defensive teams in the league.

Howard's ultimate goal is to win a title, and Nicholson has the ability to contribute on a championship-winning team.