Magic Draft: Orlando Hopes for Magic in the 2007 Draft

It's an interesting time for the Orlando Magic.

This is a make-or-break offseason for the franchise. Either they'll find the right pieces to the puzzle or they'll doom themselves to the 2008 Lottery.  

Because the Magic don't have a first-rounder, they'll look to plug most of their holes with free agents. But the potential value of Orlando's second-round picks shouldn't be underestimated.

With Dwight Howard looking increasingly like a superstar, the Magic need to focus on surrounding him with complementary talent. Jameer Nelson was disappointing last year; the fear that he wouldn't develop might be coming true. Despite that weakness at point guard, though, Orlando seems most likely to land wing players and big men  this offseason.

While the Magic will try to get a perimeter player like Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter through free agency, they'll probably go large in the draft. With two second-rounders (they gave up gave up the 39th overall pick for Van Gundy), Orlando will look for bigs in the mold of Carlos Boozer and Anderson Varejao—players whose physical presence allowed them to contribute as rookies.

Several players in this year's draft match that description. Personally, I'm high on Stephane Lasme from UMass. He's a little undersized at 6'8", but he's a great rebounder who averaged five blocks per game last season.

Lasme is likely to be on the board when Orlando picks at 44.

At number 54, the Magic could go several different ways, including overseas. If they want to gamble on an underachiever, Coleman Collins from Virginia Tech would be intriguing. He has great size at 6'9" and 240 pounds, and was impressive up to his senior season, when his play suffered as a result of several nagging injuries and the death of his father.

Collins may not be a bruiser in the post, but his athleticism could help him develop into a great sixth man one day.

Although they'd benefit most from a big man, the Magic wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on any smaller, more talented player who might slip through the cracks. Jared Dudley and Tauren Green are both candidates to drop to Orlando at 44 and find a home in Mickey Mouse land.

There has been some talk of Orlando trading up (possibly with the 76ers, who have three first-rounders), but they'll likely stand pat to avoid having to pay a rookie first-round money. Not that you Magic fans should tune out of the action on draft day—there just might be a hidden gem to find, and you won't want to miss it.