With the NBA draft less than one day away, Stanford guard Ziaire Williams is reportedly drawing interest from the Orlando Magic, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report.
Williams, who was the highest-rated recruit to commit to Stanford, averaged 10.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists last season. He posted just the second triple-double in program history, recording 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists against Washington on Jan. 7.
The 6-foot-9 guard is most commonly projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. Williams largely didn’t live up to expectations last season as a five-star prospect but still has immense talent and could thrive in the right situation.
The Magic enter draft night with pick Nos. 5 and 8, which makes their apparent interest in Williams a bit surprising since he isn’t expected to go that high on Thursday. However, if the Magic really like him, they may feel inclined to take him a bit higher than anticipated.
Continue to hear Ziaire Williams is a real possibility for Magic at 8. Orlando's decision there will have big domino effect down the board.
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) July 28, 2021
The Magic will be a team to watch on Thursday as things could get a bit interesting when they are on the clock with two picks in the top 10. The top-four prospects appear to be settled, in some order, and Orlando could be the first wildcard at five, and then again at eight.
In any case, the draft often provides plenty of twists and turns with plenty of trade rumors and speculation, and Thursday is proving to be no different this year.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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