NBA Mock Draft: Orlando Magic Select Ben McLemore from Kansas

NBA Mock Draft Pick #2 -- Ben McLemore, Guard, University Of Kansas

SB Nation's Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post explains the pick:

With the second pick in the 2013 SB Nation NBA Mock Draft, the Orlando Magic select Ben McLemore from the University of Kansas.

The biggest concern with this pick is one of redundancy: Orlando is on the hook for the three seasons remaining on Arron Afflalo's contract, with each year paying him slightly above the mid-level. The can certainly shift Afflalo to small forward to open some playing time at shooting guard for McLemore--they took the same tactic last season to get J.J. Redick on the floor--but it puts Afflalo at a disadvantage defensively because he gives up inches and weight to most of his counterparts.

But ultimately McLemore is too talented a prospect, and too valuable an asset, to let slip. Orlando, coming off a 62-loss season and with one of the weakest rosters in the league, can't be too picky about positions when it comes to rebuilding. It has to amass assets, either to add them to a core group of talented youngsters or to raise their value and flip them via trade down the line. McLemore is a coveted asset, and though he won't live up to the overblown and unfair comparisons to Ray Allen, he should have a fine professional career.

Also under consideration here was Michigan point guard Trey Burke, but he doesn't merit the second overall pick in this Draft, even given the Magic's desperate need for a young point guard. Our efforts to trade down to where Burke might still be available proved fruitless.

SB Nation Scouting Report: Ben McLemore

More: Full NBA Draft Coverage

Updated 2013 NBA Mock Draft Board:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: NERLENS NOEL
2. Orlando Magic BEN MCLEMORE
3. Washington Wizards
4. Charlotte Hornets
5. Phoenix Suns
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Sacramento Kings
8. Detroit Pistons
9. Minnesota Timberwolves
10. Portland Trail Blazers
11. Philadelphia 76ers
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Dallas Mavericks
14. Utah Jazz
15. Milwaukee Bucks
16. Boston Celtics
17. Atlanta Hawks
18. Atlanta Hawks
19. Cleveland Cavaliers
20. Chicago Bulls
21. Utah Jazz
22. Brooklyn Nets
23. Indiana Pacers
24. New York Knicks
25. Los Angeles Clippers
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
27. Denver Nuggets
28. San Antonio Spurs
29. Oklahoma City Thunder
30. Phoenix Suns