NBA Mock Draft: Orlando Magic Select Julius Randle from Kentucky

NBA Mock Draft Pick #4 -- Julius Randle, Forward, Kentucky

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

With the fourth pick in the 2014 SB Nation NBA Mock Draft, the Orlando Magic select Julius Randle from the University of Kentucky.

Following a season with a league-worst 20-62 record, the Magic picked up Victor Oladipo and won three more games. Their rebuilding plan progressed, slowly and steadily, but the team still needs a cornerstone player around whom to build. In a typical Draft, picking fourth would not enable Orlando to add a player with such potential. But 2014 is not a typical Draft.

Julius Randle looks to be the best prospect on the board, one whose game ought to translate well to the NBA. His ability to score inside even against defenses keyed on him will add variety and firepower to a dismal Orlando offense. And even if his offensive game needs time to develop as he faces NBA-caliber defenders, he'll nonetheless be productive thanks to his elite rebounding.

One concern here is that the Magic are already well stocked at power forward: Kyle O'Quinn, a second-round pickup in 2012, took over the starting role as the 2013/14 season wound down and played solidly, if not unspectacularly. And while Tobias Harris can play small forward, he creates more offensive mismatches at the four, where his speed and handle enables him to get high-percentage looks on the drive. But given where they are in their rebuild, the Magic can't be picky about positions or potential roster crowding, especially not with the fourth pick: they simply have to add the best players they can. Randle ticks that box.

More: Full NBA Draft Coverage

1 Cleveland Cavaliers: ANDREW WIGGINS 
2 Milwaukee Bucks JABARI PARKER
3 Philadelphia 76ers DANTE EXUM
4 Orlando Magic JULIUS RANDLE
5 Utah Jazz
6 Boston Celtics
7 Los Angeles Lakers
8 Sacramento Kings
9 Charlotte Hornets
10 Philadelphia 76ers
11 Denver Nuggets
12 Orlando Magic
13 Minnesota Timberwolves
14 Phoenix Suns
15 Atlanta Hawks
16 Chicago Bulls
17 Boston Celtics
18 Phoenix Suns
19 Chicago Bulls
20 Toronto Raptors
21 Oklahoma City Thunder
22 Memphis Grizzlies
23 Utah Jazz
24 Charlotte Hornets
25 Houston Rockets
26 Miami Heat
27 Phoenix Suns
28 Los Angeles Clippers
29 Oklahoma City Thunder
30 San Antonio Spurs