Who Is Izaiyah Nelson? Here’s What the Orlando Magic Are Getting with the No. 51 Pick
WRITTEN BY: Kyle Nash
The Orlando Magic opened its 2026 NBA Draft in the 2nd round moving out of the 46th pick and acquiring Iziyah Nelson from the University of South Florida. In a three-way trade involving cash considerations from the Milwaukee Bucks at pick 60 and the Washington Wizards’ 51st pick, the Magic procured last year’s American Athletic Conference Player of the Year.
Nelson spent his first three years in college at Arkansas State before transferring to South Florida for his senior season. He played at a high level in the American. receiving Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year honors in that conference.
While shooting has remained a primary concern for this and the previous few drafts, acquiring a center like Nelson addresses a different. He gives Orlando a rim protector they’ve been lacking for the past few years.
Standing at 6’10”, Nelson provides the height of a Jonathan Isaac or a Goga Bitadze. However, he does it with more athleticism than Btiadze without leaving fans holding their breath for fear of injury as an Isaac or Mo Wagner currently would.
This ability to fly around while also providing physical presence is the a feature that fits the defensive strategy of new head coach Sean Sweeny. Known for scheming aggressive defense, finding someone who can develop into a role for rim protection makes sense in a draft where Orlando doesn’t have a first round pick.
The salary cap is also a consideration as well. The Magic face the prospect of becoming a second apron next season if they don’t start finding was to reduce their spending beyond recently waiving Isaac. If properly developed, Nelson could represent a cheaper and more available alternative coming off the bench than Isaac was.
As with all rookies, the biggest question mark would be how soon Nelson can mature and make an impact in a rotation.
In 34 games last year at USF, Nelson averaged 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He was 18th in the nation in rebounding and double-doubles.
