The Orlando Magic swung big with the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, unexpectedly selecting Paolo Banchero after Jabari Smith Jr. was expected to go with the first selection. Banchero was a quiet target for the Magic, who didn’t even end up scheduling a workout with the player they have selected number one ahead of Chet Holmgren and Jabari.
Banchero is already settling into the Magic locker room, with players tweeting at the young star coming out of Duke. Magic point guard Cole Anthony was quick to welcome Banchero to the team by sharing an old Twitter profile picture that the former Duke forward used to have.
The picture isn’t embarrassing, just one of those old pictures that people have as profile pictures when younger. Considering Banchero is a 19-year-old, this can’t be a very old picture of the basketball star.
Found this somewhere pic.twitter.com/o76DuQViz5
— Cole Anthony (@The_ColeAnthony) June 24, 2022
Anthony alongside Jalen Suggs look set to be the future of the Magic in terms of the players that will make up their backcourt. Markelle Fultz is still on the team and another quality guard option, but his inconsistency will make Orlando a little hesitant in trusting him fully again.
Banchero is a good fit alongside Franz Wagner and the pair could be a really lethal two-way duo, alongside Wendell Carter Jr. as their center. Banchero’s arrival will probably lead to the Magic finally moving on from Jonathan Isaac after he has spent two seasons out with injury. The Magic have drafted big forwards in back-to-back years now.
Banchero is a very complete player for his age. His defense may take a while to catch up to the NBA level, but he does have all the tools to be an extremely solid contributor from the get-go for his team. We can’t know whether this is enough to bring the Magic into playoff contention. What we do know is that Orlando is finding the right pieces for a very bright future in this league.
