The 2022 NBA Draft Lottery spat out the best possible result for the Orlando Magic, as they became the owners of the number one overall pick after one of the worst years in franchise history. This gives them free rein to pick anyone they want from the excellent 2022 draft class.
There are three players widely believed to be in contention for the top pick, those being Chet Holmgren. Jabari Smith Jr., and Paolo Banchero. All three play front-court positions, a spot where the Magic already have a lot of assets. But this could be a generational piece, and Orlando have their eyes firmly set on one player.
Chet Holmgren looks to be the most likely pick for Orlando at number one, despite Jabari Smith Jr. being touted by many as the best prospect in the class. John Hollinger and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic have reported that the Magic will be doubling down on adding size and pick Holmgren first:
Who will be the No. 1 pick?@johnhollinger’s spies think the Magic are leaning toward selecting Chet Holmgren.
More intel from the NBA Draft Combine: https://t.co/yc2hpCGtsV pic.twitter.com/gHh4KavzhS
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 23, 2022
Orlando winning the lottery could throw a monkey wrench on draft night. While most draft analysts have Jabari Smith Jr. rated as the top prospect, John Hollinger Spies think the Magic are leaning toward selecting Chet Holmgren. Of course, that would play to their type. This front office’s track record reveals an obsession with length, so one can easily connect the dots there. (h/t ClutchPoints)
The Magic currently employs many front-court players with large wingspans like Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba, Bol Bol, Robin Lopez, Jonathan Isaac, and Mo Wagner. However, it has been suggested that Bamba will be moving on from the team.
The best lineup here would be a way to figure out whether Holmgren and Wendell can share the floor together. If that can happen, Magic may have a very dangerous twin-tower lineup where Chet can also hide on being the primary post defender until he gets his strength up.
