The Orlando Magic shocked the NBA world on Thursday night, drafting Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick. Many people firmly believed that Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr. was the likely top pick to Orlando. However, that ended up not being the case. Shortly before the draft kicked off, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski revealed that Banchero had emerged as a potentially serious target for the Magic. That's despite the fact that the Magic never had Banchero in for a workout.

Nevertheless, Orlando made the surprising move by drafting Banchero. So, let's take a look at our three bold predictions for Paolo Banchero in his rookie season with the Magic after being drafted first overall at the 2022 NBA Draft.

Paolo Banchero 3 Bold Predictions for Rookie Season with Orlando Magic after being drafted 1st overall at 2022 NBA Draft

1. Magic finally show some promise

The Orlando Magic have had a rough few seasons lately. In 2021-2022, they finished 22-60, which was the second worst record in the NBA. Only the Houston Rockets were worse at 20-62. Thanks to the NBA Draft Lottery being kind to the Magic, they moved up a spot and had their choice of anyone.

They are hopeful that Jonathan Isaac can finally get back onto the court. He's been out since midway through the 2019-2020 season with numerous serious injuries. The Magic still have hope he can live up to his potential. He's incredibly long and athletic. Banchero fits that mold as well.

With Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. in the paint, and Isaac and Banchero stretching the floor, Orlando at the very least will be more formidable than they have been.

2. Paolo Banchero struggles to score efficiently

There is no denying the talent that Banchero possesses. After all, he played for Coach Krzyzewski. Almost every prospect that comes from Duke has a ton of potential. But many of them failed to live up to their hype after reaching the NBA.

Banchero was relatively efficient at Duke. He shot just over 47 percent from the field, but was only 34 percent from beyond the arc. There is a big difference between playing against some subpar ACC clubs and NBA competition. The Duke product has a bit of a slow release. He might struggle to get his own shots where he is accustomed to on the floor. It very well could take some time for Banchero's offensive game to develop in the NBA.

3. Banchero earns a ton of minutes as a rookie

Generally, most teams want to ease their rookie selections into the NBA. That is not likely to be the case with Banchero and the Magic. Orlando's front court is lacking skill and the ability to score the ball. There is no guarantee that Isaac will be on the floor when the season starts. Plus, he is more of a defensive playmaker than a scorer.

Franz Wagner and Chuma Okeke have both struggled showing they can score at the NBA level. The Magic were one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA last season, averaging 104.2 points per game. Only the Oklahoma City Thunder were worse than Orlando.

That is likely part of the reason why the Magic took Banchero over Smith Jr. Banchero is likely more NBA-ready to contribute offensively right away. Even though I do not believe he will be efficient, he should still get plenty of run his rookie season. Expect the Duke product to log 30 minutes per game in his rookie season.