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The first pick seems like an easy decision on paper. Regardless of criteria, whether best player available or best fit, a team granted with the top selection can get literally whoever they want. In reality, it isn't so easy. The Orlando Magic have possibly come face-to-face with this brutal truth.
Rumors are circulating that the Magic may trade down from the number one pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, per the Ringer's Kevin O'Connor.
In the latest update to O'Conner's mock draft, he writes that “there's just too much chatter about teams trying to trade for [the first] pick.” Despite Jabari Smith being the Magic's expected target with the top pick, O'Connor says Orlando could select Smith with the second or third pick.
“If the Magic play their cards right, they might be able to land Smith at a lower pick while accumulating additional assets,” O'Connor said. “Sort of like how the Celtics effectively flipped Markelle Fultz for Jayson Tatum back in 2017.”
The Magic are familiar with Fultz's work. Tatum, the third pick, has turned out to be an All-Star caliber player. Fultz, selected two picks higher, is a solid role player for Orlando.
If a team is interested in moving up for a player besides Smith, the Magic could gain some assets and still get their guy. Smith has all the tools to be a solid two way player and a long-term factor for the Magic. If they could land him without using the top pick, it could turn out as a homerun move for Orlando's front office.
