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After the Orlando Magic landed the no. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, rumors surfaced that they are leaning on taking Chet Holmgren with the selection. However, a new report said that is not true at all.
According to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, the general belief around the league is that the Magic are going to take Jabari Smith as the top overall pick. While Orlando did say they will be evaluating all their options and the top prospects, many think it's only for formality and that they already have made their choice.
While Magic executives have made it clear they will conduct a thorough process — even extending beyond the widely believed top three prospects in Smith, Holmgren and Paolo Banchero — most NBA teams firmly believe that's a formality and that Smith is all but assured to become the top pick. Smith, for his part, appears thrilled with that development. So is Holmgren over his looming marriage with the Oklahoma City Thunder, which is also the overwhelming expectation from NBA executives with whom we spoke at the draft combine.
The Magic have a good problem on their hands with the no. 1 pick. Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero all have strong arguments to go top overall, and so the only question is which player Orlando needs the most.
Holmgren is a unique prospect with his size, shooting and mobility. His potential is high, which is why many experts put him as the consensus no. 1 player in the class. However, Smith is a great player in his own right, and his sweet shooting and perimeter defense make him an ideal fit for the Magic.
Whoever Orlando chooses, though, they can't go wrong with any of the two.
