With the 2021-22 NBA season coming to an end shortly, the Orlando Magic see themselves on the cusp of another top-five draft pick. General manager John Hammond is coming off a successful draft in getting two top ten picks in Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner. Both players have had very promising rookie campaigns with Suggs averaging 12.1 points a game along with 4.4 assists a game and Wagner averaging 15.4 points a game and has 1,138 total points on the year, the most by any rookie. Hammond would love to repeat his success in the 2021 draft by doing it again in 2022.
Paolo Banchero, F, Duke University
At six feet, 10 inches tall, the freshman star has shined in Durham, North Carolina this season for the Blue Devils. Banchero has averaged 17 points, eight rebounds, and three assists a game during Coach K’s final season. Banchero has also shot an astounding 47.8 percent from the field, which is very impressive for a guy his size.
Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski spoke about the freshman phenom:
“He’s a great teammate and wants us to win, and is happy about that.” What team would not want a game changing athlete that wants to win and is an exceptional teammate? Banchero’s “team player” mentality, NBA size, and efficient offensive game give him a high ceiling for his career. He alone can change the direction a franchise is heading in.
The Magic already have a highly offensive skilled forward in Wagner and having Banchero at the other forward position has the potential to give other NBA teams nightmares.
Jabari Smith, F, Auburn University
Much like Banchero, Jabari Smith is another 6-foot-10-inch forward who is a scoring machine. Smith averages 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds a game and a crucial part to his success is the way he can shoot the ball over the top of defenders. He also has a high usage rate at 27 percent and only averages 1.8 turnovers a game, showing his elite ball security. Smith is a lockdown defender on the perimeter, a thing that a lot of players at his size do not have.
Auburn’s head coach Bruce Pearl said this about Smith:
“Jabari Smith is the best player I’ve ever coached.”
Pearl also spoke on ESPN’s “Jalen & Jacoby,” saying this:
“He’s (Smith) a top three guy for sure. He’s the best jump shooter at his size in college basketball that I’ve seen in years. That matters at the next level. He can guard multiple positions. That matters at the next level. And he’s not afraid of the moment. He’s 18 years old and he’s got a toughness to him. He’s got a swagger about him.”
Receiving high praises from his own college coach, Smith has showcased why scouts should look into taking him in this year’s draft. He can offer a certain energy to Orlando that the fanbase and organization needs in their rebuild. He also has the intangibles to take the team far and become the face of the Magic.
Chet Holmgren, PF/C, Gonzaga University
Here’s someone a little different that has shot to the top of the draft boards. Holmgren is a towering seven-foot big man for the Bulldogs. He is averaging a cool 14.2 points and 9.6 rebounds a game in his first year at Gonzaga. His shooting percentages are shocking for a seven-footer as Holmgren shoots 61 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three-point range. Holmgren’s dynamic play on offense can give opposing teams nightmares.
One concern about Holmgren is his lanky frame. He weighs under 200 pounds, and for a big man being seven-feet tall, that is a concern when it comes to matching up physically against other big men in the NBA. Some things to really focus on when he gets to the next level is his defense under the basket and finishing through contact around the rim. His lack of physical strength also means he could get fouled a lot and he actually is not an awful free throw shooter shooting at 75.3 percent.
Despite the Zags season coming to an end in the sweet sixteen, head coach Mark Few said this about Holmgren’s game:
“He’s adapted well this year; he is physically and mentally tough.”
Holmgren really became a complete college player by the end of the year and his ability to adapt will give him a long career in the league. Ultimately, his size and dynamic offensive play will lead him to have success in a score-heavy NBA. He can be a go to scoring option for most lottery teams looking to pick him, including the Orlando Magic.
(Featured image by James Snook-USA TODAY Sports)