Since winning the No. 1 overall pick from the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery, there has been plenty of speculation regarding who the Orlando Magic will select in the Draft. This upcoming decision is one of the hardest in recent memory, as there is no clear-cut top prospect. As a result, Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, and Auburn’s Jabari Smith all have strong cases as the draft’s No. 1 pick, due to their unique physiques and basketball skill sets. With this said, multiple reports have come out and stated that Orlando may have narrowed their choice for the No. 1 pick down to two of the three aforementioned prospects. According to these sources, Orlando now seems to favor either Holmgren or Smith with the No. 1 pick, pushing Banchero out of the conversation for the No. 1 pick. Between Holmgren and Smith, however, it seems like the Magic’s front office already favors one prospect much more:
“The early word among rival executives and league personnel at this week’s NBA Draft Combine suggests a strong possibility Orlando will favor Gonzaga 7-footer Chet Holmgren” Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report said. “League figures have consistently mentioned the Magic front office’s affinity for length, particularly length on the perimeter, as a clue they’ll target Holmgren—considered to have the most guard-like skill package of the trio and the most superstar potential”.
In addition to these rumors, it’s worth noting that Orlando’s current Basketball Executive John Hammond and President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman have both been influenced by two main factors in making their draft picks. As crazy as it sounds, those factors are the player’s size and length. Just look at some of the most notable draft selections by Hammond and Weltman over the last 14 years.
- 2008 Draft (Hammond): Luc Mbah a Moute, SF/PF, 6’8″, 230 pounds, 8’7″ Standing Reach, 7’2″ Wingspan
- 2012 Draft (Hammond): John Henson, PF/C, 6’9″, 216 pounds, 9’4″ Standing Reach, 7’5″ Wingspan
- 2013 Draft (Hammond): Giannis Antetokounmpo, PF/C, 6’11”, 242 pounds, 12’2″ Standing Reach, 7’4″ Wingspan
- 2014 Draft (Hammond): Jabari Parker, PF/C, 6’8″, 245 pounds, 8’8 Standing Reach, 7’0″ Wingspan
- 2016 Draft (Hammond): Thon Maker, PF/C, 7’0″, 216 pounds, 9’2″ Standing Reach, 7’3″ Wingspan
- 2017 Draft (Weltman): Jonathan Isaac, SF/PF, 6’11”, 230 pounds, N/A Standing Reach, 7’0″ Wingspan
- 2018 Draft (Weltman): Mo Bamba, C, 6’11”, 225 pounds, 9’7″ Standing Reach, 7’10” Wingspan
- 2019 Draft (Weltman): Chuma Okeke, SF/PF, 6’6″, 229 pounds, N/A Standing Reach, 7’0″ Wingspan
- 2021 Draft (Weltman): SF Franz Wagner, SF, 6’9″, 225 pounds, N/A Standing Reach, 7’1″ Wingspan
While some of these aforementioned draft selections have panned out better than others, all of the draft prospects were highly coveted by Hammond and Weltman due to their impressive size. As a result of Orlando’s previous affinity for these types of prospects may lead them to value Holmgren over Smith, as shown in this version of the Magic’s 2022 Mock Draft.
Round 1, Pick 1: Chet Holmgren, C, University of Gonzaga
Of all of the draft prospects Hammond and Weltman have scouted and drafted, Holmgren has the most unique physique and skillset. Standing at 7’0″ and 195 pounds, Holmgren was a solid force of offense for Gonzaga this season, averaging 14.4 PPG, 9.9 RPG (1.8 ORPG), and 1.9 APG while shooting 60.7% from the field, 39.0% from three-point range, and 71.7% from the free-throw line. To no one’s surprise, Holmgren was extremely efficient on shooting attempts inside the arc, leading the nation in two-point field goal percentage (73.7%) and effective field goal percentage (68.0%) while finishing second in true shooting percentage (69.1%). Holmgren is known for his defense, however, as he led the West Coast Conference (WCC) in total rebounds (317), defensive rebounds (260), and blocks (117). Holmgren will obviously need to put substantial weight on before playing in the NBA, but this won’t deter Orlando from taking the consensus All-American with the No. 1 pick.
Round 2, Pick 32: Jalen Williams, SG/SF, University of Santa Clara
As previously mentioned, Orlando desperately needs to add an offensive playmaker (or two) in free agency or the NBA Draft. With this said, there aren’t many better options than Santa Clara’s Williams, who possessed one of the most well-rounded offensive games in the nation. In 33 games this season, Williams averaged 18.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG, all of which were career-high averages. In addition to this, Williams’ great shooting mechanics made him one of the most effective perimeter shooters in the West Coast Conference (WCC), as he shot 51.3% from the field, 39.6% from three-point range, and 80.9% from the free-throw line. At 6’6″ and 190 pounds, Williams was also comfortable facilitating the Broncos’ offense through the use of his ball-handling and dribbling skills. Finally, Williams is a high-effort defender who didn’t ever give up on his defensive assignments despite his lack of quickness.
While Williams’ 2021-2022 breakout season is great to see, there is a lot of risk attached to drafting the 21-year-old shooting specialist. To begin, Williams’ shot creation can easily be neutralized, as he’s a below-the-rim finisher without much burst off the dribble unless he has space on the perimeter. Furthermore, Williams tends to get a bit loose with his left hand, which leads to sloppy drives to the rim. Finally, Williams’ aforementioned lack of quickness has caused him to be a defensive liability in some situations. When Williams has been on the wrong side of a switch or the pick-and-roll, Williams will typically commit unnecessary fouls, as shown by his 2.6 FPG and 85 total personal fouls (seventh in WCC). In spite of these fixable issues, Williams’ potential as a three-&-d wing in the NBA will attract some NBA teams, such as the Magic.
Round 2, Pick 35: Jake LaRavia, SF/PF, University of Wake Forest
An extremely versatile and crafty forward with a high skill level, LaRavia is now projected to go in the second round after a strong junior season at Wake Forest. Despite being just 20 years old, LaRavia played like a veteran for Wake Forest, averaging 15.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, and 1.7 SPG, all career highs. While LaRavia’s size (6’8″ and 235 pounds) would signal him as a dominant force in the paint, LaRavia’s smooth shooting release allows him to score from the perimeter. This can be shown by LaRavia’s great shooting splits, as he shot 56.8% from the field and 40.0% from three-point range. Although LaRavia isn’t an explosive athlete by any means, he has a lot of strength and power, which allows him to hold his own in the paint. His aforementioned strength and power made LaRaiva a solid rebounder, as he totaled 217 rebounds (15th in ACC), 68 offensive rebounds (11th in ACC), and 149 defensive rebounds (18th in ACC).
While LaRavia has plenty of great skills that will translate into the NBA, he does carry some concerns. LaRavia’s biggest concern is his overall lack of athleticism, which can make him a defensive liability. As a result, LaRavia has trouble defending off the dribble and in the post, which has caused him and his teammates to commit unnecessary fouls. In reference to this, LaRavia was the main culprit of committing these fouls, as he had 89 total turnovers (2.7 TPG). LaRavia also had a bad habit of being forced into turnovers, as he had 92 personal fouls (2.8 FPG). It’s no surprise that LaRavia led Wake Forest in total fouls and turnovers committed. In spite of these issues, LaRavia will be a very solid player in the NBA, as evident from his impressive 2021-2022 season in the ACC.
Check out our Other Orlando Magic Mock Drafts:
Official 2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 of the Orlando Magic: Magic Double Up on Prospects from Duke
Official 2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0 of the Orlando Magic: Magic Build Around Wendell Carter Jr.
Official 2022 NBA Mock Draft 3.0 of the Orlando Magic: Magic Prioritize Size and Perimeter Shooting
Official 2022 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 of the Orlando Magic: Magic Look to Improve League’s Worst Defense