Who do you want us to take at #1?

[JBSouthpaw]

I don't believe Chet would have had the year Jabari did in the SEC personally. If it were me, I would take Jabari, but Hammond tends to love extreme length, so he may take Chet.

he wouldnt have. look at the big men in the WCC. they were 6'7 or less in height

fair question.
Did Chet under achieve knock out stats because of his quality teammates? (had to share shots, rebs) Or
Did Chet over achieve because of his quality teammates? (plenty of space because other teams had to worry about teammates)

[Petre1978]

No matter who the Magic draft, please don’t forget…

The organization will go through hours and hours of tape, analysis and IN PERSON workouts, drills and interviews.

They’ll see things we never will. So no matter who you want, trust they’ll make the best decision based on more than what we as fans know.

Now carry on with the fussing and debate lol

[IllMagic04]

I am suprised by the poll. I was very high on Smith before the season. Athletic had him at 10 and i had him in my top 5. I am still high on Smith but not number 1 high !
I am a fan of Holmgren, he is tough and seems to love basketball, but... watching NBA playoffs for last few years you cant deny that strength is even more important than lenght and shot creation tops almost all and you cant havr too many.

Enter Paolo Banchero, 6'10 wing with fluid athletecism, smooth handle, great footwork, ability to get to the rim and create own shot in the midrange or further.
His biggest flaw is defense, but its actually not that bad. Effort doesnt seem to be the issue given times he ended up with cramps. I think he gained too much weight, he is at 245. Great defenders with similar height were around 225 in college.
I would not be the biggest fan if Banchero wasnt such a gifted passer. He is very adept at driving to the rim and passing to open shooters. He will be even more dangerous with nba spacing.
My upside comps are Jason Tatum and Grant Hill so its nothing to sneeze at.
I am suprised he has so few votes. He is in a tier of his own on my board

I doubt his ability to develop his 3 pt shot, and we already have terrible spacing. (basing this off of our like 28th/29th ranking in 3s this past season and his 33% 3pt and 73/74% FT shooting numbers in college)

I also think switchability on defense is hugely important and Paolo does not appear to have the defensive awareness or lateral quickness for that the same way Jabari does or even to a lesser degree, Chet.

I do agree we need a guy who can get a bucket, but it appears to me that Banchero will become closer to a Randle than he will a Tatum, which is hard to build around in today's NBA. Again, just my opinion.

I think the 3 ball will develop. Its not like we are looking at a guy who can't shoot. The smooth offensive game from the perimeter bodes well for the development shooting from deeper. To compare I was not a fan of Scottie Barnes. Obviously it looks like I was very much wrong about him but I had no faith that his shooting was going to approve that much as he was not a smooth offensive player. For the record I still feel that way but he does so many things well that he's still clearly going to be a good player. Banchero can shoot right now. He just has to expand the range and I'm beating on him to do that. Yes our spacing is bad with our current roster but unless you believe in our current roster I don't think that comes into play.

I agree with the switchablity criticism too. I dont see him being that level of defender at any point

The bully ball side of his game does remind me a bit of Randle. The shot creation from the perimeter reminds me nothing of Randle

[Black and Blue]

Almost all of Durant's points come from jump shots now and Jabari has an identical shooting form. I disagree that Jabari can't create, he creates jump shots.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

The issue is his ball handling and fluidity with it. He's a great shooter off the bounce or catch. The issue is what he does when NBA defenses close out on him. He didn't really show a great handle or counter moves to get him north-south. He's not a great passer or playmaker. So the question is, can he do anything other than shoot and shoot tough 3's and 2's? He's 18, and if you draft him, you hope he can add that part to this game. That's really what unlocks his potential as a 3 level scorer at his size in the mold of Chris Bosh or Paul George. Otherwise he is Rashard Lewis.

Agree with this assessment. It would actually be the first thing I look at if I'm the Magic - what is Smith's ability to develop in these areas and what is holding him back? The Magic would need to make sure to drill into his head from day 1 they expect more than spot up shooting with that #1 pick. Watching Durant and Kahwi tape will help greatly to round out his repetoire.

A lot is being made of Chet's body, rightly so, but I will also say I am concerned about foul trouble with him. Aspects of his game actually remind me of Mitchell Robinson, who took a long while to learn to stay on the floor with his athleticism and aggressiveness. This is not to say Chet can't overcome this like Robinson did, but it will limit his contributions out of the gate and pose perhaps his first serious mental hurdle.

One thing I will say: People need to stop using the Julius Randle comparison for Paolo because a MAJOR difference between them is effort and playstyle. Except for one single season, Randle has proven himself to be one of the laziest, most emotional, and at times selfish players in the NBA. While Paolo is not a good defender, he IS a willing defender, which Randle is not. Knicks fans would trade him for anything if his contract wasn't such an albatross. Body types are similar, but Paolo offers so much more than Randle right now and that speaks both to how good he is and how bad Randle is.

I have to reiterate how excited I am the Magic have the number 1 pick. While some people are annoyed we are number 1 in a year without a clear number 1, in my opinion the ability to choose between these 3 is an incredibly lucky spot to be in given each of their pluses and weaknesses. There is no automatically going with whomever is deemed worse by another team before them.

Also want to reiterate that although Smith is my preference, any of these three will majorly help the team and have a chance for stardom if they put the work in and are managed well by the team. Any fan who feels 100% percent certain at this point needs to look at Jokic and realize how truly random is draft process can be sometimes.

[zaymon]

I am suprised by the poll. I was very high on Smith before the season. Athletic had him at 10 and i had him in my top 5. I am still high on Smith but not number 1 high !
I am a fan of Holmgren, he is tough and seems to love basketball, but... watching NBA playoffs for last few years you cant deny that strength is even more important than lenght and shot creation tops almost all and you cant havr too many.

Enter Paolo Banchero, 6'10 wing with fluid athletecism, smooth handle, great footwork, ability to get to the rim and create own shot in the midrange or further.
His biggest flaw is defense, but its actually not that bad. Effort doesnt seem to be the issue given times he ended up with cramps. I think he gained too much weight, he is at 245. Great defenders with similar height were around 225 in college.
I would not be the biggest fan if Banchero wasnt such a gifted passer. He is very adept at driving to the rim and passing to open shooters. He will be even more dangerous with nba spacing.
My upside comps are Jason Tatum and Grant Hill so its nothing to sneeze at.
I am suprised he has so few votes. He is in a tier of his own on my board

I doubt his ability to develop his 3 pt shot, and we already have terrible spacing. (basing this off of our like 28th/29th ranking in 3s this past season and his 33% 3pt and 73/74% FT shooting numbers in college)

I also think switchability on defense is hugely important and Paolo does not appear to have the defensive awareness or lateral quickness for that the same way Jabari does or even to a lesser degree, Chet.

I do agree we need a guy who can get a bucket, but it appears to me that Banchero will become closer to a Randle than he will a Tatum, which is hard to build around in today's NBA. Again, just my opinion.

While Tatum had better ft%, their 3 p% is almost the same 33,8% vs 34,2% and Banchero ended tournament on fire. Banchero has also significantly higher 2 p% and passing skill. On defense Banchero fouled a lot less. Julius Randle is much worse so i wont even write his stats. Lower tier of prospect.
I am impressed by Banchero impact on winning, making top 4 is a big deal as a freshman when you are first option.
Banchero stats suggest he could be better than Tatum in many aspects. Isnt it worth number 1 pick ?
Look at different amazing lineups we could pull up.
Suggs/Wagner/Banchero/Isaac/WCJ
Fultz/Suggs/Wagner/Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Okeke/Banchero/Isaac/ WCJ 8)

[tiderulz]

I don't believe Chet would have had the year Jabari did in the SEC personally. If it were me, I would take Jabari, but Hammond tends to love extreme length, so he may take Chet.

he wouldnt have. look at the big men in the WCC. they were 6'7 or less in height

fair question.
Did Chet under achieve knock out stats because of his quality teammates? (had to share shots, rebs) Or
Did Chet over achieve because of his quality teammates? (plenty of space because other teams had to worry about teammates)

look at his stats vs ranked opponents.

vs St Mary (3 times) - 3-9, 8 pts, 8 reb
- 3-7, 6 pts 6 reb
- 5-10, 11 pts, 6 rebs
vs Tex Tech - 1-4, 5 pts, 11 reb
vs Alabama - 3-9, 10 pts 11 reb
vs Duke - 8-13, 16 pts, 7 reb (Banchero did 8-17, 21 pts 5 reb)
vs UCLA - 6-8, 15 pts, 6 reb
vs Texas - 1-3, 2 pts, 5 reb

not quite so dominating vs teams with height (St MAry starts a 6'8 and 6'10 forward)

[JBSouthpaw]

he wouldnt have. look at the big men in the WCC. they were 6'7 or less in height

fair question.
Did Chet under achieve knock out stats because of his quality teammates? (had to share shots, rebs) Or
Did Chet over achieve because of his quality teammates? (plenty of space because other teams had to worry about teammates)

look at his stats vs ranked opponents.

vs St Mary (3 times) - 3-9, 8 pts, 8 reb
- 3-7, 6 pts 6 reb
- 5-10, 11 pts, 6 rebs
vs Tex Tech - 1-4, 5 pts, 11 reb
vs Alabama - 3-9, 10 pts 11 reb
vs Duke - 8-13, 16 pts, 7 reb (Banchero did 8-17, 21 pts 5 reb)
vs UCLA - 6-8, 15 pts, 6 reb
vs Texas - 1-3, 2 pts, 5 reb

not quite so dominating vs teams with height (St MAry starts a 6'8 and 6'10 forward)

I hear you loud and clear.

[tiderulz]

fair question.
Did Chet under achieve knock out stats because of his quality teammates? (had to share shots, rebs) Or
Did Chet over achieve because of his quality teammates? (plenty of space because other teams had to worry about teammates)

look at his stats vs ranked opponents.

vs St Mary (3 times) - 3-9, 8 pts, 8 reb
- 3-7, 6 pts 6 reb
- 5-10, 11 pts, 6 rebs
vs Tex Tech - 1-4, 5 pts, 11 reb
vs Alabama - 3-9, 10 pts 11 reb
vs Duke - 8-13, 16 pts, 7 reb (Banchero did 8-17, 21 pts 5 reb)
vs UCLA - 6-8, 15 pts, 6 reb
vs Texas - 1-3, 2 pts, 5 reb

not quite so dominating vs teams with height (St MAry starts a 6'8 and 6'10 forward)

I hear you loud and clear.

I just dont know if he is the man. What is his ceiling? Rudy Gobert with a 3 pt shot? And Rudy has a much better frame and build. and got knocked out in the 1st round.

[Knightro]

Agree with this assessment. It would actually be the first thing I look at if I'm the Magic - what is Smith's ability to develop in these areas and what is holding him back? The Magic would need to make sure to drill into his head from day 1 they expect more than spot up shooting with that #1 pick. Watching Durant and Kahwi tape will help greatly to round out his repetoire.

A lot is being made of Chet's body, rightly so, but I will also say I am concerned about foul trouble with him. Aspects of his game actually remind me of Mitchell Robinson, who took a long while to learn to stay on the floor with his athleticism and aggressiveness. This is not to say Chet can't overcome this like Robinson did, but it will limit his contributions out of the gate and pose perhaps his first serious mental hurdle.

One thing I will say: People need to stop using the Julius Randle comparison for Paolo because a MAJOR difference between them is effort and playstyle. Except for one single season, Randle has proven himself to be one of the laziest, most emotional, and at times selfish players in the NBA. While Paolo is not a good defender, he IS a willing defender, which Randle is not. Knicks fans would trade him for anything if his contract wasn't such an albatross. Body types are similar, but Paolo offers so much more than Randle right now and that speaks both to how good he is and how bad Randle is.

I have to reiterate how excited I am the Magic have the number 1 pick. While some people are annoyed we are number 1 in a year without a clear number 1, in my opinion the ability to choose between these 3 is an incredibly lucky spot to be in given each of their pluses and weaknesses. There is no automatically going with whomever is deemed worse by another team before them.

Also want to reiterate that although Smith is my preference, any of these three will majorly help the team and have a chance for stardom if they put the work in and are managed well by the team. Any fan who feels 100% percent certain at this point needs to look at Jokic and realize how truly random is draft process can be sometimes.

Two things.

A. Welcome back

B. Please post more

[Def Swami]

Almost all of Durant's points come from jump shots now and Jabari has an identical shooting form. I disagree that Jabari can't create, he creates jump shots.

Sent from my SM-G950U using RealGM mobile app

The issue is his ball handling and fluidity with it. He's a great shooter off the bounce or catch. The issue is what he does when NBA defenses close out on him. He didn't really show a great handle or counter moves to get him north-south. He's not a great passer or playmaker. So the question is, can he do anything other than shoot and shoot tough 3's and 2's? He's 18, and if you draft him, you hope he can add that part to this game. That's really what unlocks his potential as a 3 level scorer at his size in the mold of Chris Bosh or Paul George. Otherwise he is Rashard Lewis.

Agree with this assessment. It would actually be the first thing I look at if I'm the Magic - what is Smith's ability to develop in these areas and what is holding him back? The Magic would need to make sure to drill into his head from day 1 they expect more than spot up shooting with that #1 pick. Watching Durant and Kahwi tape will help greatly to round out his repetoire.

A lot is being made of Chet's body, rightly so, but I will also say I am concerned about foul trouble with him. Aspects of his game actually remind me of Mitchell Robinson, who took a long while to learn to stay on the floor with his athleticism and aggressiveness. This is not to say Chet can't overcome this like Robinson did, but it will limit his contributions out of the gate and pose perhaps his first serious mental hurdle.

One thing I will say: People need to stop using the Julius Randle comparison for Paolo because a MAJOR difference between them is effort and playstyle. Except for one single season, Randle has proven himself to be one of the laziest, most emotional, and at times selfish players in the NBA. While Paolo is not a good defender, he IS a willing defender, which Randle is not. Knicks fans would trade him for anything if his contract wasn't such an albatross. Body types are similar, but Paolo offers so much more than Randle right now and that speaks both to how good he is and how bad Randle is.

I have to reiterate how excited I am the Magic have the number 1 pick. While some people are annoyed we are number 1 in a year without a clear number 1, in my opinion the ability to choose between these 3 is an incredibly lucky spot to be in given each of their pluses and weaknesses. There is no automatically going with whomever is deemed worse by another team before them.

Also want to reiterate that although Smith is my preference, any of these three will majorly help the team and have a chance for stardom if they put the work in and are managed well by the team. Any fan who feels 100% percent certain at this point needs to look at Jokic and realize how truly random is draft process can be sometimes.

Completely agree. Every draft is different and we throw these labels on them like "weak" or "overrated" and it often just proves to be nonsense. We did this 2 years ago when they called the 2020 draft "weak." The media and fans all criticized Anthony Edwards and Lamelo Ball, and both guys ended up changing the complexion of their respective franchises; Tyrese Haliburton has been great from that draft too. The majority of this board was abhorrent about the idea of taking Evan Mobley or Scottie Barnes and both ended up being really good; half this board didn't even like the Wagner pick when it was made . Fans and media just miss stuff all the time. Teams themselves are just as fallible. The 2018 Draft didn't have a "clear #1" but it produced Luka Doncic and Trae Young. These proclamations of player outcomes are just conjecture.

We got the #1 pick. That's perhaps one of the most valuable assets in the entire league, regardless the year. One of these guys in this year's draft is going to change a franchise. The Magic get first pickings. Every fan should be ecstatic about that.

[IllMagic04]

With Chet the big thing I do wonder is if there is simply a whole lot in his bag that he just wasn't given the chance to do in college. Technically we could say that about any of these guys but with Chet even more so. Not only was he not the best player on his team but he wasn;t even the best big man on his team. Drew Timme got most of the touches offensively so we really don't have alot of intel on Holmgrens shot creation. At least in College, I haven't looked up any film of him in high school. Alot of people talk about his handles but the few times we saw it at Gonzaga it looked aight but I wasn't blown away. But again most times all we got is him grabbing a board and taking up floor. Can he face up dribble and break down his man? I do wonder if there alot more to him. I'm typically not someone who takes much from open workouts but I would really be interested and seeing what kinda stuff he does. His defensive impact is undeniable. Despite his frame he didn't get pushed around as much as you would think. He's tough and doesn't duck any contact. Hes never gonna be the hulk but he will grow into his body. By year 3 or 4 I bet he has a body similar to JI. (Hopefully without the injuries)

[basketballRob]

Watch on YouTube

[basketballRob]

Watch on YouTube

[The-Stallion70]

I am concerned about our spacing a little bit if we don't take Smith.

Fultz(passing)
Suggs(defense, hustle)
Franz(all around)
Wendell(all around game)
Smith(shooting), Banchero ( one on one creation), chet( I think he will need to redshirt for one year to add weight)

I think Banchero is my first choice though

[Skybox]

Chet and find a way to draft Sharpe as well

If the Magic gain the #2 and #12, who do you take at #12?


..

Williams or Kessler unless someone drops

[Magicman125]

I am suprised by the poll. I was very high on Smith before the season. Athletic had him at 10 and i had him in my top 5. I am still high on Smith but not number 1 high !
I am a fan of Holmgren, he is tough and seems to love basketball, but... watching NBA playoffs for last few years you cant deny that strength is even more important than lenght and shot creation tops almost all and you cant havr too many.

Enter Paolo Banchero, 6'10 wing with fluid athletecism, smooth handle, great footwork, ability to get to the rim and create own shot in the midrange or further.
His biggest flaw is defense, but its actually not that bad. Effort doesnt seem to be the issue given times he ended up with cramps. I think he gained too much weight, he is at 245. Great defenders with similar height were around 225 in college.
I would not be the biggest fan if Banchero wasnt such a gifted passer. He is very adept at driving to the rim and passing to open shooters. He will be even more dangerous with nba spacing.
My upside comps are Jason Tatum and Grant Hill so its nothing to sneeze at.
I am suprised he has so few votes. He is in a tier of his own on my board

I doubt his ability to develop his 3 pt shot, and we already have terrible spacing. (basing this off of our like 28th/29th ranking in 3s this past season and his 33% 3pt and 73/74% FT shooting numbers in college)

I also think switchability on defense is hugely important and Paolo does not appear to have the defensive awareness or lateral quickness for that the same way Jabari does or even to a lesser degree, Chet.

I do agree we need a guy who can get a bucket, but it appears to me that Banchero will become closer to a Randle than he will a Tatum, which is hard to build around in today's NBA. Again, just my opinion.

While Tatum had better ft%, their 3 p% is almost the same 33,8% vs 34,2% and Banchero ended tournament on fire. Banchero has also significantly higher 2 p% and passing skill. On defense Banchero fouled a lot less. Julius Randle is much worse so i wont even write his stats. Lower tier of prospect.
I am impressed by Banchero impact on winning, making top 4 is a big deal as a freshman when you are first option.
Banchero stats suggest he could be better than Tatum in many aspects. Isnt it worth number 1 pick ?
Look at different amazing lineups we could pull up.
Suggs/Wagner/Banchero/Isaac/WCJ
Fultz/Suggs/Wagner/Banchero/Isaac
Wagner/Okeke/Banchero/Isaac/ WCJ 8)

Is Banchero fast enough to play SF, or beat people off the dribble from the 3 pt line? I just see him more as an interior scorer, which is hard to do because I only trust Fultz to be able to make entry passes to him out of anyone on our roster, and fear he'll be too slow to blow by guys from the elbow at the NBA level.

[Bensational]

I feel like Banchero is the player I sleep on this draft who outperforms my expectations.

My question is, who will be the intended ball handler and playmaker? Who will be secondary and then third? Fultz > Franz > Suggs

Does Banchero change up that hierarchy? Where does he fit? Are the Magic ready to take the ball out of Suggs’ hands already?

[GelbeWand09]

I have Chet as the clear No.1 but i like Jabari too. Paolo would be a nightmare for me

I just think Chet not only got the higher upside, but also a easier path to become a top impact player than the other 2. Because he got all the skills & BBIQ necessary already. He just needs to stay healthy & add some pounds. Jabari just lacks skills that are super hard to learn at this age (dribbling/driving & passing). Paolo's combination of lack of length & instincts are super hard to overcome too to be at least not a negative defender + his offense lacks alot too, despite his skills. 3P shot / is he explosive enough to get by a NBA defender? / offensive efficiency.

Chet needs to add mass, the one thing every player in the leaque does over time. The others need to learn or refine skills. Thats much harder to do.

With you on this. He has everything you want in the position....and more. The only thing he's missing is the body. Might be tough to do... but... he's got the work ethic to do it... and the already has the mentality to put it to great use once he's acquired it.

Don't get me wrong too.... i do drool over Jabari's shooting and perimeter defense... and paolo's ability to get a bucket.... but Chet is all of those combined into one... just at varying degrees. But the foundation exists across the board. Mix that in with the JSuggs story/relationship and Orlando will be back on the map from a media standpoint.

look at the teams remaining, no real "elite" center there. This is a wings league now. as has been mentioned before, ive seen Orlando with a center as their best player. Gobert's team didnt advance. Philly didnt advance. Denver is out. KAT is out.

Smith not a traditional wing, but more than Chet.

I can understand that & see the appeal & i'm happy with Jabari too but i just think Chet's gonna be a better player in case that Jabari doesnt learn to drive (which is one of the hardest things to learn).
I can make the same argument and say. Look its a dribble penetration game. Check the conference finals. You see Tatum, Brown, Butler, Doncic, Steph, Poole & not a oversized Klay or Rashard Lewis leading those teams.

[JBSouthpaw]

a point made by Hollinger about Smith:
Finally, there’s the age issue. With a May 2003 birthdate, Smith is six months younger than Banchero and a full year younger than Holmgren. He’s physically young too, as he’s still pretty clearly growing into his body. In a draft without a surefire future All-Star, he seems the one most likely to earn that honor.
https://theathletic.com/3317217/2022/05/18/nba-draft-2022-top-20-prospects/?source=twitterhq

[I Rasharted]

Anyone but Holmgren.