The Magic are on the clock.
One of the worst teams in the league, the Orlando Magic won just 22 games last season. But luck may be finally on their side.
The Magic won the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery and were awarded the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Orlando can now add an impactful player who could potentially transform the franchise.
“We’ve seen what it can mean in the past,” Magic CEO Alex Martins said at the lottery. “The past three times that we’ve won, it’s ultimately led us to an NBA Finals in both of those eras. Hopefully, this is a piece that can get us back into contention. You have to take it one step at a time, so getting back into contention, getting back into the playoffs, and ultimately, getting back to competing for a championship is our goal.”
WHO SHOULD MAGIC TAKE NO. 1? Smith Jr. | Banchero | Holmgren
So where do the Magic land in the draft order? Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Magic draft picks 2022: When does Orlando pick?
The Magic will kick off the draft with the No. 1 overall pick. With as many as three viable candidates — Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren and Paulo Banchero can each make a legitimate claim as the draft's best player — the Magic certainly have a tough decision.
Beyond the oft-discussed top pick, the Magic also have an early second-rounder. On Thursday, they traded their other second-rounder — 35th overall — to the Lakers.
- Round 1, No. 1, Paolo Banchero
- Round 2, No. 32
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Orlando's pick at No. 35 for a future second-round pick and cash, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022
MORE: Post-Finals NBA Mock Draft: Two-round edition
Magic 2022 NBA draft order
| Round | Pick |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1, Paolo Banchero |
| 2 | 32 |
Magic draft needs
- True No. 1 scoring option: Yes, the Magic have some promising pieces with Wendell Carter Jr., Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz and Franz Wagner that all bring valuable skillsets. But do they have a true future No. 1 scoring option? Orlando's main goal with No. 1 is finding a franchise star to elevate the collective unit.
- Wing stopper: Although both Suggs and Carter Jr. in particular have immense defensive promise, neither is the prototypical lengthy wing stopper needed to win in today's versatile league. With two picks among the first six selections in the second round, Orlando could have two shots to nab a difference maker that just slipped through the first round cracks. OKC's Lu Dort (undrafted) and New Orleans's Herb Jones (35th overall) are recent examples of late steals.
- Shooting: If the Magic take Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren with the first pick, they'll add an elite shooter. Truth be told, you can never have enough especially in Orlando where it ranked 28th in catch-and-shoot 3-point percentage in 2021-22
Magic mock draft 2022
Here are the latest projections for the Magic, according to TSN's draft savant Kyle Irving:
Round 1, No. 1: Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn
The Magic appear to be locked in on Smith with the No. 1 pick, and for good reason. Smith will give Orlando the size, versatility, athleticism and perimeter shooting it desperately needs. He can play alongside Wendell Carter Jr. to make a terrorizing defensive frontcourt and he fits nicely next to last year's standout rookie, Franz Wagner. Guards like Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony will make life easier for Smith as a spot-up shooter and if he can develop his shot creation skills, he'll give the Magic a No. 1 scoring option down the road.
FULL SCOUTING REPORT: Jabari Smith Jr.
Round 2, No. 32: Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest
