Orlando Magic have the chance to add a transcendent talent through the NBA Draft this offseason. According to ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony, NBA teams are viewing the Magic selecting forward Jabari Smith Jr. as a formality in the upcoming draft.
Smith is among the top-end talent in the 2022 NBA Draft. He was previously considered the favorite to be selected as the top pick alongside Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero. Orlando will cover a need as they’re expected to pair Smith with Franz Wagner.
Smith Jr. was ranked as a Top-5 overall prospect coming into the season, but quickly shot up draft boards because of his incredible outside shooting ability for his size. Smith’s path to the NBA starts with him being potentially the best 6’10+ shooter coming into the league.
Orlando already has some fascinating young pieces in place, with Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Markelle Fultz in the backcourt, Wagner on the wing, and Wendell Carter Jr as the versatile center of the bunch.
Smith averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assist and 1.0 steal shooting 43 percent from the field with Auburn. The 6-foot-10 freshman and his team were eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament in March.
Smith will need someone to set him up on the court, at least in his first season in the NBA. Orlando had its share of point guards, especially if Markell Fultz is healthy, to help the promising forward pump up his numbers in his rookie season.
Apart from their draft selection, the Orlando Magic will have to make a decision on Mo Bamba, who will be a restricted free agent this summer. In a shallow market this summer, the center could attract interest in a reasonable price.
