2022 NBA Mock Draft: Auburn’s Jabari Smith fits Magic’s needs, projects as top pick ahead of Chet Holmgren

May 25, 2022 World Sports

Now that the NBA Draft order is settled and the Orlando Magic have landed the No. 1 overall pick, the conversation around who should be the top selection can get a bit more nuanced. Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren are regarded as the frontrunners, and any of the three could have gone first overall depending on who ended up with the first pick.

But with Orlando in particular, Smith makes the most sense. The Magic ranked 28th in 3-point shooting percentage at 33.1% in the regular season and could lose their top two outside threats in Gary Harris and Mo Bamba during free agency. With 23-year-old center Wendell Carter Jr. coming off his best season yet and under contract for four more seasons, it appears Smith would be a logical partner in the frontcourt.