The Magic are on the clock.
For the fourth time in franchise historical past, Orlando has the No. 1 decide, and the crew might have on a regular basis between now and June 23 to determine on its choice.
There is no such thing as a clear-cut No. 1. There are three high-level prospects who can all make a case for themselves.
The Put up spoke to a few expertise evaluators and all agreed you'll be able to’t go incorrect with the highest three of forwards Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero. One believed there wouldn’t be a clear-cut resolution the day of the draft.
“It’s fairly huge open. I actually assume you might rotate it,” one scout stated. “All of it depends upon what you’re in search of. All of them carry one thing completely different to the desk.”
It units up an intriguing 5 weeks of guessing and debate after Tuesday evening’s NBA Draft Lottery set the order.
The Put up affords a prediction on how the highest 14 will go:
1. Orlando Magic
Jabari Smith, Auburn (F, 6-10, 220 kilos)
The Magic have only one successful season within the final decade and might’t afford to gamble on Holmgren, as tantalizing as he could also be. Smith is the safer selection: an elite-shooting large man who offers rim safety and could be very related when it comes to versatility and two-way potential to standout Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley.
2. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga (F, 7-0, 195 kilos)
At his measurement and talent degree, Holmgren is a novel expertise. He shoots it from deep, he’s a defensive menace and he’s a pure match for the fashionable, spaced-out NBA. The Minnesotan is the primary school participant in 28 years to make greater than 40 3-pointers and block greater than 100 photographs in a single season. The Thunder are in no rush of their slow-as-molasses rebuild, so he’ll have time to bulk up.
3. Houston Rockets
Paolo Banchero, Duke (F, 6-10, 250 kilos)
The well-rounded Banchero could be No. 1 in some drafts, a multi-level scorer and secondary playmaker coming off a Last 4 run with Duke. He joins Jalen Inexperienced, the Rockets’ second-overall decide a yr in the past, to provide them a formidable scoring tandem for years to return.
4. Sacramento Kings
Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona (G, 6-6, 210 kilos)
This would be the first large shock of the draft: the purpose guard-heavy Kings going with the higher match. Mathurin profiles, at worst, as a 3-and-D prospect, and that is likely to be promoting him brief. He’s bodily, ultra-talented and has improved immensely within the final yr.
5. Detroit Pistons
Shaedon Sharpe , Kentucky (G, 6-6, 200 kilos)
He’s the thriller man of this draft, a extremely regarded taking pictures guard prospect who spent a part of the yr at Kentucky after arriving in Lexington in early January however didn’t play. Pairing him subsequent to Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 decide of final yr’s draft, provides the woeful Pistons an thrilling duo to construct round.
6. Indiana Pacers
Jaden Ivey, Purdue (G, 6-4, 195 kilos)
The South Bend, Ind., native will get to remain near house with the Pacers, giving their backcourt an instantaneous enhance. An electrical athlete, Ivey will thrive on the subsequent degree given more room to function. In time, we’ll surprise how he fell all the way in which to 6.
7. Portland Path Blazers
Keegan Murray, Iowa (G/F, 6-8, 225 kilos)
Damian Lillard will get an instantaneous contributor by his aspect — so long as he stays put, and indications are he'll — within the Iowa star. Murray is a giant wing who shoots it at a excessive clip from distance, was fourth within the nation in scoring a yr in the past and is a greater defender than marketed.
8. New Orleans Pelicans
AJ Griffin, Duke (G, 6-6, 222 kilos)
Consistency is a query, however not expertise for the White Plains native. Griffin almost shot 50 p.c from deep for Duke as a one-and-done freshman, and possesses the uncooked athleticism that ought to make him rather more than only a spot-up shooter in time.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Jeremy Sochan, Baylor (F, 6-9, 230 kilos)
He defends, he can play a number of positions and he has underrated playmaking abilities. Seems like a Gregg Popovich kind of participant.
10. Washington Wizards
Jalen Duren, Memphis (C, 6-11, 250 kilos)
Duren is uncooked offensively, however he's already an adept rim protector and finisher across the basket who could make a distinction on the defensive finish, and maintain his personal within the paint from a power standpoint.
11. New York Knicks
TyTy Washington Jr., Kentucky (G, 6-3, 197 kilos)
The Knicks have wanted a degree guard for years, and there’s clearly no secret concerning their affinity for Kentucky gamers. Washington has good measurement for a degree guard, is a succesful shooter and his relentless motor will endear him to Tom Thibodeau instantly.
12. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Malaki Branham, Ohio State (G, 6-5, 180 kilos)
One of many youngest gamers within the draft, the Ohio State freshman sharpshooter was recognized as a sleeper by one scout, a high-ceiling prospect with ample room for development.
13. Charlotte Hornets
Johnny Davis, Wisconsin (G, 6-5, 194 kilos)
The Massive Ten Participant of the 12 months provides the Hornets extra taking pictures and scoring on the wing, one other weapon at LaMelo Ball’s disposal. He rebounds nicely for his measurement, and his 3-point taking pictures, simply 30 p.c this previous season, will enhance as he received’t be requested to create his personal shot almost as a lot.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Ochai Agbaji, Kansas (G, 6-5, 215 kilos)
The Cavaliers nonetheless want extra offensive firepower to proceed their climb within the rugged Jap Convention, and the expert Agbaji could be a microwave scorer off the bench.
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