The Orlando Magic have the first pick in this year’s NBA Draft, and while that is fantastic news for the franchise, their good fortune came in a year when there is no can’t miss prospect to select. This is no problem, but it does leave the Magic with a choice of three players to choose from: Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero.
We’re going to make the case for all three, but Holmgren has to be the place to start because he is the most unique prospect at the top of this draft class. He’s probably the most interesting player in the whole draft, and it just makes too much sense for the Magic to draft him.
Why the Orlando Magic are going to draft Chet Holmgren
Orlando’s player profile when selecting players in the last few years has been players with some of Holmgren’s skills and size, but never players with the entire package.
Holmgren has the chance to be the final piece, and potential franchise cornerstone, for a group that is coming together in the background nicely. No matter what way you look at it, taking Holmgren just has to be the move for the Magic here.
Firstly, he would go together so well with what they already have in place. Wendell Carter Jr. is a center who has no problem mixing it up in the paint, meaning Holmgren can stay away from that. His frame is slight, and that is putting it kindly, but there’s no reason he can’t excel in today’s league. Having a banger in Carter Jr. next to him would really help.
Then there is point guard Markelle Fultz, who would make everything so easy in any two-man game offensively with Holmgren. Fultz is deliberate and slithery, and would work around Holmgren so well.
Then, Franz Wagner, coming off a super rookie season, could take some of the scoring and creating pressure off Holmgren as well. He makes too much sense with this group.
Next, there is the small matter of finding a replacement for Jonathan Isaac. He has now missed two full seasons due to injury and seems preoccupied with off-the-court issues. There was a moment there where he looked like a future defensive stud and key player for the Magic, but it is now time to move on.
Holmgren’s profile is somewhat similar to Isaac’s in terms of their physical attributes, although Holmgren figures to be a much better offensive player. His passing and shooting ability are also way ahead of where Isaac was at that point in his career, and as an added bonus, it would also allow the team to let Mohamed Bamba walk.
Holmgren may not be a center like Bamba is, but again, there is some overlap in their skillset, and really it just allows Holmgren to take their spots in the rotation and have all of the opportunities in the world to learn and grow. It could also mean a surprise inclusion for Bol Bol, who most have forgotten now plays for the Magic.
Finally, he fits in just right with what head coach Jamahl Mosley is trying to build in Orlando. The Magic had the second-worst offensive rating in the league (103.9) during the regular season, whereas they were much closer to league average defensively (19th, 112.1). If this roster is going to be built on sound defensive principles, they need an offensive hub to make things happen.
Like Nikola Vucevic before him, Holmgren can be that guy, can’t he? Only he has the potential to be much better than a guy who ended up being a two-time All-Star when it is was all said and done. Alongside Wagner and even Jalen Suggs, there is a belief that the Magic can start to create a team featuring some excellent two-way players.
Other than all of those practical reasons, do you really want to be the guy who skips on Holmgren? Not only would he generate huge excitement for the fanbase, but if the Magic end up missing having finally gotten the first overall pick after years of selecting just after the elite prospects were off the board, that would be really bad and set them back some.
Is there a chance Holmgren could go the route of Alperen Sengun or Aleksej Pokusevski? It is possible, but both of those players could still yet turn into something in the NBA. Not first pick good, but competent players in the league. The Magic would want so much more out of Holmgren, but he looks ready to deliver.
In the end, Holmgren fits with the players already with the Magic, is right on their timeline, and has such a high ceiling that taking somebody else instead of him would be silly. All that is left to do now is take the 20-year-old and continue putting together one of the most intriguing rosters in the NBA.