2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Who gets the star big men at the top?

The Magic really can’t go wrong with Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren or Banchero at the top of this draft. Each has a high floor, star potential and can offer specific things to this developing young roster. However, of the three, I’m most enamored by what Banchero can do for the Magic.

Banchero is big, strong, agile and skilled and has the ability to develop into a primary offensive fulcrum. At 6-foot-10, 250 pounds he can handle the ball and create from himself from beyond the 3-point line, easily getting all the way to the basket with a blend of power, craft and agility. He’s an excellent finisher a very good passer and a solid mid-range shooter who will also be able to work from the elbows or the low post, depending on the matchup. He’s unlikely to ever be a great defender and will almost certainly be a negative at the end to begin his career but he could be a 20-point scorer right off the bat and will make things infinitely easier for his teammates.

Banchero’s primacy will take some of the load off Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz and could really help Franz Wagner blossom. In addition, the Magic have the bones of a very good defense, with players like Jonathan Isaac, Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., Chuma Okeke and Mo Bamba, which could help cover a bit for Banchero’s shortcomings at that end.

In short, the Magic can’t lose at No. 1. But I think Banchero would be the biggest win for them.