Why the Orlando Magic are going to draft Chet Holmgren

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…