4 draft prospects Orlando Magic fans should know about

3 of 5

SPOKANE, WA – DECEMBER 20: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs at the free throw line during the game between the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks and the Gonzaga Bulldogs at McCarthey Athletic Center on December 20, 2021 in Spokane, Washington. (Photo by Robert Johnson/Getty Images) /

4 Draft Prospects Orlando Magic fans should know

Chet Holmgren, Gonozaga

Chet Holmgren’s name has long been discussed in NBA circles because of his unicorn-like skill set.

The 19-year-old 7-footer is not a typical big man. He can handle the ball well and dribble up the floor thanks to his enormous strides. He is agile too, with the poise to glide past players as if they were not there.

Seeing him move up the floor with the ball in his hands really is fascinating to watch.

He also does other things that a lot of players his size cannot do. Shooting the ball well being one of them. Holmgren is shooting 39.6-percent from 3-point range this season and is really effective as the trail man on offense when getting up the floor.

Add to that an awareness and passing ability to find open teammates and he certainly could be a player who will boost the Orlando Magic’s offense.

Much of what he can do, however, concerns his ability on defense.

His size and length combined with a strong understanding of the game mean he is a really effective shot-blocker and rim protector — as shown by his average of 3.4 blocks per game for Gonzaga.

But there are concerns with Holmgren.

His skinny frame does raise questions over how well he will be able to deal with the physicality of the NBA and if he will be able to defend the tougher matchups at the 5-spot. And while he is averaging a respectable 13.2 points per game, we have only really seen Holmgren used in a limited role for Gonzana alongside a more traditional big man in Drew Timme.

Centers like Holmgren often take longer to develop than guards, as we have seen with Mo Bamba since he entered the NBA. And what the Magic really need is an offensive shot-creator rather than a rim protector at this point.

But Holmgren’s unique skill set on both ends of the floor does pose a dilemma for the Magic if given the first pick.

It would be difficult to see a future for Bamba in Orlando if Holmgren lands on the Magic, but if the Gonzaga big man’s unusual skill set can carry over to the NBA and he can develop to his potential then Orlando might have its star player to build around.