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2022 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Each top prospect’s case for No. 1

By Patrick Previty

Paolo Banchero is among the players Orlando Magic fans are pining for in the NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Paolo Banchero is among the players Orlando Magic fans are pining for in the NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jabari Smith, Auburn Tigers
Jabari Smith could be the next coming of Rashard Lewis and the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Each player’s case for No. 1

Jabari Smith Jr.

Jabari Smith Jr. is the son of NBA player Jabari Smith who was taken in the second round of the 2000 draft and played five years in the league.

Smith Jr. is the definition of a modern NBA player. He is a tall, dynamic shooter who moves well for his size and can guard multiple positions.

Smith Jr. led Auburn to a 28-6 record last year which was a massive improvement from a 13-14 mark the year prior. Winning in college does not always translate to the NBA but it is a good sign he was a part of a turnaround.

He projects to be a stretch-4 at the next level. And a good one too.

He shot an impressive 42-percent from the three-point line, and 80-percent from the charity stripe. The Magic would certainly welcome those percentages to their team.

And at 6-foot-10 inches, he would be one of the best shooters in the league at that height.

If the Magic took him with the first pick, he would fit right into the offense. He could play off-ball and become a lethal catch-and-shoot player from the perimeter.

Despite his 27-percent usage rate at Auburn, Smith would not need to take the ball out of the hands of the young guards on the roster to make an impact on the court.

His game is full of energy. On offense and defense, he brings it every play, averaging 7.4 rebounds per game, 1.1 steals per game and 1.0 blocks per game.

Jabari Smith Jr.’s numbers will pop off the screen but playing with fellow big man Walker Kessler lowered those numbers.

But that is a huge plus for the Magic as he showed he could play with an anchor down low without clashing stylistically.

At the end of the day, Smith Jr. has the highest floor among the top prospects and is a perfect fit for the young players in Orlando.

If the Magic place an emphasis on making sure they do not come away empty-handed, then Smith Jr. is their guy.