The Magic Insider

Jabari Smith Locked In As Magic's No. 1 Pick? League Sources 'Aren't Sold'

Conflicting sources on whether Smith is the top pick.

Jeremy Brener

Jabari Smith Locked In As Magic's No. 1 Pick? League Sources 'Aren't Sold'
Jabari Smith Locked In As Magic's No. 1 Pick? League Sources 'Aren't Sold' /

ORLANDO - Throughout the past few weeks, there have been several draft experts sharing their conversations around the league, and Jabari Smith from Auburn has turned into the consensus top pick.

However, there are some sources that don't exactly agree with that thinking.

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor commented in a Spotify Live room Saturday about how he doesn't believe Smith is a "lock" to be the Orlando Magic's No. 1 overall pick.

Even though the betting odds, Instagram interactions and majority of reports favor Smith, there is doubt that the 6-10 Auburn forward is going to be drafted No. 1.

If the pick isn't Smith, it could be either Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren or Duke's Paolo Banchero.

Holmgren might not be ready to contribute at a high level immediately, but someone who could become one of the best defenders in the league. He's also Jalen Suggs' high school teammate and by choosing him, the Magic can define their team as one with tight chemistry that unfolds on the court.

Banchero could be the most NBA-ready out of the three top prospects. Banchero's talents make him one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft.

There isn't a ton of separation from the top three prospects, which makes Orlando's decision that much more difficult.

It doesn't seem like the team will trade the pick, but the fact that there isn't a surefire No. 1 pick like we saw in 2021 with Cade Cunningham shows that the Magic are keeping the cards close to the chest.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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