NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Picks for the entire first round

The consensus opinion is that the Orlando Magic will draft Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr., and if not then their obsession with length will lead them to add Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren. The problem with adding either is that they don’t address this team’s biggest need: they don’t have a primary on-ball shot creator.

Franz Wagner flashed some skills last season as a rookie, but at times Cole Anthony carried that burden alone. The problem is that the ideal version of the Magic has Anthony coming off the bench with Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs starting in the backcourt. While Orlando hopes that Suggs develops as an offensive playmaker, this team needs someone to take the burden of generating shots for himself and others.

That’s Banchero’s bread-and-butter; he’s the best shot creator in the draft, and he is one of the better passers. The Magic have multiple high-level defenders in place, especially if Jonathan Isaac can finally make his return to the court. Banchero actually meets their most acute need, which happens to be the most important one a team has to address; how are they going to score the basketball?

Banchero is well-deserving of the top spot in the draft and could slot in between Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner in a large and versatile frontcourt. He’s not the most likely pick for the Magic, but the talent is there and the fit is perfect.