Orlando Magic: Why Paolo Banchero should be taken with the No. 1 pick

NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero (Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero (Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Paolo Banchero (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Paolo Banchero is a better “fit” for the Orlando Magic

Looking at where the Orlando Magic’s roster currently stands, Paolo Banchero would be the better fit for the team overall. They are set in the backcourt with Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Markelle Fultz. They also have a pretty solid core of power forwards/centers with Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr., and Mo Bamba.

The team needs a wing/primary scorer/playmaker – all roles that Banchero could fill for the team almost automatically. Many will pencil in Banchero as a power forward but as the NBA moves further away from traditional positions, this is where he’ll thrive.

Yes, he can play the power forward but also the wing – or small forward – position. And if he improves defensively, he can probably play some small-ball center too. Banchero also translates as a better chance of developing into a No. 1 offensive threat than Holmgren or Smith.

Just on paper, Banchero is a player that the Magic could probably slide into their starting unit while also keeping their thriving young players in place.