28. Orlando Magic
On NBA Draft night, the Orlando Magic shocked everyone by taking Paolo Banchero over Jabari Smith. The Magic kept that information close to their vest and didn’t reveal it until it was actually time to make the pick. Good on them.
However, now that the season is about to begin, the Magic need to hope that Banchero actually ends up being the better player. If Smith ends up being the better player from this draft, I’m not sure if the Magic will ever live this decision down.
The good news is that the last time Orlando selected with the No. 1 overall pick, it worked out pretty well. Still, the Magic are far from a team that’s ready to compete for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. That may still be a year or two away.