The Orlando Magic have the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft on Friday night, but it is still completely unclear who the franchise will then draw. Magic boss Jeff Weltman didn’t want to let his PK look at his cards.
“We’re still in the discovery phase,” Weltman said at his pre-draft press conference. “Discussions are still ongoing, but the most important thing is that we will get what we want. That’s the advantage of being able to move up from first place.”
Center Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga) and forward Jabari Smith (Auburn) continue to be favorites, while Paolo Banchero (Duke) continues to be considered outsider chances. Smith is number one in bookies, but yesterday Banchero’s odds also went down.
Weltman was asked regarding the ex-Dukie and if he had worked out in Orlando, but Weltman didn’t provide a straight answer, leaving reporters in the dark. Favorite Smith, on the other hand, said he only worked out for Orlando and for OKC, who are picking twos.
Holmgren, on the other hand, did not comment, but has no preference either. “At the end of the day, wearing an NBA jersey and getting that hat when you draft is a blessing. I’ll lace up my shoes and get to work no matter who draws me.
The Magic hold the top pick for the fourth time in franchise history, the last time was in 2004. At that time, Orlando chose Dwight Howard, who went straight from high school to the NBA as an 18-year-old.
