The magic is on the clock.
For the fourth time in the history of the franchise, Orlando has number one choice and the team may need all the time from now until June 23 to decide on their choice.
There is no clear number 1. There are three high-level perspectives that can prove themselves.
The Post spoke to three talent scouts and everyone agreed that you can’t go wrong with the first three strikers Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero. Some believed that there would be no clear decision on the day of the design.
“It’s quite open. I really think you could turn it around, “said one scout. “It all depends on what you are looking for. They all bring something different to the table. “
He created an intriguing five weeks of divination and debate after the NBA Draft Lottery set the order on Tuesday night.
The Post offers a forecast of how the first 14 will go:
Chet Holmgren and Jabari SmithAP; Getty Images
1. Orlando Magic
Jabari Smith, Auburn (F, 6-10, £ 220)
The Magic have only had one winning season in the last decade and can’t afford to bet on Holmgren, no matter how annoying. Smith is the safer choice: an elite shooting big man who provides rim protection and is very similar in flexibility and two-way potential to the outstanding Cavaliers rookie Evan Mobley.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga (F, 7-0, £ 195)
Holmgren is a unique talent in his size and skill level. He shoots from depth, he is a defensive threat and is naturally suitable for the modern, remote NBA. Minnesota is the first college player in 28 years to make more than 40 three-pointers and block more than 100 shots in one season. Thunder is not in a hurry with his slow recovery, so he will have time to accumulate.
3. Houston Rockets
Paolo Banchero, Duke (F, 6-10, £ 250)
The well-rounded Banchero will be number one in some drafts, a goal scorer on many levels and a minor playmaker coming out of the Final Four series with Duke. He joins Jalen Green, the Rockets’ second pick a year ago, to provide them with an impressive tandem of goals for years to come.
4. Sacramento Kings
Benedict Maturin, Arizona (G, 6-6, £ 210)
This will be the first big surprise of the draft: better guard point guards. Maturin presents profiles in the worst case as a 3-and-D perspective and this can sell it short. He is physically, ultra-talented and has improved significantly in the last year.
5. Detroit Pistons
Shaden Sharp, Kentucky (G, 6-6, £ 200)
He is the mysterious man on this project, a highly regarded potential shooter who spent part of the year in Kentucky after arriving in Lexington in early January but not playing. His pairing with Cade Cunningham, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, gives the sad Pistons an exciting duo to build.
6. Indiana Pacers
Jaden Ivy, Purdue (G, 6-4, £ 195)
The South Bend native, Indiana, stays close to home with the Pacers, giving an immediate boost to their back court. An electric athlete, Ivy will thrive on the next level if there is more space to work. In time we will wonder how he fell until six.
Jaden Ivy AP
7. Portland Trail Blazers
Keegan Murray, Iowa (G / F, 6-8, £ 225)
Damien Lillard gets a close associate next to him – as long as he stays in place and there are indications that he will – in the Iowa star. Murray is a big winger who shoots him on high shot from a distance, was fourth in the nation in scoring a year ago and is a better defender than advertised.
8. New Orleans Pelicans
Hey Jay Griffin, Duke (G, 6-6, £ 222)
Consistency is an issue, but not a talent for the locals of White Plains. Griffin almost shoots 50 percent deep for Duke as a freshman and has the raw athleticism that should make him much more than just a shooter on the spot in time.
9. San Antonio Spurs
Jeremy Sochan, Baylor (F, 6-9, 230 pounds)
He defends himself, can play in several positions and has underestimated playing skills. He sounds like a player of Greg Popovich.
10. Washington Wizards
Jalen Duren, Memphis (C, 6-11, £ 250)
Duren is a tough attacker, but he is already a skilled rim protector and finisher around the basket, which can make a difference in the defensive end and stay in the paint in terms of strength.
Thai Thai Washington Jr., Kentucky (G, 6-3, £ 197)
The Knicks have needed a point guard for years, and it’s no secret their affinity for Kentucky players. Washington has a good size for point guard, capable shooter and his relentless engine will immediately appeal to Tom Thibodeau.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
Malacca Branham, Ohio (G, 6-5, £ 180)
One of the youngest players in the draft, the new Ohio sniper was identified as sleeping by a scout, a high-ceilinged prospect with enough room to grow.
13. Charlotte Hornets
Johnny Davis, Wisconsin (G, 6-5, £ 194)
The Big Ten player of the year gives the Hornets more shooting and hitting on the wing, another weapon available at LaMelo Ball. He bounces well for his size and his 3-point shooting, just 30 percent last season, will improve as he won’t be asked to create his own shot nearly as much.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Okay Agbaji, Kansas (G, 6-5, £ 215)
The Cavaliers still need more offensive firepower to continue their ascent in the harsh Eastern Conference, and the experienced Agbaji will be the top scorer in the microwave from the bench.
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