"Well f*****g done Orlando", "Holy bust", "How many years until he leaves Orlando for Lakers?", "They’ll regret not taking Jabari" - Fans divided after Orlando Magic choose Paolo Banchero with No. 1 draft pick

The Orlando Magic made Paolo Banchero of Duke the first pick of the NBA draft. [Photo: CBS 17]

The Orlando Magic made a surprising move in the NBA draft by picking Paolo Banchero of Duke University with the first overall pick.

In the days leading up to the draft, most analysts expected the Magic to select Auburn’s Jabari Parker Jr. with the first pick. But Orlando clearly saw something in Banchero that they didn't in Parker and drafted him first.

If Banchero can follow in the footsteps of previous No. 1 picks, the Magic will have someone special on their hands. The Magic previously chose Dwight Howard with the first pick in 2004 and Shaquille O’Neal in 1992.

Orlando Magic's decision unsurprisingly sent social media into a frenzy.

@BleacherReport @brhoops Holy bust

@SportsCenter So how many years until he leaves Orlando for the Lakers?

@BleacherReport @brhoops They’ll regret not taking Jabari

@BleacherReport @brhoops Magic winning the chip next year

@LegionHoops Yessir as he should be. He is the best player in the draft.

Kyle Boone of CBS Sports explained why the 19-year-old had a legitimate chance of being the first pick in the NBA draft:

“The appeal with Banchero lies in his polish. He's an incredible offensive weapon who thrives in the mid-range. He can create his own separation in tight windows and pull-up over defenders, with a blend of modern and old-age finesse that's tantalizing.”

Basketball experts have maintained that Paolo Banchero can make an immediate impact to any team. Having been coached by the legendary Mike Krzyzewski, the 2022 ACC Rookie of the Year has received glowing evaluations from several different scouts.

Banchero has been described as a player who is mature for his age and relentless in his desire to improve. The Orlando Magic apparently believed that his skills, attitude and work ethic made him deserving of the top pick in the draft.

THE FUTURE HAS ARRIVED‼️

PAOLO BANCHERO IS THE NO. 1 PICK IN THE 2022 NBA DRAFT. https://t.co/5WhS4DI7F2

Like all rookies, Paolo Banchero has a couple of significant weaknesses that he will have to work on. According to Boone, Banchero will have to work on distance shooting and switching.

How will the Orlando Magic use Paolo Banchero?

The Orlando Magic have an exciting youg core that could turn around the franchise in the next few years.

Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley was a big believer in playing talented bigs last season. He had Wendell Carter Jr., Mo Bamba and Franz Wagner on the floor most of the time. If Bamba leaves, Paolo Banchero will be the ideal replacement.

One of Banchero’s biggest assets is his versatility. He grew up playing guard before shifting to forward and eventually working in the post in college.

The Magic got a SQUAD.

Cole Anthony
Jalen Suggs
Franz Wagner
Paolo Banchero
Wendell Carter Jr

Bench:
Markelle Fultz
Terrence Ross
RJ Hampton
Jonathan Isaac
Mo Bamba https://t.co/Ej3bEvlJy8

If the Orlando Magic go small, they can even put Banchero at center in certain matchups.