Potential No. 1 pick Chet Holmgren meets with Magic front office
ORLANDO, Fla. — Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren became the latest prospect to meet with the Orlando Magic ahead of the NBA draft next week.
Holmgren visited with basketball operation leadership on Wednesday and Thursday before wrapping up his visit on Friday, according to NBA sources who spoke with USA TODAY Sports’ Rookie Wire on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
He is among the prospects the Magic are considering with the No. 1 pick.
Along with Holmgren, Duke forward Paolo Banchero and Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. are also said to be in contention to be the top pick. The Magic hosted Smith for a workout last week and are expected to meet with Banchero in the next week.
Holmgren, who was named a consensus All-American, averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks and 1.9 assists last season. He emerged as a strong prospect on both ends of the court and shot 39% from 3-point range on 3.3 attempts per game.
Magic president Jeff Weltman said previously the team would do its homework on each of those prospects and carefully meet with them. The team has often taken the best player available regardless of roster fit, which further adds to the mystery of its eventual selection.
Orlando has held the No. 1 pick in the draft three other times, with the latest occurrence happening in 2004 when the organization selected Dwight Howard. The Magic also drafted Shaquille O’Neal in 1992 and Chris Webber in 1993. Webber was eventually traded for Penny Hardaway.
The NBA draft will take place on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. EDT.
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