Orlando Magic expert chimes in on Jabari Smith

Here's what the Orlando Magic are thinking about Auburn star Jabari Smith.

Auburn basketball star Jabari is the favorite to be the first selection in the NBA Draft later this month. 

It's garnering national coverage as it should. Being the first overall selection of a major draft has the potential to change a franchise and the power structure of the NBA if the Orlando Magic handles the choice correctly. 

Opinions on who should go number one vary based on who you ask so Auburn Daily wanted to go to our friends at Magic Insider to get the scoop and perspective on where that team's mindset is as the NBA Draft gets closer. 

Here's our quick Q&A with Jeremy Brener. 

Auburn Daily: Do you think Jabari Smith will be the first pick?

AP Photo/Hakim Wright Sr.

Brener: I think he's the safest option at No. 1 and considering he was the first of the top prospects the Magic met with, he certainly is the favorite to be the top pick. He's probably got the highest floor out of any of the top guys as well, which is a decent longterm starter. I think his bust potential is less than Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero.

AD: Who do you personally prefer? Jabari Smith or Chet Holmgren?

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Brener: It's really tight between the two. Holmgren has the higher ceiling as a defender and someone who's a unique prospect. There's a chance he could be an All-NBA defender someday. But it's possible Smith could become that as well, just less likely. What makes Smith more dynamic is his ability to defend multiple positions. It gives the Magic more to work with when configuring lineups and defensive assignments. I prefer Smith simply because he has more of a chance of being a sound starter and someone who can add to the team in more ways than Holmgren.

AD: From an NBA perspective, what are your thoughts on Bruce Pearl coached prospects?

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If you count Davion Mitchell, who spent one season playing seldom minutes in 2017-18 before transferring to Baylor, then Bruce Pearl would have coached a first-round pick in four consecutive years (Chuma Okeke, Isaac Okoro, Mitchell, Jabari Smith). And barring a total meltdown with Smith, that's three straight years of top-10 picks. Not very many coaches can say that, and it shows that Pearl's recruitment and program are strengthening. 

AD: Can Jabari be an All-Star in this league?

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Brener: Absolutely. He's got to grow his game a lot before getting there, but there's certainly potential. He reminds me a lot of Khris Middleton, All-Star and NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton has never been a primary option on a contender, but the Bucks don't win the Finals last year without him and being a strong No. 2 option on a great team warrants All-Star status.

AD: What are you expectations for Smith if he's selected by the Magic?

© Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

Brener: My guess is he's a consistent 15-20 point scorer in the league while averaging 6-8 rebounds. If he can bump that up beyond 20, that's All-Star potential. But for starters, he can come into the league next season and get 15 points per game.

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