Every Orlando Magic Selection From The Last 5 Drafts, And Where They Are Now

Not everything has gone according to plan since the Magic took Paolo Banchero

Nov 10, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and forward Tristan da Silva (23) react after a play against the Portland Trail Blazers in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The directionless Orlando Magic suddenly had some sort of guidance when they drafted Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 overall pick in 2022. Not everything has gone according to plan since then, especially as it pertains to the draft. What were some of the hits and misses from the Magic's drafts over the last five cycles? Let's examine!

Feb 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts after making a three point basket late in the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

2022 NBA Draft:

Paolo Banchero, Duke: No. 1 overall

Skinny: There was plenty of consternation leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft about who should -- and would -- go No. 1 overall. Ultimately, the Magic chose Banchero, becoming the third No. 1 pick in franchise history. Banchero, 23, immediately became a franchise cornerstone, although he's subsequently turned into one of the more polarizing forwards in the sport.

Where they are now: Still with Magic

Caleb Houstan, Michigan: No. 32

Skinny: With the second pick in the second round, the Magic drafted Caleb Houstan. Unfortunately, he never quite stuck in Orlando despite then-head coach Jamahl Mosley called Houstan a "machine." Houstan averaged just 4.1 points in 168 career games with the Magic. He was waived to create cap space in June of 2025 and spent last season in the Atlanta Hawks organization.

Where they are now: New Orleans Pelicans on a one-year, non guaranteed contract

Mar 5, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black (0) reacts after scoring during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

2023 NBA Draft:

Anthony Black, Arkansas: No. 6 overall

Skinny: Coming off a 34-win season, the Magic earned the sixth-best odds in the 2023 draft lottery and stayed right there, selecting Black, a highly-touted, yet still raw Arkansas guard. It took a few seasons for Black to establish himself as a good rotation player, breaking out last year, averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

Where they are now: With Magic coming off the bench

Jett Howard, Michigan: No. 11 overall

Skinny: Howard wasn't their only lottery pick they made that year. As a result of the Nikola Vucevic deadline deal, they scored the Bulls' first-round pick, which became the 11th pick. The Magic dipped back into Michigan's talent pool and drafted Howard, the son of former 19-year NBA veteran and two-time champion Juwan Howard. Similar to Houstan, Howard never quite stuck. The Magic declined his fourth-year team option for 2026-27 and did not elect to bring him back in free agency.

Where they are now: Dallas Mavericks on two-way contract

Apr 12, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) dribbles down the court during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

2024 NBA Draft:

Tristan da Silva, Colorado: No. 18 overall:

Skinny: Orlando drafted the ready-made da Silva, one of the oldest players in the 2024 class. But he was also one of the most polished. And, so far, he's been a reliable, malleable rotation player. He may not "wow" the box score, though the 6-foot-8 wing is one of the Magic's top shooters and connectors offensively. He has started barely half (71) of his 152 career games, averaging 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds on 35.7 percent shooting from distance.

Where they are now: Magic rotation player

Nov 23, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic guard Jase Richardson (11) reacts after making a three point basket during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

2025 NBA Draft:

Jase Richardson, Michigan State: No. 25 overall

Skinny: Richardson, the son of former 13-year NBA veteran Jason Richardson, spent most of his rookie season outside of the Magic rotation. He played fairly well when he saw the floor, but he still only saw 10.9 minutes per contest, averaging 4.4 points on 47.3/35.4/71.7 shooting splits. Richardson is a smart player who will compete on both ends, but his size -- or lack thereof -- will raise questions about his viability on an NBA court until proven otherwise.

Where they are now: Magic rotation player

Mar 19, 2026; Buffalo, NY, USA; South Florida Bulls forward Izaiyah Nelson (35) reacts to a play during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals during a first round game of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Keybank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

2026 NBA Draft:

Izaiyah Nelson, South Florida: No. 51 overall

Skinny: It's way too early to even think about whether this was -- or will be -- a hit or not. After all, Orlando entered the 2026 NBA Draft with just one pick: No. 46 overall. They traded back five spots and drafted Nelson, an athletic, hyperactive defensive playmaker from South Florida. Unfortunately for him, he wasn't able to show much during Summer League -- fracturing his ankle in his third Summer League game.

Where they are now: Two-way contract with Magic