NBA Draft 2022: Meet the top 3 prospects
Now that the NBA season has come to an end, we look forward to the next season as the draft begins this Thursday. Here’s a look at the top picks in the 2022 draft.
The Warriors won another title and Steph Curry finally got his Finals MVP award, but now the NBA season has come to an end. It’s time for the league to plan for the next one. The NBA Draft starts this Thursday, June 23. The top three potential picks this year are clear. The Orlando Magic have the first pick, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder and Houston Rockets. Let’s take a look at the top three potential picks.
Jabari Smith, Auburn
Standing at 6′10″, the Auburn forward is the favorite to go No. 1 overall. Smith is an elite shooter, which is what the Orlando Magic could use in the coming season. He finished the 2021-22 season with an average 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, two assists, and shooting 42/9% from the field per game.
Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
What Holmgren lacks in strength, he makes up for in length and size, standing at 7′1″ with a 7-6 wingspan. His length makes him a great defender, able to block anyone in his way. The Thunder are in need of a good center, so if Holmgren doesn’t go first, he’s likely to be chosen second to go to Oklahoma City. He finished the 2021-22 season with 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and shooting 60.7% from the field per game.
Paolo Banchero, Duke
Banchero is an excellent shot-creator, especially for his size (6′10″, 250 pounds). He’s a consistent and polished player who thrives in the mid-range. He began as a guard but became a power forward when he hit a growth spurt. He finished the 2021-22 season at Duke with 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 47.8% shooting from the field per game.