The No. With the No. 2022 NBA draftThe Orlando Magic selected Duke forward Paolo Banchero. This was a surprising move considering Banchero had never met with Magic players and consensus in the league that Auburn’s JabariSmith Jr. would be heading to Orlando.
Banchero, however, was the first to hear his name called. Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren went No. 2 to the Oklahoma City ThunderWhile the Houston Rockets Smith was the No. The No. 3 overall pick. The Sacramento Kings drafted Iowa forward Keegan Murray at No. 4 and Detroit Pistons Jaden Ivey, Purdue’s guard, completed the top five.
Our NBA Insiders breakdown the key draft-night takeaways. This includes which pick will have the best rookie season. How about the deals that happened on Thursday?
The Pistons and Rockets made moves before Smith and Ivey were drafted. The Rockets traded the center Christian Wood The Dallas Mavericks The No. 26 pick, and four players with expiring contracts. The Pistons traded forward Jerami Grant The Portland Trail Blazers The No. 36 pick as well as future draft picks.
Trades continued to flow through draft night with both the Pistons, Rockets and other teams making additional deals. In what was one of most important moves of the evening, Detroit purchased the No. 13 overall pick of Charlotte Hornets. In a three-way deal, Jalen Duren was the 13th overall pick. New York Knicks Who sent the point guard? Kemba Walker The Motor City.
The Philadelphia 76ers Trade action was initiated, swingman sent Danny Green The No. 23 overall pick to The Memphis Grizzlies For guard De’Anthony Melton.
Which trade, draft-night or predraft, will have the greatest impact? Which of the top 3 picks will be most suited to immediate success next year? Which teams were the worst performers on draft night After a night when 58 players were called, our experts answered the most pressing questions and made bold predictions.
MORE: NBA draft trade grades | NBA trade tracker
1. Which one of the top picks can you expect to be a successful rookie?
Kevin Pelton: Smith’s ability to be both fit and ready is something I enjoy. Houston won’t have as many offensive needs with Orlando, so Banchero is likely to be called upon to provide a lot more offense. Jalen Green He is a reliable guy. Smith’s efficiency will be improved by the Rockets pushing Smith’s 2s beyond the 3-point line.
Andrew Lopez: Banchero fits in well in Orlando, where he is surrounded Franz Wagner And Wendell Carter Jr. in the frontcourt. Banchero is 6-foot-10 and can play power forward. He also uses his offensive skills, which made him the surprising No. 1 pick. As ESPN Stats & Information points out, Banchero is one of two freshmen with 600 points, 300 rebounds and 100 assists in a season over the past 30 Division I seasons, along with Ben Simmons (LSU). Banchero will fit in perfectly with Orlando’s young core.
Tim Bontemps: All three picks are capable of being very good but Banchero is the clear favorite to win NBA Rookie-of-the Year. He was already the best NBA-ready player in this class and will be going to an Orlando team in desperate need of offense. He should always have the ball in his hand and is nearly certain to put up big numbers if healthy.
Jeff Borzello: Banchero would have been my choice if he was No. He’s not going to Orlando, but he is my answer. Although the Magic have several backcourt playmakers that are more effective with the ball, Banchero can be a focal point for the half-court starting at the beginning. He’s a good scorer at all levels, is a great passer for someone of his size, and is an outside shooter who shot 52.6% from three in the NCAA tournament. He was the college-ready freshman and the most NBA-ready draft selection last fall.
Israel Gutierrez: Banchero and it has nothing do with his draft location. He’s best equipped to defend his position right now, which should keep him on court long enough to record solid numbers. Smith can guard multiple positions, and could be reliable as a defender you can trust when switching. Smith’s small frame, much like Holmgren, will be something the NBA will make full use of in the next season.
2. Which team did you find most impressive in the draft this year?
Lopez: Oklahoma City identified the players it wanted and pursued them. Orlando was the first to take Holmgren at No. 1 The Thunder chose Holmgren as No. 2. Instead of waiting for Ousmane dieng to slip to them at No. 12 They sent three future first-rounders to New York to Dieng. Then, they drafted Jalen Williams from Santa Clara with their No. 12 pick. The No. With the No. 34 pick, the Thunder did their PR staff, fans and coaches no favors by draft Jaylin Williams from Arkansas — which is sure to not confuse anyone.
Gutierrez: Detroit. After Jerami grant was traded before the draft, the Pistons made clear they would build around a young core and maybe DeAndreAyton in free agency. If that is the case, they will likely combine a guard with Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey The No. Jaden Ivey, 5 pick is a great place to begin. Ivey brings a certain flair to the table that Cunningham, who is more reserved, doesn’t. Ivey and Cunningham can be a formidable combination if they find ways to complement one another. Jalen Duren was also an important addition to a team that requires toughness at the front.
Bontemps: Detroit’s acquisition of Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren was a great deal. Especially considering that the Pistons were only required to take on Kembawalker and give up the future Milwaukee first round pick from the Jerami Gran deal. Ivey is a huge upside player and could be a great fit with Cade Cunningham. Duren brings athleticism and shot-blocking ability inside. To supplement their young core, the Pistons also have free agency money.
Borzello: This feels like the answer almost every year. But it’s hard to not love what the Spurs did for their three first-rounders. Jeremy Sochan’s stock is on the rise and he was ranked No. 9. Poland’s native son played his entire freshman season at 18 years of age and showed glimpses of the heights to which he can go. He can play multiple positions, can shoot from the perimeter despite his low shooting percentage and has shown an ability to integrate into a team culture. Blake Wesley and Malaki Branham were two other young guards that the Spurs landed. After a stellar second half at Ohio State in his first draft, Branham was a lottery buzz pick. His offensive abilities should translate to the Spurs immediately. Wesley struggled as a freshman at Notre Dame. However, he is explosive and will be able to improve his game.
Pelton: Rockets tend to view things in a similar way as I do (both probably influenced by). statistical draft projections), and for a second consecutive year they drafted one of the players I considered most underrated, adding LSU’s Tari Eason No. 17 after drafting Alperen Sengun at No. 16. Last year. Houston was well-placed to capitalize on Smith’s surprise fall to No. 3. Later, the Rockets added Kentucky’s guard TyTy Washington Jr. with their 29th pick. They also banked two future second-rounders as part of a trade. Overall, I enjoyed Houston’s move.
3. Which team had the least successful draft night?
Bontemps: For now, the Knicks were simply confusing. It took me over an hour to figure out all the moves they made, which essentially led to trading the No. Walker, four second-round selections, the 11th pick and three future conditional first round picks were returned. None of these picks are likely to be as good or as valuable as the No. 11 pick. The Knicks now have the option to lose a lot more salary, which could give them the opportunity to pursue players such Brunson. Kyrie Irving Free agency. This night was confusing for the Knicks as well as their fans.
Lopez: It’s the Knicks for now. New York began the night with the No. New York started the night with the No. 11 pick. They ended up sending that pick, four second round picks, and Kemba Walker to three future first-rounders (protected 2023 picks in Detroit and Washington, and a top-four protected Milwaukee firstrounder in 2025). The Washington pick is lottery protected, while the Pistons pick will be top-18 protected in the next year. It is possible for either one to move. This does allow the Knicks to free up cap space this season. Jalen Brunson It works.
Pelton: I don’t really care about the fit of Wisconsin guard Johnny Davis. Washington Wizards. Davis is most dangerous when he’s the volume scorer. If the Wizards are resigned, Davis will be paired with a player who can do the exact same thing more efficiently. Bradley BealThis is a poor use of the No. 10 pick.
Borzello: Although I think there weren’t any poor drafts, the Thunder and Grizzlies made some interesting first-round moves. It was easy to trade three picks in the first round — all of them heavily protected — to Chet Holmgren for Ousmane dieng at No. 11 was a surprise. Taking Jalen Williams at No. 12 seemed a little early, even though Williams stock has risen. The Grizzlies will have both Jake LaRavia and David Roddy, who are both capable of contributing due to their shooting and versatility. However, both players felt a bit early. Roddy did not have a very good combine, and it is unclear how effective he will be defensively. LaRavia enjoyed a great season at Wake Forest. However, he traded Nos. Surprise! He traded Nos. 22 and 29 to move up three places. Kennedy Chandler in round two was an excellent value pick.
Gutierrez: The Hornets. Charlotte has had a rough offseason so far. After being knocked out for the second consecutive year of the play-in, Miles Bridges With a social media posting, there was some controversy. Golden State Warriors Assistant Kenny Atkinson pulled out of an agreement to become the next head coach. On Thursday, the Hornets traded pick Number. 13 (a Jalenduren-sized big man) was traded to Detroit in exchange for a 2025 first rounder. Huh?
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Watch highlights of Jabari Smith’s Auburn game as he prepares for the NBA.
4. Which trades will have the most impact, draft-night or predraft?
Borzello: The Rockets have done a great job over the last few days. The Christian Wood deal was a big win for the Rockets on Thursday. They captured their three first round picks and also received two future second round picks. Smith and JalenGreen should form an effective scoring duo. Kevin Porter Jr. Smith won’t be responsible for a lot of scoring duties starting on Day 1. The Rockets also added Tari Eason, one of their best defensive players, to the No. 17. After trading down from No. 26 landing TyTy Washington as No. 29 was a steal. He was a lottery pick throughout the season, and even before his January ankle injury. Washington is a pick-and-roll player and a 40% 3-point shooter when he was healthy. This month, the Rockets made great strides in their rebuild.
Lopez: Philadelphia traded two players that were unlikely to make a significant impact next season, Colorado State forward David Roddy and Colorado State’s No. 23 pick. De’Anthony Melton is the 23rd pick. Danny Green was injured in 2022 playoffs and will not be able to contribute immediately. Melton, 24, averaged 10.8 points per game and 4.5 rebounds in Memphis last season. These are career highs as he played more off the ball for the Grizzlies.
Bontemps: It may be possible, depending on the Knicks’ actions. But Philadelphia turning Danny Green into the No. 23 pick into De’Anthony Melton. Trading Green, who will be missing the season due to a knee injury is now a young, athletic winger in Melton. Melton is an ideal fit for the role of a defender. James Harden And Tyrese Maxey — was a fantastic piece of business by Daryl Morey (76ers president of basketball operation).
Pelton: There are many interesting implications of free agency with the three-team deal between New York, Knicks, and Pistons. New York was able to offer Jalen Brunson, Mavericks point guard, a major deal, while Detroit Jalen Duren (a center who could be a restricted free agent for the Pistons), was also given. Deandre Ayton. Could the Pistons make an attempt at Miles Bridges, Charlotte’s restricted-free agent? This may have been unwittingly facilitated by the Hornets.
Gutierrez: Even with Grant, the Blazers can rebound from an unfortunate season and become a top-six seed within one year. Damian Lillard One more frontcourt upgrade. If Anfernee Simons Can still produce with a healthy group around him, which should keep this team competitive with other teams. Denver Nuggets And Minnesota TimberwolvesAt the most,
5. I am boldly predicting:
Lopez: Jabari will win Rookie-of-the Year. Although I did say Banchero is the best for immediate success Smith should have better numbers. Smith should also be motivated by a draft-night slight to ensure a great season. Alongside 2021 rookies Jalen Green, Josh Christopher, Alperen Sengun and Usman GarubaSmith will be able to learn and grow, and most importantly, get up and shoot. Houston is currently undergoing a major rebuild and Smith should be able shine.
Pelton: E.J. E.J. New Orleans Pelicans Herb Jones, a teammate, was selected as a second round pick for the All-Rookie Team.
Gutierrez: Dyson Daniels is a rotation player for the Pelicans team that finishes among the top four in Western Conference. The No. 8 pick has the build and defensive ability to be an instant impact player. The No. 8 pick has the build, defensive ability and mentality to make an immediate impact on an elite New Orleans team.
Borzello: Jaden Hardy was picked in the second round and is one the draft’s most influential players. Hardy, who was projected to be a top-three pick in the draft less than a year ago and one of this class’ game-changers, was still being projected. After a disappointing season with the G League, Hardy had a mixed year. He scored 17.7 points and shot 35.1% from behind the goal line. From there, he shot 26.9% from three. Hardy can be considered one of the best pure scorers in the draft at his best. Hardy won’t need to do more than score in Dallas. Experienced ball handlers Luka Doncic And Spencer DinwiddieHardy can go out and become a shot-maker. It’s a perfect fit for him.
Bontemps: The Trail Blazers will be proud to have Shaedon Sharpe as their No. 7th overall. While I’m not Jonathan Givony, who does an amazing job with our draft stuff. Sharpe has huge upside and the potential to become a major-time wing player. Portland made the right decision to take a bigger swing at him than make a win-now move.