2022 NBA Draft

Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr., Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren and Duke's Paolo Banchero indeed were the top three picks as expected, but there was a bit of a curveball in ...

This is a great value pick by the Rockets, who could use more guard depth. The Heat needed some help on offense and they got that in a fluid scorer like Jovic. A 6-10 forward, Jovic is a point forward with an incredible feel for the game. Moore is a multi-talented forward who is a jack-of-all-trades. He’s a raw shot creator who will only have to worry about knocking down catch-and-shoot 3s in Milwaukee. Beauchamp should help the Bucks’ rotation right away. The Bulls' grade has nothing to do with Terry as a player and everything to do with ignoring their biggest need. Williams fills the Hornets’ void at center as a massive presence at 7-feet tall with a 9-foot-9 standing reach. There is intrigue around his ability as a fluid scorer and passer at that size, and the Thunder can afford to be patient, but giving up multiple picks for Dieng feels like a lot. Beal will likely have to play point guard, but Davis is a strong running mate who can start right away in Washington. He’s an active cutter who will play perfectly off of a playmaker like Dejounte Murray and his length, mobility and athleticism gives San Antonio an exciting frontcourt alongside Keldon Johnson. The Pelicans were already knocking on the door of being a competitor in the West upon Zion Williamson’s return. The Pacers were rumored to be open to trading Malcolm Brogdon and now they have the freedom to do so after selecting Mathurin. The Arizona product is an ideal backcourt mate for a playmaker like Haliburton, as Mathurin just might be the best off-ball scorer in this draft. He’s a true combo guard and can play the 1 or the 2 alongside last year’s No. 1 pick, Cade Cunningham. With this selection, Detroit has solidified it’s backcourt of the future – and it will be one of the best backcourts in the entire NBA sooner rather than later.

Teams at the top of the Draft doubled down on youth, while others geared up for a run at free agency.

Sharpe is the mystery of this Draft; the consensus No. 1-ranked high school player in the nation for 2022 graduated a semester early and enrolled at Kentucky in January to prepare for the 2022-23 college season. Well: Free agency doesn’t begin until July 1, and in the meantime, the Pistons seized the chance to capitalize on the draft by adding a second first-rounder in a three-team trade. The Pistons, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Hornets and Warriors all added players in the mid- to late-second round through trades. The Kings used the fourth pick on forward Keegan Murray of Iowa and hope he’s a keeper in more ways than one. When the night was over and all names were called, the Draft served its purpose. There was a common thread with the Blazers’ choice of Shaedon Sharpe at No. 7 and Portland’s Anfernee Simons, taken 24th in 2018. The top three projected picks eventually filled those slots in this draft; after Banchero and before Smith, Chet Holmgren, the gangly center from Gonzaga, went second to Oklahoma City. Then the draft suspense began. That doesn’t include forward Jonathan Issac, who essentially hasn’t played the last two seasons while recovering from a knee injury; he’s 24 and signed a rookie extension shortly after starting rehab on his leg. So the Magic’s decision was essentially between Banchero and Jabari Smith, who went to Houston at No. 3. With a stable of young guards — Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz — in the rotation, Orlando put a premium on securing the front line. The Magic chose Paolo Banchero from Duke, one of three players largely considered to be top-pick-worthy. BROOKLYN, N.Y. — What if they held an NBA Draft and it was mainly that — an actual draft instead of a chaotic trade carnival?

The team also acquired two future second round draft picks from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the 37th pick. With the 4th pick, the Kings drafted Keegan ...

The team also acquired two future second round draft picks from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for the 37th pick. Prior to the start of the draft, the Kings acquired the rights to Sasha Vezenkov along with cash consideration from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for the 49th pick. Sacramento started the day with three picks in this year’s NBA Draft - No. 4 in the first round and No. 37 and No. 49 in the second round.

The No. 1 pick stuns NBA fans with his flashy diamond suit during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.

No. 15 pick Mark Williams No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero From custom suits to dazzling jewelry, this year’s Draft class showed up in style at Barclays Center.

OPP was at the Amway Center Friday as the Orlando Magic introduced their two new rookies to the media.

And I know a few others who never stopped believing that Holmgren wasn’t in play to go to Orlando at number one because of his defensive acumen, incredible instincts, and massive length. In 2021, the five-star recruit (who re-classified to the Class of ‘21) was named a McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic participant. But still, I think the second round is an appropriate time to take a chance on a rangy-wing with size such as Houstan possesses. I really thought Smith Jr. was going to be the pick for Orlando, because of his elite shooting prowess, to go along with his positional-size and defensive upside. The former Florida Gator was selected by Orlando fifth overall in 2000, and he’s one of only two players to ever be named NBA Rookie of the Year as a member of the Magic (the other being Shaquille O’Neal in ‘93). The Magic set the tone for the evening, surprising many around the league by taking Banchero over Smith Jr. I had all three of the perceived top prospects in this class (Banchero, Smith Jr., and Chet Holmgren) fairly even throughout my pre-draft evaluation period. “There was a lot of excitement last night, a lot of emotions. Banchero is well aware that becoming a number one overall pick of the Orlando Magic comes with exceedingly high expectations, considering two of the organization’s former first overall selections (O’Neal in 1992, Dwight Howard in 2004) led their respective teams to NBA Finals berths. “I knew there was a chance,” Banchero told reporters, when asked whether he knew he was going to be the first overall selection. I think you learn about what works (and what doesn’t work), so it definitely helped me a lot - more than I can explain.” Houstan, who is the first second round pick the Magic have rostered since 2018, led the Wolverines in made three-point field goals (60 3PTM’s, 35.5 percent) in 2021-22. Banchero told media members Friday that he didn’t even know about Orlando’s intentions to draft him until right before the pick was made.

This year's NBA Draft has certainly been interesting one, with two big surprises right off the bat with Paolo Banchero selected first overall and Keegan ...

From blockbuster trades to shocking lottery picks, our experts break down everything from a wild draft night.

Gutierrez: The Hornets. It has not been the greatest of offseasons so far for Charlotte. After the team got knocked out of the play-in for the second straight year, Miles Bridges found a dose of controversy with a social media post, and Golden State Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson backed out of an agreement to be the next head coach. Chet Holmgren was a no-brainer, but trading three first-round picks -- all heavily protected -- to the Knicks for Ousmane Dieng at No. 11 was unexpected. Pelton: The three-team deal between the Hornets, Knicks and Pistons has all sorts of fascinating implications for free agency. Ivey brings some of the flair that the more reserved Cunningham doesn't. If they can find a way to complement each other, Ivey and Cunningham could be a lethal combination in a few seasons. Until we see the full picture, this was just a confusing night for the Knicks and their fans. He should have the ball in his hands all the time and is a near lock to put up big numbers if he stays healthy. Pelton: The Rockets tend to see things a lot like I do (both likely 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 at No. 17 after drafting Alperen Sengun at No. 16 last year. If that's the case, a guard combination of Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey and No. 5 pick Jaden Ivey is a good place to start. He was the most college-ready freshman last fall, and he's the most NBA-ready draft pick now. The trades continued to pour in through draft night, with both the Pistons and Rockets making additional deals. Our experts answer the biggest questions and make their bold predictions after a night in which 58 players heard their names called. The Pistons traded forward Jerami Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 36 pick, as well as future draft picks.

Another NBA draft is now in the books. With it, yet another young Australian's life has changed forever, with Victorian guard Dyson Daniels becoming the ...

It may have dashed his draft aspirations, but Lee will still be requiring a professional home this upcoming season, and his injury timeline would still leave the sharpshooting wing healthy for the upcoming NBL season. Brazilian Gui Santos, a talented 6’8 wing out of Brazil, was drafted 55th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Up until now, Santos has been playing for Minas in Novo Basquete Brasil, but to further his growth as a presumable stash candidate, a more competitive league would be suitable. Yes, there are many players in his mould currently on the Thunder roster, but they have so far shown an ability to make multiple smart, on-ball players co-exist up to this point, and Dieng’s modern skillset will not only be welcome but embraced by the forward thinking organisation. As for Besson, the streaky scorer was snapped up lucky last at 58th by the Milwaukee Bucks after impressing for New Zealand this year. You would also be hardpressed to find a better fit for Daniels in the draft lottery. At 6’8 and as one of the draft’s best defenders, Daniels will likely be tasked with defending opposition teams’ strongest backcourt threat on most nights.

Giddey's Thunder face big call as 'bidding war' threatens to shake up NBA Draft: Talking Points.

Sharpe’s size, frame, explosiveness, dynamic shot-making and overall scoring instincts make him one of the most talented wing prospects in this draft class, as he possesses everything NBA teams look for at his position, with considerable star power to grow into over the long term. Mike Brown has officially been introduced as the new coach but Sacramento needs more. With that in mind and the eighth overall pick locked in, is this a chance for New Orleans to take a risk in the hope it pays off? With that in mind, this could be Sacramento’s chance to add a key piece or two that could finally put the franchise in a position to make the playoffs. The Pelicans are almost in a position to contend for a championship. They’ve already got a good young nucleus — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey was outstanding last year.” The Kings have all the power and they know it too, with Wojnarowski reporting Sacramento’s asking price is “going to be significant”. “There are a lot of teams trying to get deals done with Sacramento so they can move up to select Jaden Ivey. That’s teams close to them in the lottery — Detroit, Indiana, who are five and six, the New York Knicks at 11, the Washington Wizards at No. 10 and even some teams outside of the lottery.” The other option for the Thunder, if available, is to swing for the fences and take a gamble on the high-upside Shaedon Sharpe. The Blazers’ front office needs to put a stronger team around Lillard so he is in a position to win and those two would certainly help. The Ringer’s Chris Vernon predicted on the latest episode of ‘The Mismatch’ podcast that this is going to be a ‘wild’ draft. “I think you’re going to see teams with multiple draft picks and knowing their best chance to improve is not going to be in July in free agency, it’s going to be around the draft with trades and we’re going to see a lot of them.”

In reality, of course, drafts can't truly be judged until at least a few years down the line, when prospects have been given time to grow and be properly ...

The At No. 10 it would've been nice to see the Wizards swing for the fences. Either way, he should serve as enticing trade fodder as the Blazers attempt to once again build a contender around -- to the Lakers for cash. The only knock here is Orlando trading one of its second-rounders -- pick 35! Holmgren could end up being the best player in the draft, so this is already a great night for OKC, and Dieng may have the biggest upside of any player taken in the late lottery. Christie provides shooting, which the Beauchamp is one of the older prospects in this draft with a strong pedigree coming off a big year with the G League Ignite, and Besson is a fabulous scorer from range at his size. Maybe not someone who can contribute next season in a major way, but a promising young prospect for the Smith might actually be a better fit for the Rockets given his ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions, and he'll join With its one and only pick in this year's draft, Boston grabbed a bat and swung for the fences at pick No. 53 in selecting Alabama's JD Davison. Davison is a former five-star recruit with a great pedigree who struggled at times last season in his one-and-done year with the Tide. However, he brings athleticism you rarely see in a point guard and showed enough as a playmaker to warrant a second-round flier. In reality, of course, drafts can't truly be judged until at least a few years down the line, when prospects have been given time to grow and be properly evaluated.

Rookie Wire went through and graded all 30 picks from the first round of the draft now that the smoke has cleared from the evening.

He is a good scorer and has great court vision while also taking care of the ball. Jovic can space the floor and has also shown promise as a ballhandler and rebounder, which are areas of need for Miami. He boasts prior professional experience now, which fits more on their timeline to win now, and should be able to step in immediately and play. The Spurs have instituted a great development system so we expect Wesley, and the rest of their picks, to flourish. Roddy figures to give the Grizzlies a floor-spacer given his ability to knock down shots from deep. Memphis needed to make a trade to get him, but the move to do so should be worth it in the end. The Rockets could use a versatile defender such as Eason on the roster and went and got their guy. His potential as a 3-and-D prospect will certainly be enticing as the Cavaliers emerged as an outstanding defensive team last season. He will help them win games next season, and for a team that had a catastrophic finish to the year, that will be a needed addition. The Pelicans absolutely hit a home run on Thursday as Daniels should become a fan favorite in no time. The rest of their roster is in flux right now, with Myles Turner and Malcolm Brogdon on the trade block, but Mathurin will be a good piece to their core. Ivey can not only help the Pistons next season, but he also has the potential to develop into a star in the NBA. The Pistons have a strong development system and it will be fun to see him grow next season and beyond. The first of three picks for the Thunder was a knockout.

The 2022 NBA Draft has come and gone. Which franchise had the most successful draft night?

I did like what they did in the second round, though. Stop me if you're sensing a trend here, but he was a five-star recruit and McDonald's All-American in the class of 2021. Minott is an athletic wing who could develop into an intriguing player and Spagnolo is a playmaker, which fits a need. Koloko couldn't be more of a typical Raptors pick. Hardy will thrive playing alongside a playmaker like Luka Doncic and Dallas is going to look brilliant for making this pick. The Wizards selected the best player available at a position of need in Davis at No. 10. Griffin at No. 16 is a steal. The Hornets desperately needed a center and they got their guy in Williams – one of the best shot blockers and rim-runners in this draft class. Smith still fits a need at power forward and gives the Rockets a two-way threat to build around with last year's No. 2 pick Jalen Green. They made a floor-raising pick with a defensive stopper in Eason at No. 17 and then landed Washington, who was once projected as a top-10 pick in this class, at the end of the first round. Sochan is a versatile defensive presence to help build out an athletic frontcourt with Keldon Johnson. Branham was a steal at No. 20 as one of the best pure scorers in this draft class. The Magic land at third on this list just because I believe they got the No. 1 pick right. When Ivey — the best guard in this class — fell to them at No. 5, that locked up their backcourt of the future alongside Cade Cunningham. Then, Detroit traded for an athletic and physically imposing big man in Duren, rapidly building its core of young and talented players.

The Magic used the top pick on Paolo Banchero, who became the fourth player from Duke to go No. 1 overall. Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren and Auburn's Jabari Smith ...

While Banchero was a surprise at No. 1, Holmgren was always expected to go to Oklahoma City with the second pick. Like Murray, Ivey had a breakout sophomore season, averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists at Purdue. One other trade was completed toward the end of the lottery selections. He will now join a Kings team that is trying to end a 16-year playoff drought and retool itself around guard De'Aaron Fox and big man Domantas Sabonis under new coach Mike Brown. Oklahoma City then took Williams with the 12th pick, making him the first player drafted from Santa Clara since Hall of Famer Steve Nash in 1996. But the Magic turned things upside down by taking Banchero, who sported a bright purple suit with sequins, along with even brighter shoes, as he took to the stage and shook hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver. I'm happy to get to Houston and just show them, give them what they picked. "It's a lot of great players there with unique skill sets. "Orlando wasn't really sure yet, and just to be ready for whatever. I feel like I can kind of pair up with them and help enhance theirs as well as have their skill sets enhance mine." I'm happy to be where I'm wanted. I'm ready."