With the NBA season over, it is time for the trades, the free agency and the Draft. The night of the young was initially more promising for the trades rumors than for the actual picks, as they looked evident. Wojnarowski (ESPN) anticipated the first three picks, but we certainly did not expect such a turnover at the last moment.
Get to know the first three picks of the 2022 NBA Draft:
#1 Paolo Banchero
Orlando Magic ended up choosing Banchero as their first pick in the Draft. A power forward with good physical, good from mid distance and who can add a lot offensively (17,2 points, 7,8 rebounds and 3,2 assists). The Magic seem to look for an inmediate impact and Banchero is a secure choice, as he can add points since the start. His current level is decent and we will have to see if he is able to progress properly by improving his exterior shooting and working hard on defense.
The controversy through this pick comes up as, according to Shams Charania, Banchero has not had a single meeting or practice with Orlando during the previous process to the Draft. Even if he ends up becoming a star, making such an important decision this way by a franchise without having a previous contact does not seem to be the best option.
#2 Chet Holmgren
Oklahoma seemed to have it clear since the beginning. If Holmgren went down to the second pick, they had to select him. Not even the possibility to draft Jabari Smith (moved up to the first pick) at the last moment (proyectado al uno) changed their plans. Holmgren is one of the diamonds to shape from Draft, as he can both play as a power forward or center thanks to his 2,13 meters of height and 2,29 of magnitude.
He can improve physically and we will have to see him against bigger players than him, but he certainly has a great defensive talent. His fit in the Thunder is ideal and he is improving his shooting, which becomes him in a very interesting offensive player (14,1 points, 9,9 rebounds and 1,9 assists).
#3 Jabari Smith
Jabari Smith Jr. ended up facing to the third pick by the Houston Rockets. He is a small forward with good physical, good defensively and who has also added great shooting this past year (16,9 points with a 42% of accuracy in the triple, 7,4 rebounds and 1,1 steals). He is a very solid choice, with margin of improvement and who certainly fits in the Houston’s rebuilding process.
The departure of Christian Wood, who has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks, eases the arrival of Jabari Smith and the fit with Sengun in the interior positions of the team.
Translated by Guillermo Bermejo.
Main image: Twitter @NBASpain.
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