Draft Day is here! 

For the first time since 2004, the Orlando Magic have the number one overall selection in the NBA Draft and let’s just say this is the most excited the fan base has been since the Magic made it into the Finals in 2009. There is so much smokescreen going on leading up to draft day that it has been difficult to decipher what is real and what is not.  The constant debate between fans has made this one of the most intriguing drafts in a long time, and it can really go either way. Magic fans should rejoice in whoever winds up being the pick as this front office has had a pretty good track record with their picks in recent years. “In Welt(man) We Trust.”

Round 1- Pick 1    Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith Jr. (6’10”, 220 lbs)
(PF, Auburn, Freshman) (16.9. pts, 7.4 reb, 2.0 ast, 42.9 FG%, 42.0 3pt %)

Who the Magic should select at number one overall has been the biggest story surrounding this draft in the media since they won the draft lottery.  The top 3 prospects in this draft are Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero which all have a strong case as to why they should be taken with the number one pick. While it is usually difficult to predict what the Magic will do as they tend to keep their front office from leaking much throughout the years, it is widely speculated amongst most draft experts and media outlets that the Magic will select Jabari Smith Jr. 

The Jonathan Isacc question still needs to be answered but if drafted at number one Jabari could slide in perfectly into the PF spot between Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr.  Jabari profiles to be the perfect fit alongside this roster as his size and shooting ability really blend in well with who the Magic currently have and what they need to fill out their young core. His shooting touch is what should entice the Magic the most as with his 6’10” frame and textbook shooting form he should be able to get his shot off on any defender with ease. While at Auburn most of his points off catch and shoot and set shots versus off the dribble, there have been plenty of flashes shown that with some refined work on his handles he can become a legit 3-level scorer which is something the Magic have been searching for desperately since Tracy McGrady left in 2004. 

With all that said, I believe the Magic are drafting Jabari here in order to trade with OKC for Paolo Banchero. Paolo brings the same scoring versatility but with a stronger frame and a more refined handle. Mike Miller, former 1^st round draft pick of the Magic is now Paolo’s agent which adds fuel to the fire. Paolo seems to be the one with the most star power which is above all what the Magic have been looking for since Dwight Howard left. Paolo brings that in stride. Drafting Jabari here allows them to entice OKC to add future picks or players in order to get Jabari considering Chet has never submitted his medicals to either the Magic or the Thunder. 

Round 1- Pick 2    Oklahoma City Thunder:  Paolo Banchero (6’10”, 250 lbs)

(PF, Duke, Freshman) (17.2 pts, 7.8 reb, 3.2 ast, 47.8 FG %, 33.8 % 3-pt %)

It’s been clear since the draft the Thunder want either Smith or Holmgren. However, with it being reported Chet did not submit his medicals to either the Thunder or Magic, it is likely he will slide. With Chet out of contention for both the Magic the Thunder seemingly because of the medical issue, The Thunder are at the mercy of the Magic here. OKC has more than enough assets to entice the Magic to get the number 1 overall pick. I believe they do so to draft Jabari, Leaving them to draft Paolo Banchero in this spot in order to trade to Orlando. 

Round 1- Pick 3    Houston Rockets:  Chet Holmgren (7’0”, 195 lbs)

(C, Gonzaga, Freshman) (14.1 pts, 9.9 reb, 1.9 ast, 60.7 FG %, 39.0 3-pt%)

After reports that he did not submit his medical to the Magic or Thunder, it seems Chet is going to slide, although I do not expect him to fall past Houston at 3. While the lack of submitting medicals is a concern, it shouldn’t be too much an issue for him that he will fall past this spot. He is too skilled to allow the medicals to let him slide too far, however he falls to Houston here and becomes the perfect complement to Jalen Green and Alperen Shengun.

Round 1 - Pick 4    Sacramento Kings:  Jaden Ivey (6’4”, 195 lbs)

(G, Purdue, Sophomore) (17.3 pts, 4.9 reb, 3.1 ast, 46.0 FG %, 35.8 3-pt %)

This is where the draft can begin to get very interesting. While I fully expect the Kings to trade this pick considering they seem to be in “win-now” mode after trading Tyrese Haliburton for Domontas Sabonis at the deadline last season, it is possible they are enticed with the prospect of drafting Jaden Ivey here. After the top 3 big men Ivey is easily considered the best prospect remaining while rivaling some of the top 3 in some camps. He is an explosive guard who could make an intriguing backcourt option with De’Aaron Fox. While it would seem like an odd choice to draft another guard Sacramento can’t afford to pass on a potential star given the opportunity. 

Round 1 - Pick 5    Detroit Pistons:  Shaedon Sharpe (6’5”, 198 lbs) 

(SG, Kentucky, Freshman) (Stats N/A)

The number one ranked player in the 2021 class before reclassifying for 2022, Sharpe is easily the most intriguing prospect from a potential standpoint at this point in the draft. Sharpe came into the 2021-2022 NCAA season as the projected top prospect in 2022 but has had his stock take a hit since deciding to opt-out of the season for Kentucky and just focus on the Draft. With his 6’5” frame, shooting touch and shot creation ability, He would fit perfect alongside Cade Cunningham and be a dynamic backcourt for years to come, Not to mention one of the tallest.

Round 1 - Pick 6    Indiana Pacers:  Keegan Murray (6’8”, 224 lbs)

(SF, Iowa, Sophomore) (23.5 pts, 8.7 reb, 1.5 ast, 55.4 FG %, 39.8 3-pt %)

Considered a top-5 prospect by most scouts and executives, the Pacers would luck out here by drafting a potential all-star in Murray. He profiles as the ideal wing in today’s NBA with his size, length and shooting ability and would slide in day one at the 3 joining a nice young core of Tyrese Haliburton, Chris Duarte, Malcolm Brogdon and Myles Turner. His two-way upside is probably the most intriguing. The Pacers committed to quasi rebuild by trading away Domontas Sabonis, drafting Murray here can help accelerate that process. 

Round 1 - Pick 7    Portland Trailblazers:  Jalen Duren (6’11”, 250 lbs)

(C, Memphis, Freshman) (12.0 pts, 8.1 reb, 1.3 ast, 2.1 blk, 59.7 FG %)

The Blazers are in a weird spot here. After trading CJ McCollum at the deadline last year it seemed to signal that the Blazers were going to enter a sort of rebuild phase despite the presence of Damian Lillard still on the roster. While a trade for a veteran piece is likely, should they stay with the pick the need to use it to add some much needed depth to their frontcourt and Duren fits the bill. While not projected to be a much of threat offensively due to his lack of shooting, his size and athleticism would benefit the Blazers tremendously. 

Round 1 - Pick 8    New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers):  Bennedict Mathurin (6’6”, 210 lbs) 

(SG/SF, Arizona, Sophomore) (17.7 pts, 5.6 reb, 2.5 ast, 45.0 FG %, 36.9 3-pt %)

Mathurin showed a huge improvement from his freshman year to his sophomore year most dramatically with his scoring. He jumped a while 6 ppg higher while maintaining similar efficiency. The extra year to mature here should allow him to contribute a little more right out of the gate.

Round 1 - Pick 9    San Antonio Spurs:  Mark Williams (7’0”, 242 lbs)

(C, Duke, Freshman) (11.2 pts, 7.4 reb, 0.9 ast, 2.8 blk, 72.1 FG %)

A somewhat tricky spot for the Spurs to be in as they already have some nice young guard and wing depth, it would behoove them to focus on shirring up their frontcourt. The next best prospect to fit that mold has to be Mark Williams. One of the best shot blockers in this entire draft, His play alongside projected top-3 pick Paolo Banchero showed that he can be a strong two-way presence given the opportunity. 

Round 1 - Pick 10    Washington Wizards:  Dyson Daniels (6’6”, 199 lbs)

(G, G-League Ignite, 2003) (11.9 pts, 5.1 ast, 7.4 reb, 2.1 stl, 50.0 FG %, 30.0 3-pt %)

In desperate need of more guard depth, the Wizards can get a potential steal here with Daniels at no. 10. Daniels put up solid numbers playing alongside and against NBA-level talent with the G-League Ignite. Considered a top prospect coming into the year, he hasn’t done much to change that notion. Should Beal stay, he and Daniels will make a nice backcourt duo.  

Round 1 - Pick 11    New York Knicks:  Johnny Davis (6’5”, 194 lbs) 

(G, Wisconsin, Sophomore) (19.7 pts, 8.2 reb, 2.1 ast, 42.7 FG %, 30.6 3-pt %)

Let’s face it we all know the Knicks need a PG, and although there is a lack of a true PG at this stage the 2022 Big Ten Player of the Year Johnny Davis would be a welcome addition in MSG.  While his assist numbers leave a lot to be desired his best asset is certainly his scoring and with the uncertainty of everyone pretty much except RJ Barrett on the Knicks roster as far as the future is concerned, grabbing Jonny here would give them another young building block on the wing who can score, which has been a concern for most on the roster besides RJ. 

Round 1 - Pick 12    Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers):  AJ Griffin (6’6”, 222 lbs)

(SF, Duke, Freshman) (10.4 pts, 3.9 reb, 1.0 ast, 49.3 FG %, 44.7 3-pt %)

While this is another pick I expect to be traded, Should the Thunder remain in this spot they should select Duke’s AJ Griffin. The best shooter from a statistical standpoint AJ shot 44.7 % from 3-pt range solidifying himself as a lottery pick, the question has been just who in the lottery will take him and when. This would be a great spot for AJ to land as he should be able to contribute right away and add some much needed depth on the wing for OKC.

Round 1 - Pick 13    Charlotte Hornets: Ochai Agbaji (6’5”, 215 lbs)

(SG, Kansas, Senior) (18.8 pts, 5.1 reb, 1.6 ast, 47.5 FG %, 40.9 3-pt %)

As the only senior to be projected in the lottery, the Hornets would do well in drafting Agbaji here as he should be able to contribute on both ends of the floor immediately. His ability to score from almost anywhere on the floor should be enticing as they try to improve from making the play-in tournament this past season. Also, getting a recent NCAA Champion and Most Outstanding Player on your team surely can’t hurt.

Round 1 - Pick 14    Cleveland Cavaliers: Malaki Branham (6’5”, 180 lbs)

(SG, Ohio State, Freshman) (13.7 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.0 ast, 49.8 FG %, 41.6 3-pt %)

With the final pick of the lottery Cleveland should look to add more depth on the wing and best available prospect that fits that bill is Malaki Branham. He has good size for a wing with smooth handles and a nose for scoring the ball. He should fit in well with their current young core.

Round 1 - Pick 15    Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans):  Jeremy Sochan (6’9”, 230 lbs)

(PF, Baylor, Freshman) (9.2 pts, 6.4 reb, 1.8 ast, 47.4 FG%, 29.6 3-pt %)

With rumors flying around that the Hornets may not be willing to pay Miles Bridges what he is asking for in his rookie extension, drafting his possible replacement in Sochan would be a smart play here for his Airness and Hornets organization. Though his shooting and scoring need to be improved, his versatility on defense which allows him to guard 1-5 is his most attractive attribute to any team, especially for the Hornets here who can definitely use more versatile defenders considering the make-up of their current roster. 

Round 1 - Pick 16    Atlanta Hawks:  Tari Eason (6’8”, 216 lbs)

(PF, LSU, Sophomore) (16.9 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.0 ast, 52.1 FG %, 35.9 3-pt %)

Another PF in the rumor mill is Hawks F John Collins. It is no secret for years now Collins and superstar Trae Young have not always been on the same page, however this may be the time they decide to move on from Collins and draft his replacement here in Easton. While not as explosive as Collins, Eason brings a two-way versatility to the Hawks that would be welcome on this roster. 

Round 1 - Pick 17    Houston Rockets: Ousmane Dieng (6’9”, 185 lbs)

(SF, New Zealand Breakers (NBL), 2003) (8.9 pts, 3.2 reb, 1.1 ast, 39.8 FG %, 27.1 3-pt %)

The biggest mystery in the draft outside of Shaedon Sharpe, Dieng really can range anywhere in the 10-20 range. As another young NBL prospect, Dieng hasn’t truly gotten the opportunity to show his full potential but what he has shown should be enough to convince any team to take a flier on him, the catch is that the team that drafts him may have to extra patient for him to develop as it took a majority of the season for him to find his stride. The Rockets just so happen to be the perfect team to do so considering their current roster and timeline. 

Round 1 - Pick 18    Chicago Bulls: Walker Kessler (7’1”, 245 lbs)

(C, Auburn, Sophomore) (11.4 pts, 8.1 reb, 4.6 blk, 60.8 FG %, 20.0 3-pt %)

Despite a hot start to the season the Bulls slowed down around the All-Star break and would finish as only the 6^th seed in the playoffs and would lose 4-1 to the Milwaukee Bucks. Their most glaring issue during their down streak was their defense. With lineups consisting of Lavine, Derozan, and Vucevic defense becomes an issue. Drafting the NCAA defensive player of the year here would be a great piece to begin to build an identity on defense. 

Round 1 - Pick 19    Minnesota Timberwolves:  Ty Ty Washington (6’3”, 197 lbs)

(G, Kentucky, Freshman) (12.5 ppg, 3.5 reb, 3.9 ast, 45.1 FG %, 35.0 3-pt %)

Washington is an interesting prospect as he too can range anywhere from the 10^th pick on. While his efficiency left a lot to be desired, his nose for running the offense was obvious and is his most tangible skill going into the NBA. Since there aren’t many “true” point guards in this draft, selecting Washington here would be a steal, even acting as a possible replacement should they trade D’Angelo Russell as was rumored around the deadline last year. 

Round 1 - Pick 20    San Antonio Spurs:  Nikola Jovic (6’11”, 223 lbs)

(F, Mega Mozzart, 2003) (11.8 ppg, 5.5 reb, 1.0 ast, 55.0 FG %, 40.0 3-pt %)

With their second of three picks in this years’ draft, the Spurs can afford to take a chance on the player with high upside with their second and/or third picks. A player that certainly fits that bill is Nikola Jovic. At 6’11”with a 7.025 wingspan and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, Jovic is the type of players than can create mismatches on both offense and defense. Something this young Spurs team could use in building up this young roster.

Round 1 - Pick 21    Denver Nuggets:  Jalen Williams (6’6”, 195 lbs)

(G, Santa Clara, Junior) (18.0 pts, 4.4 reb, 4.2 ast, 51.3 FG %, 39.6 3-pt %)

A good playmaker and defender Williams will be a welcome addition to a Nuggets team in needs of some wing depth with the uncertainty of Michael Porter Jr.’s health. With his extra years of college under his belt, he should be able to contribute right away for a Nuggets team trying to get into contention. 

Round 1 - Pick 22    Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz): Wendell Moore Jr. (6’5”, 213) 

(F, Duke, Junior) (13.4 pts, 5.3 reb, 4.4 ast, 50.0 FG %, 41.3 3-pt %) 

With his 7-foot wingspan and versatility on both ends Moore can slide right in an contribute from Day 1. It’s possible the grizzlies trade one of these late picks in order to net a veteran contributor. 

Round 1 - Pick 23    Philadelphia 76ers: Jake LaRavia (6’8”, 235 lbs)

(F, Wake Forest) (14.6 pts, 6.6 reb, 3.7 ast, 55.0 FG %, 38.4 3-pt %)

With Danny Green out for the season with a torn ACL and reports the sixers are trying to trade Matisse Thybulle, the Sixers would add to their wing depth here by adding the versatile forward in LaRavia. It is possible this pick is packaged with Thybulle but should they keep it, LaRavia is probably the best fit for the roster. 

Round 1 - Pick 24    Milwaukee Bucks: EJ Liddell (6’7”, 240 lbs) 

(PF, Ohio State, Junior) (19.4, 7.9 reb, 2.5 ast, 2.8 blk, 49.0 FG %, 37.4 3-pt %)

With Liddell the Bucks are getting solid two-way forward who averaged almost 20 ppg and almost 3 blks. Him being an older prospect bodes well for his chances to make an immediate impact, something the Bucks should covet when drafting this late based on their roster. 

Round 1 - Pick 25    San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics): Dalen Terry (6’7”, 195 lbs) 

(PG, Arizona, Sophomore) (8.0 pts, 4.8 ast, 3.9 reb, 50.2 FG %, 36.4 3-pt %)

With their 3^rd pick in the draft they can really go anywhere.  They can afford to multiple risks and reach for a player such as they did with Josh Primo last year. By drafting Terry they are getting and 6’7” guard who’s versatility and length would bode well for the Spurs during this rebuild.

Round 1 - Pick 26    Houston Rockets: Kennedy Chandler (6’0”, 171 lbs)

(PG, Tennessee, Freshman) (13.9 pts, 3.2 reb, 4.7 ast, 46.4 FG %, 38.3 3-pt %)

Although projected outside of the top 20 due to his lack of size, the Rockets could be getting a steal here. Also, with reports that John Wall has picked up his 48 million dollar player option both sides made it clear they are working towards a resolution. Which happens to mean a spot a PG will be conveniently open for the taking. 

Round 1 - Pick 27    Miami Heat:    Jaden Hardy (6’4”, 198 lbs)

(SG, G-League Ignite, 2002) (21.2 pts, 4.1 reb, 3.9 ast, 40.0 FG %, 30.0 3-pt %)

Possibly the most tantalizing prospect in this range, Hardy’s scoring is his main appeal which the Miami desperately need to go alongside Jimmy Butler Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro. While inefficient when playing with the G-League Ignite, his nose for scoring the ball was obvious. His biggest knock comes from his lack of top tier athleticism that most guards his size have. With that being said the Heat could be getting a steal here. 

Round 1 - Pick 28    Golden State Warriors: MarJon Beaychamp (6’6”, 199 lbs) 

(SG/SF, G-League Ingite, 2000) (15.1 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.6 ast, 50.0 FG %, 30.0 3-pt %)

It has reported that the Warriors are looking to trade this pick to save some money to offer some of their free agents. Beauchamp easily has the most potential of anyone left on the board for the Warriors or whoever makes the pick. 

Round 1 - Pick 29    Memphis Grizzlies: Christian Braun (6’6”, 218 lbs)

(G, Kansas, Junior) (14.1 pts, 6.5 reb, 2.8 ast, 49.5 FG %, 38.6 3-pt %)

The ideal player for Memphis here. Fresh of winning a national championship, Braun is the do it all type of guard a team like the grizzlies thrives with. With his size and career 38 % shooting from 3, Braun should be able to step in an contribute right away. 

Round 1 - Pick 30    Denver Nuggets: Blake Wesley (6’5”, 185 lbs)

(G, Notre Dame, Freshman) (14.4 pts, 3.7 reb, 2.4 ast, 40.4 FG %, 30.3 3-pt %) 

Despite his inefficiency scoring the ball Wesley is one of the most Physically gifted guards in this draft, with Murray coming of a Torn ACL, adding another guard who can attack and get his own shots is a huge plus, especially this late in the draft.