The 2022 NBA Draft is around the corner. This means many kids around the world will finally be able to live out their dreams. All while being a huge part of their future teams’ success moving forward.
Let’s take a look at the candidates who may end up having the bragging rights. Especially the one who gets selected first to the Orlando Magic in this upcoming draft!
Will Jabari Smith Be Drafted 1st?
Jabari Smith enters the draft with the highest odds at -185. Many believe he’s the consensus first overall pick in this draft.
Smith averaged 16.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in his lone season with the Auburn Tigers. He displayed tremendous versatility on both ends of the floor with his athleticism out of a 6-foot-10 body.
He shot 42 percent from three, but there are more layers to his game. His long, outstretched arms give him the ability to shoot over anybody.
His quick first step and long strides allow him to finish at the rim at an elite level. His footwork allows him to create separation from opposing defenders and be a dangerous threat in the post. He can also switch onto positions 1-5 defensively.
Smith is exactly the type of player that makes modern-day scouts absolutely salivate. If he can stay healthy and committed to being great. He is going to be an absolute superstar in this league for years to come.
Early on, he’s drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant, which is no small accomplishment.
Will Chet Holmgren Be Drafted 1st?
#youtube:XCcW5aftarM
Chet Holmgren averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.7 blocks, and 1.9 assists per game in his lone season with the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Many believe he will end up going second in this draft.
He brings tremendous upside on both ends of the floor in a 7-foot body. He can hit the three, take defenders off the dribble, push the pace and defend positions 1-5 with his lateral ability.
The only glaring weakness right now is that he is very skinny. This could significantly hinder his ability to defend opposing big men in the paint. Overall, his skillset is just too good not for him to become a future star in this league. However, he can always add some muscle.
Holmgren has +160 odds to go first in the draft.
Will Paolo Banchero Be Drafted 1st?
Paolo Banchero averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in his season with Duke.
Banchero can hit the three, but much of his damage will likely come in the paint or mid-range.
He can take his defenders off the dribble, spin in the post, and hit the turnaround fadeaway jumper. All traits that make elite three-level scorers in the NBA. Furthermore, he can also make plays for his teammates with his ability to read defenses and pass the ball.
As a potential third pick in this draft, Banchero will give you a lot of value here.
Banchero has +500 odds to go first in the draft.
Learn more about betting on NBA player props.
