Auburn’s Jabari Smith, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Duke’s Paolo Banchero are the favorites to be the top picks. Follow along for live updates.
NEW YORK — The 2022 NBA draft class has converged on Manhattan for the annual ritual of suit fittings, sponsorship appearances and community service events in the lead-up to Thursday’s festivities at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
While this year’s draft doesn’t have a singular star to drive the discussion, this week has been filled with intrigue and scuttlebutt as teams target prospects they hope will carry them into the future. Here are five burning questions to ponder as the countdown to 8 p.m. Eastern time Thursday continues.Conventional wisdom has Orlando using the No. 1 pick on Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr., who is an executive’s dream because he’s a “safe” pick while also possessing a high ceiling.
But there are dueling schools of thought. If Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren continues to develop physically, he has do-it-all potential as a shot-blocker, lob-finisher, ballhandler, shooter and distributor in a 7-foot frame. Holmgren’s thin build presents some reason for skepticism, but MVPs such as Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo overcame similar concerns as teenagers. During his previous tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks, Magic General Manager John Hammond drafted Antetokounmpo in 2013.
Duke’s Paolo Banchero, long pegged as the probable third pick to the Houston Rockets, looms as a sleeper. In recent days, Banchero’s odds to be selected first have skyrocketed on multiple betting markets. The Seattle native has a polished offensive game and would fit cleanly as a leading scoring option for the Magic.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NBA Draft 2022: Smith, Holmgren, Banchero top list of forwardsForwards are expected to dominate Thursday's NBA draft, starting with the trio of Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, Auburn's Jabari Smith and Duke's Paolo Banchero. They are the headliners at the position and have been widely ranked as the top prospects overall…
Read more »
2022 NBA mock draft: Jabari Smith goes No. 1 to a Magic team in need of a sure thing2022 NBA draft: The Utah Jazz don’t currently hold a pick, but there will still be intrigue on Thursday night in Brooklyn.
Read more »
Braid: Talking straight to Alberta anger, Smith could win leadershipEarly polls show her rising and now leading among UCP loyalists — the only ones who will matter in the vote Oct. 6.
Read more »
Smith: Yordan Alvarez is a steal at $115 million and looking like an MVPA pair of homers against the Mets shows why Astros slugger is becoming the best slugger...
Read more »
NASCAR Hall of Famer Bruton Smith dead at 95Speedway Motorsports founder Bruton Smith died on Wednesday at age 95. Smith is a member of the NASCAR Hall of Fame for his contributions as a race promoter and track owner.
Read more »
Geno Smith could culminate the Seahawks’ fixation on the 2013 NFL DraftIn the first press conference after Russell Wilson was traded, Pete Carroll went on an insanely long spiel about 'second chances' and the Seattle Seahawks’ team philosophy. Geno Smith was even...
Read more »