NBA Draft

It's almost Draft Day! Find out when and how to watch the NBA Draft, and catch up on the latest Raptors draft buzz.

The 2022 NBA Draft is taking place at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, and tips off (so to speak) at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 23. But even without a Raptors pick, the top of the draft is where the real excitement lies. Who will Masai and Bobby go for? We don’t have a pick in the first round, after all. Bigs? We got bigs! We got wings.

Here's a look at how much it will cost to get in the Barclays Center for the 2022 NBA Draft.

TicketSmarter indicated there are already fewer than 50 tickets available to get in the door for the draft. As Thursday nears, tickets are becoming harder to find as the Brooklyn, New York, arena gets more filled out. And some fans will have a front-row seat for that history.

Which picks the Grizzlies have in the 2022 NBA Draft, and more of your questions answered.

While a move into the Top 4 seems rather ambitious, it shows that the Grizzlies are certainly going to be aggressive in their draft night pursuits. As has been the case for every Kleiman pick since Ja Morant, the rumors are already flying about the Grizzlies intentions to move up in the 2022 NBA Draft. In a recent Stubstack piece, Marc Stein reported that the Grizzlies have even had conversations with the Sacramento Kings about the 4th overall pick in the Draft. The NBA Draft is always the first event to kick off the following NBA season.

Here's what you need to know leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft, in which the Heat select No. 27.

- Oklahoma City (from Phoenix) - Memphis (from Utah) - San Antonio (from Boston) - San Antonio (from Toronto) 39. Cleveland (from San Antonio via Utah) - Houston (from Brooklyn) 31. Indiana (from Houston via Cleveland) - Charlotte (from New Orleans) This will be their only pick after forfeiting a second round pick due to the league determining the team violated the NBA’s rules regarding free agency with regards to last year’s Kyle Lowry signing. It looks like Auburn Tigers’ forward Jabari Smith Jr. is the consensus No. 1 overall pick this year, in what will be the fourth time the Orlando Magic make the top selection. - Oklahoma City (from LA Clippers) Miami currently holds the No. 27 selection.

The stage is set, but who will go No. 1? The Athletic's team of college basketball and NBA writers and insiders are weighing in here with updates and ...

GO FURTHER To shepherd us through the process, I have asked The Athletic’s NBA Draft expert, Sam Vecenie, to join me and answer all of the most important questions I have leading up to the draft. GO FURTHER The waters will only get murkier as we get into draft night, with several more picks expected to be in play or on the move. GO FURTHER GO FURTHER Here are five big questions and a bonus pseudo-question for the 2022 draft. I thought I would try to answer some of the questions I’m being asked the most, I’m hearing asked the most and the ones I have most often heard in the intel-gathering process prior to Thursday’s big night. This is the time when rumors, conjecture and flat-out lies saturate the NBA air. The stage is set, but who will go No. 1? GO FURTHER Per sources, Detroit is heavily expected to pursue Phoenix Suns big man and former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton in the open market.

The 2022 NBA Draft is set for Thursday, June 23, and it features no shortage of intriguing prospects as players like Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero ...

56. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Miami via Indiana) 52. New Orleans Pelicans (from Utah) 40. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Washington via Cleveland) 50. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Denver via Philadelphia) 39. Cleveland Cavaliers (from San Antonio via Utah) 31. Indiana Pacers (from Houston via Cleveland) 35. Orlando Magic (from Indiana via Milwaukee) 26. Houston Rockets (from Dallas) 22. Memphis Grizzlies (from Utah) 20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto) Back in '04, Orlando selected Dwight Howard with that top pick, and he went on to have some serious success with the franchise, It will be interesting to see what the Magic do with the pick this time around as their decision will set the tone for the rest of the draft. 17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn)

Shaedon Sharpe, Bennedict Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard and Caleb Houstan are the four Canadians with a realistic shot of hearing their name called on Thursday ...

Then, in 2021, Houstan represented Canada at the FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where he averaged 17 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game, leading Canada to a bronze medal. Unfortunately, after forgoing his senior year of high school, the Mississauga, Ont. native underwhelmed in his freshman season at Michigan, struggling to adapt to the size and physicality of the Big 10, missing out on All-Freshman honors after averaging 10.1 points per game on 42.6 per cent shooting. While he’s arguably the best operator out of ball screens in this draft class, the knock on Nembhard is that he relies on those screens a little too much, lacking the elite burst or athleticism to score in isolation. Nembhard is a pure point guard with a pair of steady hands, able to make every pass in the book and unselfish enough to do so with regularity. In fact, Mathurin is a likely top-10 pick because he has gotten better every step of the way, moving from Montreal to Mexico City to Arizona and showcasing his character and intangibles in every setting. The team that takes Nembhard will get a hard worker who is ready to run their bench from Day 1. He also played for Team Canada at the Under-19 FIBA World Cup in 2021, averaging 16.1 points per game en route to a bronze-medal finish, including 31 points in the bronze medal game. He then emerged as the top perimeter option for a No. 1 seeded Gonzaga team in 2022, where he earned first-team All-WCC honours and won the WCC Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award, averaging 11.8 points, 3.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game. Sharpe has skipped some developmental steps, too, so there is less information on what type of teammate he is, how he performs in the big moments and how accepting he will be of a more complimentary role. However, because Sharpe turned 19 in May and is a full season removed from graduating high school, he was eligible to declare for the 2022 NBA Draft despite never playing a game of college hoops. Sharpe has explosive athleticism with arguably the best vertical pop in this draft class, finishing above the rim and through contact with relative ease, allowing him to succeed as a cutter and in transition. That’s why you will see Sharpe predicted to go anywhere from as high as No. 4 to late in the lottery.

Everything San Antonio Spurs fans need to know ahead of the 2022 NBA Draft.

-A.J. Green (Unranked) -Nate Watson (Unranked) -Michael Devoe (Unranked) -Darius Days (Unranked) Keeping that in mind, the Silver and Black should have tons of frontcourt options at practically any spot in this class, so will they bolster their big man rotation alongside Jakob Poeltl? PATFO have pieced together an intriguing young core around Dejounte Murray over the last couple of years, but could they be tempted to expedite the rebuild?

Our experts make the case in a spirited roundtable for their choice for the No. 1 NBA Draft prospect.

What most clearly separates Smith from Banchero, Holmgren and others as the best pick at No. 1 in the 2022 NBA Draft is his elite outside shooting. Given that Smith also boasts excellent defensive upside and a blossoming shot-creation portfolio offensively, he is the safest bet of the group to one day be an NBA All-Star. With promising young guards like Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony distributing the basketball in Orlando, Smith would make an excellent addition to the Magic's core group. The hesitation with him at No. 1 stems from the fact that he's not as potentially damaging of a 3-point shooter as Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and even Jaden Ivey are. He's already proven that he can perform at the highest levels of amateur basketball, and he also has the most room to improve of any of the top three prospects. In four to five years, we could legitimately be talking about him being one of the faces of the League with his ability to dribble, pass and shoot unlike any we have seen at his size and length along with the fact that he is an elite defender and rim protector. No one is as ready to play in the NBA tomorrow like Banchero, though, and I think that he'll ultimately prove to be a multiple-time All-Star by the end of his second contract. I understand the allure of Smith and Banchero, but to me Holmgren's upside is a notch above. Here's who each of us had in the top spot, and why, as we barrel towards Thursday night's draft with a wide range of views about the top of the class. But on top of all of that, I'm just a big believer in his mentality and that inner-toughness. I understand the arguments for Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and even Jaden Ivey to go first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. I don't think any of them are ridiculous options. But I still genuinely believe Holmgren is the best prospect available this year, and that's why I also believe Orlando should take him with the No. 1 pick. We'll find out on Thursday night who the Orlando Magic value as the No. 1 pick as they select first overall for the first time since 2004 -- but there's far from a consensus view at the top of this draft among NBA front offices.

NBA draft week got its first major deal Wednesday, when the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to acquire Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons for a protected 2025 ...

Beal is up for another contract this summer, and he has cycled through John Wall, Russell Westbrook and now Kristaps Porzingis as sidekicks. Portland blew up its roster with a sell-off at the trade deadline and will need a backup plan if it can’t move its pick to get Damian Lillard some veteran help. The Wizards also haven’t had a top-eight pick since they took Porter third overall. Indiana shifted gears by trading Domantas Sabonis at the deadline and is rumored to be shopping guard Malcolm Brogdon. Ivey has the athleticism and speed to break down the defense, and pairing him with Barrett would be cause for genuine hope. If Randle isn’t going to be a franchise player, RJ Barrett doesn’t have much help and the Knicks, who haven’t won a playoff series since 2013, are stuck trying to build a core again. If the Kings can’t find a trade partner, they could always default to another prospect, such as Iowa’s Keegan Murray or Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin. NBA draft week got its first major deal Wednesday, when the Portland Trail Blazers agreed to acquire Jerami Grant from the Detroit Pistons for a protected 2025 first-round pick and other draft considerations. Sacramento is synonymous with perplexing draft decisions: The Kings took Marvin Bagley III over Luka Doncic and Trae Young in 2018 after reaching for little-known center Georgios Papagiannis in the 2016 lottery, among other whiffs. The Seattle native has a polished offensive game and would fit cleanly as a leading scoring option for the Magic. 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. Smith projects as a polished lead scorer with three-point range and a high-energy defender who will be able to switch across multiple positions, fitting a prototype that has been en vogue for several years.

It's been five years since Terrance Ferguson was drafted 21st in the NBA Draft, the player who shunned college basketball to instead play in the NBL, ...

The NBA is about to receive the latest wave of young talent. On Thursday, the 2022 NBA Draft will commence, with 58 amateur basketball players officially ...

TSN will have coverage of both the first and second rounds of the draft in Canada. There will be many viewers that choose to stream the NBA Draft or have cut the cord on cable. The draft is slated to begin on Thursday, June 23, at 7:30 p.m. ET, and will consist of two rounds.

This is Australia's next NBA star... one 'point of difference' has him flying up draft boards.

“He has great size, can come in as a secondary ball-handler and also possibly be an option on the wing with his versatility on and off the ball. “I think he is one of the most complete prospects. He is a big guard. We had a great coaching staff and I learned a lot and developed on and off the court which was the main reason I went there.” “I’m really impressed with his versatility and ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.” While Daniels was always considered a first-round prospect, it is only in the past few months that his stock has really risen — to the extent he generated “top-five buzz” according to Jonathan Givony. Daniels is unlikely to still be on the board when the Knicks go on the clock but if he is it makes plenty of sense for both sides. “I really enjoyed my time. The Athletic’s Bob Kravitz also reported that he was told Daniels “had one of the greatest workouts a lot of people in the Indiana organisation have ever seen”. Daniels averaged 1.9 steals and 0.8 blocks in 29 games with Ignite last year and that ability to be a difference-maker on the defensive end is nothing new for the 19-year-old. Daniels was well and truly on the NBA radar that point, with offers to play college basketball or in the NBL. His name is Dyson Daniels and he is rated the sixth-best prospect available according to ESPN.

Australia's Dyson Daniels will face his moment of truth on Friday morning when he finds out which team – expected to be within the first dozen picks – will ...

We hope to return when the NBL, NBA and WNBL seasons begin again later in the year. “He got his determination from his old man and both his mum and dad have paved a very good way for him to achieve what he has achieved. Ricky Daniels, Dyson’s father, was a celebrated basketballer in his own right, playing at North Carolina State University and then playing overseas. “My best NBA-ready skill is my defence and being able to step on the floor, guard the best player and use my length, my size and my lateral quickness to cause trouble for players,” Daniels said. From Bendigo to the NBA: Dyson Daniels is made for the big stage The first is the love of his family and the humility developed while growing up in the regional city of Bendigo, and the second is the belief he can have an impact for the moment he steps on an NBA court.

G League Ignite guard Dyson Daniels has emerged as a potential lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.

But if you're looking for a potential star who projects at-worst as a valuable two-way role player, Daniels fits the bill. Daniels is also an intriguing prospect because of his ability to make an impact with or without the ball in his hands. A prospect who can seamlessly fit in to any minor role asked of him, Daniels also possesses intriguing upside which makes him a tantalizing prospect... That would help Daniels improve as a shot creator, whereas right now, he does almost all of his damage on floaters, layups, dunks or cuts. Once I got the hang of that, the stroke was feeling really good in the end." As measured at the NBA Draft Combine, Daniels has grown to 6-8, 200 pounds with a reported 6-11 wingspan. I could see the 19-year-old having a Josh Giddey-like jump on draft day, going much higher than most anticipate. In 29 G League games this season, Daniels had 11 outings with at least five assists and tallied three games with double-digit assists. Daniels is wiry and energetic on the defensive end, using his active hands and length to disrupt ball-handlers and fill passing lanes for deflections and steals. His long wingspan makes him a suffocating defender who can comfortably guard multiple positions. Daniels boosted his draft stock during his one season with the G League Ignite — going from a mid-to-late first-rounder to a consensus lottery pick — and his ceiling is still rising. Daniels' floater is his most lethal weapon as a scorer, an already polished shot that is so effective in today's NBA. Daniels has the athleticism to get all the way to the rim, but he has no problem taking what the defense gives him if that means settling for a little midrange tear-dropper.

Here's everything you need to know to watch the 2022 NBA Draft, including the start time, TV channel and order of picks for Rounds 1 and 2.

Indiana Pacers (via Suns) New Orleans Pelicans (via Jazz) Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans) Minnesota Timberwolves (via Nuggets) Minnesota Timberwolves (via Wizards) San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers) Orlando Magic (via Pacers) Indiana Pacers (via Rockets) San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics) Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans) San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors) New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers)

The NBA season concluded just a week ago, and the 2022 NBA Draft is upon us. The Athletic's team of college basketball and NBA writers and insiders are ...

It’s very possible we look back on this draft in five years, even more than in other drafts, and wonder how in the world it ended up going in the order that it did. The commonality? GO FURTHER Four second-round playoff exits and a barren asset cupboard later, that level of excitement isn’t quite the same anymore. NBA Draft week is not like it used to be in Philly. A season’s worth of losses would culminate with a lottery pick or two that allowed fans to dream of better days. GO FURTHER How should the Bulls operate in this year’s draft? Last year’s first-round pick went to Orlando in the Nikola Vučević trade, but the Bulls plucked Ayo Dosunmu as a second-round steal at No. 38. It became blatantly clear in Chicago’s short-lived and injury-marred postseason how much more the Bulls need to truly contend for a championship. GO FURTHER Several prospects in this class could be available for the Cavs when they are on the clock. It's NBA Draft day.

Inspired by the Washington Wizards record of draft day futility, about a decade ago I wondered whether I could build a stat-based prospect evaluation tool ...

- Jalen Williams, W, Santa Clara — After evaluating his numbers, I watched some video and thought he might be a bit underrated. - AJ Griffin, W, Duke — Good shooter who’s a solid athlete. - David Roddy, W, Colorado State — A wide body with superior agility, Roddy is slated as a second round pick in most mock drafts. - Paolo Banchero, F, Duke — BIG forward who may end up playing center in the NBA...if he can learn to be a rim protector on defense. The injury and the load weren’t enough to prevent him from grabbing 9.6 rebounds per 40 minutes. - Keegan Murray, F, Iowa — Most mock drafts have Murray lower, and I spent a fair amount of time trying (and failing) to see why. By the numbers, he’s a good mix of size, athleticism, skill and motor. - Centers — Big guys who figure to play inside. The brightest of the warning flags is his 43.5% shooting on twos, which suggests some difficulty getting to and finishing at-rim. Holmgren will likely start his career at forward and shift to the middle as his body matures and he gets stronger. His length and athleticism figure to make him a defensive asset as his career progresses — he averaged 5.5 blocks per 40 minutes in the NCAA last season. In the case of prospects who don’t get measured or timed, I’ll sometimes review game footage to see if I can discern size and athletic tools by comparing them to prospects with measurements/times.

The most noteworthy is clearly the No. 3 overall pick, which will likely result in either Auburn's Jabari Smith, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, or Duke's Paolo ...

In a milestone day for the franchise’s rebuilding efforts, Houston enters Thursday’s 2022 NBA draft with three first-round selections. 2022 NBA draft background information But which of those talented frontcourt players will it be?

The Rockets' championship window slammed shut after dealing James Harden. Their road back to relevancy continues tonight at the NBA draft (8 p.m. ET on ...

But the Rockets value Gordon, whom Silas refers to as "a rock" due to his quiet professionalism over the rough past two seasons, as a role model for their young players. "I don't like losing, but we want to get to the right finish line," Tilman Fertitta says. "In order to win a championship, you have to take material sacrifice and pain. Whether it is to go all-in to rebuild or all-in to win a championship." That's a general draft philosophy of the Rockets' rebuild: Take big swings and hope to hit home runs. And they all praise Silas for handling the pivot to a rebuild so professionally, considering how much his job changed in the months after Houston hired him to replace D'Antoni. The Rockets anticipated that the super team the Nets formed with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Harden wouldn't have a long shelf life, boosting the value of Brooklyn's future picks. "The NBA punishes the middle," says Stone, a longtime front-office employee promoted to GM after Morey's exit. "Hopefully, that leads to some wins, but development is the priority." If your goal is to put together a team that's really growing, it is different than a team that's going to try to maximize every win." "It's very painful, but I know we're doing it the right way," Fertitta says over the phone while peering at the Tower Bridge in London from his yacht on a family vacation. But they all figure prominently in the Rockets' plans for the immediate future and years to come.

Sources told ESPN that the order of the top three NBA draft picks is "increasingly firm," with Jabari Smith Jr. going to the Magic at No. 1, Chet Holmgren ...

Smith's odds had improved to -275 as of Wednesday before being passed by Banchero, who was listed by Caesars Sportsbook at -200 to be selected first overall. The 6-foot-10 Smith worked out with the Magic earlier this month and was the consensus betting favorite to be selected first overall as of Wednesday night. Against teams that were ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 when facing Auburn, Smith averaged 20.8 points and 6.4 rebounds. This is the fourth time that Orlando will be making the No. 1 pick. The Magic took Shaquille O'Neal with the top selection in 1992. Smith admitted he was "nervous" heading into his workout with the Magic but said it was "fun to get out here and push myself and get through it."

With the 18th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select...

His sources are not known to the Bulls and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media. He can handle the ball and score, and that’s a lot of it. If they were to retain the pick, he’d fit as a potentially top defender and someone who can run the court with Trae Young. He’s regarded as one of the best all around defenders who could move Lauri Markkanen to sixth man, where he probably fits best and be a secondary ballhandler in transition for a developing young team. He’s falling into the second round among most projections after a horrendous season with plenty of explanations, like injury and his dad being fired, who was his coach and why he went there. They have the size up front and can use the defense outside. None of those G-league guys seem like they can shoot, but they’re athletic guys, some of whom seem like they’ll be able to defend and definitely run the court. Maybe the Rockets will draft him and let him stay home with Wall. The Spurs have been taking high ceiling risks in the draft, and he’s supposedly a talent. It’s a relief that the Kings are about to again be the Kings. We need something to count on in the NBA. Hey, we just drafted a guard in Davion Mitchell, so we can’t take him. The guys who to me stand out the most are 6-4 Jaden Ivey of Purdue and 6-11 Jalen Duren of Memphis. He looks like a guy who will walk into the NBA and score immediately. But it is unrealistic that all these teams can basically come up with virtually the identical order with a player or two moved up or down.

That said, how could the draft shake out, if teams picking in the Top 10 were to pick after need? The selections. Pick 1 - Orlando Magic - Keegan Murray, Iowa.

The spacing alone, which he will provide, is worth gold for a team trying to attack off dribble-drives. Liddell is a thinker, which works well in San Antonio, making him a snug fit on the roster. Smith is a knock-down three-point shooter (42% from range) with defensive upside and some shot-creation ability. For now, he's an NBA ready defender, who can play multiple positions, and rebound at a high level (6.6 per game). The seven-footer is also adept at putting the ball on the floor, allowing players around him to play off of his actions. For Lillard, this provides him with a multipurpose big man, who can also occasionally play alongside Jusuf Nurkic, assuming the Blazers keep him around. Enter Daniels, who is a near 6'8 guard, with great defensive instincts, and an evolving offensive game. Not only is he an athletic tornado, he's also one of the most productive players in the entire draft, averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks and 5.7 free throw attempts per game in just 24.4 minutes. Banchero also functions as a secondary playmaker, and one who can consistently create his own offense when that's called for. He also got to the line 5.4 times per game, basically never turned the ball over (5.7 TOV%), and displayed great maturity and patience on the court. The 21-year-old can effectively guard three positions, and even swing down to handle guards when needed to. As per usual, the vast majority of teams picking in the draft aren't going to focus on positions or needs, when they make their selection.

Our 2022 NBA Draft scouting report series continues with a dive on Ousmane Dieng, a wing prospect who spent time in the NBL this past season.

He will be better served going to a franchise who will give him the time and space to figure out and expand his game. Obviously, he has a lot to figure out, but he is well equipped to solve those challenges with the right franchise. Currently, he has not shown the ability to finish through contact, and relies a lot on floaters and runners to score around the rim. Defensively, he does well on rotations, because that allows him to move freely, but straight-up in the post, he does get bullied and won’t be able to stop a determined NBA finisher from scoring at the rim. His offensive feel and awareness jumps out on the tape, and he has a little flashiness in his game that is quite easy on the eyes. Right now, at 19 years old, Ousmane Dieng is going to get pushed around in the NBA. That said, his frame and build suggests that he should be able to gain size and weight as he matures.

It's been quite a wild week leading up to Thursday night's NBA Draft. Jabari Smith Jr. entered the week as the betting favorite to go No.

Portland will pick No. 46 as part of a draft-eve trade that shipped Jerami Grant to the Trail Blazers, and they swapped second round picks with the Pistons meaning they go from pick 36 to 46. Ellis is a slasher who dives to the hoop, creates offense and pounds the glass at a high level for a guard. He is a top-30 prospect in my latest Big Board and someone whose playmaking and shooting at his size make him a legitimate frontcourt option for teams to consider late in the first round. Had he gone back to school he might have been a lottery pick next year. However, his length and athleticism could make him a nice fit in the modern NBA as a wing if his outside shot falls with more regularity. Denver recently acquired this pick via Oklahoma City and can flip it into one of the biggest swings available at 30. Ohio State turned to Branham as one of its go-to options down the stretch run of the season, and he responded by averaging 17.3 points and 3.8 rebounds in the second half of the year. He has No. 1 pick talent, so getting him at 3 would be a huge win. After dealing CJ McCollum to New Orleans, Portland adding more playmaking seems the logical move here at No. 7 -- and Dyson Daniels can add plenty. What Sacramento does here at No. 4 remains the biggest question of the draft. At 6-10 he's an elite shooting threat from anywhere on the court and a very safe bet to be a valuable two-way player in the NBA. Betting markets have him going No. 1, and that seems the most likely outcome at this point for Orlando. However, there's a few final tweaks to our final two-round projections -- including a few changes to the top 10 and how we think the evening may unfold.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2022 NBA draft, including the latest news and trades.

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ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski's bold prediction for the 2022 NBA Draft is particularly notable given the amount of trade rumors we've seen this week.

I think we're going to see a lot of them (Thursday) night." "A lot of trades," Wojnarowski said. The Los Angeles Clippers reportedly are shopping Luke Kennard, who led the league in 3-point shooting last season.

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.”

Lakers make a move as trade chaos tipped for 'wild' draft after No.1 confusion — LIVE.

“Listen, trades are the new free agency this time of year. He’s obviously not Kevin Durant. But he has that skill, a similar skill set.” The Ringer’s Chris Vernon predicted on the latest episode of ‘The Mismatch’ podcast that this is going to be a ‘wild’ draft. You’re seeing fewer and fewer impact players going into free agency. That is expected to only be the first of plenty of trades on a chaotic draft day. Other talent in the top echelon of the draft on Thursday includes Duke University’s Paolo Banchero, tipped to be taken by the Houston Rockets with the third pick.

After a process that included numerous declarations, the draft lottery, draft combine and a series of month's worth of workouts conducted by all 30 teams, 58 ...

1 1 1

Who will be selected first overall remains anyone's guess, but those four players will all hear their names called early on by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. The ...

pic.twitter.com/qZKow9guzI June 24, 2022 He's an explosive scorer and the best athlete in the class, and should pair well with Cade Cunningham in Detroit's backcourt. Instead, they went with Keegan Murray out of Iowa. That was great news for the Pistons, who will now gladly take Ivey. As reported on— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) @StadiumNBA Draft Live show, sources say Orlando did not have a formal workout/meeting with Paolo Banchero during predraft process. Per Charania, the Magic spoke with Banchero at the Draft Combine in Chicago, but never hosted him for a formal workout or interview. There's still a ton of talent available, but this is the point where the draft can start to get kind of unpredictable. "I wanted to be No. 1... "I'm blessed to be in Orlando," he said. The Orlando Magic have the top overall pick in the draft for the first time since 2004. SG SG Draft Tracker

The Magic were widely expected to choose Jabari Smith in the days leading up to the draft.

Now they'll just have to hope that Banchero can follow in their footsteps. The modern NBA is incredibly demanding of big men defensively, and while Banchero has the athletic tools to survive on that end of the floor, it hasn't yet translated into steady performance. If Banchero is going to lead the Magic into contention in the coming years, that is going to have to change. In the end, Orlando went with a prospect considered to be the best offensive player in this draft class. That expectation persisted into draft day and only really began to change in the final minutes before the Magic went on the clock. He should be able to join the Magic right away and help give them one of the best offensive cores in basketball.

Banchero is the second No. 1 pick in the last four years for the Blue Devils.

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After a process that included numerous declarations, the draft lottery, draft combine and a series of month's worth of workouts conducted by all 30 teams, 58 ...

1 1 1

The Lakers had no picks in Thursday's draft prior to the trade.

Perhaps the Lakers try to use the pick as part of a trade to try and improve the roster. The Lakers are coming off a season in which they failed to secure even a play-in spot for the playoffs, finishing with a 33-49 record, which finished off back-to-back disappointing years for a team that just won a championship in 2020. The Lakers acquired the No. 35 overall pick from the Orlando Magic in exchange for a future second-round pick and cash, according to ESPN. The Lakers have been working to get into the draft, per Adrian Wojnarowski, and now they've succeeded.

Banchero, a forward from Duke, helped his team reach the Final Four during this year's N.C.A.A. men's basketball tournament.

Before Banchero, the last Duke player selected No. 1 overall in the N.B.A. draft was Zion Williamson in 2019. The Magic drafted Shaquille O’Neal with the first pick in 1992; Chris Webber, whom they immediately traded for Penny Hardaway, in 1993; and Dwight Howard in 2004. Only the Houston Rockets, who had the third pick in this year’s draft after a 20-62 season, won fewer games than the Magic. In the minutes before his name was called, Banchero sat at a table on the floor of Barclays Center showing no emotion on his face. The Magic were on the clock and word began to spread that Banchero might be their pick. The Magic won this year’s draft lottery after finishing the season at 22-60, the worst record in the Eastern Conference and the second-worst record in the league.

Magic tab the 6-foot-10 Paolo Banchero, who averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals for Coach K's final Duke team.

The Magic love their size and versatility, and Banchero adds to that. He averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals and shot 47.8% from the field and 33.8% on 3-pointers in his only season at Duke. Banchero’s versatility allows him to operate as the main ball-handler or facilitator. It was Orlando’s fifth lottery pick in the past six drafts and its first No. 1 pick since selecting Dwight Howard in 2004. Banchero, 19, is the fifth Duke player to go No. 1 overall and second in the past four drafts and is the 13th consecutive freshman selected with the first pick. Banchero, 6-10 and 250 pounds, might be the most NBA-ready players of the potential No. 1 picks because of his size, strength, poise and skillset that he applies to both ends of the court. NBA Draft 2022: Orlando Magic make Duke's Paolo Banchero the No. 1 pick

Follow along during the 2022 NBA draft Thursday with pick-by-pick analysis. Orlando selected Duke forward Paolo Banchero with the first pick.

58. Indiana (from Phoenix) 57. Portland (from Memphis via Utah) 56. Cleveland (from Miami via Indiana) (His draft rights reportedly traded to Oklahoma City.) 52. New Orleans (from Utah) 40. Minnesota (from Washington via Cleveland) 50. Minnesota (from Denver via Philadelphia) 39. Cleveland (from San Antonio via Utah) 31. Indiana (from Houston via Cleveland) 22. Memphis (from Utah) Showed great improvement in his play in Australia’s NBL last season. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.

It's been five years since Terrance Ferguson was drafted 21st in the NBA Draft, the player who shunned college basketball to instead play in the NBL, ...

The Ringer: Undrafted The Ringer: Undrafted The Ringer: Undrafted The Ringer: Undrafted The Ringer: Undrafted The Athletic: Undrafted

The Raptors don't pick until #33! But two Canadians went in the top 10.

None of those teams have cap space to sign him without Nets’ help.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022 Cleveland is acquiring Sacramento's pick at 49 in tonight's NBA draft for the rights to Sasha Vezenkov, sources tell ESPN. Vezenkov, 26, was a first-team All-EuroLeague forward this season. After all, about 10 minutes had passed since the last time we heard from them! And then it was time to fly the maple leaf! Adam Silver is getting on stage! Surely all three teams must be feeling good about this, right? Well, the Orlando Magic are, anyway — they’ve got the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, which starts in about 30 minutes, as I write this! And — let’s watch. The Toronto Raptors, though, don’t pick until the second, at spot #33 specifically. Sources: Washington will select Johnny Davis at No. 10.— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) https://t.co/wvUIg8tdyt June 24, 2022 Sources: Oklahoma City will pick Jalen Williams at No. 12.— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) https://t.co/wvUIg8tdyt June 24, 2022 To hold you over, this open thread will cover all the picks, trades, rumours, and happenings of draft night, so keep it locked right here!

The 2022 NBA Draft is upon us and The Sporting News is grading every pick with real-time analysis.

To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced. To be announced.

USA TODAY Sports will recap the entire 2022 NBA draft with all 58 picks, plus pick-by-pick analysis on each of the first-round selections.

Terry has good size at 6-7 with a 7-0 wingspan and the versatility to guard multiple positions on the perimeter. He averaged 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds and shot 47.5% from the field and 40.7% on 3s. Williams was efficient on 3-pointers (39.6%) and inside the 3-point line (55.1%) and averaged 18 points, 4.4 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 2021-22. LaRavia is a willing defender and has a knack for getting steals and creating in transition. He was named the 2022 SEC Sixth Man of the Year at LSU, where he averaged 16.9 points on 52.1% from the field. At 7-2 with a 7-6 wingspan and 9-9 standing reach, Williams has the tools and good mobility for his size to be an imposing presence around the rim. He fell to No. 11, which the Knicks reportedly traded to the Thunder. He played last season in Australia’s pro league for the New Zealand Breakers and averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and an assist while shooting just 39.8% from the field and 27.1% on 3-pointers. But he improved as the season continued and was a much better scorer and shooter in the second half of the season. With a roster potentially in flux this summer, the Wizards need talent and landed on one of the best players remaining. He can play off the ball next to Tyrese Hailburton and Chris Duarte, while helping boost a Pacers offense that was 18th in efficiency and 25th in 3-point shooting. He can explode into the lane similar to Ja Morant and has the bounce to finish. The 6-10 Banchero averaged 17.2 points on 47.8% shooting from the field, in addition to 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in his only season at Duke, which marked Mike Krzyzewski’ final season.

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 while showing off breathtaking athleticism and straight-line speed. 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. 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. I'm happy to get to Houston and just show them, give them what they picked. 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. "It's a lot of great players there with unique skill sets. I feel like I can kind of pair up with them and help enhance theirs as well as have their skill-sets enhance mine." "Orlando wasn't really sure yet, and just to be ready for whatever. I'm ready." I can't believe it, but I'm ready.

Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren went No. 2 to Oklahoma City and Houston selected Auburn's Jabari Smith at No. 3. Follow along for live updates.

NBA stars were just as interested in their new teammates on draft night as everyone else, and they made sure everyone knew it.

🏁🏁🏁— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) https://t.co/8eiVVaATDa June 24, 2022 The stakes -- or the emotions -- of old and new players alike absolutely could not be higher. For the draftees, it's the culmination of a lifelong dream (and a hefty paycheck). For families, it's a time of absolute pride.

The 2022 NBA Draft is here, but its mysteries have not been solved yet. The mock drafts are submitted, some consensuses have been formed and the fan ...

Grade: A His lack of explosiveness and ability to separate may keep him from taking over as a starting caliber player, but his production could help him stick as a depth piece on a Pacers team that needs more PG talent in the pipeline. He's young, and he might need a little while to be impactful for a franchise like Miami. He'll need to work on his body, but he can dribble, pass and shoot. That kind of expectation-exceeding season is super impressive and he could be a steal for a team that often finds them. I have LaRavia closer to 30 than 20, but the Grizzlies' draft history has earned credibility with picks like Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane. Grade: B With the Rockets he can play with fellow SEC standout Jabari Smith as a defensive frontcourt. Charlotte needed to come out of this draft with a big man, and they may look back and regret that they didn't stick with Duren. But while Williams is not as high on my board as Duren was, he really can defend and this is the exact spot I had him mocked all along. Surprising that the Hornets, who need a center, traded this pick to the Knicks and then the Pistons, but what a move for them to join Ivey and their young core. His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft. He's a big, strong and skilled forward who could be an incredible building block in Orlando. Grade: A His jumper, at this point, is the biggest area of concern, but if the Pelicans can get that falling, he has a high ceiling. There are questions about whether he's actually going to be a point guard in the NBA, but now he's paired with Cade Cunningham, a natural distributor.

Banchero is now the fifth Duke player to get selected with the first overall pick in the NBA draft.

With the selection, Banchero became the fifth player out of Duke to go No. 1 overall. Adding Banchero to the equation allows more versatility for Orlando as all three big men can space the floor, with Banchero’s playmaking abilities bringing extra juice. The Magic also have a second-round pick later in the draft, picking at No. 32.

We won't find the answers to those questions tonight, but CBS Sports NBA Draft analysts Gary Parrish and Kyle Boone are here to grade the values that teams ...

Grade: A Grade: A Grade: A Grade: A I really like his finishing ability above the rim, but he is a very raw and unfinished product who is still learning the game. Minott is a very toolsy player with a big frame and nice leaping ability. He's a big-bodied center with good physical tools and rim-running ability to go with an interesting pedigree as the winner of the EuroCup's Rising Star Award, which in the past has been won by Kristaps Porzingis and Jonas Valančiūnas. Grade: C He's young, and he might need a little while to be impactful for a franchise like Miami. He'll need to work on his body, but he can dribble, pass and shoot. I have LaRavia closer to 30 than 20, but the Grizzlies' draft history has earned credibility with picks like Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane. Grade: B He's a big, strong and skilled forward who could be an incredible building block in Orlando. Grade: A Surprising that the Hornets, who need a center, traded this pick to the Knicks and then the Pistons, but what a move for them to join Ivey and their young core. His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft.

At the last minute, Paolo Banchero ended up being the No. 1 overall pick to the Orlando Magic. Chet Holmgren went to the Thunder and Jabari Smith who was the ...

Otto Porter Jr. Patrick Baldwin Jr. Auburn's Walker Kessler plays like a young Brook Lopez according to Irving. Will that be enticing to a team looking for a rotational big? F F F G League Ignite G TyTy Washington, Nikola Jovic, Jaden Hardy and E.J. Liddell are names NBA fans are likely going to be accustomed to hearing next season. Length, energy, size and a year of seasoning with the G League Ignite could help Daniels come off the board early. Irving likens Sharpe to last year's No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green. Sharpe could end up being a bucket early in his NBA tenure. At 6-10, 235 pounds, he has the perfect blend of an NBA-ready body and polished skill set, able to create his own shot and make plays for others.

'Watch out': How NBA reacted to Aussie star who 'makes everyone better' and what it means for Zion.

He’s just not a guy wired to look to score all the time. Speaking on ESPN’s broadcast, Jay Bilas believes the baller form Bendigo has shades of fellow Aussie Mathisse Thybulle and is “ready to defend in the NBA right now.” Dyson Daniels officially became Australia’s latest star to enter the NBA when he was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the eighth pick of the 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.

The shrug emoji is the perfect descriptor for Michael Jordan's 2022 NBA Draft with the Charlotte Hornets.

But what else is new with Michael Jordan's Hornets, who have only made it to the playoffs three times since he bought the team in 2010. Bridges has emerged as a key piece on the Hornets, having a seemingly natural affinity with LaMelo Ball and showing possible All-Star potential. The trade was puzzling for many reasons as uncertainty surrounding the initial reporting.

It's NBA Draft day. The Athletic's team of college basketball and NBA writers and insiders are weighing in here with all the updates and analysis you'll ...

Having said that, his upside as an athlete and as a defender is real enough to where I completely buy someone giving him real money. More than any other player in the class, I feel like he made a mistake entering the 2022 NBA Draft. He has a real chance to get lost in the shuffle because of how raw his offensive game is right now. I don’t think I’d feel totally comfortable throwing him into the deep end of an NBA game, because it’s so clear he’s working through his positioning and responsibility struggles, but it’s hard to find athleticism, length and a motor like his. Ismaël Kamagate is a fascinating project for a team, developmentally, because if everything works, he has a chance to work in ways that could portend success in the playoffs, a la Robert Williams. That’s the kind of athlete Kamagate is; he’s really light on his feet and knows how to use his length to take advantage of what opposing teams present to him. Here's what a MAC assistant coach had to say about Rollins: "Ryan has the makings of a 3-and-D guy at the next level. It’s possible the Indiana Pacers just got a steal at 48th overall, because athletically he is at the top of his class. I liked the flashes we saw from Kendall Brown early in the season, but his latter portion of the year tailed off in a significant way to where Baylor was actually a bit better when he was off the floor. I’m something of a believer in Mobley. I really like Spagnolo as a stash pick for a team in the early second round that is low on roster spots. The UConn player who utilized that chip on his shoulder will be headed to the pros. Has the ability to make tough shots." More than any other player, I thought JD Davison made a substantial mistake leaving college for the NBA Draft. He has real upside to play in the NBA at some point, but his skill set and tools are just so raw.

We can't answer those questions tonight, but CBS Sports NBA Draft analysts Gary Parrish and Kyle Boone were here to grade the values that teams extract from ...

Grade: A Grade: A Grade: A Grade: A Grade: A He's not the shot-blocker Evan is but he is a floor-spacer who can shoot it well and showed some impressive playmaking at his size while at USC. Grade: A- Had some inconsistencies as a freshman but the former five-star recruit brings great length and major upside to Indiana. Grade: A I really like his finishing ability above the rim, but he is a very raw and unfinished product who is still learning the game. He's a big-bodied center with good physical tools and rim-running ability to go with an interesting pedigree as the winner of the EuroCup's Rising Star Award, which in the past has been won by Kristaps Porzingis and Jonas Valančiūnas. Grade: C I have LaRavia closer to 30 than 20, but the Grizzlies' draft history has earned credibility with picks like Brandon Clarke and Desmond Bane. Grade: B He's a big, strong and skilled forward who could be an incredible building block in Orlando. Grade: A His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft.

Paulo Banchero ended up going first in Thursday nights draft, surprising a few pundits, as he was picked ahead of Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr.; ...

"I think I fit really well with the style of play the Spurs play, a young core. Versatility is really important, I feel like I have that on both sides of the court and I think that's really gonna help me adjust to the NBA and, I think, be long term." And in 2004, the Magic selected Dwight Howard with the first pick. I think I fit really well in that." Smith was one of three first-round picks the Rockets had in this year's draft. San Antonio qualified for a league-record 22 straight postseasons beginning in 1998, winning five NBA championships over that span with stars such as Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. The Magic took Shaquille O'Neal with the top selection in 1992. If the 19-year-old starts as expected, the team will field an extraordinarily young starting lineup with four players under 22. Holmgren, a versatile 7-footer from Minneapolis, was a second-team All-American in his only college season. This year's draft build-up saw a huge focus on the top three. The pick surprised many pundits. "I really, honestly, didn't."

The Magic and Pistons made smart selections in the lottery, emerging as clear winners at the 2022 NBA Draft.

That is the most valuable NBA skill to have. The Lakers buying No. 35 from the Magic in exchange for cash and a future second-rounder isn't a giant move in the grand scheme of things. That should keep him on the floor for the Cavs, but it's hard to envision how he has major positive impact. This is a move on the margins, but it's a good one. We can't be sure exactly where those picks end up landing, but this is probably going to be a loss from a value perspective. The upside isn't really there, which is what you should shoot for when drafting in the lottery. Agbaji had a great tournament run, but six nationally televised games shouldn't supersede the other 116 games of his career. A little mystery is a nice thing. Everybody suspected that the Kings would take Jaden Ivey at No. 4. That passing acumen is indicative of a high feel level. I got to see Banchero up close at the Final Four, talk to his teammates and interview the people that were around him dating back to his middle school days. I'm a sucker for big men who can pass, and Banchero checks that box.

Already some clear winners have emerged — including Josh Giddey and the Oklahoma City Thunder — but not everyone would have been happy with how Friday unfolded.

you can start now to see the shape of a team that is going to be deep and talented and still with multiple first-round picks through the next few years and salary cap space when they decide to get involved in free agency.” “I’m in a whole different position and role. I can play on the ball or off the ball. For now though, New York is in a stronger position to contend for Brunson’s signature, which is of course trouble for Dallas given how important he is in easing the offensive load on Luka Doncic. It is far from a done deal for the Knicks though, who likely still need to make another move to free up enough space for Brunson but it is a solid start. The Pistons are tipped to negotiate a buyout with Kemba Walker, who they acquired as part of the trade with the Knicks and should still have $44 million ($A64m) to play with in free agency. We can take turns.” They were all lottery protected picks from other deals. There is still plenty of room for the Thunder to move in the trade market, with 18 first-round picks up their sleeve until 2027 — still the most in the NBA. He is multi-skilled on the offensive end too and will be a rim threat for Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander to target with their playmaking. Then you add in the high upside Ousmane Dieng out of the New Zealand Breakers and versatile Jalen Williams to round out a draft haul that adds plenty to OKC’s existing core. In Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City have a 7-foot centre who can make an immediate impact on the defensive end, with the length and instincts to be a disruptive shot-blocker.

The diehard Knicks duo provided plenty of entertainment during the broadcast of the 2022 NBA Draft.

MORE: NBA Draft grades 2022 - Live results & analysis MORE: Live results from 2022 NBA Draft The drama didn't stop there as the rollercoaster continued for the pair as the Knicks reportedly swiftly moved the pick in a trade.

Current and former players storm social media to congratulate the next generation of NBA stars.

Only thing matters is the work you put in after your drafted. — Josh(ua) Christopher (@Jaygup23)June 24, 2022 — Ja Morant (@JaMorant)June 24, 2022

This was one of the most unpredictable drafts in recent history, and it was costly to many.

They'll have secured one of the draft's best shooters with the upside to thrive in other areas without having to use a lottery pick to get him. One book even infamously had his odds to be selected No. 1 overall at minus-10,000 at one point on Thursday. Banchero's ultimate selection cost bettors everywhere a lot of money, and with the draft now over, we still don't know what exactly happened to spark that Smith buzz. But it's one of the more important stories to come out of this draft, and at the very least, it is going to change the way people bet on the draft forever. To the Spurs and Pelicans? They're players the rest of the league is undervaluing due to a flaw that they are capable of fixing. For the Knicks to go through a season as disappointing as last year was and not come out of it with any first-round rookies sends a bizarre message. For the Hawks? It's a steal. They already have their point guard of the future in Cade Cunningham. But both Cunningham and Ivey should be just fine off of the ball when they share the floor. Last season, with Trae Young as the only player on the roster to register as anything close to a star, they were among the league's bigger disappointments after falling from the Eastern Conference Finals to the play-in tournament. Melton, Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane and Ziaire Williams are all competing for the same minutes, and the Grizzlies ultimately decided to break up the logjam before it became an issue by dealing Melton. There are a few problems with that logic. They landed one of the steals of the draft in TyTy Washington at No. 29. It's not quite the same, but it should be noted that Ivey was less than enthused about the idea of going to Sacramento. Now, we're all less than enthused about their draft. No, the Kings are a loser because of their process as much as their result.

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

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. Gutierrez: The Hornets. It has not been the greatest of offseasons so far for Charlotte. After getting 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. Instead of waiting for Ousmane Dieng to slide to them at No. 12, they sent three future first-round picks to New York for Dieng, and then drafted Santa Clara's Jalen Williams with their No. 12 pick. The trades continued to pour in through draft night, with both the Pistons and Rockets making additional deals. He was the most college-ready freshman last fall, and he's the most NBA-ready draft pick now. The Pistons traded forward Jerami Grant to the Portland Trail Blazers for the No. 36 pick, as well as future draft picks.

Fifty-eight players will now begin the next chapter in their respective professional careers. But not everyone had the pleasure of hearing their names ...

Buddy Boeheim, G/F, Syracuse: Jared Rhoden, G/F, Seton Hall: Aminu Mohamed, G/F, Georgetown: Philadelphia 76ers

Dyson Daniels is the latest Australian player to enter the NBA after his selection in the draft on Friday.

He is the son of former WNBA player and current Notre Dame women’s coach Niele Ivey. The Indiana Pacers selected Haitian-Canadian guard Bennedict Mathurin from University of Arizona with the sixth pick. The Detroit Pistons added guard Jaden Ivey from Purdue University with the fifth pick.

The top five picks of the NBA Draft turned out to be a relative shocker and may prove to be one of the more impactful drafts in NBA history.

But in their biggest moment in a generation on Thursday night, they twisted the future of the entire NBA — and fooled the rest of the league in doing so. The top five picks going on to be the five best guys, well that has never happened. That in mind, it's been a long time since the top of an NBA Draft felt this consequential. There's a reasonable chance the best player in this draft fell to them at No. 3. This was one of the more intriguing lead-ups into a draft in some time. In what could prove to be one of the most talented drafts in recent history, Orlando and Sacramento — two franchises that have been bad seemingly for generations — subverted expectations and gave us mayhem. If Smith hits huge and becomes the best player, it's not unreasonable we could look up in 2027 and see the Rockets competing for NBA Finals appearances while the Thunder and Magic are still picking in the lottery. Has this ever happened in the history of the draft? Will the Banchero and Murray picks prove to be savvy, or will those decisions backfire on the two notoriously underperforming franchises that made them? Ever since the night of the lottery, May 17, it seemed all the momentum was behind the idea that the Magic were going to go with convention and take Smith at No. 1. The beautiful commotion of all of this is: we don't know. Despite the fact that — as we previously laid out right here — the debate over who should go No. 1 was as compelling as we'd seen in years.

The Magic and Pistons made smart selections in the lottery, emerging as clear winners at the 2022 NBA Draft.

That is the most valuable NBA skill to have. The Lakers buying No. 35 from the Magic in exchange for cash and a future second-rounder isn't a giant move in the grand scheme of things. That should keep him on the floor for the Cavs, but it's hard to envision how he has major positive impact. This is a move on the margins, but it's a good one. We can't be sure exactly where those picks end up landing, but this is probably going to be a loss from a value perspective. The upside isn't really there, which is what you should shoot for when drafting in the lottery. Agbaji had a great tournament run, but six nationally televised games shouldn't supersede the other 116 games of his career. A little mystery is a nice thing. Everybody suspected that the Kings would take Jaden Ivey at No. 4. That passing acumen is indicative of a high feel level. I got to see Banchero up close at the Final Four, talk to his teammates and interview the people that were around him dating back to his middle school days. I'm a sucker for big men who can pass, and Banchero checks that box.

The Orlando Magic selected Paolo Banchero as the first pick of the 2022 NBA Draft on Thursday.

I wanted to be in the NBA, but I didn't know I would be here." "First off, just a winning mindset, a work-first mindset," he added. "Just ready to get in with the guys and get to work. "This is everything man, I worked day in and day out just to get to this level and I know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for her and I'm just so happy, I'm just so happy," said Jalen of his selection. "This isn't even a dream. I feel like this is a fantasy.

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 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.

It was a big night for rebuilding rosters and young teams on the rise. Breaking down the biggest winners and losers from the 2022 NBA draft.

Yes, the Knicks are trying to carve out salary cap space to make a big move in free agency. The Lakers didn’t have a first-round pick — that went to New Orleans as part of the Anthony Davis trade in 2019. And maybe to the Kings, Murray was the best available. Last year, the Ignite’s Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga were taken second and seventh, and in next year’s draft, Ignite guard Scoot Henderson is a potential top-three pick. Both fit the mold of productive college players under the radar who have found success in Memphis. Ivey wanted to be in Detroit so badly he wept when his selection by the Pistons at No. 5 was announced. The Knicks regressed in 2021-22, going from a fourth-place team to 11th place. Up until Wednesday, the Lakers didn’t have a pick at all. He was thrilled it was No. 1 and by Orlando. "Man, I plan on bringing everything I have to Orlando. First off, just a winning mindset, a work-first mindset," he said, later adding, "I feel like this is a fantasy. GM Sam Presti added more young, high-upside depth to a rebuilding roster that should continue to make incremental strides while staying in position for French phenom Victor Wembanyama, the prize of the class of 2023 and next year's presumptive top pick. I dreamed of being in the NBA, but being the No. 1 overall pick, this is crazy." Who had the best and worst night?