The Orlando Magic surprised more than a few folks when they unveiled their first overall selection in the 2022 NBA Draft. Despite reports that they will select Auburn’s forward Jabari Smith Jr., the Magic went and took Duke’s Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick.
The reason why Banchero’s selection wasn’t expected is the fact that he didn’t even have a private workout for the Magic. Only Smith and Gonzaga’s center Chet Holmgren visited Orlando.
“I didn’t find out, though, that I was actually getting picked until about 20 seconds before the commissioner got on the stage,” said Banchero, who averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season. “I didn’t even have time to really think about it or anything. It just kind of happened. I can’t believe it, but I’m ready. I’m ready.”
Holmgren, considered the top overall prospect in the class, ended up going second overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Smith had to wait until the Houston Rockets were on the clock with the No. 3 pick to get selected. Iowa’s Keegan Murray went fourth overall to the Sacramento Kings, while Purdue’s Jaden Ivey was picked by the Detroit Pistons to round up the top 5.
The draft also saw a handful of trades. OKC traded three heavily-protected first-rounders to the New York Knicks for No. 11 selection, with which they took Ousmane Dieng of NZ Breakers. The Knicks, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Pistons also engaged in a trade that resulted in Kemba Walker and no.13 pick Jalen Duren heading to Detroit.
Check out the full list of 2022 NBA Draft selections below.
