The 2022 NBA Draft is already upon us after the NBA Finals ended just two weeks ago. There has been a ton of hype over the last few weeks on who will go in the top three. Let's continue our NBA odds series with a projection for the No. 2 overall pick.
The Orlando Magic own the first pick but it's still up in the air on who they will take. Drafting second, the Oklahoma City Thunder hope to finally take a step in the right direction. Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jaden Ivey are all names to pay attention to for the first few picks of the draft. Thanks to the infamous Woj Bomb, the picks might be locked up already.
Courtesy of FanDuel, let's take a look at the 2022 NBA Draft Odds.
2022 NBA Draft Odds: Projected No. 2 Overall Pick
Chet Holmgren: -290
Jabari Smith: +460
Paolo Banchero: +500
Jaden Ivey: +4200
*Watch NBA Games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)
Why Chet Holmgren Will Go 2nd Overall
Holmgren is likely the pick to be made here. The former Gonzaga Bulldog is arguably the top player in this draft class for a variety of reasons. Holmgren is seven feet tall and has the ability to shoot the ball from range. Similar to Kristaps Porzingis, Holmgren should make his mark immediately for the OKC Thunder if they were to pick him 2nd.
Holmgren was a consensus All-American, West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, and clearly an All-WCC first-team player. The former Minnesota Mr. Basketball averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks while shooting 60.7% from the floor. Those numbers will surely put you in the conversation for the first overall pick. However, Jabari Smith might have locked up the first pick already.
The odds at -290 aren't ideal, but it's almost a sure thing. If you have the dough to spend, then lock in Holmgren at No. 2.
Why Jabari Smith Will Go 2nd Overall
Are we ever going to question a Woj Bomb? We shouldn't. If this is the case then Smith will be taken by the Magic. There is no chance that Smith falls past the Thunder if the Magic do decide to take Holmgren or even Paolo Banchero first. With that said, the odds are great right now. At +460, you could throw a small amount of money for giggles and it could turn out to be more than 100$ of winnings.
Why Paolo Banchero Will Go 2nd Overall
Smith, alongside Holmgren, are the two players that have been considered No. 1 overall worthy. However, Banchero is sneaking up the odds radar and has better odds to go first than Holmgren does… and it's not close. But, Banchero is close with Smith at the No. 2 spot. At +500, these odds are really good considering Smith will likely be heading to Orlando. The Thunder need a center, and Holmgren would be a good fit for them. Although, you should not count out the fact that Banchero stepped up in March and proved he's a legit star in this draft.
Why Jaden Ivey Will Go 2nd Overall
Jaden Ivey is a long shot to go No. 2 because the Thunder aren't looking for a guard. The reason he is listed here is you never know what can happen in a draft. The Thunder could trade their pick and someone trades up to take Ivey second overall. That likely won't happen, but if OKC gets an offer they can't refuse then it is very possible. The draft has seen some wild trades in the past.
2022 NBA Draft Prediction: Chet Holmgren (-290)
Follow Us
Subscribe