The 2022 NBA Draft is quickly approaching. The Orlando Magic won the NBA Draft Lottery and hold the first overall pick in Thursday's draft. For much of the build up, it's been reported that the Magic were locked in on Auburn Tigers superstar Jabari Smith Jr. as the top pick. However, that might not be the case.
According to ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, Duke's Paolo Banchero has emerged as the potential pick by the Magic.
The Magic have kept their final decision tight, but Banchero has emerged as a significant possibility to be drafted No. 1 overall, sources said. https://t.co/Vi3iPSMAsG
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 23, 2022
Banchero was previously expected to likely land in Houston with the third overall pick. The Rockets traded Christian Wood away recently to the Dallas Mavericks. That opened up the spot for Banchero, or so many believe. There is very little time remaining before the draft starts, and Houston might need to do some wheeling and dealing if they want to land their target.
If the Magic do indeed shock the NBA world and draft Banchero, it could have massive effects on the rest of the draft. The top three were reportedly all set with Smith Jr., Banchero and Chet Holmgren going in some order. But if Banchero goes number one overall, the Rockets could very well pivot and look elsewhere.
Purdue's Jaden Ivey was the player most people believed might go fourth overall to the Sacramento Kings. But Houston could very well take Ivey to pair him with Jalen Green, providing the Rockets with one of the most athletic backcourts in the NBA.
From there, madness would likely ensue. But all of this is dependent on the Magic taking Banchero. If they end up landing on Smith Jr., the craziness that is expected likely will not happen until at least the fourth pick.
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