Orlando Magic Select Paolo Banchero First Overall in the NBA Draft

The next generation of NBA stars are officially on their way. With the first pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select Paolo Banchero from Duke University.

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Banchero, a 6’10” forward, was widely considered the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft, though he wasn’t always expected to be the top pick. Rather, it was Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr. who many thought to be the number one pick due to his extremely high ceiling as a stretch four. It wasn’t until late last night when reports surfaced that Banchero had overtaken Smith on draft boards. He now joins a very young Magic core comprised of Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner. Banchero becomes the fourth player selected by the Magic at number one overall, joining Shaq, Dwight Howard, and Chris Webber. Coincidentally, he’s also the fourth Duke player selected first overall in the modern draft era.

Teams that missed out on Paolo Banchero need not worry. The widespread consensus viewed this year’s draft as having three number-one-worthy talents at the top. The OKC Thunder grabbed a “unicorn” in Gonzaga big man Chet Holmgren with the second pick. The Houston Rockets were then quick to snatch up Smith Jr. at number three, pairing him with standout rookie guard Jalen Green.

Check out the lottery picks below, or the full list of NBA Draft picks here.