The 2022 NBA Draft has come and gone, but not without some interesting selections. Looking through the first round of the NBA Draft, there are picks that seem to fit well with the organization’s future plans, but there are also some that make you raise an eyebrow.
Let’s dive into our biggest takeaways from the 2022 NBA Draft.
Biggest surprises
It wasn’t a surprise by Thursday, but Paolo Banchero being selected as the first overall pick was unexpected for earlier this week. On Monday at DraftKings Sportsbook, Banchero was +900 to be selected first overall by the Magic. However, Vegas caught wind of Orlando’s future plans and the Duke forward’s odds dramatically changed overnight. Selections No. 2 and 3 were predictable, as Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. were drafted by the Thunder and Rockets, respectively. It was slightly surprising to see Smith not go No. 1 overall since that is when he was projected to get drafted for the majority of time leading up to Thursday night, but regardless he joins a young core in Houston. Smith is a steal at third overall and was a great pick by the Rockets.
I was surprised to see the Kings not move their No. 4 overall pick. They ended up selecting Keegan Murray from Iowa, on whom they had their eye for a while, and although he’s a great player I don’t love this selection. If they didn’t trade it, I would have chosen Jaden Ivey instead of Murray — but it was clear that Ivey did not want to be in Sacramento.