Jabari Smith big favorite to go No. 1

With the NBA Finals now over, groups can formally start preparations for the upcoming season. And whereas the free-agent rumor mill is already churning with disgruntled star gamers seeking to transfer on to their subsequent problem, the NBA draft stays the most effective probability for organizations to construct their foundational construction for the long run.

Though fortunes can change within the NBA with one lottery decide, the groups nonetheless must make the right choice. It’s a must to return to 2011 to search out the final time a No. 1 general decide (Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers) gained an NBA championship with the group that initially drafted them. The Magic got here shut twice of their historical past, with Shaquille O’Neal in 1995 and Dwight Howard in 2009.

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This season, Orlando could have the highest general decide once more, marking the fourth time within the franchise’s historical past. There are three gamers on the prime of the percentages board and one will virtually definitely hear his identify referred to as first on Thursday evening.

Odds are courtesy of BetMGM as of Wednesday afternoon.

Jabari Smith Jr. (-6000)

The highest general decide within the 2022 NBA Draft is right down to a three-horse race with Auburn’s Smith the odds-on favourite at -250.

Smith led the Tigers with a median of 16.9 factors and was second with 7.4 rebounds per contest. At 6-foot-10, he has a silky easy leap shot as he shot 42% from behind the 3-point line.

Given his measurement and body, Smith has been in comparison with Nets ahead Kevin Durant. Each gamers are the one school freshman to make not less than 70 3-pointers and 100 free throws in a season. Smith has gone from a slight -140 favourite a month in the past to -300 the day earlier than the draft.

Paolo Banchero (+550)

Of the three candidates for the highest decide, the Duke ahead may be the participant most able to compete within the NBA. Banchero is listed on the similar top as Smith, however his 250-pound body already bodes effectively for the league.

Banchero has loads of upside after main the Blue Devils in each factors (17.2 ppg) and rebounds (7.8 rpg). Nonetheless, his 3-point taking pictures (33.8%) does diminish a few of his luster. The Duke product tried 3.3 3-pointers per sport in comparison with Smith’s 5.5 per contest.

I feel Banchero may be the higher decide than Smith, however that doesn’t imply he’s the most effective match for the Magic. It’s value noting that final season, Orlando completed twenty eighth in 3-point taking pictures (33.8%). Banchero is unlikely to enhance these numbers in his first yr, whereas Smith would instantly make the Magic higher in that division as soon as he steps on the ground.

Banchero to Orlando has gained steam over the previous couple of days. He’s seen his odds shorten at BetMGM from 16/1 on June 19 to +275. Even with the drop in odds, Banchero +275 to go No. 1 is my favourite play heading into Thursday’s draft.

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Chet Holmgren (+2300)

After getting loads of consideration early on to be the primary choice, the Gonzaga ahead now has the third shortest odds on the board. And whereas that worth is tempting by way of worth, sportsbooks are both comfy with their place on Holmgren or attempting to drum up some motion.

Holmgren averaged 14.1 factors and 9.9 rebounds in his lone season with the Bulldogs. The Minneapolis native is certainly the unicorn of this draft which is becoming as a result of he’s drawn comparisons to Kristaps Porzingis. Nonetheless, his flooring is also extra like Sean Bradley.

There are reviews Holmgren would like to be drafted by the Thunder with the second decide. Thus, I don’t assume the Magic would threat deciding on him if his intentions are real.

Orlando at the moment has three facilities on its roster in comparison with only one for Oklahoma Metropolis. I don’t count on Holmgren to go No. 1 general to Orlando, so it’s a go even at these tempting odds.