I remember tuning in for the NBA Draft 2022 live because I didn't want to miss a single highlight. Right out of the gate, the excitement picked up when Paolo Banchero was picked as the first overall by the Orlando Magic. No one really expected Orlando to go for Banchero over Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren. I've got to say, Banchero stands tall at 6'10" and weighs around 250 pounds, which already makes him a physical specimen ready for the NBA grind. His college stats from Duke are pretty impressive, averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. All eyes were glued to see how this choice would pan out for Orlando.
Soon after, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Chet Holmgren as the second overall pick. Holmgren is a unique player with a height of 7'1" but weighing only 195 pounds, making him one of the leanest players at his height. Holmgren had a stellar season with Gonzaga, boasting 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and an impressive 3.7 blocks per game. Seeing him climb the ranks and make it to the NBA was a massive moment for his career.
The third pick was perhaps the least surprising. The Houston Rockets picking Jabari Smith Jr. felt almost inevitable. Smith, a 6'10" forward from Auburn, was known for his shooting touch, hitting 42% from the three-point line in college. Watching him slip to third despite such stats was a bit of a shock, given that several mock drafts had him going first. The Rockets' fans seemed thrilled with the addition and understandably so; offense always finds a way to shine in the NBA.
Another moment that caught my attention was when Jaden Ivey was chosen by the Detroit Pistons with the fifth pick. Ivey, a 6'4" guard from Purdue, is known for his explosive athleticism and speed, clocking some fascinating bursts down the court that went viral on social media. Detroit was looking to build a young core and adding someone like Ivey, who averaged 17.3 points per game, seemed like a solid move to complement their young rising star Cade Cunningham.
I can't forget the New Orleans Pelicans picking Dyson Daniels at the eighth spot. Daniels, who came from the NBA G League Ignite team, offered a different path to the NBA. Standing at 6'6" and weighing 199 pounds, Daniels brought with him professional experience that the traditional college draftees lacked. He achieved an impressive season with averages of 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game.
During the night, one of the more heartwarming scenes happened with the 14th pick when the Cleveland Cavaliers selected Ochai Agbaji. Agbaji played for Kansas and led them to an NCAA Championship. His emotional reaction, including tears and bear hugs with his family, was a reminder of how much hard work goes into these moments. Agbaji is a player who brought 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, and his college career was capped off with the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.
Then came the surprise of AJ Griffin slipping to the 16th pick, selected by the Atlanta Hawks. Griffin, also from Duke, was touted for his 3-point shooting, knocking down 44.7% of his attempts from long range. Given his shooting ability and NBA-ready frame, standing at 6'6" and 222 pounds, many analysts had pegged him going much higher. This pick could prove to be an absolute steal for the Hawks.
Another notable pick was the San Antonio Spurs taking Jeremy Sochan at number nine. Sochan, a versatile forward from Baylor standing at 6'9", caught the Spurs' attention due to his defensive prowess and potential as a two-way player. His averages of 9.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game might not leap off the page, but his impact goes far beyond the box score. The Spurs seemed excited about what he could bring to their defensive schemes.
The Knicks, as always, brought a swirl of drama when they selected Ousmane Dieng at the 11th spot and immediately traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dieng, a 6'10" French forward, had played for the New Zealand Breakers in the NBL. With averages of 8.9 points and 3.1 rebounds, his overseas experience and potential as a versatile forward made him an intriguing pick. This trade underscored the volatility and strategic maneuvers teams often pull off during draft night.
How could I not mention the moment when Shaedon Sharpe was picked by the Portland Trail Blazers at the seventh spot? Sharpe, who didn’t play a single college game due to reclassifying mid-year, was one of the most mysterious and high-risk, high-reward prospects. His high school tape and scouting reports touted his athletic ability and scoring potential. Standing at 6'5" and boasting a broad wingspan, Sharpe drew comparisons to some of the most dynamic scorers in the league.
For more insights and updates, checking out sources like nba draft 2022 live was definitely helpful as the draft unfolded in real-time. The live coverage captured all the electrifying moments, the unexpected turns, and player reactions that make the NBA Draft a special event every year.
