Despite some intriguing developments at sportsbooks, the top three picks in the draft still appear likely to play out as widely expected, reports ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
According to Wojnarowski, a projected top three of Jabari Smith to the Magic at No. 1, Chet Holmgren to the Thunder at No. 2, and Paolo Banchero to the Rockets at No. 3 looks “increasingly firm.”
Woj’s report comes on the heels of oddsmakers listing Banchero as the new favorite to be selected first overall.
Smith, Holmgren, and Banchero have long been grouped together as the draft’s top three prospects and each have a case to be considered at No. 1, but reports for weeks have suggested a belief that Orlando is leaning toward Smith, with Oklahoma City likely to take Holmgren.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote this week that virtually every NBA team expects the Magic to select Smith and would be very surprised if they go in another direction.
If Wojnarowski is right and there are no major surprises in the top three, tonight’s fun could begin at No. 4, where the Kings have been linked to both Jaden Ivey and Keegan Murray and are reportedly considering trading the pick.
How do you insert last year’s top 7 picks into this year’s draft?
Cade is 1 in this year draft?
1. Cade 2.Scottie 3.Evan 4.Jalen S. 5.Paolo 6.Jalen G. 7.Franz 8.Jabari 9.Josh 10.Dyson 11.Ousmane 12.Malaki 13.Kuminga 14.Ziaire
Paolo would def go before Scottie, he’s same guy except better shooter & bigger. Ben Mathurin & Jaden Ivey would both be top 8picks too
afc 2, you seriously have Suggs above Green?
(2011) Kyrie/Klay/JButler/Kawhi/Vooch with IT, Kemba, Bojan, Tobias & JoVal off bench vs (2016) BSimmons/Jaylen/BI/Siakam/Domas with JMurray, Dejounte, Brogdon, Buddy & Zubac… who wins a 7gm series bw these 2 teams if all 20 guys are 26yrs old & who would be MVP of the series?…
SAC trades #4 & Holmes for OG & #33. That’s a lock.
Yeah that would definitely be a Sacramento type move to do.
Welcome to Houston Banchero!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This whole Paolo going #1 is all about betting odds. Don’t get me wrong if I’m Magic he’d be my top option. But they’re set on Smith. I think they could do with a better ball dominant player, but yer they’ll go Bari
Only way he goes #1 is Houston having a brain fart and trade up to get him which looks like a pointless move. Or another team high on him, offer an over pay
Top 3 is set. Biggest question is the other top 10 picks. I see a few movers tonight.
ORL takes Holmgren. Weltman is funny and would not mind pulling off a big “gotcha!” to the world.