- The 2022 NBA Draft is ready to welcome some of the world’s brightest stars into the NBA
- The first overall pick belongs to the Orlando Magic
- Jabari Smith Jr. is a narrow favorite to be selected first overall
The 2022 NBA Draft will be the 76th edition of the NBA’s annual draft. From a massive pool of athletes from the United States and abroad, 60 will be selected to be a part of one of the league’s 30 NBA teams.
The NBA Draft is the source of most of the NBA’s most prominent stars. A lottery process determines the first 14 picks of the NBA Draft, while the remainder of the draft is determined by the final team record over the last season.
There a number of fantastic young players waiting for their opportunity in this year’s NBA Draft. Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren are just three players expected to have a massive long-term impact on the league. Don’t just look at the top picks though, history suggests that there could be a star selected at any position!
2022 NBA Draft Odds
The Orlando Magic won the jackpot and will be selecting first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Now owning one of the league’s most interesting young core with Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Wendell Carter, the Magic will get their pick of the 2022 NBA Draft’s incredible big men.
| Player | BetMGM Odds |
| Jabari Smith Jr. | -175 BET HERE |
| Chet Holmgren | +130 BET HERE |
| Paolo Banchero | +1200 BET HERE |
| Shaedon Sharpe | +10000 BET HERE |
| Jaden Ivey | +15000 BET HERE |
1st Pick of the 2022 NBA Draft
Bet on 2022 NBA Draft Here!
Who is the Favorite to be Selected First Overall?
Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr., the potential top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, sits down with @Stadium: “Yes, I believe I’m No. 1.” On the values learned from an NBA dad, translating in a position-less era, much more. pic.twitter.com/5xPzvHqGaB
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 18, 2022
The Orlando Magic have the pick of the litter when they select first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. They have a specific need at the power forward position, which is fortunate considering the top three players of this draft are capable of playing the position.
While Paolo Banchero shows great offensive potential, it is the versatility of Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. that makes them most likely to join the Orlando Magic. With the interior presence of Wendell Carter Jr., the Magic are likely to go with a perimeter-oriented, mobile big man.
Both Smith Jr. and Holmgren have a ways to go before they’ll be considered “NBA-ready”, but Smith Jr. is closest to that point. As Orlando looks to both grow and compete for the playoffs in the 2022-2023 season, Smith Jr. is the most likely fit.
When is the 2022 NBA Draft?
The 2022 NBA Draft will be held on Thursday, June 23rd, 2022 at 7:30 PM EST.
How to Watch the 2022 NBA Draft?
You can view the 2022 NBA Draft on ESPN. The first round of the 2022 NBA Draft will also be available on ABC. You can stream the 2022 NBA Draft on ESPN.
Where will the 2022 NBA Draft be held?
The 2022 NBA Draft will be held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, home of the Brooklyn Nets. This will be the second consecutive NBA Draft that will be held at Barclays Center, after the 2020 NBA Draft was held by conference call.
What is the Pick Order for the 2022 NBA Draft?
| Pick # | Round 1 | Pick # | Round 2 |
| 1. | Orlando Magic | 1. | Indiana Pacers (via CLE) |
| 2. | Oklahoma City Thunder | 2. | Orlando Magic |
| 3. | Houston Rockets (via DET) | 3. | Toronto Raptors (via SAS) |
| 4. | Sacramento Kings (via OKC) | 4. | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 5. | Detroit Pistons | 5. | Orlando Magic (via IND) |
| 6. | Indiana Pacers | 6. | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 7. | Portland Trail Blazers | 7. | Sacramento Kings |
| 8. | New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL) | 8. | San Antonio Spurs (via LAL) |
| 9. | San Antonio Spurs | 9. | Cleveland Cavaliers (SAS) |
| 10. | Washington Wizards | 10. | Minnesota Timberwolves (via WAS) |
| 11. | New York Knicks | 11 | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 12. | Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) | 12. | New York Knicks |
| 13. | Charlotte Hornets (via ATL) | 13. | LA Clippers |
| 14. | Cleveland Cavaliers (via IND) | 14. | Atlanta Hawks |
| 15. | Charlotte Hornets (via NOP) | 15. | Charlotte Hornets |
| 16. | Atlanta Hawks | 16. | Detroit Pistons (via BKN) |
| 17. | Houston Rockets | 17. | New Orleans Pelicans (via CLE) |
| 18. | Chicago Bulls | 18. | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 19. | Minnesota Timberwolves | 19. | Sacramento Kings |
| 20. | San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) | 20. | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 21. | Denver Nuggets | 21. | Golden State Warriors (via TOR) |
| 22. | Memphis Grizzlies (via UTA) | 22. | New Orleans Pelicans (via UTA) |
| 23. | Philadelphia 76ers | 23. | Boston Celtics |
| 24. | Milwaukee Bucks | 24. | Milwaukee Bucks (forfeited) |
| 25. | San Antonio Spurs (via BOS) | 25. | Miami Heat (forfeited) |
| 26. | Houston Rockets (via DAL) | 26. | Dallas Mavericks |
| 27. | Miami Heat | 27. | Golden State Warriors |
| 28. | Golden State Warriors | 28. | Cleveland Cavaliers (via IND) |
| 29. | Memphis Grizzlies | 29. | Portland Trail Blazers (via MEM) |
| 30. | Denver Nuggets (via OKC) | 30. | Indiana Pacers (via PHO) |
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Christian Jope
Expert on NBA
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
Email: [email protected]
