While you’re knee-deep in Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs, the 2022 draft is quietly just a month and a half away. Prospects are beginning the pre-draft process, which includes the NBA Combine, Portsmouth Invitational Tournament and pre-draft workouts, among other things.
Such events throughout the lead-up to draft day leave us enough time to make final projections on which players will be selected by which teams.
The hottest name being linked to the No. 1 overall pick is Jabari Smith, the 6’10” 220-pound forward from Auburn. Smith has drawn comparisons to Kevin Garnett and Rashard Lewis thanks to his ability to stretch the floor effectively at his size. So, him having the best odds (-105) at Tipico Sportsbook to be the first pick in the NBA Draft is unsurprising.
Chet Holmgren is another long and versatile big whose talent and upside have him knocking at the door of a potential first overall pick. His odds at Tipico are slightly longer (+170) but many draft experts see Holmgren as the likely No. 1 pick, including Bryan Kalbrosky of For The Win.
The list of potential top picks and their odds grow longer after Smith and Holmgren. But Paolo Banchero (+300) is just behind, for those bettors that are confident the Duke freshman will climb the ranks by June 23rd.
