As Matt Moore of Action Network details, several oddsmakers have significantly moved their betting lines on Paolo Banchero in recent days, signaling that he’s no longer considered as much of a long shot to be this year’s No. 1 overall pick. However, executives around the NBA still widely expect Jabari Smith to be the first player off the board, reports Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report.
According to Fischer, Banchero was scheduled to meet with the Magic on Monday, but sources close to the Duke forward remain skeptical that he’s receiving serious consideration at No. 1. Fischer suggests that Smith and his representatives have been the most enthusiastic about landing in Orlando, while Chet Holmgren and his reps are thought to prefer the Thunder, since they believe there’s a stronger infrastructure in Oklahoma City to support the big man’s development.
As for Banchero, sources tell Fischer that he’d be happy to end up with the Rockets. The Seattle native has connections with general manager Rafael Stone, who is also from Seattle, and likes the idea of forming a dynamic offensive duo with Jalen Green.
At No. 4, the Kings remain a wild card, according to Fischer, who adds the Spurs to the list of teams interested in moving up in the lottery. The Spurs and Pacers are believed to be eyeing Keegan Murray, while the Wizards and Knicks are targeting Jaden Ivey, Fischer notes.
The Pistons were previously identified as a team exploring a trade up to No. 4, but Fischer suggests Detroit has “projected a strong confidence” that Ivey will be available at No. 5 if Sacramento keeps its pick, since teams drafting behind the Kings are preparing for them to select Murray.
Here’s more on the 2022 NBA draft, which is now just two days away:
- Teams drafting behind the Pelicans (No. 8) believe they’re a candidate to trade down, according to Fischer, who identifies the Thunder (No. 12) as a potential trade partner for New Orleans. Fischer says rivals suspect the Pelicans like Dyson Daniels and Bennedict Mathurin, so if at least one of them is still on the board at No. 8, they may be more inclined to hang onto the pick.
- There’s a “strong possibility” the Rockets will look to further expand their Christian Wood trade with the Mavericks, which isn’t yet official. Dallas’ side of the deal would presumably remain unchanged, but Houston could tweak the structure of the trade by including another team and additional pieces. Fischer suggests a move related to the No. 17 pick could be folded into the transaction.
- Sam Vecenie of The Athletic has heard from agents that many teams drafting in the second round – even in the 30s – are calling to see if certain prospects will agree to two-way contracts. That could result in some players who project as second-rounders ultimately going undrafted if they don’t want to accept a two-way offer.
- Vecenie adds that many of the picks in the 30s are candidates to be traded, since teams without picks are pursuing those selections. The Lakers are among the clubs said to be very much in the market for a second-rounder.
Detroit would be foolish to trade up to #4 for Ivey. If nobody meets SAC’s asking price, Ivey is there at #5.
Also, there is a distinct possibility that DET has more of an interest in Murray than in Ivey and they’ve allowed their “interest” in Ivey to leak in order to increase the chances of being jumped by a team that wants Ivey.
If that is the case, and Ivey goes at 4, mission accomplished.
If that is the case and Murray still goes at 4, all of those trade proposals that SAC received for Ivey will still be there for DET at #5.
If that is not the case and Ivey goes at 4, well, you still can take Murray (or trade down for a team wanting Murray).
If that is not the case and Murray goes at 4, well, you get Ivey who you wanted all along!
Looks like DET has a 75% chance that this works out in their favor!!!
Magic should be looking to deal Anthony, Fultz, and a S&T Bamba if he is going to cost more than Robert Williams. Deal Ross for a couple 2nds.
Need to prioritize above league average shooting for the back court and wings.
WCJ is good. Franz is good. Suggs needs to improve a lot. RJ could be a decent 6th man. They are stuck with Isaac.
Draft Smith. And resign Harris to like 2/20 or 2/22.
Start Suggs, Harris, Smith, Franz, WCJ.
RJ, Isaac?, Bamba? Okeke and Mo off the bench.
If Murray happens to be available at #5, what would IND have to give DET to move up one spot for him?
Would a 31 for 46 swap do it?
Future 1st?
Brogdon?
I think it’s next year’s first. Detroit wants the best player available and I can’t imagine they drop back unless the guy they’re targeting is projected to go a couple picks back. The price to move up and get your guy is steep.
RE: Houston-Dallas deal expanded. Local reporters are speculating that KJ Martin for Josh Green could be added into the trade. KJM is more polished and would be a backup PF for the Mavs, whereas Green has more long term upside for the Rockets.
That’s what I thought at first but they said another team is involved and the #17 pick too and the Dallas side of the deal is unchanged. Maybe KJ, #17 pick to Portland for #11.
That have that garbage from Dallas to dump too.
Based on the way the report was written and the way these things usually work, it sounds like any expansion of the deal would involve Houston and another team, but that’s not a lock. There’s nothing stopping the Mavs and Rockets from adding more pieces to their own agreement.
Jeff, Danny, Javonte and Jymychal are interested too. Dray’s defiant. :}
Josh & Jalen would have quite some duels in practices. Similar age & position, very different styles. >/
Anybody who thought Paolo going to Orlando at #1 either wasn’t paying attention to college basketball this season, doesn’t know about the Orlando Magic & the makeup of their roster or both. He’s literally a perfect fit for them & he’s arguably/probably the best player in the draft. He should def be the #1 pick
Cool
Aren’t you something.
I believe Banchero is more NBA ready than most. He can start right away at the 4.
Smith has more upside. Both will be all stars. As a C Holmgren also has big upside. Very skilled for a 7’ 1” guy. Also is a high IQ player. Think Bill Walton. Best he goes to OKC. There he can grow at his pace. Most of all gain weight and strength with no pressure.
Top 3 picks are set imo. All about the Kings trading out. I think they want Murray. But could be made an offer they can’t refuse. Knicks !!!!!!