SB Nation

The Orlando Magic are the lucky winners of the lottery and will pick No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. The Magic will be followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 2, the Houston Rockets at No. 3, and the Sacramento Kings at No. 4. The draft will be held on June 23 in Brooklyn. This year’s draft class is led by three big forwards with distinct skill sets. Duke’s Paolo Banchero has been the top player on our board all year because of his creation and passing ability at 6’10, 250 pounds. Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren has been our No. 2 prospect for his length, shooting projection, and elite rim protection instincts. Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr. is maybe the best pure shooter in the class, and the best perimeter defender of the top three. Purdue guard Jaden Ivey could also draw looks in the top three. The 2022 NBA Draft order is finally set. Here’s our instant projection of the first round.