2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) and Chet Holmgren pose for photos after Holmgren was drafted with the 2nd overall pick by the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder had a record of 24-58, which was the second-worst record in the NBA this year. They lack depth at the forward position, so one of the big three from this draft would be the best choice.

Oklahoma City selected Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren second overall to fill this position. He will have the ability to spread the floor and help make plays with two elite guards in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

They traded future first-round picks to acquire 11th-pick Ousmane Dieng from the Knicks. Dieng is an upside pick as he has the tools to be a weapon on both sides of the court. This is a low-risk, high-reward pick for the Thunder.

The Thunder followed this move by drafting Santa Clara’s Jalen Williams with the 12th pick. Williams is a lengthy guard, who will pair nicely with the plethora of playmaking guards. He shot 40% in catch-and-shoot scenarios.

Grade: A-

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Orlando Magic

With a 22-60 record, the Magic were the worst team, record-wise, in the NBA this season. With Jonathan Issac having an injury-riddled career thus far in the pros, it would make sense for the Magic to take one of the three highly-touted big men from this draft.

Orlando’s front office determined that Paolo Banchero out of Duke University was the best fit for them at the first-overall pick out of the big three. Banchero is a scorer who can put points up in bunches from all three levels. His size, combined with his physicality, makes him a threat on both sides of the court.

Banchero has the ability to lead a team, which has been a question of other top draft picks for the Magic.

Grade: A+

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Philadelphia 76ers

Philly will have a number of options to consider with their roster after having another underwhelming season, even after acquiring James Harden.

They traded Danny Green and the draft rights to 23rd pick David Roddy to the Grizzlies for De’Anthony Melton, who will be an instant impact player for the 76ers.

Grade: B+

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Phoenix Suns

The Suns will be focused on the future of Deandre Ayton, as they did not have a pick in this year’s first round.

Grade: N/A

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Portland Trail Blazers

The Trail Blazers struggled this year with injuries, which caused them to finish 13th in the Western Conference. Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons missed a chunk of the season respectively.

Portland selected Kentucky’s Shaedon Sharpe with the eighth pick in the draft. He is an elite shot creator, who will be a great addition to the scoring trio of Lillard, Simons, and Jerami Grant. However, he did not play at Kentucky this year, so there is a level of uncertainty about what he can bring at the next level.

Grade: B

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