Following an eventful 2022 NBA Draft full of surprises, movement, and new beginnings, plenty of teams made franchise-altering selections that will improve the outlook of their organizations for years to come.
The Orlando Magic started the draft by fooling everybody with the first overall pick, frequent trades were coming from all over the place, and all mock drafts were absolutely shattered once again. It will certainly be another night to remember in the NBA.
All organizations benefit from draft night while prospects and their families turn dreams into reality, but some teams always stand out more than others. As the league moves forward and turns its attention to free agency, let’s break down the top three winners of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Ranking the top 3 winners of the 2022 NBA Draft: 3. Houston Rockets
In a major turn of events, the Houston Rockets selected Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. with the third-overall pick, after many expected the 19-year-old stud to be the first selection in the draft. Smith will bring efficient shooting and defensive versatility to the Rockets with stellar upside on both ends of the floor.
While Smith will become an excellent fit alongside promising guard Jalen Green to headline Houston’s exciting young core, the Rockets also acquired LSU forward Tari Eason with the 17th overall pick and Kentucky guard TyTy Washington with the 29th overall pick.
Eason is a defensive beast with tremendous athleticism, versatility, and a high work ethic that will gradually grow on both sides of the ball, and TyTy Washington will be a prolific scorer and playmaker at the next level.
The Houston Rockets nailed the draft with these first-round selections. All will have opportunities to contribute right away and have solid paths toward developing into high-end producers. Jabari Smith has All-Star talent, Tari Eason should have a long, successful career, and TyTy Washington Jr. could be looked back upon as one of the steals of the 2022 NBA Draft.