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NBA Draft: Ranking the top 3 winners of the 2022 NBA Draft

By Jake Weinbach

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces a 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 Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces a 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 Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) /
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2022 NBA Draft
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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Ranking the top 3 winners of the 2022 NBA Draft: 1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Following three lottery pick selections, it’s safe to say that the Oklahoma City Thunder won the 2022 NBA Draft. After selecting Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren second-overall, French forward Ousmane Dieng 11th overall, and Santa Clara guard Jalen Williams 12th overall, the Thunder are primed for success heading into the long-term future.

Holmgren is a seven-foot, skinny-framed prospect with insane versatility, impressive shooting mechanics, and sharp handles for his size. At 19 years old, Chet has significant two-way upside with his ability to score from all three levels, lead an offense, and protect the interior defensively.

Ousmane Dieng is another polarizing prospect as a 19-year-old “point forward” with a high ceiling while Jalen Williams projects to be a silky-smooth scorer at the NBA level with a seven-foot wingspan and an all-around feel for the game.

OKC sacrificed three future first-round picks in a deal with the New York Knicks to select Dieng without including their 12th pick, which was Williams, so they’re clearly high on both talents. Additionally, the Thunder used the 34th pick to select Arkansas big man Jaylin Williams, who could also make an impact on the team’s long-term outlook.

Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng, and Jalen Williams all have star potential in this league with timely development and patience. The Oklahoma City Thunder now have three fascinating projects to work with alongside rising stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

Following another successful draft with many more first-round picks ahead down the road, general manager Sam Presti and OKC own the future.

Next. 3 teams that should have interest in Kyrie Irving. dark

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