You know they know it, Paolo Banchero was chosen by the Orlando Magic in first position in the 2022 Draft. preceding the announcement.
Some years, everyone knows, there is no doubt regarding the identity of the future draft number 1: LeBron James in 2003, Zion Williamson in 2019, Victor Wembanyama next June… But sometimes, the glorious uncertainty of the draft is not just regarding the lottery. Predictions change every two hours, and franchises that don’t have the top pick are left to decide which one does. And that was the case this year. Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren or Paolo Banchero for the top spot? It was to be one three days before the draft, another two days before… and finally, + it was the last city that was called by the Orlando Magic, and he himself did not know what to do. ‘expect :
The morning of the draft, I still wasn’t sure. I didn’t know if I would be chosen first, second or third. A week before, I was almost certain that I was going to go where it was planned, that is to say in third place, and suddenly, maybe three days before the date, the odds started going crazy. They were suddenly in my favour. I said to myself that maybe I wouldn’t be third in the end. – Paolo Banchero, via Marc Stein
A surely eventful day for Paolo Banchero, and an outcome that he will consider rather favorable, there is no doubt regarding it. He landed in Orlando, a rebuilding franchise that isn’t expected to win many games this season, but will give him the opportunity to shine. Barely arrived he is already the star of the franchise, will have the ball in his hands and will thus be able to show all his offensive talent. By the way, and also thanks to the injury of Chet Holmgren, PB is already favorite for the title of Rookie of The Year, although not everyone sees it that way. An evidence today which was therefore not on June 23, 2022 in the morning for Paolo Banchero.
Paolo Banchero tells us a bit more regarding his draft, with a day filled with uncertainty that ended well in the end. Before the next one, which should see a Frenchman at the top, we can’t wait to see the Orlando rookie’s first season in the NBA, favorite for the title of Rookie of the Year.
