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Orlando Magic surprised the NBA world on Thursday when it chose Paolo Banchero, who was ranked number one in the 2022 draft. Many speculated that the top pick would be either Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren.
Banchero played for one season at Duke before becoming a professional. He was the 2022 ACC Rookie of the Year and his first team, the All-ACC Selection.
In his only season with Blue Devils, he averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists.
It’s been 13 years in a row that first-year college students have been selected as No. 1 overall in the NBA.
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The last Duke player to take first place overall was Zion Williamson in 2019. Before Williamson, it was Kyrie Irving in 2011.
Magic won first place overall three times in 2004, 1993 and 1992. Magic chose Dwight Howard in 2004, Chris Webber in 1993, and Shaquille O’Neal in 1992. Orlando exchanged Webber for the Golden State Warriors with a penny. Hardaway and three future first round draft topics.
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Orlando was ranked number one in 22-60 last season with a 14% chance. Orlando was ranked 5th last year and chose Jalen Suggs.
The choice surprised NBA fans.
Oklahoma City chose Gonzaga’s Holmgren in second place.
The 7-foot Holmgren was the 2022 West Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game. He is ranked at the top of several simulated drafts.
He joins the young Thunder team with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
Smith was robbed by the Houston Rockets in 3rd place.
He told Yahoo Sports earlier that day that he was “surprised” if he wasn’t selected for the top pick.
“I would be surprised if I didn’t take first place,” Smith said. “It’s my competitiveness mixed with my selflessness and my ability to shoot the ball, defend multiple positions and care about winning.
“I don’t care about statistics. I think any team will be able to help soon, but I think I’m the best choice.”
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Smith averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in his lonely year with the Tigers. He was selected as the SEC Freshman of the Year and won the Waymantisdale Award as the top freshman basketball player in the country.
Sacramento Kings chose Keegan Murray in 4th place, and Detroit Pistons finished the top five with Jaden Ivey from Purdue University.