What’s Next For Top NBA Draftees

The NBA has just introduced 60 new faces to the league. As the NBA draft has recently passed, the league is waiting in anticipation to see new talent and future stars make their debut. Draft night is a beautiful experience for everyone involved. The hard work has paid off and you’ve placed yourself in a position to make an impact on the lives of many people who’ve helped you and that energy is felt throughout the room. But now what’s next for these young athletes? They’ve just recently been the recipient of huge responsibilities and must act swiftly. After the celebrations, it’s time to get to work.

Houston Rockets Young Trio

With the 3rd pick in the 2022 NBA draft, the Houston Rockets selected Jabari Smith, from Auburn University. This 6’10 Power Forward has just entered a young organization who’ve struggled in the previous season since A huge controversial split between their All-Star James Harden. Harden took to the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets were left with a roster full of young talent but little experience.

 The Houston Rockets found themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference. With a record of 20-62, Jabari Smith is supposed to be the key to turning this franchise around. The one-and-done Forward averaged 17pts 7reb in his college career. I believe he has the physical ability and the talent to take this Houston team far. The challenge lies in his ability to work with the other young talent on the team. If they can work together collectively, they may be in the running for the playoffs in the following season.

OKC’s Superstar

Chet Holmgren has been drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 7-foot point center averaged 14.9 rebounds in his collegiate career at Gonzaga University. It’s no question that he is talented, but people question his ability to compete with the physicality in the league with him having a small frame.

 The next thing for Chet is he must hit the weight room and develop the strength to bang with larger opponents. There’s no doubt you can see glimpses of Kevin Durant with Chet and his 7-foot frame moving with agility like Durant. I believe it will be some time before he becomes a superstar in this league and can carry the Oakland home city thunder to the playoffs.

Orlando Magic Saving Wish

Paolo Banchero was drafted number one overall by the Orlando Magic. The Magic struggled last season finding themselves at the bottom of the eastern conference winning only 22 games. The Magic drafted Banchero in hopes that he will be able to lead the magic and potentially be a playoff contender. Banchero averaged 17 points and 8 rebounds for Duke University throughout his collegiate career.

Out of all the top three draft picks, I believe he has the most responsibility. When you are drafted first overall you were placed under a microscope and your every move will be watched and criticized. The question will always linger if you were a bust. I believe he can carry the Orlando Magic right now. He has the best size, athleticism, and skill of all three top draft picks and is the most NBA-ready.

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