ESPN’s NBA draft analysts have been hard at work studying the top prospects in this year’s draft class, and they’ve released their latest projections for the first round. Here’s a look at who they have going where:
Pick | Player | Team |
---|---|---|
1 | Paolo Banchero | Orlando Magic |
2 | Chet Holmgren | Oklahoma City Thunder |
3 | Jabari Smith Jr. | Houston Rockets |
4 | Shaedon Sharpe | Portland Trail Blazers |
5 | Jaden Ivey | Detroit Pistons |
6 | Keegan Murray | Sacramento Kings |
7 | Bennedict Mathurin | Indiana Pacers |
8 | AJ Griffin | New Orleans Pelicans |
9 | Dyson Daniels | San Antonio Spurs |
10 | Johnny Davis | Washington Wizards |
11 | Ousmane Dieng | New York Knicks |
12 | Malaki Branham | Oklahoma City Thunder |
13 | Jeremy Sochan | Charlotte Hornets |
14 | Mark Williams | Cleveland Cavaliers |
15 | Jalen Duren | Detroit Pistons |
16 | Nikola Jovic | Miami Heat |
17 | Kendall Brown | Chicago Bulls |
18 | Caleb Houstan | Orlando Magic |
19 | Ochai Agbaji | Minnesota Timberwolves |
20 | Walker Kessler | Memphis Grizzlies |
21 | Christian Braun | Denver Nuggets |
22 | James Bouknight | Brooklyn Nets |
23 | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Golden State Warriors |
24 | Dalen Terry | Philadelphia 76ers |
25 | David Roddy | Memphis Grizzlies |
26 | Tari Eason | Houston Rockets |
27 | Gabriele Procida | Portland Trail Blazers |
28 | Max Christie | Los Angeles Lakers |
29 | Jaden Hardy | Dallas Mavericks |
30 | Bryce McGowens | Toronto Raptors |
Factors that could affect the draft order
There are a number of factors that could affect the draft order, including:
- Team needs
- Player workouts
- Medical evaluations
- Draft lottery
: Key takeaways
Here are some of the key takeaways from ESPN’s NBA draft analysis:
- Paolo Banchero is the consensus No. 1 pick.
- Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. are also expected to be top-3 picks.
- Shaedon Sharpe is a potential lottery pick who could rise up the draft board.
- Jaden Ivey is a talented guard who could be a steal if he falls out of the top 5.
- The draft is deep with talent, and there are a number of players who could make an impact in the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Who is the best player in the draft?
A: Paolo Banchero
Q: Who is the most athletic player in the draft?
A: Shaedon Sharpe
Q: Who is the best shooter in the draft?
A: Jabari Smith Jr.
Q: Who is the best defender in the draft?
A: Chet Holmgren
Q: Who is the most NBA-ready player in the draft?
A: Paolo Banchero
Additional resources
- ESPN NBA Draft Prospect Rankings
- The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide
- Sports Illustrated’s NBA Draft Big Board
NBA San Antonio Spurs Highlights
The San Antonio Spurs are an American professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference Southwest Division. The Spurs have won five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014).
Some of the highlights of the Spurs’ history include:
- 1997: The Spurs drafted Tim Duncan, who would become one of the greatest players in NBA history.
- 1999: The Spurs won their first NBA championship, defeating the New York Knicks in four games.
- 2003: The Spurs won their second NBA championship, defeating the New Jersey Nets in four games.
- 2005: The Spurs won their third NBA championship, defeating the Detroit Pistons in seven games.
- 2007: The Spurs won their fourth NBA championship, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games.
- 2014: The Spurs won their fifth NBA championship, defeating the Miami Heat in five games.
The Spurs are one of the most successful teams in NBA history. They have a long history of winning and have produced some of the greatest players in the game. The Spurs are a perennial contender for the NBA championship and are always a threat to win it all.
NBA Finals Game 7 on The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company’s ESPN and ABC presented the thrilling NBA Finals Game 7 between the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. The game was held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.
The Lakers emerged victorious, defeating the Heat 106-93. LeBron James led the Lakers with a dominant performance, scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Anthony Davis added 22 points and 9 rebounds.
The game was broadcast live on ESPN and ABC, reaching a massive audience of millions. The telecast featured commentary from veteran NBA analysts Jeff Van Gundy, Mark Jackson, and Doris Burke.
New York Knicks Roster Changes
The New York Knicks have made several roster moves in recent months, including:
- Acquiring Jalen Brunson: The Knicks signed guard Jalen Brunson to a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency. Brunson was previously with the Dallas Mavericks and is expected to be a key contributor for the Knicks.
- Trading for Cam Reddish: The Knicks acquired forward Cam Reddish from the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade. Reddish is a former lottery pick and provides a boost to the Knicks’ wing depth.
- Signing Isaiah Hartenstein: The Knicks signed center Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year, $16 million deal. Hartenstein was previously with the Los Angeles Clippers and adds size and defensive versatility to the Knicks’ frontcourt.
- Re-signing Obi Toppin: The Knicks re-signed forward Obi Toppin to a three-year, $20 million extension. Toppin is a promising young player who has shown potential as a scorer and rebounder.
- Trading away Kevin Knox: The Knicks traded forward Kevin Knox to the Portland Trail Blazers in a salary dump move. Knox was the ninth overall pick in the 2018 draft but failed to live up to expectations.
Slam Dunk Contest 2023
The 2023 Slam Dunk Contest, held during NBA All-Star Weekend, featured a thrilling field of four competitors. Mac McClung, a relatively unknown guard, emerged as the unexpected winner, showcasing a combination of athleticism, creativity, and flair. McClung’s performance included a perfect 50-point score, a between-the-legs dunk, and a "540-windmill dunk" over two people.
Kenyon Martin Jr. and Trey Murphy III also delivered impressive performances, while Jericho Sims fell short of the final round. McClung’s victory marked a significant upset and solidified his status as a rising star in the NBA.
Jalen Brunson New York Knicks Highlights
Jalen Brunson, the newly acquired point guard for the New York Knicks, has been impressing fans with his impressive all-around play. In his highlights reel, Brunson showcases his ability to score from anywhere on the court, with smooth drives to the basket, pull-up jumpers, and accurate three-point shooting.
He also demonstrates his excellent court vision and passing skills, finding open teammates and creating scoring opportunities for others. Defensively, Brunson shows hustle and determination, harassing opponents on the perimeter and making key steals. With his leadership qualities and ability to make a positive impact on both ends of the floor, Jalen Brunson is poised to be a vital part of the New York Knicks’ success this season.
Karl-Anthony Towns Timberwolves Game Recap
In a thrilling game, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a hard-fought victory. Towns dominated the paint, scoring 36 points and grabbing 15 rebounds. He also dished out 4 assists and blocked 2 shots.
The Timberwolves started the game strong, taking a 10-point lead in the first quarter. However, the Chicago Bulls came back in the second quarter and took a 5-point lead into halftime. The Timberwolves fought back in the third quarter, but the Bulls held on to a 1-point lead going into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Towns took over the game. He scored 16 points in the period and led the Timberwolves on a 10-0 run to give them the lead. The Timberwolves held on to the lead for the rest of the game and won by a final score of 114-107.
With this win, the Timberwolves improve to 12-12 on the season. They will be back in action on Wednesday when they host the Golden State Warriors.