NBA Mock Draft First 5 Picks

Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Hunter Sallis (10) comes away with a defensive rebound after a missed shot by UCLA Bruins guard Jaylen Clark (0) and makes an outlet pass; Gonzaga defeats UCLA Basketball 83-63, November 23, 2021, Las Vegas, NV.

NBA Mock Draft

1. Jabari Smith Orlando Magic

The Magic need a superstar type player. Currently they don’t have one with as high of potential as Jabari Smith. He should be the pick based on upside and talent alone.

2. Chet Holmgren Oklahoma City Thunder

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Oklahoma City needs everything besides a point guard as their two best players are young point guards with high upside. Taking Holmgren gives them the chance to immediately improve defensively and stretch the floor on offense.

3. Paolo Banchero Houston Rockets

The Rockets just traded away their power forward Christian Wood. They are hoping whoever falls to them at No. 3 will be an upgrade over him. Banchero is a good bet to be that.

4. Keegan Murray Sacramento Kings

Murray is a perfect fit for this Kings team. They have three solid players that are two guards and a power forward. Murray can be that missing wing who is a solid defender and scorer for this roster.

5. Jaden Ivey Detroit Pistons

The Pistons need the best player available. Ivey can be that. Cade Cunningham looks like he will be good, but not necessarily at point guard. Ivey can be that point guard or play the two if Cunningham develops more into a point.

Photo Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hunter_Sallis_Chet_Holmgren.jpg