During the ESPN NBA mock draft special that aired on Tuesday, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski spoke about the Oklahoma City Thunder and how the team has had their eyes set on Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren this entire draft process.
“My sense has been that Chet Holmgren was the focus for Oklahoma City, Sam Presti all along and this grand experiment that the Thunder are in the middle of — as many as 17, 18 first-round picks over the next five years — it was vital for them to get in the top three. To stop drafting in the middle and getting number two — getting a potential franchise-changing player in Holmgren — really moves their process along. They’ve already got a good young nucleus — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey was outstanding last year.”
This is about as close as a confirmation that will be out there when it comes to the Thunder selecting Holmgren at No. 2. It’s also important to note that Wojnarowski also said that he thinks the Orlando Magic will likely select Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. first overall.
To make it even more solidified, ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony appeared on Sportscenter following the draft special and said most within the league expect Smith Jr. to go No. 1, followed by Holmgren at No. 2 on Thursday.
“I’ve talked to owners, coaches, officials, executives & everyone is saying the order will be Jabari to ORL, Chet to OKC & Paolo to Houston..would be shocking if it went otherwise”
The 2022 NBA draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 23.
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