Team Projections for Top Three NBA Draft Prospects

The NBA is holding its annual draft lottery Tuesday May 17th. This year the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons all have a 14.0 percent chance of obtaining the number one pick because they had the three worst records during the regular season. 

 

Three draftees are all hoping to hear their names called with that number one pick. Each has their own unique abilities and style of play but all are worthy of that number one selection. Sometimes finding the right fit on the court can separate teams from the bottom of the barrel to being a real contender. 

 

Here are the prospects and which team I believe will be the best fit for their skill sets.

 

Let’s start with Chet Holmgren. Holmgren is a seven foot tall center that weighs just shy of 200 pounds. His slight frame did not stop him from dominating college basketball at Gonzaga. He averaged 14.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game while shooting over 60 percent from the field. 

 

Best Fit: I think the best fit for him would be the Houston Rockets. The Rockets right now are lacking talent at the center position when Christian Wood misses time. Wood is also entering the final year of his deal so it is time to find a replacement. Holmgren and second year player Jalen Green would create a dominant duo for years to come. 

 

Next, it’s time to talk about Paolo Banchero. Banchero showed his ability to put the ball in the basket where he averaged 17.2 points per game on 47.8 percent shooting. 

 

Best Fit: I think that the Orlando Magic would be the best fit for Banchero. I think that this team has the ability to move Jonathan Issac over to the small forward and move Wendell Carter to the center and slide Banchero in at the power forward. The Magic have good guard play in Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs and another scorer down low will only help their development.

 

Lastly, Jabari Smith from Auburn is a 6 foot 10 inch forward that averaged 16.9 and 7.4 rebounds. He shot a staggering 42 percent from three last season. 

 

Best Fit: The Detroit Pistons would benefit tremendously from Smith’s talent. Pairing Smith with former first overall pick Cade Cunningham could set the pistons up for decades. Smith’s ability to stretch the floor and Cunningham’s playmaking ability is a scary thought for NBA defenses. 

 

The NBA draft is Thursday June 23rd.