The NBA Draft is starting to shape up. It’s more than likely that Jabari Smith Jr. will go first overall to Orlando, leaving Chet Holmgren to go second overall to Oklahoma City. But what happens after those two are drafted?
The Houston Rockets would be on the clock with the third pick. Then the Sacramento Kings would select fourth and the Detroit Pistons would be on the clock with the fifth pick.
Who will those three teams end up selecting with their picks?
Currently, BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review) has Paolo Banchero sitting at -600 to be the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The Rockets just traded away Christian Wood for some roster flexibility. But they also got rid of Wood knowing that they’ll be selecting a forward, who will likely be Paolo Banchero. He already has photos online that show him having dinner with Rockets general manager, Rafael Stone.
Most organizations and general managers believe that Banchero is the most NBA-ready player in the draft. That doesn’t mean he’ll end up being the best player, however. It just means that he will likely make the most impact in his first season compared to the other options on the board.
Banchero fits with the young core that the Rockets are putting together. They added Jalen Green last season and also have a really good athlete in Kevin Porter Jr.
Adding a big to play with those two guards should help Houston get moving. He’s also got a lot of upsides and has the potential to turn into a star quickly for Houston.
Unless the first two picks shock the world, Banchero is coming to Houston. At -600, there are better bets to place than this one, however.
Currently, Purdue’s Jaden Ivey is -285 via BetOnline to be the fourth overall pick of the NBA Draft. However, reports state that Ivey would prefer going elsewhere than having to play for the Kings. That’s everyone’s wish list at this point; they already ruined their chances with Tyrese Haliburton.
Anyway, Keegan Murray of Iowa is +240, and Shaedon Sharpe of Kentucky is +950 to go fourth overall. The Kings do have the option to trade down and allow another team to select Ivey. Or they can select Murray or Sharpe and find someone that will want to play for them.
At this point, the Kings could trade this pick or simply select Ivey and try to make him feel welcomed. Ivey would have a lot of suitors in a trade scenario with his ridiculous athleticism.
Whoever is drafting at the fourth spot will more than likely take Ivey. He’s the most talented player in the draft. He just doesn’t make the best decisions all the time.
This is where the draft finally gets tricky. The Pistons have options and plenty of different players that would fit their team.
Currently, BetOnline has Keegan Murray going 5th overall at -120. Ivey is +240 while Bennedict Mathurin is +500. Obviously, Ivey won’t be available at five if he’s selected at four. But I could absolutely see the Pistons pass up on Murray for Mathurin.
This is the long-shot bet I would place. Mathurin has worked out for the Kings, Blazers, and Pistons after a break-out last year for the Arizona Wildcats.
At +500, Mathurin would be a great fit for the Pistons at 5. That’s the best bet if you’re looking for some value.