The 2023 NBA Draft is officially underway, and the action is already heating up. The Orlando Magic have the first overall pick, and they are expected to select Jabari Smith Jr., the consensus top prospect in the class.
The draft is being held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, and it is being televised on ESPN. The first round will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET, and the second round will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Here are the latest updates from the draft:
- 7:30 p.m. ET: The draft is underway, and the Orlando Magic have selected Jabari Smith Jr. with the first overall pick.
- 7:35 p.m. ET: The Houston Rockets have selected Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick.
- 7:40 p.m. ET: The Sacramento Kings have selected Paolo Banchero with the third overall pick.
- 7:45 p.m. ET: The Detroit Pistons have selected Jaden Ivey with the fourth overall pick.
- 7:50 p.m. ET: The Oklahoma City Thunder have selected Keegan Murray with the fifth overall pick.
Analysis and Reaction:
The first round of the 2023 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The top three picks are all consensus top-five prospects, and there are a number of other talented players who could be selected in the lottery.
The Orlando Magic have made a big splash by selecting Jabari Smith Jr. with the first overall pick. Smith is a versatile forward who can play both inside and out. He has the potential to be a star in the NBA, and he will be a key part of the Magic's rebuilding effort.
The Houston Rockets have also made a good pick by selecting Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick. Holmgren is a 7'1" center who has the potential to be a dominant force on defense. He is also a gifted shooter, and he has the potential to be a versatile player on offense.
The Sacramento Kings have selected Paolo Banchero with the third overall pick. Banchero is a 6'10" forward who has the potential to be a star in the NBA. He is a gifted scorer and playmaker, and he has the potential to be a franchise player.
The Detroit Pistons have selected Jaden Ivey with the fourth overall pick. Ivey is a 6'4" guard who has the potential to be a dynamic player in the NBA. He is a gifted scorer and ball-handler, and he has the potential to be a star in the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have selected Keegan Murray with the fifth overall pick. Murray is a 6'8" forward who has the potential to be a solid player in the NBA. He is a gifted scorer and rebounder, and he has the potential to be a key part of the Thunder's future.
The 2023 NBA Draft is still in its early stages, but it is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. The top three picks are all consensus top-five prospects, and there are a number of other talented players who could be selected in the lottery. It will be interesting to see how the draft unfolds, and who the next generation of NBA stars will be.