2022 NBA Draft Results: Team Grades and Analysis of Top Prospects

There was no consensus No. 1 overall prospect in the 2022 NBA draft class. So, as Thursday night approached, it wasn't exactly clear who the Orlando Magic would be taking with the top selection and how the early picks would unfold.

The Magic ended up going with Paolo Banchero as they selected the Duke forward over Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren (who went No. 2 to the Oklahoma City Thunder) and Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. (who went No. 3 to the Houston Rockets). All three were in the mix to go No. 1, but Banchero was Orlando's pick.

Was it the right move? We won't know for some time. But Banchero is an exciting player for the Magic to build around as they look to get back to being a playoff contender.

Now that the 2022 NBA draft is over, here's a look at how every team fared, along with a breakdown of the top three players selected.

Draft Results and Grades

Atlanta Hawks: B+

Brooklyn Nets: N/A

Boston Celtics: B-

Charlotte Hornets: A-

Chicago Bulls: C+

Cleveland Cavaliers: A-

Dallas Mavericks: A-

Denver Nuggets: B

Detroit Pistons: A+

Golden State Warriors: B+

Houston Rockets: A+

Indiana Pacers: A-

Los Angeles Clippers: C+

Los Angeles Lakers: B

Memphis Grizzlies: B-

Miami Heat: B+

Milwaukee Bucks: B-

Minnesota Timberwolves: B

New Orleans Pelicans: A

New York Knicks: A-

Oklahoma City Thunder: A-

Orlando Magic: A

Philadelphia 76ers: N/A

Phoenix Suns: N/A

Portland Trail Blazers: B+

San Antonio Spurs: A

Sacramento Kings: C+

Toronto Raptors: B+

Utah Jazz: N/A

Washington Wizards: B

No. 1: Paolo Banchero to Orlando

AP Photo/John Minchillo

Paolo Banchero walks the floor before the start of the the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in New York. Banchero was selected first overall by the Orlando Magic. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Plenty of mock drafts had the Magic taking either Holmgren or Smith to begin the draft, but they went with Banchero. Now, the 6'10" forward will set out to prove that was the right choice, beginning with his 2022-23 rookie season.

While some may believe Orlando shouldn't have gone with Banchero, The Athletic's Michael Vorkunov pointed out one advantage Banchero had over Holmgren and Smith.

"He's the best playmaker of the big three and a tremendous prospect," Vorkunov wrote. "There's so much to like. Just because it's a surprise doesn't mean it's wrong."

The Magic have some solid young guards, such as Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs, but they've been lacking a bit of star power in recent years. Banchero has the potential to reach that level as a dynamic player in the frontcourt who may put up big numbers. That's what he did in his lone season at Duke, averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds in 39 games.

Banchero could end up being the centerpiece of Orlando's lineup for quite some time, especially if he continues to improve throughout his career.

No. 2: Chet Holmgren to Oklahoma City

AP Photo/John Minchillo

Chet Holmgren, right, poses for photos with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected second overall in the NBA basketball draft by the Oklahoma Thunder, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

With Banchero off the board at No. 2, the Thunder still had a difficult decision to make: Holmgren or Smith? Both players are talented prospects with a ton of potential, so Oklahoma City may not have been able to go wrong either way.

The Thunder went with the 7'0" Holmgren, acquiring a player who can greatly improve their post presence and interior game.

"Chet Holmgren brings the Thunder a player that can not only protect the rim at an elite level, but also finish just about anything with his elite touch around the basket," Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic wrote.

That was a big need for Oklahoma City, and it should be entertaining to watch a lineup that features Holmgren down low with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey in the backcourt. The Thunder are becoming a more well-rounded team, so they could be a franchise on the rise over the next few years.

No. 3: Jabari Smith Jr. to Houston

AP Photo/John Minchillo

Jabari Smith Jr., right, is congratulated by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected third overall in the NBA basketball draft by the Houston Rockets, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

Some experts thought Smith should have gone No. 1 overall to Orlando. So considering Houston came away with the 6'10" Auburn forward at No. 3, it has to be thrilled with how things developed during the early selections.

Last week, the Rockets traded forward Christian Wood to the Dallas Mavericks. Now, they have a strong player in Smith who can help fill that void in their frontcourt. And he and guard Jalen Green could be core players for Houston to build around for years to come.

"Smith projects as a knockdown shooter who can space the floor around Jalen Green’s drives, and a big, switchable defender who can cover for some of the team’s other shortcoming at that end," John Hollinger of The Athletic wrote.

There's still work to do for the Rockets to again become a playoff contender. But there's a good chance that Smith could be a big part of their next team that reaches the postseason.