Paolo Banchero becomes NBA Draft betting favorite over Jabari Smith
Former Duke basketball forward Paolo Banchero has now become the betting favorite to go No. 1 overall to the Orlando Magic on Thursday night, according to the Action Network. The quick rise took him from +1600 to -200 in less than a week and comes contrary to reports from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski that former Auburn forward Jabari Smith is expected to be the first pick.
Throughout the NBA Draft process, from the declarations to the combine and through workouts, Jabari Smith has remained the favorite, with former Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren providing the most pressure on the betting line over Paolo Banchero. However, a pair of late line shifts has seen a new favorite emerge just hours before the event.
At one point, sportsbooks had Smith listed at -600 to become the top pick and join the Magic, but it is now Banchero who dominates the odds despite no reporting that he has moved up the board from his original projection at No. 3. In fact, Wojnarowski doubled down by projecting the order to include Smith, Holmgren and Banchero going to the Magic, Thunder and Rockets, respectively.
Whether the bookies know something not even NBA reporters have been able to glean from conversation or the continued silence and non-comital attitude of the Magic has led to a large number of bettors sniffing out something weird going on will only be known shortly after 8 p.m. ET when commissioner Adam Silver announces the selection.
Jay Bilas on Paolo Banchero
ESPN analyst and Duke alumnus Jay Bilas is a big believer in Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero heading into the 2022 NBA Draft. Banchero was one of the best players in college basketball this past season, helping lead Duke to the Final Four.
He made the decision to enter the NBA after just one season and is expected to be a lottery pick. The forward is projected at the No. 3 pick in most mock drafts, but Bilas believes that has more to do with the strength of the class.
“Paolo Banchero is worthy of the No. 1 pick in a lot of years, just not this one,” Jay Bilas said. “Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren are valued a little bit more, but I think you nailed it. Physically, he’s ready. Especially on the offensive end right now. At 6-10 and close to 260 pounds, he’s really powerful. Very skilled and can operate in isolation whether it’s the low post. He’s actually an underrated passer. The defensive end he wasn’t as focused. He’s not a shot blocker, but he rebounds at a really high rate and can run the floor. He’s got everything you want and I can’t imagine if you see Holmgren and Smith go 1-2 in whatever order that Banchero is not the obvious next choice.”