By Tennie Sumague
Eagle News Service
BROOKLYN (Eagle News) — After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the NBA Draft returned to Barclays Center in true fashion.
Like previous drafts, players dressed their best in their flashy suits with their families at their side. Emotions ran high once again as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced their names on center stage.
The Orlando Magic was awarded this year’s overall number one pick for the first since drafting Dwight Howard out of high school in 2004. The Magic selected Duke Blue Devils freshman forward Paolo Banchero.
Banchero became the fourth Blue Devils player to be chosen as the overall number one draft pick joining Elton Brand (1999), Kyrie Irving (2011), and Zion Williamson (2019).
“It was a very emotional moment,” said the 19-year old Seattle native. “I’ve never cried tears of joy in my life, and I was telling everyone I wasn’t going to cry no matter what pick I was picked. It just hit me. I couldn’t stop it”.
Pegged as the next “unicorn” for his versatility on offense and defense, the Oklahoma City Thunder took 7’0″ Gonzaga forward/center Chet Holmgren at No. 2.
The Thunder/Seattle Supersonics franchise have a pretty good history with their two other No. 2 draft choices as Gary Payton (1990) and Kevin Durant (2007) went on to become part of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.
“I think it’s a great situation, great dynamic playing guys like Josh [Giddey] and Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander], as well as everybody down the roster,” said Holmgren. It’s a lot of great players there with unique skill sets. I feel like I can kind of pair up with them and help enhance theirs as well as have their skill sets enhance mine.”
Selected third by the Houston Rockets was Auburn Tigers forward Jabari Smith Jr. followed by Iowa forward Keegan Murray who the Sacramento Kings drafted fourth. Smith Jr. and Murray became the highest players drafted in their school history.
“It’s special. I’ve grown up next to University of Iowa, live 25 minutes away from it growing up,” said Murray. “To have that under my belt I feel is really special because a lot of great players have came through”.
Detroit is a city that is dear to Jaden Ivey. The Purdue Boilermaker was selected 5th by the Pistons. His father, Javin Hunter is a former NFL wide receiver born in the Motor city. His mother, Niele played for the now defunct Detroit Shock in the WNBA and currently coaches the women’s basketball team at Notre Dame. The 20-year old guard says his mother’s work ethic inspires him as a player.
“I think the biggest thing is if you want something in life, you have to work hard for it. I’ve seen her work late nights, watching film, working hard to make herself better.
“I just learned that from her, and it’s what got me here today.”
(Eagle News Service)