The 2022 NBA draft was last night, and the Triangle saw plenty of stand-out college players turn pro.
Draft details
During Thursday night’s draft in Brooklyn, NY, all 30 NBA teams gathered to pick from the top eligible college and international players.
There were two rounds of picks. Typically, teams will get one pick per round. But some teams make trades that either add more draft picks (to this or future drafts) or they give away their picks in exchange for more proven NBA players. In this case, both teams involved in a trade must agree to a deal.
This year, there were only 58 picks instead of the traditional 60. Chicago and Miami forfeited their second-round picks due to a violation of league rules. The Orlando Magic had the No. 1 pick after winning the NBA Draft Lottery on May 17.
Here’s how the first round shaped up for Triangle-area prospects.
Local prospects
- Paolo Banchero | Seattle, WA | Duke | Forward | No. 1 | Orlando Magic
- Mark Williams | Norfolk, VA | Duke | Center | No. 15 | Charlotte Hornets
- AJ Griffin | Dallas, TX | Duke | Forward | No. 16 | Atlanta Hawks
- Wendell Moore Jr. | Richmond, VA | Duke | Forward | No. 26 | Dallas Mavericks; reportedly traded to Minnesota Timberwolves
Click here to see if Trevor Keels (Duke), Dereon Seabron (NC State), or Brady Manek (UNC) were picked, plus full results of last night’s draft.
What’s next?
Some of these players will suit up immediately for their teams in the NBA Summer League, which starts Thurs., July 7. This is an opportunity for rookies and younger players to get some experience before the NBA regular season starts in October.
And if you want to see the next crop of potential NBA prospects, keep an eye on Duke, NC State, and UNC’s forthcoming basketball schedules.