The 2022 NBA Draft is here.

Auburn's Jabari Smith Jr., Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren and Duke's Paolo Banchero indeed were the top three picks as expected, but there was a bit of a curveball in the order with the Magic picking Banchero at No. 1.

The draft moves fast, and it can be hard to digest each pick and understand how the prospects selected fit with their new team. That's where we come in.

MORE: Watch the 2022 NBA Draft live with Sling in U.S.

The Sporting News is here to provide live updates, analysis and a grade for each pick, diving deeper into every first-round selection to explain how prospects fit with their new team.

Stick with us throughout the night as we give you more insight into every selection below.

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NBA Draft grades 2022: Live picks, analysis for Round 1

1. Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, Duke

• Grade: A+

And just like that, the chaos begins. It took the Magic all the way up until moments before the draft to make their decision but they ended up going with, in my opinion, the best player in this class. Banchero is the most NBA-ready prospect with extremely polished skills for a 6-10 freshman. He can create his own shot and score from all three levels of the floor. He’s one of the best passers in this class despite being a true power forward. Banchero will give Orlando the No. 1 option and franchise player its been seeking since Dwight Howard left.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

• Grade: A-

This pick remains according to plan, with the Thunder selecting Holmgren at No. 2. The Gonzaga freshman gives Oklahoma City’s future core the interior presence it was missing. Holmgren has a case as the best shot blocker in this class, he’s a walking mismatch for opposing bigs on the perimeter and his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter adds to his intrigue. Holmgren’s unique skill set will thrive alongside playmaking guards like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

3. Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn

• Grade: A

The Rockets are likely shocked that this pick ended up being Smith instead of Banchero, but the fit still works. Smith gives Houston a versatile power forward and core frontcourt piece for the future of the franchise. Even at 6-10, he’s one of the best perimeter shooters in this draft class and can score inside and out. He can anchor a defense and protect the rim, but he also has the quickness and agility to defend on the perimeter. If he develops as a shot creator, he will turn into an ideal secondary scorer alongside last year’s No. 2 pick, Jalen Green.

4. Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, Iowa

• Grade: B+

This pick was long expected to be Purdue's Jaden Ivey but instead, the Kings go with Murray. Murray adds a level of defensive versatility that Sacramento could use in its frontcourt and his efficient and effortless three-level scoring will fit nicely with playmakers like De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. I still think the Kings should have taken the best player on the board here, but they certainly fill a need by drafting a forward like Murray.

5. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, Purdue

• Grade: A+

The Pistons are the way-too-early winners of this draft, landing the best guard in this class at No. 5. Ivey’s burst, explosiveness and athleticism is already at an NBA level. He’s a true combo guard and can play the 1 or the 2 alongside last year’s No. 1 pick, Cade Cunningham. With this selection, Detroit has solidified it’s backcourt of the future – and it will be one of the best backcourts in the entire NBA sooner rather than later.

6. Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona

• Grade: A

The Pacers were rumored to be open to trading Malcolm Brogdon and now they have the freedom to do so after selecting Mathurin. The Arizona product is an ideal backcourt mate for a playmaker like Haliburton, as Mathurin just might be the best off-ball scorer in this draft. Mathurin is an elite shooter both off the bounce and off the catch and he’s an advanced shot creator who attacks the rim with a vengeance. His attitude and winner’s mentality is exactly what Indiana needs to get back to playoff contention.

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, Kentucky

• Grade: B+

It was reported by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that Damian Lillard liked Sharpe’s potential and the All-Star guard gets his wish. Even though the Blazers are in win-now mode and Sharpe hasn’t played competitively since high school, there is no better player for Sharpe to learn from than Lillard. Sharpe already has an NBA-caliber bag of moves to create his own shot and he’ll give Portland a microwave scorer off the bench from Day 1.

8. New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, G League Ignite

• Grade: A

The Pelicans land a perfect piece for their up-and-coming core in Daniels at No. 7. Daniels is arguably the best perimeter defender in this draft and he can guard up and down the positional chart with his 6-foot-8 size and length. He’s a savvy playmaker who can take some pressure off of CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram and after playing professionally for the Ignite this past season, he’s as NBA-ready as any prospect. The Pelicans were already knocking on the door of being a competitor in the West upon Zion Williamson’s return. This selection only helps them take another step forward.

9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, Baylor

• Grade: B+

This could be seen as a reach by some, but I love what Sochan brings to the Spurs. The Baylor forward is one of the most versatile defenders in this draft with the size to hold down the paint but the agility to guard on the perimeter. He’s an active cutter who will play perfectly off of a playmaker like Dejounte Murray and his length, mobility and athleticism gives San Antonio an exciting frontcourt alongside Keldon Johnson.

10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, Wisconsin

• Grade: B+

The Wizards probably wish a true point guard was available here, but they get a quality backcourt mate for All-Star guard Bradley Beal. Davis is a three-level scorer who has the size, strength, speed and athleticism to give the Wizards a perimeter defensive stopper. Beal will likely have to play point guard, but Davis is a strong running mate who can start right away in Washington.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Knicks): Ousmane Dieng, NZ Breakers

• Grade: C-

The Thunder have reportedly acquired this pick from the Knicks for “multiple first-round picks.” Dieng is a 6-9 forward with a ton of upside potential, but he is far from an NBA-ready product. There is intrigue around his ability as a fluid scorer and passer at that size, and the Thunder can afford to be patient, but giving up multiple picks for Dieng feels like a lot.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams, Santa Clara

• Grade: B

The Thunder are reportedly not including this pick in the deal with the Knicks, so Williams is headed to Oklahoma City. Williams was one of the biggest winners at the NBA Draft Combine, going from fringe first-round pick to 12th overall. The offensive-minded forward caught the eye of scouts with a jaw-dropping 7-2 wingspan. He’s a strong scorer and playmaker who can play any perimeter position. He makes for a fun core of the future alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, Giddey, Holmgren and Dieng.

13. Detroit Pistons (from Hornets): Jalen Duren, Memphis

• Grade: B

The Pistons have reportedly acquired this pick in a three-team deal with the Knicks and Hornets, but the details are still being ironed out. Detroit lands a physical frontcourt presence in Duren as they continue to build a young roster around their backcourt of the future in Cunningham and Ivey. Duren is mobile and athletic, a monster on the glass and an intimidating rim protector. It will be interesting to see how the Pistons deploy him and last year’s draft pick Isaiah Stewart, though.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

• Grade: B

The Cavaliers needed wing help and they get that in a senior forward like Agbaji. Agbaji is ready to contribute to an NBA rotation immediately as an upperclassmen who just helped lead Kansas to the National Championship. His improvements as a 3-point shooter over his four seasons in college has elevated his potential as a 3-and-D prospect. Agbaji is an ideal player to help the Cavaliers build on their surprising momentum from last season.

15. Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams, Duke

• Grade: A

This felt like a match made in heaven all along. Williams fills the Hornets’ void at center as a massive presence at 7-feet tall with a 9-foot-9 standing reach. He’s an elite shot blocker, lob catcher and rebounder. He’s a prototypical rim-runner who can anchor Charlotte’s defense and give LaMelo Ball a safety valve out of the dunker spot. The Hornets not only fill a need, but they get Williams at a great value spot here, too.

16. Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin, Duke

• Grade: A

Griffin falling into the Hawks’ lap at 16 is a dream scenario for Atlanta. The Hawks add the best perimeter shooter in this draft class to help space the floor for All-Star guard Trae Young. Griffin was widely considered to be a lottery talent but it could end up being the best thing for him to fall to Atlanta. His offensive prowess will allow him to be an immediate contributor to a team that made the Eastern Conference Finals two seasons ago.

17. Houston Rockets: Tari Eason, LSU

• Grade: B+

This isn’t a flashy pick by the Rockets, but it’s a necessary one. Eason is an elite defensive stopper and the Rockets need defense. He is the type of switchy forward that every NBA team is looking for with size (6-foot-8), length, speed and athleticism. Even without a polished jumpshot, Eason still found a way to average 17 points per game last season. He’s a foundational piece for a rebuilding franchise.

18. Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, Arizona

• Grade: D

The Bulls' grade has nothing to do with Terry as a player and everything to do with ignoring their biggest need. Chicago desperately needed frontcourt help and they went and got a guard. I love Terry’s potential as a 6-foot-7 playmaker, and he’ll continue to add to an incredible defensive backcourt alongside Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso, but Chicago should’ve selected a forward or big here.

19. Memphis Grizzlies (from Timberwolves): Jake LaRavia, Wake Forest

• Grade: B

The Grizzlies reportedly acquired this pick from the Timberwolves in exchange for picks Nos. 22 and 29. LaRavia makes a lot of sense in Memphis as an athletic forward who can stretch the floor and defend multiple positions, but giving up two first-round picks to take him at 19 feels like a hefty price. LaRavia will thrive in the Grizzlies’ rotation, it’s just what they gave up that makes me question this play.

20. San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, Ohio State

• Grade: A

The Spurs have nailed this draft so far. After adding versatile size and defense in Sochan at No. 9, they add one of the best scorers in this draft class in Branham at 20. Branham should not have been available this late in the draft. He’s a sharpshooter from long range, he can create his own shot and score in the midrange and he has the length to defend multiple positions. This is a major steal for San Antonio.

21. Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, Kansas

• Grade: A-

I love this pick for the Nuggets. Braun is the type of 3-and-D player who will thrive playing off of a passer like Nikola Jokic. He has great size and athleticism and is an extremely active cutter. He finishes strong at the rim but he can also spot up on the perimeter and knock down 3s. Braun is a strong rebounder and sound defender who can contribute to Denver’s winning aspirations right away as the team hopes to compete for a title when healthy next season.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Grizzlies):

• Grade: C

The Timberwolves get some frontcourt help in Kessler, but I’m surprised they didn’t target one of the talented guards still available. Kessler was the nation’s best shot blocker last season, averaging 4.6 blocks per game. He has shown some promise as a perimeter shooter, but he’s a bit clunky for the NBA level. With the crop of guards still on the board, this is a miss.

23. Memphis Grizzlies (from 76ers): David Roddy, Colorado State

• Grade: C

The Grizzlies acquired this pick and veteran forward Danny Green from the 76ers for DeAnthony Melton. While Green can help the Grizzlies’ rotation, I don’t understand selecting Roddy here. The big-body forward is an intriguing talent because he’s a capable ball-handler and playmaker, but he’s undersized for his true position and doesn’t have a clean fit in Memphis. There were other players on the board who made more sense for the Grizzlies.

24. Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, G League Ignite

• Grade: B

Beauchamp is a great fit for the Bucks, who are trying to capitalize on a wide-open championship window. The Ignite forward is a long and athletic defender who does a ton of damage by running lanes in transition and scoring off of cuts. He’s a raw shot creator who will only have to worry about knocking down catch-and-shoot 3s in Milwaukee. Beauchamp should help the Bucks’ rotation right away.

25. San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, Notre Dame

• Grade: B+

The Spurs complete a perfect first round in selecting a high-upside guard like Wesley. The Notre Dame product is quick and shifty, knifing through defenses to attack the basket. He’s a solid playmaker and a wiry defender who should thrive in San Antonio’s player development program. With a similar build as All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, Wesley will have an awesome mentor to help him thrive at the next level.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Rockets): Wendell Moore, Jr., Duke

• Grade: B+

The Timberwolves reportedly traded the No. 29 pick and two future second-round picks to the Rockets to position themselves to draft Moore. This is an extremely safe pick by Minnesota, and I mean that in the best way possible. Moore is a multi-talented forward who is a jack-of-all-trades. He can handle the ball, defend multiple positions and plays sound, winning basketball. He’s a consistent piece for a Minnesota team trying to become a mainstay in the playoffs with a talented young core.

27. Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, Serbia

• Grade: B

The Heat needed some help on offense and they got that in a fluid scorer like Jovic. A 6-10 forward, Jovic is a point forward with an incredible feel for the game. He’s at his best playing on the perimeter with crafty passing skills but also has good touch on drives when attacking the basket. He’ll be a development piece in Miami, but the Heat are known for getting the best out of their players.

28. Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin, Jr., Milwaukee

• Grade: C

I see what the Warriors are doing here, but this feels like a reach. Golden State adds a former McDonald’s All-American who was one of the top 10 players in his high school class before a disappointing freshman season. At 6-10, Baldwin has intriguing size and he’s labeled as a 3-point shooter even though he didn’t shoot very well this past year. If any team can get Baldwin to reach his full potential, it’s the Warriors.

29. Houston Rockets (from Timberwolves): TyTy Washington, Kentucky

• Grade: B

This is a great value pick by the Rockets, who could use more guard depth. Washington was once considered a top-10 pick in this draft class before injuries and inconsistency derailed his freshman season at Kentucky. He’s a bit of a tweener at the guard position – he’s not really a 1 or a 2 – but there’s no doubt Houston is capitalizing on upside potential this late in the first round.

30. Denver Nuggets: Peyton Watson, UCLA

• Grade: B

The Nuggets are taking a swing on potential here, as they should with their second first-round pick. Watson turned into a defensive specialist in a limited role at UCLA last season but he has the raw offensive tools to make an impact on that end, too. He’s far from an NBA-ready product, but Denver can afford to be patient in developing Watson.