Charles Barkley weighs in on Jabari Smith Jr.'s chances to go No. 1 overall in 2022 NBA Draft
Charles Barkley was a big fan of Jabari Smith Jr. this past season at Auburn as the freshman forward developed into a player in the running to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Smith drew comparisons to Kevin Durant, one of the best scorers in NBA history, during his one year at Auburn. Now, he’s ready to get his pro career started.
So, will he be the No. 1 overall pick? Barkley said it depends on which team gets that No. 1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft lottery (via 247Sports):
“If I had the No. 1 pick, I’d say there’s three guys (who could) go No. 1,” Barkley said Wednesday before the 2022 Regions Tradition celebrity golf event in Hoover. “I think (Paolo) Banchero and Jabari are going to be able to play right away because of their body type. That kid Chet Holmgren is a terrific player, but he’s probably 30-40 pounds from making a difference in the NBA.
“All three are worthy of the No. 1 pick, but I think it depends on what situation you’re in when the lottery plays out.”
Smith, Banchero and Holmgren will all be watching closely to see which teams nab the top 3 picks. They’re almost certain to go No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3, in some order.
Here’s an easy sucker bet guaranteed to stump your friends…
From the Humpy maybe I know but could be wrong file…Florida is one of the few universities in the SEC (and only blue blood program that I can think of) that has NEVER had a first round number 1 pick in the NBA, the MLB and the NFL. Crazy huh?
Very crazy considering UF has national titles in all three of the aforementioned sports, and multiples in football and basketball.
Yes, it is Phil, very crazy obscure meaningless stat but fun to talk about at boring parties and such…
Best at baby showers.
Consider collegiate athletics, more national championships across the department than most, nationally. Who gives a rats d!ck about a pick, it’s arbitrary. Florida, as much as I hate them, produces talent more than most. Georgia fans don’t like sucking hind tit, and you do. You had a good year, I’ll make you a button, but you are not up to bama level yet. Maybe you and Negan can show up to fight me.
How do I go about getting the button?
Me too arkvol…I prefer a button please, I’ve gotten too old to whoop your arse…
If you’re ever in the scenic resort town of Jonesboro Arkansas, I’ll happily meet you with a fresh and shiny button. Heck, I’ll even take y’all for a round of golf and a few left-handed sodas! We can go to the 501 and make fun of ol’ butch together. Misery followed me here
The eff does your rant have to do with AU basketball?
Article title…chances to go No. 1 overall in 2022 NBA Draft…just thought you might want to win a bet with any G8r friends you might have…for the record we just got out first NBA number 1 last year…
LSU has #1’s in all three. I wonder who else does
“for the record we just got out first NBA number 1 last year…”
Who?
@LSUMC if Jabari goes #1 we’ll have the trifecta as well
2020, sorry not last year…Anthony Edwards
Wow, and Kentucky has had a #1 in two of the three.
That’s hard to believe as Florida has been a power house in many sports. Another unbelievable stat is that there is only one Hall of Fame MLB player from the SEC. Frank Thomas from Auburn.
Did not know that…the only one, crazy! I’m thinking this will make another great bar bet…
KY is a basketball school. Not surprising.
So is Auburn