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Report: NBA draft expected to start with Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero in order

Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero look on during the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery

CHICAGO,IL - MAY 17: NBA Prospects, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero look on during the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place on May 17, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

The fire caused by Duke forward Paolo Banchero – not Auburn forward Jabari Smith or even Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren – overnight becoming betting favorite to be the No. 1 pick?

It has been put out.

Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN:

The Magic, Thunder and Rockets drafting Smith, Holmgren and Smith in that order had become increasingly assumed over the last few weeks. Now that Wojnarowski has reinstated and reinforced that expectation, the drama starts with the Kings at No. 4.

For what it’s worth, that’s the order I’d draft the top three players, too.