Since bursting onto the scene as a high school star, Chet Holmgren, the long-armed, thinly-framed 7-footer has been considered a slam dunk as a future No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. And after a great freshman season at Gonzaga, that should still be the case.
But seemingly out of nowhere, Holmgren now has the third-shortest odds to go first (+230), following a recent surge in Paolo Banchero’s odds. Yet, Chet does still hold the highest odds at Tipico Sportsbook to be selected at the No. 2 spot to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It’s all confusing and has been for a while now. So, how about we focus on what’s important, which is whether or not Holmgren will be the draft’s first pick. Draft expert Bryan Kalbrosky thinks so, although, he does mention in his latest mock that Jabari Smith is the odds-on favorite (-150).
I tend to lean with Kalbrosky. It’s hard to imagine the Orlando Magic passing up on such a unique talent like Chet, especially one who had been viewed as a potential No. 1 pick for years now.
But it isn’t unlikely. There’s enough smoke to Smith as the No. 1 overall pick that makes any bets or predictions truly a dart throw.
The Pick: Chet Holmgren selected at No. 2 overall (-150)
