The NBA always features an extraordinary crop of talent year after year, with the most exceptional performers drafted in the first round. The number one overall pick holds a unique place in the history of basketball and franchise-altering decisions are made based on the potential of a top-rated prospect.
The anticipation levels of fans soar every year, waiting for the next superstar to emerge from the draft pool. This year, that superstar was giant Frenchman Victor Wembanyama. The seven foot 4 19-year-old was drafted as the first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs to the surprise of nobody, and the imposing centre is expected to be the star of the Texan outfit for years to come.
However, the draft is not just an exciting time for basketball enthusiasts. Metaphorically speaking, it can be compared to the world of online gambling so to speak. Just like online casino games in Australia, the NBA Draft requires scouts and analysts to assess the potential of players and make calculated bets on their success. Drafting a player with the potential to become a star is akin to winning big at the casino table. Conversely, missing a lottery pick is like losing out on a roulette spin.
Like online gambling, the NBA Draft entails taking chances, having luck on your side, and eventually having the chance to succeed big or fail miserably. Some prominent clubs have placed significant bets on players like Deandre Ayton, Zion Williamson, Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, and Paolo Banchero over the past five years. This article examines how each player fared throughout their rookie campaign and if they met or fell short of expectations.
2018 – Deandre Ayton
The Phoenix Suns’ first-round selection of the towering centre Deandre Ayton had a lot to live up to in his newcomer campaign. Ayton put a lot of effort into his on-court performance despite the lofty expectations and pressure. Averaging 16.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, the 7’0″ big man displayed his amazing athleticism and scoring prowess.
He was an essential part of the Suns’ rebuilding effort as they concluded the season with a miserable record of 19-63. Ayton was chosen for the All-Rookie Team of the Year despite not winning Rookie of the Year, demonstrating his talent and potential to be a dominant force in the NBA for years to come.
2019 – Zion Williamson
The highly regarded Duke prospect Zion Williamson made his much-awaited NBA debut in the 2019/20 season. The top overall choice quickly demonstrated why he was so highly regarded coming out of college, despite missing the first few months due to injury. The 6’6″ 284-pound forward averaged an astounding 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in his first twenty-four outings.
Williamson’s combination of size, strength, and athleticism earned him comparisons to some of the game’s all-time greats. While global events cut his maiden season short, he made it clear to his contemporaries that he was indeed as good as the hype made him out to be. He has since received two All-Star selections, and if the New Orleans Pelicans are to return to prominence, he will be the man leading the charge.
2020 – Anthony Edwards
As the first overall choice in the draft, Anthony Edwards made his NBA debut in the 2020–21 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the Timberwolves’ season-long struggles, Edwards stood out as a positive for the group. His shooting prowess and outstanding agility were shortly on display as he averaged 19.3 points per game and won three consecutive Western Conference Rookie of the Month awards.
In one of his standout efforts, he scored a career-high forty-two points against the Phoenix Suns. When he made game-winning jumpers against the Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks, Edwards also demonstrated a flair for big moments. Overall, Edwards showed promise in his rookie season, and he has since developed that talent, being selected to his first All-star game during the recently finished 2022/23 season.
2021 – Cade Cunningham
After being selected as the number one overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, all eyes were on Cade Cunningham to deliver important things in his rookie season with the Detroit Pistons. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipated his debut, wanting to see if he would live up to the hype. Despite a rocky start, Cunningham gradually found his footing and began to assert himself as a formidable force on the court.
He missed Rookie of the Year honours in his maiden campaign however, he did receive All-Rookie honours off the back of a 17.4 PPG average. He will be looking to lead the Pistons to the playoffs for just the third time in the last 15 years once the next season gets underway.
2022 – Paolo Banchero
Paolo Banchero’s rookie season was projected to be the first overall draft pick in last year’s NBA Draft, and the Orlando Magic did not disappoint. The former Duke sensation immediately proved his worth last term as he secured Rookie of the Year honours with an average of 20 points per game. While his form was not enough to lead the Florida-based outfit to the postseason, he did inspire them to improve on the results of the previous campaigns, and the Amway Centre faithful will be hoping that the best is yet to come from the talented 20-year-old.
