NBA draft night is extremely exciting for almost everyone involved. For draftees, it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream (and a big payday). For families, it’s a time of absolute pride. For fans, it’s a chance to dream of a future full of MVP awards and NBA titles. However, some of the most entertaining reactions come from NBA players watching at home as they see who they’ll be playing once the season ends.
Imagine being on an NBA team trying to make the leap from even running back to contender and finding out that your front office has drafted the absolute perfect complement to your style of play — or, conversely, seeing that you just got your obvious replacement. The stakes — or the excitement — of players old and new could absolutely not be higher. The 2022 NBA Draft was no different, as the drama began once the Orlando Magic selected Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero with their No. 1 overall pick. 1.
Here’s just a sampling of the reactions from NBA stars to the big picks on draft night.
Paolo Banchero to the Orlando Magic
Yes ๐ https://t.co/9FcgaYEAho
โ Markelle Fultz (@MarkelleF) June 24, 2022
๐๐๐ https://t.co/8eiVVaATDa
– Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) June 24, 2022
I said YALL ๐ฅ๐ฅ @Pp_doesit
โ Marquise Chriss (@quese) June 24, 2022
LET GOOOOOOOOO
– josh giddey (@joshgiddey) June 24, 2022
LET’S GOOOOO!!!! @keegan3murray
โ Luka Garza โ (@LukaG_55) June 24, 2022
Cmon bruh ๐๐ https://t.co/xLjc1M7CEi
โ Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) June 24, 2022
ahhhhh letsssss gooooooooo la brudda ๐ @IveyJaden
– Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 24, 2022
Jaden!! Go crazy
– JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) June 24, 2022
๐
โ Jusuf Nurkiฤ (@bosnianbeast27) June 24, 2022
We are active! @BennMathurin
โ Tyrese Haliburton (@TyHaliburton22) June 24, 2022
