The NBA draft gets underway Thursday night (6:30 p.m., Ch. 5 and ESPN) and the two biggest questions for local hoops fans are: Where will Chet Holmgren land? Who will the Wolves select at No. 19 overall in their first draft under new President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly?
Those predictions, plus every other pick in the first round, are below:
1. Orlando: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga, 7-0
The Magic shouldn't overthink this pick. Holmgren's combination of size, skill, and rim protecting are unmatched coming into the league. Orland also has a chance to reunite him with last year's draft pick and former Minnehaha Academy teammate Jalen Suggs.
2. Oklahoma City: Jabari Smith, Auburn, 6-10
The Thunder haven't been fortunate enough to see a 6-10 talent like Smith in their organization since Kevin Durant left. His outside shooting at that height is reminiscent of a young KD, but he's built to secure their frontcourt for years to come.
3. Houston: Paolo Banchero, Duke, 6-10
Leading Duke to the Final Four in the last season of Coach K's legendary career, Banchero made a case to be No. 1 with averages of 18.8 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists in the NCAA tournament.
4. Sacramento: Jaden Ivey, Purdue, 6-4
Ivey would be the highest-drafted Big Ten player since Michigan State's Jaren Jackson Jr. was the fourth pick in the 2018 draft. Comparisons to Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant seem realistic when it comes to athleticism at his position.
5. Detroit: Keegan Murray, Iowa, 6-8
The Hawkeyes will have their first NBA first-round pick since 1998 with Murray, who was arguably the most improved player in the country. Raised his scoring average from 7.2 as a freshman to 23.5 points as a sophomore last season.
6. Indiana: Dyson Daniels, NBA G League Ignite, 6-7
Daniels has been on the NBA's radar as a big combo guard, but scouts didn't realize how big he would become. The Australia native reportedly grew two inches since joining the NBA G League developmental team.