The 2022 NBA draft class appeared to be one of the strongest on paper in many years but which young stars showed off their skills from the beginning, with an opening night splash!

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3. Bennedict Mathurin- 19 pts / 7 reb / 2 ast / 2 stl- Indiana Pacers

Despite going down 114-107 to the Washington Wizards, Bennedict Mathurin (the no.6 overall pick) showed what he can bring to the Pacers in his rookie year. The 20 year old wing showed no hesitation when looking for his shot and finished 3 of 7 from deep (42.9%). He was a +9 overall for the game in just under 28 minutes off the bench.

If he keeps performing like this he won't be coming off the bench for long in Indiana & could just be a potential dark horse to win Rookie of the Year because he looks NBA ready!

2. Jalen Duren- 14 pts / 10 reb / 3 blk- Detroit Pistons

Duren may not have got the start in his first NBA game but he got more than enough time to make an instant impact and help his new team to an opening victory over the Orlando Magic, 113-109. The no.13 overall pick did a little bit of everything in his 21 minutes 43 seconds on the court, going 7/13 from the field and claiming a debut double-double.

Duren may only be 18 years old but he is a real talent and he certainly showed it on opening night!

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1. Paolo Banchero- 27 pts / 9 reb / 5 ast / 2 blk- Orlando Magic

The 2022 no.1 overall pick certainly had the most pressure on his shoulders heading into opening night but despite coming out on the wrong end of 113-109 game with the Detroit Pistons, Banchero showed everyone the hype was real.

The 19 year old becoming the first rookie to score 25/5/5 on opening night since a certain LeBron James way back in 2003. The former Duke forward struggled at times committing 4 turnovers & getting into foul trouble, but the the good far outweighed the bad in his NBA debut.

The games highest scorer despite not even attempting a three pointer, shooting 61% from the field and this is only the beginning. Get excited Magic fans!

Honorable Mentions:

• Jaden Ivey- Detroit Pistons- 19 pts / 3 reb / 4 ast / 3 stl- 53% FG- 113-109 W
• Shaedon Sharpe- Portland Trail Blazers- 12 pts- 4-6 FG- 3-3 3pt- 115-108 W
• Jabari Smith Jr- Houston Rockets- 17 pts / 7 reb- 117-107 L

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Photo Credit- Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports