Jabari Smith Jr. has entered the conversation as the potential top pick in the 2022 NBA draft.

Smith is av​​eraging 16.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.8 steals in his freshman season at Auburn.

Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren entered the season as the two prospects most likely to be picked first and second overall.

Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer Smith has "even surpassed them in the eyes of many scouts and executives around the league."

The New York Knicks had a chance to give Chris Duarte a draft promise at No. 19 before he had conducted any personal workouts. The Knicks declined and he was eventually selected at No. 13 by the Indiana Pacers.

Duarte has had an excellent rookie season.

“By the time Duarte started doing workouts, it was over,’’ one NBA source said. “He wasn’t lasting until 19."

The Knicks owned four picks: Nos. 19, 21, 32 and 58.

The NBA has announced that the Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls will each lose their next available second round pick over findings into early contact before the free agency period.

The Heat acquired Kyle Lowry in a sign-and-trade, while the Bulls similarly acquired Lonzo Ball in a sign-and-trade.

In a memo sent to teams, the NBA indicated that both the Heat and Bulls cooperated with the league's investigation.