With the announcement of the 2022-23 NBA schedule, we're one step closer to seeing the 2022 rookie class take the floor for their real NBA debuts.
Las Vegas Summer League did show us that players like No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, No. 2 overall pick Chet Holmgren and No. 4 overall pick Keegan Murray look ready for the big show.
Injuries cut Summer League short for players like No. 5 overall pick Jaden Ivey, No. 7 overall pick Shaedon Sharpe and No. 8 overall pick Dyson Daniels, while players like No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr. and No. 10 overall pick Johnny Davis left with something more to prove.
MORE: Every team's best player at Las Vegas Summer League
Take a look at nine rookie matchups to be on the lookout for when you're breaking down the 2022-23 NBA schedule.
Top rookie matchups on 2022-23 NBA schedule
Paolo Banchero vs. Chet Holmgren
First meeting: Nov. 1 — Magic at Thunder (TNT)
We missed out on a Summer League meeting between Banchero and Holmgren with both players shut down after their first few games. That means we still haven't seen the top-two picks go head-to-head since Banchero dominated Holmgren when Duke and Gonzaga faced off back in Nov. 2021.
In that contest, Banchero went off for 21 points, five rebounds and two assists despite coming in and out of the game with cramps. Holmgren had a modest 16 points, seven boards and three blocks, but it was clear Banchero wanted to dominate that matchup.
Fans should be thrilled to see what that head-to-head looks like on an NBA floor.
Paolo Banchero vs. Jabari Smith Jr.
First meeting: Nov. 7 — Rockets at Magic
All signs pointed to the Magic selecting Smith with the No. 1 overall pick until just minutes before the 2022 NBA Draft. When Orlando audibled to Banchero with the top pick instead, that immediately gave us fans "calendar circling" material.
We got a sneak preview when the two top prospects faced off in Summer League, and Banchero won that head-to-head, too. He went for 17 points, six assists and four rebounds, while Smith had a quiet 10 points and seven rebounds.
Expect Smith to have a chip on his shoulder for their first real showdown in the NBA.
Chet Holmgren vs. Jabari Smith Jr.
First meeting: Nov. 26 — Rockets at Thunder (NBA TV)
And, of course, we had to round out the head-to-heads between all top-three picks. When Smith was passed on at No. 1, the Thunder never waivered in their confidence in Holmgren. The Gonzaga product was their guy and Smith immediately slid to No. 3 as a result.
This is another "chip on my shoulder" game for Smith, who had to hear two names called before his on draft night. Add to it that we get other rookie matchups like Jalen Williams and Tari Eason, as well as a sophomore face-off between Jalen Green and Josh Giddey and this contest will have plenty of young talent on display.
Jaden Ivey vs. Keegan Murray
First meeting: Nov. 20 — Pistons at Kings
Many expected the Kings to take Ivey at No. 4 but Sacramento went against the grain, selecting Murray instead. Even though Ivey looked NBA-ready in his one Summer League outing before suffering an injury, the Kings appear to have landed the right guy for their current roster.
Murray earned Summer League MVP with averages of 23.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals in four games, looking polished and ready to make an impact. Meanwhile, Ivey will be trying to prove the Kings wrong for passing on him.
Get ready for a battle between these two future stars.
Paolo Banchero vs. Keegan Murray
First meeting: Nov. 5 — Kings at Magic
If Banchero had played in every Summer League game, he could have given Murray a run for Summer League MVP. These two power forwards both put on a show in Las Vegas and this has a Scottie Barnes-versus-Evan Mobley-type feel to the 2022 NBA Draft class.
Don't be surprised if this matchup ends up being the battle for Rookie of the Year.
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Jaden Ivey vs. Bennedict Mathurin
First meeting: Oct. 22 — Pistons at Pacers
Two of the best guards in the 2022 NBA Draft class go head-to-head in this one and there will be no shortage of fireworks. Both players are energetic and explosive with the capability to rip the rim off when attacking the basket. Mathurin will be looking to prove he's the top guard in this class, while Ivey will be looking to protect that hypothetical crown.
Get your popcorn ready for this one.
Chet Holmgren vs. Jalen Duren
First meeting: Nov. 7 — Thunder at Pistons
NBA Draft junkies got a treat when Holmgren and Duren faced off in the NCAA Tournament. As you know by now, Holmgren's biggest knock coming into the NBA was his skinny frame. As for Duren, he was undoubtedly the most physically gifted prospect in this class.
And even with those two attributes clashing, it was Holmgren who took care of business in the head-to-head meeting to advance to the Sweet 16.
Both players were dealing with foul trouble, which diluted the matchup a bit, but Holmgren held strong against Duren's strength, tallying four blocks. Duren's physicality overpowered Holmgren on a few occasions, but he only finished with seven points and seven rebounds.
Expect Duren to come back with a vengeance here.
Bennedict Mathurin vs. Shaedon Sharpe
First meeting: Dec. 4 — Pacers at Trail Blazers (NBA TV)
Two Canadians take centre stage in this one, as Mathurin and Sharpe go head-to-head for the first time.
Sharpe will already have several NBA games under his belt before this matchup gets underway, but it will still be exciting to see him go up against his fellow countryman as he and Mathurin battle to see who is the best young Canadian guard.
As two ultra-competitive players with electrifying athleticism, there should be plenty of highlights to come out of this one.
Dyson Daniels vs. Jaden Hardy
First meeting: Oct. 25 — Mavericks at Pelicans (TNT)
The first matchup between two former G League Ignite teammates.
Hardy was the highest-ranked recruit the Ignite landed last season, but Daniels ended up hearing his name called several spots ahead of Hardy, who fell to the second round.
Daniels is known for his defense and Hardy is known for his prolific scoring, making for a perfect clash of skills. Add in the familiarity with each other's playstyle after a long season of games and practices and this matchup should be a fun one to watch.
