The 2022 NBA Draft has concluded and the class of rookies will sign their respective first NBA contracts in short order.
Several of the top picks, such as Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, and Johnny Davis, were asked how they will spend their first paycheck in the league, sharing their plans in their post-draft interviews with the media (transcript courtesy of NBA PR/ASAP Sports):
“First thing I’m going to buy with my paycheck? Probably a car, nice car, or somewhere nice to stay.”
First thing I’m going to buy is a driving license and then a car. I’m looking forward to playing everyone. I can’t wait to play every day and just work and compete.
The first thing I’ll buy with an NBA paycheck is my own car. I never owned my own car. To own my own car is going to be special for me.
First thing I’m going to buy, hopefully somewhere to live, and then probably a dog. I’m kind of looking and trying to get a dog.
First thing I’m going to buy, I’m not sure. Something for my family, for sure. I just want to get a gift for all of them because they are always here for me.
To be honest, I’m not going to spend my money. I think most of it, I’m just going to save it.
I think I need to buy a new phone because I need an American number, so I will need to buy that.
I’ll probably buy a car with my first paycheck.
I’ll probably invest my money into some type of crypto or something, or even just help my family out.
Definitely a vehicle. One of my favorite vehicles.
I haven’t really thought about that yet, as far as — I’ll probably end up buying a place to live. That will probably be the first thing.
First thing I’m going to buy, I don’t know. I haven’t really thought of it. I know I definitely want to invest my money early and kind of start to grow.
Jabari Smith Jr.
First thing I’m going to buy, probably somewhere to live, H Town. So probably that.
My first paycheck, it’s always been a dream of mine to buy my mom a house. So I want to give my mom a house.
