The 2022 NBA Draft may not be as deep as 2021, but there’s no denying the outstanding talent at the top of this draft. Here I’ll take a dive into creating an early 2022 Draft (1st round) that will look completely different once the time comes around for the Draft.
Image via Joe Rondone/Imagn Content Service.
September 20th, 2021.
1. Houston Rockets - Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga 7-0 C.
Holmgren is a unique prospect who’s skillset is unmatched. At 7’0, Holmgren can play just about anywhere on the floor with his ability to stretch the floor and can guard 1-5. The main concern is weight as Holmgren only weighs about 195 pounds.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder - Paolo Banchero, Duke 6-10 PF.
Banchero is easily one of my favorite prospects in this class with his ability to score the ball while being a really good facilitator. The biggest threat to Holmgren in taking that No.1 spot.
3. Orlando Magic - Yannick Nzosa, International 6-11 PF.
Nzosa is the best international prospect in this draft with huis great defensive abilities. Has great size and can guard multiple positions on the floor. Offense is still a work in progress but overall too good of a prospect to pass up on.
4. New Orleans Pelicans - Jaden Hardy, G-League Ignite 6-5 SG.
The best scorer in this class without a doubt. NBA ready offensive game with the ability to score at all three levels. Not a freakish athlete whatsoever but will still find a way to get his shot.
5. Sacramento Kings - AJ Griffin, Duke 6-6 SF.
When you talk about size and physicality in this draft you look at Griffin. Athletic and explosive wing who can create his own shots calls for a top-5 prospect guaranteed. The red flag for now is that he hasn’t played organized-pace basketball in a couple years because of injuries.
6. Detroit Pistons - Caleb Houstan, Michigan 6-8 SF.
Very smooth wing player who’s an absolute sniper from the 3. Versatile defender with good size. May sound crazy to say but very well could be a bigger Klay Thompson.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves - Jaden Ivey, Purdue 6-4 SG.
Ivery has burst onto the scene this past year and for good reason. Really good athlete who gives it his all on both sides of the floor. Just a fun and exciting prospect to watch and should gravite more eyes towards him this CBB season.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jabari Smith, Auburn 6-10 PF.
Smith has incredible touch and feel for the game at his size and is a very long and versatile athlete. Big on being fundamentally sound Smith overall is a great prospect and will be fun to watch.
9. Washington Wizards - Jalen Duren, Memphis 6-10 C.
Big, athletic and physical, all traits that describe Duren’s game. When you watch him it’ll remind you of how bigs used to play back a decade ago. Defense is first with Duren and ally-oops and dunks come second. Duren being able to stretch his game out offensively is the biggest thing for him right now.
10. San Antonio Spurs - Nikola Jovic, International 6-10 PF.
One of the most intriguing prospects in this draft, Jovic has shown he can be a “point-forward” with his ability to score from anywhere on the floor while being able to handle the ball and facilitate. By Draft time Jovic could prove he’s even a top-5 talent in this draft.
11. Charlotte Hornets - Patrick Baldwin Jr, Milwaukee 6-10 SF.
Even though Baldwin won’t be playing at a national powerhouse school this upcoming CBB season, it’ll be too hard to pass up on the size and shot making ability of Baldwin Jr and not take him in the lottery. Consistency with his shot making is one of the main concerns.
12. Memphis Grizzlies - Hunter Sallis, Gonzaga 6-5 CG.
Very smooth guard who can score at will. May not have the best size but his ability to play-make and get to the rim is undeniable. Obviously won’t be like Suggs, but could have the same type of impact in that Gonzaga system.
13. Chicago Bulls - Roko Prkacin, International 6-9 PF.
Raw and young talented prospect who has a ton of potential and upside to his game. Pulled his name out of the 2021 Draft which should make him possibly a low-end lottery to mid-first round pick.
14. Portland Trailblazers - Daimion Collins, Kentucky 6-9 PF.
Another raw prospect, Collins is a freakish athlete who lives above the rim. Defensively, long and gets off the floor quick to block shots. Overall needs to work on expanding his game and his frame as he’s very thin for his size as of right now.
15. Indiana Pacers - Peyton Watson, UCLA 6-9 SF.
High flying wing with a quick first step, Watson will be dangerous in the open court and fast break opportunities. Long and lanky frame but his explosiveness and ability to sky above the rim makes him an exciting prospect to watch.
16. Golden State Warriors - Moussa Diabate, Michigan 6-10 PF.
Has the potential to be a “do everything” type of forward. Most exciting parts of his game are his ability to get up and down the court and get off the ground quickly for electrifying dunks and blocks.
17. Boston Celtics - Walker Kessler, Auburn 7-1 C.
I’m buying into Kessler more than most are and that’s perfectly fine. I really like him in that Auburn system and I think he’ll thrive in it. He’s another one of those unique unicorn-like prospects at 7-1 who can “do-it-all”.
18. New York Knicks - Kendall Brown, Baylor 6-6 SF.
Brown is a versatile wing who’s shown flashes of being a really good slasher and being able to create his own shot. Excels in the open floors and a fabulous defender. Should excel in that Baylor system that just recently had Daivion Mitchell and Jared Butler as first round picks.
19. Dallas Mavericks - Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona 6-7 SG.
Hyper-athlete with great size and is a phenomenal shot maker. Has shown flashes being able to create his own shot and play a lead guard role. Needs to work on facilitating and could be dangerous when he stays committed on the defensive side of the ball.
20. Houston Rockets(via MIA) - TyTy Washington, Kentucky 6-3 PG.
Explosive guard who has shown he can be an elite playmaking PG. Also a very good three-point shooter mostly catch and shoot. Just an all-around lethal guard who could very well move up on draft boards during the CBB season.
21. Utah Jazz - Michael Foster, G-League Ignite 6-8 PF.
Foster is great for his size at that forward position and knows his advantages. Super skilled and talented. It'll be interesting to see how he’ll play out for the G-League Ignite team.
22. Atlanta Hawks - Ousame Dieng, International 6-8 SF.
Dieng is another very intriguing International prospect with all the potential surrounding his game. With the potential he has, Dieng could easily end up being a great wing player with his capability to score and defend at the position.
23. Philadelphia 76ers - Marcus Bagley, Arizona State 6-7 SF.
Brother of Kings Forward and Former No.3 Pick, Marvin, Marcus has the potential to be a solid 3-and-D type of wing. Nice size with sneaky athleticism.
24. Denver Nuggets - Matthew Cleveland, Florida State 6-6 SG.
Another one of those prospects who could see a jump on draft boards throughout the CBB season just for the fact he keeps developing and getting better and will be in the Florida State system that has done a great job recently developing talent like Cleveland.
25. Oklahoma City Thunder(via LAC) - Trevor Keels, Duke 6-5 SG.
Keels is a prospect I really like and should contribute a lot on that Duke team this year. Physical two-guard with good size and is a good shooter. Has the ability to get to the rim if needed.
26. Oklahoma City Thunder(via PHX) - Jermaine Samules, Villanova 6-7 SF.
Expecting him to make a jump this year as a playmaker and consistent defender. Already has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting touch and can put the ball on the floor.
27. Houston Rockets(via Bucks) - Julian Champagine, St. Johns 6-7 SF.
Brother of Justin, Julian is a score-first wing who has a knack for getting his own shot and making shots around the floor.
28. Oklahoma City Thunder(via ATL) - Jean Montero, Overtime Elite 6-3 PG.
Creative and smooth PG with the ability to knock down shots from outside the arc. Could be the first ever to be drafted from OTE’s league.
29. Miami Heat(via BKN) - Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee 6-1.
Small but quick and indecisive guard who is a really good playmaker. Has great athleticism for his size.
30. Memphis Grizzlies(via LAL) - Mark Williams, Duke 7’0.
Defense first when it comes to Williams, lanky Center who can disrupt anything around the paint. Really needs to work on the offensive game.
*FUN FACT: Did you know in this upcoming draft there will only be 59 draft selections because the Milwaukee Bucks had to forfeit their 2nd round draft pick after the mishandling of the Bogdan Bogdanovic trade?
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