Post by Sacramento Kings on Jul 19, 2022 5:25:47 GMT -6
Big thanks to Sonics for his help getting this review out!
Pick #1: Chet Holmgren–Philadelphia
Grade: B+
With this year’s top pick Philly adds the 2022 class’ unicorn and increases the count of Thunder players on his team to four. Chet should be a welcome addition to an OKC roster that was forced to play Isaiah Roby at center for much of the season, adding much-needed rim protection and vertical spacing. With a backcourt of SGA and Giddey, Daigenault will likely utilize Chet plenty in the pick-and-roll, where he’ll no doubt get loads of easy looks at the rim and from three. Presti’s vision of five versatile ball-handlers and sound decision-makers also plays to Chet’s strengths, as he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor to attack closeouts and in face-up situations. Gonzaga’s offense also helped develop Chet’s playmaking, and he should have no problem operating out of the short roll and can be trusted to make good decisions with the ball. The weight concerns on defense have unfortunately reduced analysis to proving that those are unfounded, rather than his issues contesting vertically and on the perimeter. Chet will likely be an excellent defender as soon as he steps on the court, but will have to make improvements to avoid foul trouble and being out-schemed in eventual playoff situations.
Pick #2: Paolo Banchero–Sacramento
Grade: A
The first of five Duke players to hear their names called this year, Paolo will join an impressive young Magic core at the 4 spot, joining Franz Wagner on the wing to round out a big, versatile frontcourt dripping in upside. With the resurgence of Fultz (but still lacking a shot), the inconsistency of Cole, and the general offensive struggles of Suggs, Paolo’s offensive creation should help bolster the Magic offense. Franz’ self-creation development and WCJ’s play-finishing should open up angles for Paolo to attack off the bounce and generate good looks for himself or others. There’s reason to be optimistic with his long-range shooting given his mid-range and free throw numbers, though even if it doesn’t develop smoothly he’ll still be an effective offensive engine. As the Magic youth continue to develop, Paolo should be able to put more consistent effort on the defensive end, where he showed the ability at times to be a positive on and off the ball. If all goes well, Paolo will provide immense value to a team still in search of a clear first option.
Pick #3: Jaden Ivey–Seattle
Grade: A+
Sitting as the near-universal fourth-ranked prospect across media big boards, Ivey surprised some and disappointed others (yes, Kings fans exist) when he fell to Detroit at 5. Reportedly near the top of Troy Weaver’s list, the Pistons and their fans should be ecstatic to get this year’s best athlete to join Cade and complete their back-court. In his second year at Purdue, Ivey succeeded in leveraging his unbelievable speed and finishing while improving his three-ball and passing to lead Purdue to an elite eight appearance. Combining his blinding speed with Cade’s more calculated approach will create huge challenges for opposing defenses, and the recent additions of Bagley and Duren, as well as the possibility of a big-name free agent signing, should provide the two guards with high-flying rollers. The offensive potential of this newly-formed duo is off the charts, and both also have the chance to be positive on the defensive side of things, too. If Ivey can work on being consistently engaged on that end, while Dwayne Casey works to utilize his explosive speed on and off the ball, good things await. Ivey’s shot should allow for more varied on-ball usage, and working on the base and quickening the release should pay huge dividends there, too.
Pick #4: Jabari Smith–Milwaukee
Grade: B+
In a draft class that many saw as lacking elite talent, Jabari’s shooting prowess and defensive versatility helped situate him as the long-expected first overall pick. On a Rockets team with plenty of young players but starting spots up for grabs, Jabari’s elite floor-spacing at the four spot will open up lanes for slashing guards. Defensively he’ll take on the opposing team’s top wing option, but can move his feet well enough to slide up a position or two. But moving past a high-level role player to provide the value expected from a top three pick would require some impressive offensive development. Currently his handle is far from functional; being 6’10 and possessing a high release meant he never had to work hard to get his shots off in high school or college–he could just rise up and shoot over the defense. The length of the NBA’s defenders will make this a much harder strategy, and though he’ll still manage to punish smaller defenders, he’ll have to find ways to create more space for himself to shoot. His upper body is extremely stiff, so NBA coaches will have a challenge in helping him sell moves off the dribble. He also struggles finishing and making good decisions, so it’s possible he’s never a go-to option even if the handle undergoes remarkable development. Nevertheless, the shot-making and defense on the ball give him a high floor that should guarantee minutes for a long time.
Pick #5: Keegan Murray–Raptors
Grade: B-
In his Sophomore year at Iowa, Murray cemented himself as the most proficient offensive player in all of college basketball, posting 24 points per game on elite efficiency, including 40% from 3 on 4.7 attempts per game. Despite these incredible scoring feats, Murray’s offensive game is far from polished. He’s not comfortable using his left hand on drives and finishes, and his athletic tools are somewhat underwhelming. Where he’s likely to provide value to an NBA offense is as a versatile shooter and as a strength-based creator. While his handle isn’t advanced, he can attack closeouts and use his strength to get to the rim, where he’s good enough to finish at a decent clip. Defensively he’s more than competent, and should provide the Kings with some much needed rim protection and as a strong defender on the wing. At 22 there’s not a ton of optimism for improvement down the line, but his foundation as a 3&D player on a team where he’ll be able to play off the ball means improving some offensive skill isn’t out of the question. Playing more off the catch means the handle won’t be as much of an issue, though the effort his defensive role may ask of him could limit his offensive involvement.
Pick #6: Shaedon Sharpe–Blazers
Grade: B-
However you want to characterize Sharpe’s reclassification, it supplemented an overall disappointing class with a much-needed infusion of mystery and intrigue. Having not played a single game for Kentucky, public evaluators’ only knowledge of Sharpe comes from his high school tape. Unlike college tape, much of what can be gleaned from high school film involves what a prospect didn’t do, rather than what they did. For Shaedon, while his step-backs, side-steps, and general shot-making are eye-catching, his lack of rim pressure off the dribble is a concern. While his leaping ability and body control make him a threatening cutter, a lack of burst and ability to get downhill inhibits his ability to put those tools into action of his own volition. Given the Blazers’ depth at the 2-guard position and absence of a G-league team, Sharpe will struggle to find minutes and garner key developmental in-game reps. A trade at some point seems likely, especially if the Grant acquisition helps move the Blazers solidly into the playoff picture.
Pick #7: Dyson Daniels–Suns
Grade: A-
Having played in NBA overseas academies and organized international ball for much of his teenage years, the Ignite’s lack of offensive structure exposed Dyson’s flaws and made for an overall challenging experience. Being asked to create for himself off the dribble, Dyson struggled keeping his handle tight and accelerating past defenders, and also lacked the assertiveness to finish at the rim through contact. Dyson sees the court well and his size makes passing angles easier, but the mediocre handle and finishing issues present a barrier to clear upside as an initiator. Though he struggled from deep early in the season, he boosted his numbers as the season progressed and shot well from the free throw line. Much of the value he’s to provide early on will be defensively, where his size and athleticism enable him to guard 1-3. He’s not great at navigating screens and has lapses off the ball, but could be a useful option off the bench for a New Orleans team looking to make a playoff push. The elite upside as a lead guard that some see in Dyson is probably too optimistic, but he’s versatile enough to be able to bolster an offense in a variety of ways. On a team with plenty of young depth, a trade is also possible and could accelerate his development if a coaching staff can commit to a lengthy developmental plan.
Pick #8: Jalen Duren–Thunder
Grade: A
Jalen Duren has all the tools to become a prototypical Rim Runner in today's NBA, as he is athletic, long, and a switchable defender. However, he has also flashed the vision to facilitate from the post and a mid-range jumper, which indicates that he has the potential to be even more than a Nic-Claxton type big. If he can extend his range, even further, he would have all the tools to become a complete, modern big man, but that's a HUGE if. Even if his shooting does not make a leap, his floor as a switchable, rim-running big makes him a valuable asset in today's NBA. He also lands on a great team, where, at the very least, he'll be spoonfed by Cade on both Pick and Rolls and Alley-Oops. This gives him a relatively safe floor, even if he needs a lot of refining to reach his full potential. With the addition of Nerlens Noel to Detroit's front court, Duren will need to earn his minutes during his rookie season. With a draft age of 18.6, though, easing him into meaningful minutes may be even better for his development.
Pick #9: Ben Mathurin–Raptors
Grade: A+
The leading scorer of Arizona’s elite offense, Mathurin’s decision to stay another year proved a smart one, as he continued to display high-level shooting on the move and off the dribble, as well as marginal improvements in other areas. His flawless footwork and elevation off movement gives him massive upside as an off-ball player, and his developing feel for cutting make Mathurin a welcome offensive complement to the retooling Pacers. While the handle and self-creation are still very much works in progress, Mathurin consistently makes good reads in the pick-and-roll, possessing a deep arsenal of live-ball deliveries to rollers or perimeter shooters. Despite his pop off one or two feet, Mathurin’s stiff upper body and lack of left hand inhibits his finishing, but he compensates with a great floater game. Defensively, Mathurin was largely disappointing after flashing elite on-ball defense and great communication in his freshman year. He routinely fell asleep off the ball, and tried to call for switches rather than follow his man around. Hopefully Rick Carlisle will force more consistent engagement from him, who undoubtedly has the awareness and tools to be an impactful defender.
Pick #10: Jeremy Sochan–Suns
Grade: A
Here are the current PFs on the Spurs: Zach Collins and Devontae Cacok (?). With the Spurs committing to the tank and being notoriously good at drafting and development, Sochan landed in the perfect spot to not only get significant run, but to also work on his weaknesses. A modern four, Jeremy Sochan has tantalizing potential. He has flashed three-level scoring, playmaking vision, and perimeter ball-handling skills. But these are still just flashes, with his outside shot being inconsistent and unproven. However, what has been consistent is his tremendous defensive upside. He excels in both off-ball and on-ball defense and has the potential to anchor a team defensively for years. If he can continue improving offensively, Sochan will be a 2-Way force for his team.
Pick #11: AJ Griffin–Mavericks
Grade: B-
Although Griffin spent the beginning of the season being slowly worked into game shape, he quickly showed how valuable he can be in an offense and soon gained a starting spot. As one of the best shooters in the nation, Griffin knocked down nearly 45% of his deep attempts, providing elite spacing to a talented Duke offense. There were also flashes of his polished perimeter creation, though a lower release and lack of burst prevented him from truly becoming a viable threat to create off the dribble. While he’ll probably generate the majority of his points from three, playing in NBA spacing as someone sure to incite hard closeouts, Griffin will have opportunities to attack off the catch and use his touch to finish in the paint. He may also have some upside as a movement shooter, though his wide base isn’t entirely conducive to quick and versatile self-organization. Griffin was overall lackluster on defense, letting his man cut or move freely and struggling to contain drives. On the Hawks he’ll never be asked to take on the toughest assignment, but working on his positioning while benefiting from an offseason of NBA strength and conditioning should enable him to be at least a mediocre defender.
Pick #12: Johnny Davis–Mavericks
Grade: B+
On a Wisconsin team severely lacking in talent, Davis managed to put up nearly 20 points a game on respectable efficiency. Much of his struggles offensively can be attributed to his teammates, who provided little-to-no spacing. Wisconsin had no better option than let Davis go to work, who impressed with his shotmaking, finishing, and aggression. Still, he didn’t react well to digs from the nail or against defenders who were able to prevent his first idea from coming to fruition. Working on his handle should help here, though Davis is probably best being used as mostly an off-ball scorer similar to how Monty Williams is able to generate easy buckets for Booker off curls and pindowns. Davis can also be used in the pick-and-roll as a handler, but defenders may be able to get away with sitting back and forcing Davis to shoot over them. Another part of Davis’ appeal is his defense; his relentless effort on the ball and awareness and decision-making off the ball result in an elite defender who can be deployed in a variety of ways to generate significant impact. Bradley Beal’s recent extension makes Davis’ role unclear, but their skill sets complement each other well, and the Wizards will surely want to find plenty of minutes for their lottery pick, even if that’s off the bench.
Pick #13: Mark Williams—Denver
Grade: B+
At 7'2" with a nearly 7'7" wingspan and a 9'9" standing reach, Mark Williams is a towering interior presence. What differentiates him from other big men in his size, though, is his leaping ability and soft touch. Combining these attributes with his instincts and high BBIQ, Williams has all the tools to immediately make an impact at the NBA level both offensively and defensively. Williams consistently makes all the right plays, ranging from sealing off his opponent to create space for a teammate or cutting at opportune times in order to receive a lob. With his only competition for minutes being Mason Plumlee, Williams has the opportunity to make an instant impact as a plug and play C, who could drastically improve Charlotte's porous defense. However, he does struggle moving laterally, at times, especially when he is switched onto quicker players. This could cause him to struggle against small ball lineups and in the pick and roll.
Pick #14: Jalen Williams–Philadelphia
Grade: A-
Jalen Williams, by far, was the biggest winner of this year's draft combine. His huge wing span and athleticism caught a lot of eyes. His athleticism does not quite translate to the court, as he is slow laterally; however, he has the length to compensate with a huge 7'2" wingspan. Additionally, Jalen Williams functioned as the primary playmaker for the past two years at Santa Clara, which indicates that he has the ability to help facilitate at the next level. Jalen Williams' most NBA-ready skill, however, is his shooting. He is a shot maker, both on catch-and-shoot 3s and off the dribble, with an in-between game consisting of floaters and mid-range jumpers. In the NBA, Jalen Williams will establish himself as a jack of all trades, with the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways. As such, he's a perfect addition to an OKC team looking to have a fluid, free flowing offense with playmakers at nearly every position.
Pick #15: Ousmane Dieng–Philadelphia
Grade: A-
Ousmane Dieng started the NBL season slow and struggled heavily with his shooting. Despite the lackluster start, he finished the season strong and demonstrated why his potential is tantalizing. During the final 12 games of the NBL season, Dieng shot 48% from the field and 36% from 3. Furthermore, despite his low assist rate, Dieng projects to be an excellent playmaker at his size because of the vision he has displayed. If he can adjust to the NBA's physicality, Dieng has all the tools to make a splash in today's league.
Landing with the Thunder, Dieng offers the playmaking and shotmaking upside that they have been looking to instill at every position. He will benefit from not being asked to do too much right away, as he will be playing alongside budding stars in SGA and Giddey. He also offers defensive versatility on the wing because of his length and quick lateral movement. To reach his ceiling, Dieng should strive to be better at attacking the rim, as he has a low free throw rate and a tendency to avoid contact.
Pick #16: Nikola Jovic–Kings
Grade: A
The first player to be drafted from an international team, Jovic joins one of the best organizations who also happen to be in dire need of forward depth given the departure of PJ Tucker and the inconsistencies of Duncan Robinson. Having played multiple years of professional basketball in the Balkan league, Jovic brings a great offensive feel and a deep arsenal of isolation moves. At 6’10, he’s easily able to pick out teammates across the court without having to sacrifice velocity for accuracy. Though he’ll be first used as an off-ball shooter, the Heat will look to develop his handle and decision making off the dribble. Jovic is comfortable with both hands and extremely fluid for his size, but struggles keeping the ball tight to his body and making multiple moves at full speed. Despite a reputation as a horrid defender, Jovic is actually more than passable, moving well off the ball to cut off passing lanes, but will have difficulties containing drives. His high hips and lack of upper body strength make him an appealing target for ball-handlers to attack. He’s far from a finished product, but has plenty for the Heat to work with and provides many options for how they want to shape his development.
Pick #17: Andrew Nembhard–Wizards
Grade: D-
In his senior season, Nembhard led a high-powered Gonzaga offense that led the nation in points per game. Posting career highs in points, assists, 3P%, and steals, Nembhard displayed polish and creativity in the halfcourt and transition, whipping passes to teammates with impressive vision and speed. He also squashed shooting concerns, connecting on 38% of his deep attempts on more than four tries per game. Nembhard is a more than capable defender, too, but will have to learn to not gamble for steals chasing ball handlers around screens. Put it all together, and he has the pieces to be an elite backup point guard. With Tryese Haliburton leading the Pacers’ rebuild, Nembhard will hope for minutes playing alongside Isaiah Jackson, one of the league’s best vertical spacers. With a lack of a clear path to big minutes and at 22 years of age, Nembhard doesn’t have much upside, but has a good chance to carve out a role for a long time.
Pick #18: Patrick Baldwin Jr.--Kings
Grade: B
A top 5 high school recruit, Baldwin turned down Duke to play for his father in Milwaukee, a decision he likely came to regret. Known for his elite shooting, Baldwin posted horrific numbers across the board: 34% from the field and 27% from three, while his father was fired after winning only 10 games. Milwaukee’s team was both poorly coached and without much talent, forcing Baldwin into a role he wasn’t very comfortable playing. Baldwin also suffered an ankle injury early on that likely never fully healed, and struggled to find a rhythm in the 11 games he did play. On Golden State, he’ll be able to play mostly off-ball, offering shooting versatility and solid decision-making to a team that lost much of its forward depth in free agency. Despite his poor defensive reputation, Baldwin flashed some high-level positioning and rotations, and his long-term upside is as much dependent on these becoming a more consistent part of his game as is him regaining his shot.
Pick #19: Tari Eason–Pelicans
Grade: B
Despite coming off the bench for LSU, Eason still managed to gaudy counting stats and finished with the 11th highest BPM since 2010. He thrived in the Tigers’ somewhat unorthodox defense, able to play as a free safety at times, leaving his man to chase plays. With his size, wingspan, and massive hands, Eason is an elite event creator, with plenty of transition highlights starting from a block or steal courtesy of Eason. He’s also a good mover for his size, allowing him to guard slightly smaller forwards and big wings. On offense his game is similarly chaotic, with high highs and low lows. Eason compensated for a barely functional handle by barreling into defenders, often shoving them back a couple feet with his off arm before finishing at the rim. While his shooting numbers can’t be completely trusted given the massive leap they took from last year, there’s nothing jarringly wrong about his mechanics. If he wants to be trusted with more on-ball reps rather than be used as a connecting piece, though, he’ll have to improve his decision-making and show he can make simple reads. His fantasy upside is immense, and if he’s able to secure the starting 3 spot on Houston there’s potential for this to be a steal of a pick.
Pick #20: Malaki Branham–Mavericks
Grade: A-
Malaki Branham not only has the ideal length and height for his position as a scoring guard, but he also flashed the potential to be a 3-level scorer due to his versatile ball-handling skills and diversified scoring arsenal. More importantly, Branham showcased these skills despite playing in arguably the toughest conference in CBB.
Branham's penchant for scoring goes hand-in-hand with his biggest weakness, as he lacks playmaking skills and has a lower ceiling as a result. Other questions are in regards to his 3P shot, which he struggled with until recently.
On a rebuilding Spurs team, he, luckily, has the opportunity to improve his shortcomings, as he will not be rushed to contribute anytime soon. With their development and coaching pedigree, he's in a great place to blossom into a more multifaceted player.
Pick #21: Jake LaRavia–Bucks
Grade: B
Jake LaRavia was a late riser in this year's draft, especially as concerns regarding his age were answered. However, his rise on the draft boards was not solely due to him being two years younger than originally thought, as he has all the skills NBA scouts are looking for in modern wings: size, shooting, and playmaking. Most importantly, according to his pre-draft workouts, his shooting is even more impressive than what he has displayed during his time in college.
He may not have an elite first step or verticality, but he makes up for with his strength and basketball IQ. At the NBA level, though, basketball IQ can only take one so far. His ability to adapt to the game and continue to be a plus defender will dictate whether he becomes a key piece or a rotational player.
Pick #22: TyTy Washington–Clippers
Grade: A
TyTy excelled most when he was handed the keys to the Kentucky offense and allowed to be the primary handler and floor general. However, he was mostly used as a secondary ball handler and shooter, which is a role he fills well but is less natural to him. TyTy can fill a big need on the Houston offense, as a pass-first facilitator who gets his teammates involved, but his smooth shooting stroke and in-between game can also help him make an impact without having the ball in his hands, but his ceiling is hinges on Houston's willingness to entrust him as a primary facilitator.
Pick #23: not made
Pick #24:Walker Kessler–Bucks
Grade: B-
Following the blockbuster Gobert trade, Kessler is positioned to occupy big minutes on a likely soon-to-be rebuilding Jazz team. Following an eye-opening statistical season at Auburn in which he posted a 19.1% block rate, Kessler will hope to prove skeptics who claim such numbers aren’t reflective of actual ability wrong. To his credit, Kessler has great ball-tracking abilities with both hands, patient enough to stay down but quick and accurate enough to block shots near their release point with either hand. He also moves his feet well enough to not be beaten by straight-line drives, but struggles shifting his weight and maintaining good position following a ball handler’s change of direction. Kessler will also have to work on his defensive discipline and avoid hunting for blocks by sitting too deep in the paint. On offense, Kessler is surprisingly limited, offering completely nothing outside of being one of the better lob threats thanks to his soft hands and catch radius. Although he showed signs of shooting in high school, his college record is far from encouraging, and he’s no better trying anything else that’s not a dunk.
Pick #25: Ochai Agbaji–Bulls
Grade: B+
Ochai Agbaji made consistent strides throughout his college career and finally put himself onto the map as a senior by shooting over 40% from 3 and establishing himself as a prototypical, plug and play 3nD player. His frame and game are both NBA ready, as he has a sturdy 6'6" frame with long arms.
Despite the improvements he has made, there are still question marks. First, he is still a streaky shooter, as evidenced by him ending his college career on a shooting slump. Additionally, he's more of a catch-and-shoot player than someone who can create a shot off the dribble due to his struggles with pull-up 3s (27.1%) and pull-up 2s (29.4%) in college.
Pick #26: Blake Wesley–Wizards
Grade: A+
Blake Wesley loves to score and can do so in a variety of ways due to his smooth handle and innate ability to create space in order to get his shot off. In addition to his ballhandling, Wesley is a gifted athlete with a quick first step that allows him to blow by his defender and attack the rim. Although his stats aren't pretty, he passes the eye test rather easily, especially when you consider that he's just a freshman that is still very raw.
Despite what he has flashed, there are still concerns about his game. He has the speed to attack the rim but only converts those looks at a 52% clip. He also struggles shooting from the perimeter, which is highlighted by his poor 3P%. He is also not a playmaking threat, yet. If he can work on these weaknesses, Wesley will evolve into a dangerous offensive threat in the NBA.
At this late in the draft, there aren't many players with higher ceilings, than Wesley's, as his shot creation has the potential to be elite if his finishing and shooting improves.
Pick #27: Christian Koloko–Raptors
Grade: A-
In a class which seemed to especially lack quality bigs, Koloko falling to the second round was somewhat surprising. At 7’0, Koloko has the size and instincts to be an impactful rim protector, but will have to put on some strength to avoid being overpowered by bigger bodies. His best attribute defensively, however, is his mobility, as he’s able to switch onto guards and usually hold his own. He’s fairly quick laterally and has impressively quick hips for a player his size, while his length allows him to sit back a bit and tempt guards to shoot. All together, he projects to fit nicely in the Raptors’ defensive system given his tools and positioning. Offensively, Koloko doesn’t bring much besides play-finishing, but the Raptor’s history in player development presents optimism that he’ll expand his game. His touch indicators at the free throw line and as a roller are very encouraging, so there shouldn’t be much surprise if the Raptors manage to turn him into a three-point shooter worthy of defensive respect.
Pick #28: Jaden Hardy–Mavericks
Grade: A+
Another instance of a highly ranked high school recruit who struggled scoring the ball in his freshman-aged season, Hardy’s late spike in efficiency and subsequent in production on the Ignite wasn’t enough to move his stock out of the late first and early second. He finds himself in a good spot on the Mavericks given the departure of Jalen Brunson, and will presumably be given plenty of opportunity to prove himself as both a scorer and playmaker. Much of his on-ball abilities are centered on his change of pace and handle, which he uses to compensate for a lack of burst and explosiveness. Hardy is also talented in his ability to hit teammates off the dribble, displaying a mastery of angles in the pick and roll to slip passes to a rolling big. His lack of verticality makes finishing difficult, and despite his touch Hardy’s struggles at the rim will likely plague him throughout his career. As a shooter Hardy possesses considerable upside, given his high school pedigree and volume at the Ignite. Some tweaks will help him with upper body consistencies and getting his shot off in tighter spaces, too. Although his defense wasn’t great, it wasn’t horrid either, and he shouldn’t hurt his team there as much as some may think given his engagement and activity levels.
Pick #29: Christian Braun–Wizards
Grade: B+
Playing in a complimentary role on a Kansas team with a surplus of capable guards, Braun was an under-the-radar prospect for much of the year until scouts and analysts began to appreciate his skill set. Braun shot extremely well, connecting on 39% of his threes 55% of twos, a product of his picky shot selection as well as his shooting ability. As an off-ball player, Braun can be used in second-side actions, forcing defenders to closeout and using his strong decision-making to break stretched defenses. He won’t be an offensive star in any role, but can be a valuable piece of an effective offense. Braun also fits Denver’s apparent goal of bolstering their guard defense, as Braun is one of the better point of attack guard defenders in the class. If he’s ever able to gain a starting role, he’d be a seamless fit with the Nuggets’ Jokic-centered offense, but will be able to contribute off the bench if needed as well.
Pick #30: Peyton Watson–Bulls
Grade: C
As a 6’8 wing with a 7’0 wingspan, Watson offers exceptional tools as a versatile and playmaking defender. He moves his feet well, navigates screens effectively, and is impactful on and off the ball. Though he saw few minutes on UCLA, he was likely underplayed as his skill set went underappreciated. Offensively Watson was a disaster, scoring in the 5th percentile at the rim in route to just three points a game on 32% shooting. In high school and at U19 Fiba, Watson flashed plenty of offensive intrigue as a scorer and playmaker, and Denver will hope to harness some of that to develop him into a capable offensive player. Although he has a ways to go to being a viable option off the bench, Watson figures to get plenty of reps in the G League and could eventually be a key cog in a playoff rotation.
Pick #31: Dalen Terry–Wizards
Grade: D+
Despite getting some use out of a similar swiss army knife type guard in Ayo Dosunmu last year, the Bulls once again decided to bolster their guard depth and selected the Arizona product that enjoyed a strong rise in his stock toward the end of the collegiate season. Terry thrived in Arizona’s movement oriented offense with elite play finishers throughout, being able to line up open 3s and attack open spaces off the dribble. He also impressed as a cutter, finding spots to dart into and aware of when his defender was falling asleep. While this offensive system undoubtedly was instrumental in Terry’s ascension to a mid-first round pick, it also encouraged some habits he’ll have to work on breaking, especially his processing speed and tendency to overpass. Terry’s reputation as an elite defender is mostly overblown, as he struggles navigating screens and is prone to lapses off the ball. The path to a high-end role player is a bit murky, but Terry has a strong enough foundation to give the Bulls hope he’ll provide some playable minutes off the bench.
Pick #32: Wendell Moore Jr–Bulls
Grade: C-
The fourth of five Duke players to hear their name called, Moore joins a Minnesota squad in need of depth, especially at the guard position following their acquisition of Gobert. Moore’s ability to play on or off the ball will give Chris Finch options as he works out his rotations with the new personnel. Though guard rookies are prone to struggles, Moore’s comfort and pacing as a shooter and handler should ease the transition, though it surely won’t be without quirks. Although Moore can fit in a number of roles given his size, he’s best as a combo guard that isn’t trusted with too many handling duties. He has his struggles as a decision-maker and isn’t the most dynamic on the ball, and is better suited when he can find his spots off the catch to shoot or make simple reads. He’ll also have to be surrounded by positive defenders, since although he made improvements throughout his college career he still has work to do on and off the ball to become competent on that side of the floor.
Team Grades:
Philadelphia: A- (Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Ousmane Dieng)
Sacramento: A- (Paolo Banchero, Nikola Jovic, Patrick Baldwin Jr.)
Seattle: A+ (Jaden Ivey)
Milwaukee: B (Jabari Smith, Jake LaRavia, Walker Kessler)
Toronto: B+ (Keegan Murray, Ben Mathurin, Christian Koloko)
Minnesota: B- (Shaedon Sharpe)
Phoenix: A (Dyson Daniels, Jeremy Sochan)
Oklahoma City: A (Jalen Duren)
Dallas: A- (AJ Griffin, Johnny Davis, Malaki Branham, Jaden Hardy)
Denver: B+ (Mark Williams)
Washington: B- (Andrew Nembhard, Blake Wesley, Christian Braun, Dalen Terry)
New Orleans: B (Tari Eason)
Clippers: A (TyTy Washington)
Chicago: B+ (Ochai Agbaji, Peyton Watson, Wendell Moore Jr.)
Pick #1: Chet Holmgren–Philadelphia
Grade: B+
With this year’s top pick Philly adds the 2022 class’ unicorn and increases the count of Thunder players on his team to four. Chet should be a welcome addition to an OKC roster that was forced to play Isaiah Roby at center for much of the season, adding much-needed rim protection and vertical spacing. With a backcourt of SGA and Giddey, Daigenault will likely utilize Chet plenty in the pick-and-roll, where he’ll no doubt get loads of easy looks at the rim and from three. Presti’s vision of five versatile ball-handlers and sound decision-makers also plays to Chet’s strengths, as he’s capable of putting the ball on the floor to attack closeouts and in face-up situations. Gonzaga’s offense also helped develop Chet’s playmaking, and he should have no problem operating out of the short roll and can be trusted to make good decisions with the ball. The weight concerns on defense have unfortunately reduced analysis to proving that those are unfounded, rather than his issues contesting vertically and on the perimeter. Chet will likely be an excellent defender as soon as he steps on the court, but will have to make improvements to avoid foul trouble and being out-schemed in eventual playoff situations.
Pick #2: Paolo Banchero–Sacramento
Grade: A
The first of five Duke players to hear their names called this year, Paolo will join an impressive young Magic core at the 4 spot, joining Franz Wagner on the wing to round out a big, versatile frontcourt dripping in upside. With the resurgence of Fultz (but still lacking a shot), the inconsistency of Cole, and the general offensive struggles of Suggs, Paolo’s offensive creation should help bolster the Magic offense. Franz’ self-creation development and WCJ’s play-finishing should open up angles for Paolo to attack off the bounce and generate good looks for himself or others. There’s reason to be optimistic with his long-range shooting given his mid-range and free throw numbers, though even if it doesn’t develop smoothly he’ll still be an effective offensive engine. As the Magic youth continue to develop, Paolo should be able to put more consistent effort on the defensive end, where he showed the ability at times to be a positive on and off the ball. If all goes well, Paolo will provide immense value to a team still in search of a clear first option.
Pick #3: Jaden Ivey–Seattle
Grade: A+
Sitting as the near-universal fourth-ranked prospect across media big boards, Ivey surprised some and disappointed others (yes, Kings fans exist) when he fell to Detroit at 5. Reportedly near the top of Troy Weaver’s list, the Pistons and their fans should be ecstatic to get this year’s best athlete to join Cade and complete their back-court. In his second year at Purdue, Ivey succeeded in leveraging his unbelievable speed and finishing while improving his three-ball and passing to lead Purdue to an elite eight appearance. Combining his blinding speed with Cade’s more calculated approach will create huge challenges for opposing defenses, and the recent additions of Bagley and Duren, as well as the possibility of a big-name free agent signing, should provide the two guards with high-flying rollers. The offensive potential of this newly-formed duo is off the charts, and both also have the chance to be positive on the defensive side of things, too. If Ivey can work on being consistently engaged on that end, while Dwayne Casey works to utilize his explosive speed on and off the ball, good things await. Ivey’s shot should allow for more varied on-ball usage, and working on the base and quickening the release should pay huge dividends there, too.
Pick #4: Jabari Smith–Milwaukee
Grade: B+
In a draft class that many saw as lacking elite talent, Jabari’s shooting prowess and defensive versatility helped situate him as the long-expected first overall pick. On a Rockets team with plenty of young players but starting spots up for grabs, Jabari’s elite floor-spacing at the four spot will open up lanes for slashing guards. Defensively he’ll take on the opposing team’s top wing option, but can move his feet well enough to slide up a position or two. But moving past a high-level role player to provide the value expected from a top three pick would require some impressive offensive development. Currently his handle is far from functional; being 6’10 and possessing a high release meant he never had to work hard to get his shots off in high school or college–he could just rise up and shoot over the defense. The length of the NBA’s defenders will make this a much harder strategy, and though he’ll still manage to punish smaller defenders, he’ll have to find ways to create more space for himself to shoot. His upper body is extremely stiff, so NBA coaches will have a challenge in helping him sell moves off the dribble. He also struggles finishing and making good decisions, so it’s possible he’s never a go-to option even if the handle undergoes remarkable development. Nevertheless, the shot-making and defense on the ball give him a high floor that should guarantee minutes for a long time.
Pick #5: Keegan Murray–Raptors
Grade: B-
In his Sophomore year at Iowa, Murray cemented himself as the most proficient offensive player in all of college basketball, posting 24 points per game on elite efficiency, including 40% from 3 on 4.7 attempts per game. Despite these incredible scoring feats, Murray’s offensive game is far from polished. He’s not comfortable using his left hand on drives and finishes, and his athletic tools are somewhat underwhelming. Where he’s likely to provide value to an NBA offense is as a versatile shooter and as a strength-based creator. While his handle isn’t advanced, he can attack closeouts and use his strength to get to the rim, where he’s good enough to finish at a decent clip. Defensively he’s more than competent, and should provide the Kings with some much needed rim protection and as a strong defender on the wing. At 22 there’s not a ton of optimism for improvement down the line, but his foundation as a 3&D player on a team where he’ll be able to play off the ball means improving some offensive skill isn’t out of the question. Playing more off the catch means the handle won’t be as much of an issue, though the effort his defensive role may ask of him could limit his offensive involvement.
Pick #6: Shaedon Sharpe–Blazers
Grade: B-
However you want to characterize Sharpe’s reclassification, it supplemented an overall disappointing class with a much-needed infusion of mystery and intrigue. Having not played a single game for Kentucky, public evaluators’ only knowledge of Sharpe comes from his high school tape. Unlike college tape, much of what can be gleaned from high school film involves what a prospect didn’t do, rather than what they did. For Shaedon, while his step-backs, side-steps, and general shot-making are eye-catching, his lack of rim pressure off the dribble is a concern. While his leaping ability and body control make him a threatening cutter, a lack of burst and ability to get downhill inhibits his ability to put those tools into action of his own volition. Given the Blazers’ depth at the 2-guard position and absence of a G-league team, Sharpe will struggle to find minutes and garner key developmental in-game reps. A trade at some point seems likely, especially if the Grant acquisition helps move the Blazers solidly into the playoff picture.
Pick #7: Dyson Daniels–Suns
Grade: A-
Having played in NBA overseas academies and organized international ball for much of his teenage years, the Ignite’s lack of offensive structure exposed Dyson’s flaws and made for an overall challenging experience. Being asked to create for himself off the dribble, Dyson struggled keeping his handle tight and accelerating past defenders, and also lacked the assertiveness to finish at the rim through contact. Dyson sees the court well and his size makes passing angles easier, but the mediocre handle and finishing issues present a barrier to clear upside as an initiator. Though he struggled from deep early in the season, he boosted his numbers as the season progressed and shot well from the free throw line. Much of the value he’s to provide early on will be defensively, where his size and athleticism enable him to guard 1-3. He’s not great at navigating screens and has lapses off the ball, but could be a useful option off the bench for a New Orleans team looking to make a playoff push. The elite upside as a lead guard that some see in Dyson is probably too optimistic, but he’s versatile enough to be able to bolster an offense in a variety of ways. On a team with plenty of young depth, a trade is also possible and could accelerate his development if a coaching staff can commit to a lengthy developmental plan.
Pick #8: Jalen Duren–Thunder
Grade: A
Jalen Duren has all the tools to become a prototypical Rim Runner in today's NBA, as he is athletic, long, and a switchable defender. However, he has also flashed the vision to facilitate from the post and a mid-range jumper, which indicates that he has the potential to be even more than a Nic-Claxton type big. If he can extend his range, even further, he would have all the tools to become a complete, modern big man, but that's a HUGE if. Even if his shooting does not make a leap, his floor as a switchable, rim-running big makes him a valuable asset in today's NBA. He also lands on a great team, where, at the very least, he'll be spoonfed by Cade on both Pick and Rolls and Alley-Oops. This gives him a relatively safe floor, even if he needs a lot of refining to reach his full potential. With the addition of Nerlens Noel to Detroit's front court, Duren will need to earn his minutes during his rookie season. With a draft age of 18.6, though, easing him into meaningful minutes may be even better for his development.
Pick #9: Ben Mathurin–Raptors
Grade: A+
The leading scorer of Arizona’s elite offense, Mathurin’s decision to stay another year proved a smart one, as he continued to display high-level shooting on the move and off the dribble, as well as marginal improvements in other areas. His flawless footwork and elevation off movement gives him massive upside as an off-ball player, and his developing feel for cutting make Mathurin a welcome offensive complement to the retooling Pacers. While the handle and self-creation are still very much works in progress, Mathurin consistently makes good reads in the pick-and-roll, possessing a deep arsenal of live-ball deliveries to rollers or perimeter shooters. Despite his pop off one or two feet, Mathurin’s stiff upper body and lack of left hand inhibits his finishing, but he compensates with a great floater game. Defensively, Mathurin was largely disappointing after flashing elite on-ball defense and great communication in his freshman year. He routinely fell asleep off the ball, and tried to call for switches rather than follow his man around. Hopefully Rick Carlisle will force more consistent engagement from him, who undoubtedly has the awareness and tools to be an impactful defender.
Pick #10: Jeremy Sochan–Suns
Grade: A
Here are the current PFs on the Spurs: Zach Collins and Devontae Cacok (?). With the Spurs committing to the tank and being notoriously good at drafting and development, Sochan landed in the perfect spot to not only get significant run, but to also work on his weaknesses. A modern four, Jeremy Sochan has tantalizing potential. He has flashed three-level scoring, playmaking vision, and perimeter ball-handling skills. But these are still just flashes, with his outside shot being inconsistent and unproven. However, what has been consistent is his tremendous defensive upside. He excels in both off-ball and on-ball defense and has the potential to anchor a team defensively for years. If he can continue improving offensively, Sochan will be a 2-Way force for his team.
Pick #11: AJ Griffin–Mavericks
Grade: B-
Although Griffin spent the beginning of the season being slowly worked into game shape, he quickly showed how valuable he can be in an offense and soon gained a starting spot. As one of the best shooters in the nation, Griffin knocked down nearly 45% of his deep attempts, providing elite spacing to a talented Duke offense. There were also flashes of his polished perimeter creation, though a lower release and lack of burst prevented him from truly becoming a viable threat to create off the dribble. While he’ll probably generate the majority of his points from three, playing in NBA spacing as someone sure to incite hard closeouts, Griffin will have opportunities to attack off the catch and use his touch to finish in the paint. He may also have some upside as a movement shooter, though his wide base isn’t entirely conducive to quick and versatile self-organization. Griffin was overall lackluster on defense, letting his man cut or move freely and struggling to contain drives. On the Hawks he’ll never be asked to take on the toughest assignment, but working on his positioning while benefiting from an offseason of NBA strength and conditioning should enable him to be at least a mediocre defender.
Pick #12: Johnny Davis–Mavericks
Grade: B+
On a Wisconsin team severely lacking in talent, Davis managed to put up nearly 20 points a game on respectable efficiency. Much of his struggles offensively can be attributed to his teammates, who provided little-to-no spacing. Wisconsin had no better option than let Davis go to work, who impressed with his shotmaking, finishing, and aggression. Still, he didn’t react well to digs from the nail or against defenders who were able to prevent his first idea from coming to fruition. Working on his handle should help here, though Davis is probably best being used as mostly an off-ball scorer similar to how Monty Williams is able to generate easy buckets for Booker off curls and pindowns. Davis can also be used in the pick-and-roll as a handler, but defenders may be able to get away with sitting back and forcing Davis to shoot over them. Another part of Davis’ appeal is his defense; his relentless effort on the ball and awareness and decision-making off the ball result in an elite defender who can be deployed in a variety of ways to generate significant impact. Bradley Beal’s recent extension makes Davis’ role unclear, but their skill sets complement each other well, and the Wizards will surely want to find plenty of minutes for their lottery pick, even if that’s off the bench.
Pick #13: Mark Williams—Denver
Grade: B+
At 7'2" with a nearly 7'7" wingspan and a 9'9" standing reach, Mark Williams is a towering interior presence. What differentiates him from other big men in his size, though, is his leaping ability and soft touch. Combining these attributes with his instincts and high BBIQ, Williams has all the tools to immediately make an impact at the NBA level both offensively and defensively. Williams consistently makes all the right plays, ranging from sealing off his opponent to create space for a teammate or cutting at opportune times in order to receive a lob. With his only competition for minutes being Mason Plumlee, Williams has the opportunity to make an instant impact as a plug and play C, who could drastically improve Charlotte's porous defense. However, he does struggle moving laterally, at times, especially when he is switched onto quicker players. This could cause him to struggle against small ball lineups and in the pick and roll.
Pick #14: Jalen Williams–Philadelphia
Grade: A-
Jalen Williams, by far, was the biggest winner of this year's draft combine. His huge wing span and athleticism caught a lot of eyes. His athleticism does not quite translate to the court, as he is slow laterally; however, he has the length to compensate with a huge 7'2" wingspan. Additionally, Jalen Williams functioned as the primary playmaker for the past two years at Santa Clara, which indicates that he has the ability to help facilitate at the next level. Jalen Williams' most NBA-ready skill, however, is his shooting. He is a shot maker, both on catch-and-shoot 3s and off the dribble, with an in-between game consisting of floaters and mid-range jumpers. In the NBA, Jalen Williams will establish himself as a jack of all trades, with the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways. As such, he's a perfect addition to an OKC team looking to have a fluid, free flowing offense with playmakers at nearly every position.
Pick #15: Ousmane Dieng–Philadelphia
Grade: A-
Ousmane Dieng started the NBL season slow and struggled heavily with his shooting. Despite the lackluster start, he finished the season strong and demonstrated why his potential is tantalizing. During the final 12 games of the NBL season, Dieng shot 48% from the field and 36% from 3. Furthermore, despite his low assist rate, Dieng projects to be an excellent playmaker at his size because of the vision he has displayed. If he can adjust to the NBA's physicality, Dieng has all the tools to make a splash in today's league.
Landing with the Thunder, Dieng offers the playmaking and shotmaking upside that they have been looking to instill at every position. He will benefit from not being asked to do too much right away, as he will be playing alongside budding stars in SGA and Giddey. He also offers defensive versatility on the wing because of his length and quick lateral movement. To reach his ceiling, Dieng should strive to be better at attacking the rim, as he has a low free throw rate and a tendency to avoid contact.
Pick #16: Nikola Jovic–Kings
Grade: A
The first player to be drafted from an international team, Jovic joins one of the best organizations who also happen to be in dire need of forward depth given the departure of PJ Tucker and the inconsistencies of Duncan Robinson. Having played multiple years of professional basketball in the Balkan league, Jovic brings a great offensive feel and a deep arsenal of isolation moves. At 6’10, he’s easily able to pick out teammates across the court without having to sacrifice velocity for accuracy. Though he’ll be first used as an off-ball shooter, the Heat will look to develop his handle and decision making off the dribble. Jovic is comfortable with both hands and extremely fluid for his size, but struggles keeping the ball tight to his body and making multiple moves at full speed. Despite a reputation as a horrid defender, Jovic is actually more than passable, moving well off the ball to cut off passing lanes, but will have difficulties containing drives. His high hips and lack of upper body strength make him an appealing target for ball-handlers to attack. He’s far from a finished product, but has plenty for the Heat to work with and provides many options for how they want to shape his development.
Pick #17: Andrew Nembhard–Wizards
Grade: D-
In his senior season, Nembhard led a high-powered Gonzaga offense that led the nation in points per game. Posting career highs in points, assists, 3P%, and steals, Nembhard displayed polish and creativity in the halfcourt and transition, whipping passes to teammates with impressive vision and speed. He also squashed shooting concerns, connecting on 38% of his deep attempts on more than four tries per game. Nembhard is a more than capable defender, too, but will have to learn to not gamble for steals chasing ball handlers around screens. Put it all together, and he has the pieces to be an elite backup point guard. With Tryese Haliburton leading the Pacers’ rebuild, Nembhard will hope for minutes playing alongside Isaiah Jackson, one of the league’s best vertical spacers. With a lack of a clear path to big minutes and at 22 years of age, Nembhard doesn’t have much upside, but has a good chance to carve out a role for a long time.
Pick #18: Patrick Baldwin Jr.--Kings
Grade: B
A top 5 high school recruit, Baldwin turned down Duke to play for his father in Milwaukee, a decision he likely came to regret. Known for his elite shooting, Baldwin posted horrific numbers across the board: 34% from the field and 27% from three, while his father was fired after winning only 10 games. Milwaukee’s team was both poorly coached and without much talent, forcing Baldwin into a role he wasn’t very comfortable playing. Baldwin also suffered an ankle injury early on that likely never fully healed, and struggled to find a rhythm in the 11 games he did play. On Golden State, he’ll be able to play mostly off-ball, offering shooting versatility and solid decision-making to a team that lost much of its forward depth in free agency. Despite his poor defensive reputation, Baldwin flashed some high-level positioning and rotations, and his long-term upside is as much dependent on these becoming a more consistent part of his game as is him regaining his shot.
Pick #19: Tari Eason–Pelicans
Grade: B
Despite coming off the bench for LSU, Eason still managed to gaudy counting stats and finished with the 11th highest BPM since 2010. He thrived in the Tigers’ somewhat unorthodox defense, able to play as a free safety at times, leaving his man to chase plays. With his size, wingspan, and massive hands, Eason is an elite event creator, with plenty of transition highlights starting from a block or steal courtesy of Eason. He’s also a good mover for his size, allowing him to guard slightly smaller forwards and big wings. On offense his game is similarly chaotic, with high highs and low lows. Eason compensated for a barely functional handle by barreling into defenders, often shoving them back a couple feet with his off arm before finishing at the rim. While his shooting numbers can’t be completely trusted given the massive leap they took from last year, there’s nothing jarringly wrong about his mechanics. If he wants to be trusted with more on-ball reps rather than be used as a connecting piece, though, he’ll have to improve his decision-making and show he can make simple reads. His fantasy upside is immense, and if he’s able to secure the starting 3 spot on Houston there’s potential for this to be a steal of a pick.
Pick #20: Malaki Branham–Mavericks
Grade: A-
Malaki Branham not only has the ideal length and height for his position as a scoring guard, but he also flashed the potential to be a 3-level scorer due to his versatile ball-handling skills and diversified scoring arsenal. More importantly, Branham showcased these skills despite playing in arguably the toughest conference in CBB.
Branham's penchant for scoring goes hand-in-hand with his biggest weakness, as he lacks playmaking skills and has a lower ceiling as a result. Other questions are in regards to his 3P shot, which he struggled with until recently.
On a rebuilding Spurs team, he, luckily, has the opportunity to improve his shortcomings, as he will not be rushed to contribute anytime soon. With their development and coaching pedigree, he's in a great place to blossom into a more multifaceted player.
Pick #21: Jake LaRavia–Bucks
Grade: B
Jake LaRavia was a late riser in this year's draft, especially as concerns regarding his age were answered. However, his rise on the draft boards was not solely due to him being two years younger than originally thought, as he has all the skills NBA scouts are looking for in modern wings: size, shooting, and playmaking. Most importantly, according to his pre-draft workouts, his shooting is even more impressive than what he has displayed during his time in college.
He may not have an elite first step or verticality, but he makes up for with his strength and basketball IQ. At the NBA level, though, basketball IQ can only take one so far. His ability to adapt to the game and continue to be a plus defender will dictate whether he becomes a key piece or a rotational player.
Pick #22: TyTy Washington–Clippers
Grade: A
TyTy excelled most when he was handed the keys to the Kentucky offense and allowed to be the primary handler and floor general. However, he was mostly used as a secondary ball handler and shooter, which is a role he fills well but is less natural to him. TyTy can fill a big need on the Houston offense, as a pass-first facilitator who gets his teammates involved, but his smooth shooting stroke and in-between game can also help him make an impact without having the ball in his hands, but his ceiling is hinges on Houston's willingness to entrust him as a primary facilitator.
Pick #23: not made
Pick #24:Walker Kessler–Bucks
Grade: B-
Following the blockbuster Gobert trade, Kessler is positioned to occupy big minutes on a likely soon-to-be rebuilding Jazz team. Following an eye-opening statistical season at Auburn in which he posted a 19.1% block rate, Kessler will hope to prove skeptics who claim such numbers aren’t reflective of actual ability wrong. To his credit, Kessler has great ball-tracking abilities with both hands, patient enough to stay down but quick and accurate enough to block shots near their release point with either hand. He also moves his feet well enough to not be beaten by straight-line drives, but struggles shifting his weight and maintaining good position following a ball handler’s change of direction. Kessler will also have to work on his defensive discipline and avoid hunting for blocks by sitting too deep in the paint. On offense, Kessler is surprisingly limited, offering completely nothing outside of being one of the better lob threats thanks to his soft hands and catch radius. Although he showed signs of shooting in high school, his college record is far from encouraging, and he’s no better trying anything else that’s not a dunk.
Pick #25: Ochai Agbaji–Bulls
Grade: B+
Ochai Agbaji made consistent strides throughout his college career and finally put himself onto the map as a senior by shooting over 40% from 3 and establishing himself as a prototypical, plug and play 3nD player. His frame and game are both NBA ready, as he has a sturdy 6'6" frame with long arms.
Despite the improvements he has made, there are still question marks. First, he is still a streaky shooter, as evidenced by him ending his college career on a shooting slump. Additionally, he's more of a catch-and-shoot player than someone who can create a shot off the dribble due to his struggles with pull-up 3s (27.1%) and pull-up 2s (29.4%) in college.
Pick #26: Blake Wesley–Wizards
Grade: A+
Blake Wesley loves to score and can do so in a variety of ways due to his smooth handle and innate ability to create space in order to get his shot off. In addition to his ballhandling, Wesley is a gifted athlete with a quick first step that allows him to blow by his defender and attack the rim. Although his stats aren't pretty, he passes the eye test rather easily, especially when you consider that he's just a freshman that is still very raw.
Despite what he has flashed, there are still concerns about his game. He has the speed to attack the rim but only converts those looks at a 52% clip. He also struggles shooting from the perimeter, which is highlighted by his poor 3P%. He is also not a playmaking threat, yet. If he can work on these weaknesses, Wesley will evolve into a dangerous offensive threat in the NBA.
At this late in the draft, there aren't many players with higher ceilings, than Wesley's, as his shot creation has the potential to be elite if his finishing and shooting improves.
Pick #27: Christian Koloko–Raptors
Grade: A-
In a class which seemed to especially lack quality bigs, Koloko falling to the second round was somewhat surprising. At 7’0, Koloko has the size and instincts to be an impactful rim protector, but will have to put on some strength to avoid being overpowered by bigger bodies. His best attribute defensively, however, is his mobility, as he’s able to switch onto guards and usually hold his own. He’s fairly quick laterally and has impressively quick hips for a player his size, while his length allows him to sit back a bit and tempt guards to shoot. All together, he projects to fit nicely in the Raptors’ defensive system given his tools and positioning. Offensively, Koloko doesn’t bring much besides play-finishing, but the Raptor’s history in player development presents optimism that he’ll expand his game. His touch indicators at the free throw line and as a roller are very encouraging, so there shouldn’t be much surprise if the Raptors manage to turn him into a three-point shooter worthy of defensive respect.
Pick #28: Jaden Hardy–Mavericks
Grade: A+
Another instance of a highly ranked high school recruit who struggled scoring the ball in his freshman-aged season, Hardy’s late spike in efficiency and subsequent in production on the Ignite wasn’t enough to move his stock out of the late first and early second. He finds himself in a good spot on the Mavericks given the departure of Jalen Brunson, and will presumably be given plenty of opportunity to prove himself as both a scorer and playmaker. Much of his on-ball abilities are centered on his change of pace and handle, which he uses to compensate for a lack of burst and explosiveness. Hardy is also talented in his ability to hit teammates off the dribble, displaying a mastery of angles in the pick and roll to slip passes to a rolling big. His lack of verticality makes finishing difficult, and despite his touch Hardy’s struggles at the rim will likely plague him throughout his career. As a shooter Hardy possesses considerable upside, given his high school pedigree and volume at the Ignite. Some tweaks will help him with upper body consistencies and getting his shot off in tighter spaces, too. Although his defense wasn’t great, it wasn’t horrid either, and he shouldn’t hurt his team there as much as some may think given his engagement and activity levels.
Pick #29: Christian Braun–Wizards
Grade: B+
Playing in a complimentary role on a Kansas team with a surplus of capable guards, Braun was an under-the-radar prospect for much of the year until scouts and analysts began to appreciate his skill set. Braun shot extremely well, connecting on 39% of his threes 55% of twos, a product of his picky shot selection as well as his shooting ability. As an off-ball player, Braun can be used in second-side actions, forcing defenders to closeout and using his strong decision-making to break stretched defenses. He won’t be an offensive star in any role, but can be a valuable piece of an effective offense. Braun also fits Denver’s apparent goal of bolstering their guard defense, as Braun is one of the better point of attack guard defenders in the class. If he’s ever able to gain a starting role, he’d be a seamless fit with the Nuggets’ Jokic-centered offense, but will be able to contribute off the bench if needed as well.
Pick #30: Peyton Watson–Bulls
Grade: C
As a 6’8 wing with a 7’0 wingspan, Watson offers exceptional tools as a versatile and playmaking defender. He moves his feet well, navigates screens effectively, and is impactful on and off the ball. Though he saw few minutes on UCLA, he was likely underplayed as his skill set went underappreciated. Offensively Watson was a disaster, scoring in the 5th percentile at the rim in route to just three points a game on 32% shooting. In high school and at U19 Fiba, Watson flashed plenty of offensive intrigue as a scorer and playmaker, and Denver will hope to harness some of that to develop him into a capable offensive player. Although he has a ways to go to being a viable option off the bench, Watson figures to get plenty of reps in the G League and could eventually be a key cog in a playoff rotation.
Pick #31: Dalen Terry–Wizards
Grade: D+
Despite getting some use out of a similar swiss army knife type guard in Ayo Dosunmu last year, the Bulls once again decided to bolster their guard depth and selected the Arizona product that enjoyed a strong rise in his stock toward the end of the collegiate season. Terry thrived in Arizona’s movement oriented offense with elite play finishers throughout, being able to line up open 3s and attack open spaces off the dribble. He also impressed as a cutter, finding spots to dart into and aware of when his defender was falling asleep. While this offensive system undoubtedly was instrumental in Terry’s ascension to a mid-first round pick, it also encouraged some habits he’ll have to work on breaking, especially his processing speed and tendency to overpass. Terry’s reputation as an elite defender is mostly overblown, as he struggles navigating screens and is prone to lapses off the ball. The path to a high-end role player is a bit murky, but Terry has a strong enough foundation to give the Bulls hope he’ll provide some playable minutes off the bench.
Pick #32: Wendell Moore Jr–Bulls
Grade: C-
The fourth of five Duke players to hear their name called, Moore joins a Minnesota squad in need of depth, especially at the guard position following their acquisition of Gobert. Moore’s ability to play on or off the ball will give Chris Finch options as he works out his rotations with the new personnel. Though guard rookies are prone to struggles, Moore’s comfort and pacing as a shooter and handler should ease the transition, though it surely won’t be without quirks. Although Moore can fit in a number of roles given his size, he’s best as a combo guard that isn’t trusted with too many handling duties. He has his struggles as a decision-maker and isn’t the most dynamic on the ball, and is better suited when he can find his spots off the catch to shoot or make simple reads. He’ll also have to be surrounded by positive defenders, since although he made improvements throughout his college career he still has work to do on and off the ball to become competent on that side of the floor.
Team Grades:
Philadelphia: A- (Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Ousmane Dieng)
Sacramento: A- (Paolo Banchero, Nikola Jovic, Patrick Baldwin Jr.)
Seattle: A+ (Jaden Ivey)
Milwaukee: B (Jabari Smith, Jake LaRavia, Walker Kessler)
Toronto: B+ (Keegan Murray, Ben Mathurin, Christian Koloko)
Minnesota: B- (Shaedon Sharpe)
Phoenix: A (Dyson Daniels, Jeremy Sochan)
Oklahoma City: A (Jalen Duren)
Dallas: A- (AJ Griffin, Johnny Davis, Malaki Branham, Jaden Hardy)
Denver: B+ (Mark Williams)
Washington: B- (Andrew Nembhard, Blake Wesley, Christian Braun, Dalen Terry)
New Orleans: B (Tari Eason)
Clippers: A (TyTy Washington)
Chicago: B+ (Ochai Agbaji, Peyton Watson, Wendell Moore Jr.)