It’s been almost a month since Kevin Durant requested a trade from Brooklyn, and outside of a few rumors, it seems a deal is nowhere close to being completed. Usually, it doesn’t take so long for a player who wants out to get his wish.
With nothing else going on in the NBA world, it leaves a lot of time to speculate on the KD situation. Will he land in Boston, Phoenix, or New Orleans? Will he be forced to stay with the Nets?
Today, I want to discuss a trade sending the Slim Reaper to Toronto. The Raptors have an impressive collection of young talent and all of their future first-round picks, giving them the ability to put together a very enticing package.
But wait, why would Sean Marks settle for Fred VanVleet when names like Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram could be on the market? Every day KD isn’t traded, his value goes down. Teams aren’t giving in to the king’s ransom Marks (reasonably) expects in return for his all-time great, and the market is drying up because of it. Considering Toronto’s offer wouldn’t be reliant on one All-Star name, they can capitalize on other teams dropping out of the sweepstakes.
So what offer could the Raptors put together that would be enough for Kevin Durant? And would it make sense for them to pull the trigger?
Enter Scottie Barnes. The 2021 fourth-overall pick is coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign and he is already a fan favorite in the North. With his incredibly well-rounded game, Scottie is a sure-fire star. While that sounds like an untouchable asset, I wouldn’t hang up the phone right away.
Historically, you need a top-five caliber player to raise a banner in the rafters. As good as Scottie is, I don’t see that in his future. Right now the Raptors are nothing more than a solid playoff team and are set to be so for a long time. By trading for KD, they would immediately leap to contention. Since I don’t see Scottie as a championship team’s top dog, giving him up to get one wouldn’t be as stupid as Raptors fans make it sound.
Homegrown All-Star Fred VanVleet and talented young guard Gary Trent Jr. would likely be alongside Scottie Barnes in the deal. Add in 5+ first-round picks and that’s a hefty price, but once again you’re getting a Hall of Famer who’s still a top three player that will transform your team into a contender.
If that trade did go through, the Raptors would have a core of Durant, Pascal Siakam, and OG Anunoby. Siakam made an All-NBA team in 2021-22, and OG Anunoby has been on the cusp of stardom for a couple of seasons. The East is full of good teams, but that trio paired with a solid supporting cast would raise Toronto to the level of Boston, Milwaukee, and Miami.
There’s also a chance that KD’s value continues to drop as the hold-up continues and VanVleet, Anunoby, and Trent Jr. are enough to get it done. In that case, the Raptors would (obviously) be in even better shape, adding a franchise-altering talent while keeping your best asset. That’s the best-case scenario for Toronto, but probably the least likely one.
Overall, I understand why Toronto fans would be downright against a trade like this. Flipping three very good players to get a 33-year-old superstar with a history of switching teams when things get tough doesn’t sound great when a championship wouldn’t be guaranteed. However, with no clear avenue to true contention in the future, going all in now while you have an All-NBA talent in his prime, depth, defense, and a great coach makes sense for the Toronto Raptors.
Summer League has wrapped up. Most of the big names are off the free agency market. The draft came and went. As we enter the dead of the off-season, I want to talk about a few of the most underrated acquisitions made so far this summer. While adding a star can change an entire organization, the role players push a team over the edge.
Here are six guys on new teams who have a chance to do just that:
T.J. Warren (Brooklyn Nets)
Injuries have held Warren to just four games across the past two seasons, which makes him somewhat of a question mark. However, in 2019-20 when he was last healthy, he put up 19.8 points per game on 52.9% from the field and 40.3% from three. We all remember how dominant he was in the bubble.
Warren is highly productive on and off the ball offensively as a third option, which is exactly what he’ll be in Brooklyn. If he is hooping like his 2020 self, the Nets are going to be very scary.
Warren’s new deal is worth $2.6 million for one season. That’s incredible value (and smart by Sean Marks in case things don’t pan out).
Look out for the Bubble God scorching nets with the Nets next season.
De’Anthony Melton(Philadelphia 76ers)
Four-year man De’Anthony Melton was a key bench piece for the young Grizzlies squad that ascended into one of the best teams in the league last season. He projects to do the same for a 76ers team struggling to get over the hump.
Melton is best known for his disruptive defense. He’s small in stature at just 6’2″, but his 6’8″ wingspan and effort make up for it. He snagged 1.4 steals per game in 2021-22, using his great anticipation and hands to turn offenses over.
On the other end, Melton is a quality catch-and-shooter. He knocked down 38.7% of his triples across the past two seasons.
Fellow incoming Sixer P.J. Tucker is known for being a dog, and Melton fits in that same category. He will add much-needed grit to Philadelphia’s backcourt.
Isaiah Hartenstein (New York Knicks)
Former G-League MVP Isaiah Hartenstein has quietly become a top backup center in the association after getting cut from the Rockets three years ago. He’s productive in all the facets of the game you want to center to produce in and more. The German big man stuffed the stat sheet in just 17 minutes per contest for the Clippers last season, posting averages of 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks on 62.6% shooting.
Hartenstein’s standout skill is his post passing. He has fantastic vision.
The Knicks are looking to bounce back and return to the postseason after disappointing in 2021-22, and Isaiah Hartenstein will certainly help them do so.
Jarred Vanderbilt (Utah Jazz)
Considering the haul of picks Utah received in return for Rudy Gobert, Jarred Vanderbilt hasn’t been mentioned much by fans discussing the blockbuster trade. I think he should be.
I’ve talked about Vando before so I’ll keep it short, but the Jazz are getting the hardest hustling player I’ve ever seen. He’s an elite offensive rebounder and an All-Defense level defender. Utah’s defense was their downfall in the 2021 playoffs, and Vanderbilt can help patch that hole. It only makes sense that one of the most slept-on players in basketball has flown under the radar as an off-season pickup.
Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)
The Lakers were a dark emptiness in the NBA galaxy last season, but Malik Monk was one of the few stars shining through. He was a reliable offensive weapon, posting 13.8 points per outing and connecting on 39.1% of his treys. He impressed me with the variety of ways he hit the deep ball, whether it was off the bounce, catch, or screen.
Now that he’s been freed from the Lakers, Monk will be able to really show what he can do in Sacramento. He’s joining his college teammate De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt to help fuel the Kings to their first playoff appearance in over a decade.
Kyle Anderson (Minnesota Timberwolves)
When Patrick Beverley and Jarred Vanderbilt were shipped out to acquire Gobert, people questioned if Minnesota’s perimeter defense would be any better than the Utah unit that struggled mightily in the playoffs. While Jaden McDaniels is awesome and Anthony Edwards has shown flashes, those concerns are valid.
Anderson’s calling card is on that end and will strengthen the Timberwolf defense. You wouldn’t expect it based on his nickname, but he does move pretty well laterally.
Nice block from the aforementioned De’Anthony Melton here
On offense, Anderson acts as a nice connecting piece with his solid passing. He can also knock down some corner threes despite his slow release (he shot 43.5% from that location in 2021-22).
Kyle Anderson, A.K.A. Slo Mo, is headed to the Timberwolves where he will provide the same steady contribution that he did in Memphis.
So, those are six players who landed in new places this summer that I think aren’t getting talked about enough. Who do you think is the most underrated pickup of the off-season? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
For the first time ever, I was very tuned in to Summer League this year. I had a blast watching the incoming rookies, returning sophomores, and undrafted free agents hoop. So today, just like last summer, I’m going to talk about players who stood out to me. Let’s get into it!
Trail Blazin’ Trio
The 2022 Summer League Champs were the Portland Trail Blazers. They finished with a record of 4-1 led by Trendon Watford, the 2021 undrafted man from LSU who won Finals MVP unanimously. The versatile big man is going to be a key rotational piece for Portland this season. Other standout members of the championship squad were athletic freak Keon Johnson (the team’s leading scorer) and defensive-minded 57th overall pick Jabari Walker.
New York Sophomores
Even though they fell short in the title game, the Knicks looked like the best team in Vegas. Quentin Grimes had a shot at overall MVP because of how well he scored the ball. He was a spot-up threat in his rookie campaign, but the Houston product was very comfortable creating for himself as the top option. He’s in for a big sophomore season. Miles McBride should be the backup point guard for the Knicks going forward with his ability to clamp up, shoot the three, and make plays for others. Jericho Sims looked like a man amongst boys in the paint, hammering home lobs and dominating the glass. Even Feron Hunt, who appeared in two games for New York last season, did some nice things as a two-way stretch four. The team as a whole was fantastic defensively, which is important for a group of young guys playing for Coach Thibodeau.
As much as Thibs loves his veterans, it’s time to embrace the youth movement in NYC.
Wisconsin Herd Alumni
Milwaukee’s two-way contract players Sandro Mamukelashvili and Lindell Wigginton balled out on their way to leading the Bucks to a fourth-place finish. Mamu knocked down triples, finished at the bucket, and drained fadeaways while playing like one of the best players in Summer League. Lindell looked like a legitimate backup point guard. He ran the offense comfortably, creating for himself and others off the bounce. I’m excited to see the role they play off the bench for the 2021 champs this season. Rayjon Tucker, the Herd’s all-time leading scorer, shot the ball well and clamped up. Also, shoutout MarJon Beauchamp. The defense was as advertised for the first-round pick and he looked confident from behind the arc which will be key for him getting minutes from the get-go.
Memphis Rookies
The Grizzlies were the most exciting young team in the association last season, and now they’re adding arguably the best rookie class from top to bottom. Both first-round picks performed well for Memphis’s summer squad. Jake LaRavia’s question mark was if his three-point efficiency could be maintained on a higher volume, and he proved it can. David Roddy was a relentless slasher. Kennedy Chandler displayed sensational quickness and intensity, earning him the most money he could have gotten as a second-round pick.
While the draftees were great, it was undrafted pickup Kenneth Lofton Jr. who stole the show for the Grizz. He used his massive frame to bully defenders in the paint and also showed some skill on the perimeter. Will it translate to the big league? We’ll see, but it was a ton of fun watching him go to work in Vegas.
Josh Giddey, Chet Holmgren, and Co.
2021 All-Rookie player Josh Giddey was way too good for Summer League. He dissected disoriented defenses with his all-world passing, serving buckets to his teammates on a silver platter. He was also more aggressive getting to the hoop than he was in his rookie campaign which will help him create even easier looks for others. Chet Holmgren did Chet Holmgren things. He dominated as a rim protector, shot over 40% from three, and finished off the drive. JDub Williams was highly efficient as an off-ball scorer and defended well. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl brought juice as a defender and rebounder.
The Thunder are going to be a fun watch this season.
Cam Thomas and David Duke Jr.
Cam Thomas is a bucket to the highest degree. He’s a borderline elite mid-range scorer already in his young career. This is the second time he’s played head-and-shoulders above the competition in Summer League, and he’s going to be a very important piece for Brooklyn going forward (Kevin Durant or not). David Duke Jr. was an energetic defender and fearless finisher who should earn some burn off the bench this season.
Keegan Murray
For the second summer in a row, the MVP award went to a King. Keegan Murray silenced those who clowned Sacramento for selecting him over Jaden Ivey. He was an excellent three-level scorer who got it done on and off the ball. What an impressive showing it was for him.
Paolo Banchero
He only appeared in two contests, which prevented him from winning MVP, but Paolo was the best player in Vegas. The top option prowess was as expected. That’s exactly what you want to see from the first overall pick.
Blake Wesley
The Spurs selected three players in the first round, and it was the third that looked the best in Summer League (although Jeremy Sochan didn’t play). Blake Wesley’s scoring flashes were awesome. He’s lightning quick getting to the hoop. He creates space on the perimeter. The three-ball was better than I thought it would be. He struggled a lot with efficiency, but he has the arsenal needed to be a go-to scorer once the shot starts falling more often.
Tari Eason
Tari Eason was everywhere on the court in his first games as an NBA player. He’s incredibly active on defense and offense, and he’s always looking to poster someone. He’s going to be a great glue guy for the up-and-coming Rockets.
Other impressive players include the Laker two-ways (Cole Swider and Scotty Pippen Jr.), young Warriors (Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman), Mfiondu Kabengele, Jaden Ivey, Trey Murphy, RJ Nembhard, Ochai Agbaji, Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Joe, Josh Christopher, and Josh Primo.
Who impressed you the most in Summer League? Did you like what you saw from your favorite team’s players? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
Dec 16, 2019; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and Anfernee Simons (1) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
On Friday superstar point guard Damian Lillard signed a massive two-year, $122 million extension, committing to Portland through the 2026-27 season. While I’m not surprised by his unwavering loyalty, it had me thinking about the ceiling of this Trail Blazers team.
First, you have to believe that Dame can be the guy on a championship team. He’s a top ten player when healthy, but up to this point in his career, he hasn’t had much playoff success. Most of that disappointment can be pinned on roster construction though, as Dame has only had one All-Star teammate during his tenure in Rip City (LaMarcus Aldridge). Therefore I think it’s right to assume you can build a championship roster around him.
That being said, how good is his current supporting cast?
There’s a lot riding on Anfernee Simons. The young guard broke out this past season, showing that he has All-Star appearances in his future. The problem is that he’s 6’3″, and small backcourts haven’t been a recipe for success in the past. Portland moved on from C.J. McCollum to try something different but replacing him with Simons means they once again have two undersized elite scorers who struggle on defense as their best players. I think Simons will be better than McCollum, so I’m not counting the new tandem out, but the writing on the wall is that they might not work out.
However, looking at the other pieces, I’m feeling a little more optimistic this time. Gary Payton II, who Portland signed to a three-year deal in free agency, will help patch the backcourt defense hole. Payton is excellent on that end. His ability to pick pockets and clamp up earned him All-Defensive votes this past season. He’ll likely be able to play alongside Lillard and Simons because he plays like a forward on both sides of the ball (Steph Curry called him the biggest 6’3″ guy in the league).
Speaking of new acquisitions, Jerami Grant is one of the best players Dame has shared the court with. The 2020-21 breakout star provides versatile play on offense and defense. He can guard the opposition’s best player while scoring 20 points, something the Blazers haven’t had in the Lillard era. I’m excited to see Grant in a red and black uniform.
The X-factor for this Portland squad is 2022 draftee Shaedon Sharpe. He hasn’t played since high school (injury is holding him out of summer league) so it’s a mystery how good he’ll be right away. If Sharpe can come out of the gates as a starter-level player that would be a huge boost for the team.
Other key guys include Jusuf Nurkic, Josh Hart, and Nassir Little. The squad is solid overall, but is that enough?
The Western conference is insanely stacked. The Warriors, Suns, Grizzlies, Mavericks, Nuggets, Clippers, Timberwolves, Pelicans, Jazz, Lakers, Kings, and Blazers are all looking to compete, and only eight of them can make the playoffs.
Even if the odds are stacked against them in an ultra-talented West, I’m not writing off Damian Lillard and company. They are in a position to make some real noise this upcoming season if everything falls in place.
The 2021-22 chapter of the NBA story closed with the Golden State Warriors being crowned champions for the fourth time in eight years. Now, as we enter the offseason, it’s time for my annual top 100 list.
I began with a pool of around 170 players and somehow cut it down to 100 (plus ten “honorable mentions”). The league is rich with talent.
When ranking players I use a fusion of the eye test and statistics. I watched countless hours of hoops this season, and I used stats less than I ever have this time around. I typically use numbers to confirm perceptions I have from watching the games.
Alongside each player, you will find my predicted ranking that I made here prior to the season.
Even though ranking players (especially this many) is incredibly difficult, I always have a blast compiling my lists. So, with that being said, let’s get into it!
(One more thing- this list is based on the 2021-22 season only. Prior years or future potential are not considered in the rankings.)
Prediction Leaveoffs: Kemba Walker, Evan Fournier, Malik Beasley, Richaun Holmes, De’Andre Hunter, Victor Oladipo, Chris Boucher, Rui Hachimura, Tim Hardaway Jr.
I struck out on nine players this year, which is a lot better than the total of twenty-two I tallied in 2021. Not too shabby.
Injury Leaveoffs: Kawhi Leonard, Zion Williamson, Jamal Murray, Ben Simmons, Collin Sexton, Michael Porter Jr., John Wall, Jonathan Isaac, T.J. Warren, Markelle Fultz
To qualify for this list, players had to have racked up 600+ regular-season minutes or played at least 20 minutes per game in the playoffs. These guys would have made the list had they met the requirements.
Honorable Mentions (110-101):
110: Bogdan Bogdanovic (Prediction: 78)
109: Cole Anthony (Prediction: N/A)
108: Spencer Dinwiddie (Prediction: 74)
107: Jalen Green (Prediction: 87)
106: Derrick Rose (Prediction: 90)
105: Jordan Clarkson (Prediction: 82)
104: Brook Lopez (Prediction: 105)
103: Luguentz Dort (Prediction: 94)
102: Harrison Barnes (Prediction: N/A)
101: Josh Hart (Prediction: N/A)
This list is technically a top 110 because of these ten “honorable mentions.”
Derrick Rose was sidelined most of the year due to injury, but when he played he looked like New York’s best player at times. Brook Lopez, who also missed significant time, provided his usual rim protection when he was available delivering some emphatic swats in the playoffs. Jalen Green began the year as one of the league’s most inefficient and ineffective players, but he absolutely took off post-All-Star break and earned a placement on my list. Spencer Dinwiddie also had a disappointing first half of the season but after he joined the Mavericks at the deadline he turned things around.
#100: Will Barton (Prediction: N/A)
Kicking off the top 100 is Will Barton, who was Denver’s Mr. Reliable next to Jokic with Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. out. The veteran had arguably the best scoring season of his career and that combined with his solid all-around play earns him a placement at the bottom of the list.
#99: Montrezl Harrell (Prediction: N/A)
The Washington Wizards came out of the gates hot this season, reigning over the Eastern Conference in the early weeks of November. That’s why former Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell was on nba.com’s MVP ladder. Even though that fizzled out quickly and he returned to his usual (still productive) self, it shows how valuable the energy and heart Harrell brings are.
#98: Kevin Porter Jr. (Prediction: 84)
KPJ didn’t quite have the season I thought he would, as running the point full-time came with some growing pains, but he still showcased why his future is so bright. The young star improved his shot (48.1% on catch & shoot attempts from deep) and his defense while setting the foundation for big things to come.
#97: Dillon Brooks (Prediction: 70)
If you’re looking for efficiency, Dillon Brooks is not your guy. However, he gets buckets for himself at a high volume and that’s what the young Grizzlies needed. The gritty wing got hot and picked up the scoring slack many times throughout the season and that’s why he lands on the list.
#96: Reggie Jackson (Prediction: 95)
With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George sidelined, the Clippers needed someone to step up and Reggie Jackson answered the call. He was the rock and leader for the overperforming L.A. squad with his microwave scoring, and I have to give him props for performing well in a much bigger role than he’s used to.
#95: Jusuf Nurkic (Prediction: 75)
While his days as a top ten center are behind him, Nurkic is still a valuable big for Portland. He’s a fantastic rebounder (11.1 total boards per game, 3.0 offensive), and he also sets some of the best screens in the league to help the talented tandem of Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons get their shots off. The Bosnian Beast excels in the traditional center role.
#94: Al Horford (Prediction: N/A)
Al Horford enjoying a renaissance in year fifteen was not on my bingo card for the 2021-22 season, but here we are. The big man was awesome all playoffs, killing the Bucks from behind the arc and playing defense like his prime self. The five-time All-Star’s performance in the big dance was so good (especially for his age) that you could make the argument he played himself into the Hall of Fame, but that might just be an overreaction to what was a helluva season for Horford.
#93: Bobby Portis Jr. (Prediction: N/A)
Watching Bobby Portis ball out to the tune of fans chanting his name has been one of my favorite things as a Bucks fan over the last few seasons. His knockdown shooting and fierce competitiveness were huge for Milwaukee while Brook Lopez was hurt. It’s been incredible to see Bobby embrace the city and grow as a player and he’s without a doubt a top 100 guy in the league.
#92: Lonzo Ball (Prediction: 101)
One of the best defenders the guard position has to offer played a big part in Chicago’s return to relevancy in 2022. A torn meniscus held Lonzo to just 35 contests, but when he was healthy he was the third-best Bull at times with his disruptive defense and much-improved shooting.
#91: Buddy Hield (Prediction: 88)
Hield was sent to Indiana at the deadline, and the change of scenery helped him expand his game. He’s known as a terrific shooter, but with the Pacers he showed more driving, playmaking, and defense than I’ve ever seen from him. While his ability to hit the three-ball already made him a valuable player, this developing well-roundedness makes him even better.
#90: Mike Conley (Prediction: 62)
At age 34, Mike Conley was still reliable as ever this past season. He’s a quality on-ball defender and an efficient shooter. However, I don’t think he’s good enough to be the third option anymore which is supported by his struggles in the playoffs. So while Conley is still a rock-solid point guard he’s not the All-Star level guy he used to be.
#89: Kyle Lowry (Prediction: 57)
Lowry took a backseat during his first season in South Beach. He dogged on defense and dished out the rock while allowing Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, and Tyler Herro to do all the scoring. The six-time All-Star is aging and isn’t as good as he once was, but he is definitely still a top 100 player.
#88: Seth Curry (Prediction: 100)
It’s a make-or-miss league, and Seth Curry does not miss often. He connected on 46.8% of his treys for Brooklyn this season, and his success rate jumped up to a sizzling 52.2% in the playoffs. The NBA is full of three-point specialists, but Seth stands out as a true deadeye in the crowd.
#87: Franz Wagner (Prediction: N/A)
Jalen Suggs was supposed to be Orlando’s standout rookie, but instead, it was eighth overall pick Wagner. The first-year baller out of Michigan displayed a versatile game for the Magic, scoring off the drive, hitting the three, passing, and playing solid defense throughout his All-Rookie campaign.
#86: Saddiq Bey (Prediction: 108)
After this season, Saddiq Bey is now cemented as a core piece of Detroit’s future. He’s a smooth bucket getter and a big shot maker, and his sensational 51-point, 10 3PM outing in March proves it. I’m a firm believer Bey is a future star and 2022 was the first step in that direction.
#85: Gary Trent Jr. (Prediction: 102)
Bubble breakout Gary Trent Jr. has now blossomed into a great two-way guard. Not only has he become one of the better high-volume shooters in the league, he also took a big jump on the defensive end this year. He deserves more credit than he’s gotten for Toronto’s (regular season) success.
#84: Keldon Johnson (Prediction: 104)
Look out league, Keldon Johnson is officially a certified sniper. His knockdown deep ball alongside his strong finishing ability that earned him the nickname “Big Body” make him a legitimate offensive talent, and I think he has star written all over him. I’m very excited for Keldon’s future with the young Spurs.
#83: Bojan Bogdanovic (Prediction: 110)
Another year, another efficient 18+ PPG from Bojan Bogdanovic. The veteran forward is a consistent catch & shoot threat and an excellent complimentary piece for the Jazz and once again lands himself in the 80s on my list.
#82: Derrick White (Prediction: 86)
I was very disappointed when Derrick was traded from San Antonio as he was one of my favorite guys on the team. All those feelings washed away when I watched him show out for the Finals runner-ups. Derrick pieced together some really nice scoring games while bringing his All-Defensive guarding ability every night, and it made me so happy to watch him succeed.
#81: Wendell Carter Jr. (Prediction: 107)
Wendell brings versatility that is unusual for a big. He can hit the three-ball and the mid-range, he’s a good finisher off the drive, he rebounds, he can pass a little, and while he doesn’t block many shots he can still lockdown in the post. The four-year man from Duke was once again Orlando’s best player in the 2021-22 season.
#80: Caris LeVert (Prediction: 63)
LeVert’s 2022 play was pretty similar to what he did in 2021. He’s a secondary creator who can score well when he’s feeling it. He joined the Cavaliers around the trade deadline, where he assumed a bench role and was still productive. Ultimately the reason LeVert ranks so much lower than he did last year is other guys got better.
#79: Kyle Kuzma (Prediction: N/A)
When Bradley Beal went down with an injury midway through the season, the Wizards had a lot of points to replace. Kyle Kuzma picked up the slack, averaging over 20 PPG across the last three months of the regular season (17.1 overall) proving he can be more than the spotty scorer he was during his time on the Lakers. Kuz quietly made a really good case for MIP, and that’s why he lands here on my list.
#78: Jakob Poeltl (Prediction: N/A)
If you open a dictionary and flip your way to the U section, under the word underrated you will simply see Jakob Poeltl’s name as the definition. The man is a borderline elite rim protector, a great rebounder, and a quality finisher in the P&R with nice touch, and yet only diehard fans talk about him. He does everything you want from a center and was without a doubt nearly a top 75 player this past season.
#77: Scottie Barnes (Prediction: N/A)
He wasn’t my pick for the honor, but fourth overall pick Scottie Barnes won 2022 Rookie of the Year. The Florida State product earned the award by doing literally everything on the court. Guarding 1-5? Yup. Crashing the offensive glass better than most non-bigs? Of course. Running point forward in Toronto’s jumbo lineups? You betcha. His scoring may still be somewhat of a work in progress, but Scottie is a very impactful player already in his young career.
#76: Norman Powell (Prediction: 69)
Professional bucket Norm Powell had another fantastic season in 2022. He put up 19.0 PPG while shooting 46.1% from the field and 41.9% from deep on the year, and he’s truly become one of the better tertiary scoring options out there.
#75: Robert Williams III (Prediction: N/A)
Anchoring the best defense in basketball this season was fourth-year big Robert Williams. He’s up there with the best shot blockers in the association, using a combination of an insane 40” vertical and a 7’6” wingspan to reject almost everything that comes his way. He’s also a very active offensive rebounder and a bouncy lob threat. His elite big man skills place him inside the top 75.
#74: Evan Mobley (Prediction: N/A)
Called a generational defensive talent by many, Evan Mobley teamed up with Jarrett Allen to form a menacing frontcourt in Cleveland. The rookie swats shots from the help side and switches on to guards seamlessly. The way he impacted the game, specifically on D, for the overperforming Cavs made Mobley’s first year a very promising one.
#73: Julius Randle (Prediction: 31)
2020-21 was such a fun campaign for Julius Randle as he elevated his game in a big way, earning All-NBA second-team honors and leading the Knicks to the playoffs. Unfortunately, he just couldn’t replicate that magic this past season. While the All-Star in him came out from time to time, the inefficient ball-stopping made a return and that’s why he lands so much lower than I predicted.
#72: Cade Cunningham (Prediction: 76)
My pick for Rookie of the Year, Cunningham displayed how he got the nickname “MotorCade” by acting as the engine for the team in Motor City. The 2021 first-overall pick runs the offense at a very high level already, and Detroit has found their franchise guy.
#71: Myles Turner (Prediction: 79)
Two-time blocks champ Myles Turner once again dominated as a rim protector, sending back 118 offerings in just 42 outings. The league’s premier 3&D center doesn’t get enough credit for the uniqueness and value of his game and he’s easily a top 75 player.
#70: Jalen Brunson (Prediction: N/A)
Brunson’s regular season was very good, but he exploded in the playoffs. He posted a 21.6 PPG average across Dallas’s conference finals run, and he put up a 41-point, 6 3PM masterpiece in game two against Utah. Brunson’s performance this year is going to earn him a big bag in free agency.
#69: Marcus Smart (Prediction: 80)
The heart and soul of the Finals runner-ups just had the best season of his career. Smart became the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton, and while he wasn’t my choice to do so, he definitely deserves it. As annoying as his flopping can get, it’s impossible to deny Smart’s impact on success.
#68: Clint Capela (Prediction: 54)
A truly elite traditional big, Capela’s combination of rebounding, lob-catching, screening, and shot-blocking makes him an ideal fit next to Trae Young. His game definitely works better with a top playmaker like Young, but there’s no denying the Swiss Bank’s productivity.
#67: John Collins (Prediction: 53)
Following Capela is his frontcourt partner John Collins. The fifth-year man has a very versatile offensive skill set with his ability to shoot the three and finish in the P&R. He hasn’t been able to fully spread his wings in Atlanta but he has been an excellent supporting piece.
#66: Tobias Harris (Prediction: 43)
Tyrese Maxey’s breakout and James Harden’s arrival forced Tobias Harris into a fourth option role that he hasn’t played in a long time. The veteran forward performed well though, still offering consistent scoring and stepping up in the postseason for the contending 76ers.
#65: Malcolm Brogdon (Prediction: 44)
An inability to stay healthy hindered Brogdon’s game this past season. Appearing in just 36 contests, the 2017 Rookie of the Year shot the ball on career-worst efficiency. If healthy he is a borderline All-Star point guard, but that’s starting to become a big if.
#64: Christian Wood (Prediction: 48)
Ask a Rockets fan what they think of Wood and they’ll likely tell you he sucks, but that’s not true. While he isn’t the best defender, the big man is highly skilled for his size. He can take other bigs off the dribble and he knocks down triples (39.0% in 2021-22). Even if he wasn’t the best fit in Houston he is still a productive player.
#63: Nikola Vucevic (Prediction: 34)
Playing third fiddle to DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine prevented Vucevic from producing like he usually does. The two-time All-Star wasn’t able to score like he used to, specifically from behind the arc (he hit just 31.4% of his threes this season, a big drop-off from his 40.0% mark in 2021), and that limited his impact on the court.
#62: Jerami Grant (Prediction: 52)
Versatile forward Jerami Grant broke out in 2020-21 and kept up that level of play this past season. He scores effectively from all three levels and brings some solid contributions on defense. Detroit wasn’t the best fit for him, but it was fun to watch him grow there and I’m excited for his time in Portland.
#61: Tyler Herro (Prediction: N/A)
The leading scorer for the top team in the East, Herro’s season really changed what I think about him. He went from overrated after his bubble performance to a highly impactful player and the Sixth Man of the Year. The Boy Wonder grew in a big way in 2022 and that’s why he ranks so high.
#60: Mikal Bridges (Prediction: 67)
Today’s NBA is dominated by 3&D wings/forwards, and Mikal Bridges plays that role to an absolute tee. The four-year man locked up for the Suns this season, earning All-Defensive first-team honors while knocking down a respectable amount of his triples and appearing in all 82 contests. The league’s resident iron man may just be a role player, but he’s a gosh darn good one.
#59: Gordon Hayward (Prediction: 59)
Hayward has been one of the most consistent supporting scorers in the association for a long time now, and 2022 was no different. He marked an efficient 16 points per contest for the young Hornets and lands exactly where I predicted he would be.
#58: Klay Thompson (Prediction: 33)
For the first time since 2019, the NBA’s most impeccable shooter was healthy. He wasn’t the same player he used to be (which makes sense considering the significant injuries he suffered), but he helped the Dubs to their fourth ring in the Curry era and earned a ranking just outside the top fifty.
#57: OG Anunoby (Prediction: 60)
Every year for the last two or three seasons I’ve been expecting a big breakout for OG Anunoby, and it hasn’t quite happened. His excellent perimeter defense has never faltered, but the shot creation just hasn’t come along like I’ve expected it to. Regardless OG is still a very good player.
#56: R.J. Barrett (Prediction: 68)
Because he plays for a dysfunctional franchise, R.J. Barrett has flown somewhat under the radar throughout his career (specifically in 2022). That needs to change. The Maple Mamba is seriously talented which he proved this past season when he put up a dub per game and showed some prowess as a number one option. This man is a future All-Star and will be top fifty next season. For now, he’s knocking on the door.
#55: Jonas Valanciunas (Prediction: 73)
I goofed up with my prediction for Valanciunas because I thought he wouldn’t be a great fit in New Orleans for some reason. The big man played so well this past season he was in All-Star conversations for a few months. He dominates the glass and finishes everything in the paint without a single strand of hair falling out of place and that’s borderline top fifty worthy.
#54: Jaren Jackson Jr. (Prediction: 71)
Rising superstar Ja Morant may have led the Grizzlies to the two-seed in the West, but they couldn’t have done it without Jaren Jackson. He anchored their defense at an elite level, leading the league in blocks and being selected to the All-Defensive first team.
#53: Tyrese Maxey (Prediction: N/A)
Tyrese Maxey had a breakout year in 2022, to say the least. He was Philadelphia’s second-best player until Harden arrived, and even after that the speedy guard never slowed down. The former 21st overall pick put up a highly efficient 17 points per game while showing everyone why he has multiple All-Star appearances in his future.
#52: Jordan Poole (Prediction: N/A)
Every Warriors game was a Poole Party this season hosted by their sensational young guard. Jordan Poole was Golden State’s rock through Steph’s struggles and Klay’s absence. He always delivered for the champs whether he was the number one option, the third, or coming off the bench. The future is bright for this young man.
#51: Desmond Bane (Prediction: N/A)
The 2020 30th overall pick is already way better than the solid 3&D wing he was projected to be. Bane is an elite shooter, knocking down 43.6% of his 6.9 deep range attempts per game this past season. He also popped off in the postseason. I think the two-year man is Memphis’s second-best player, and he will be a fantastic running mate next to Ja for many years to come.
#50: Anfernee Simons (Prediction: N/A)
Simons started the season as a streaky sixth man, but after Damian Lillard went down with injury he stepped into the starting point guard role and absolutely blew me away. He showed true number one guy ability in Dame’s absence, creating for himself and others with high effectiveness. The young guard has become one of the best shooters in basketball, but he’s also grown into a top fifty player in the NBA.
#49: Kristaps Porzingis (Prediction: 64)
Staying healthy is still a struggle for the Porzingis, but specifically in Washington we saw flashes of the old Unicorn this past season. After playing like a three-point specialist in Dallas, he was a legitimate top option again during his 17 games in the District, and when he’s playing like his past self Porzingis is a borderline All-Star.
#48: Miles Bridges (Prediction: 109)
I knew Miles Bridges was a future star, but I didn’t expect him to ascend so quickly. The bouncy forward proved he is more than just a dunker in 2022, leading Charlotte in scoring with a mix of tough finishes and smooth treys. He’s such a talented player and will rank higher one day when he reaches his full potential.
#47: Tyrese Haliburton (Prediction: 99)
Haliburton began the year playing very nicely off De’Aaron Fox in Sacramento, but when he was traded to Indiana he spread his wings as a lead guard and looked great. The Wisconsin native is very heady and efficient in the way he scores and passes, and man does that wacky jumper go in. The Pacers have found their franchise guard.
#46: Russell Westbrook (Prediction: 36)
An abundance of bone-headed plays under the bright lights of Hollywood makes it easy to say Westbrook had a bad season. In reality, he was used as a scapegoat for a Lakers roster that was not well put together. The former MVP still does serious damage going downhill and sets his teammates up better than most guards in the league, and playing for a team that doesn’t use him correctly shouldn’t take away from that.
#45: Terry Rozier (Prediction: 58)
Since his arrival in Charlotte, Terry Rozier has been a bucket. He uses his crafty handle to create for himself at a high level and he always comes through in the clutch. The man who cooked Eric Bledsoe in the 2018 playoffs has become a legitimate star guard.
#44: D’Angelo Russell (Prediction: 50)
Despite shooting the ball at the lowest clip since his All-Star campaign, D’Lo found other ways to contribute this season. He was the engine for a high-octane Minnesota offense and acted as their defensive coordinator on the other end. The man with ice in his veins is still a top fifty player in the league.
#43: Deandre Ayton (Prediction: 42)
2018 first-overall pick Ayton had an awesome season for the top-seeded Suns. He provides excellent finishing off Chris Paul dimes, and that tandem was the league’s most unstoppable pick and roll force. Even if you think he’s only this good because of Paul, without Ayton Phoenix would not have won as many games as they did.
#42: Andrew Wiggins (Prediction: 77)
It’s been an absolute joy to watch Andrew Wiggins grow since he joined the Warriors. The former shot-chucker revolutionized his game to become a winner. He earned his All-Star appearance and even made a run at Finals MVP. He was the second-best player for his team on the biggest stage in basketball and he’s undoubtedly a top fifty player.
#41: Bradley Beal (Prediction: 20)
Appearing in just 40 games before undergoing season-ending wrist surgery, I couldn’t rank Beal above guys who played more. Even when he was healthy, the three-time All-Star was putting up an inefficient 23 points per game. I expect things to be different next year but Beal was not himself in 2022.
#40: Domantas Sabonis (Prediction: 28)
Two-time All-Star Sabonis joined Sacramento at the trade deadline to form a dynamic duo with De’Aaron Fox that was very effective in the pick and roll. Combine that with his high-post diming ability and tenacious rebounding and you have a good running mate for the speedy Fox. I think Sabonis is underrated, and while he falls far from my prediction he still had a great season.
#39: C.J. McCollum (Prediction: 45)
After eight and a half seasons together, the backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum was finally split up when C.J. was shipped off to New Orleans. He was awesome with the Pelicans, scoring like he always has and pushing the young group over the top into the playoffs. McCollum proved this past season that he is one of the best players to never make the All-Star game.
#38: De’Aaron Fox (Prediction: 26)
It wasn’t quite the massive season I thought it would be for Fox, but he still had a strong campaign. The young star exploded after the All-Star break, averaging 29.3 PPG on 50.2% from the field and 36.8% from deep. That tear should wake up the last of those sleeping on De’Aaron Fox.
#37: LaMelo Ball (Prediction: 55)
One of the flashiest youngsters in the association, LaMelo Ball is built for stardom. He dishes out insane dimes and hits stepback threes with swagger, headlining the most entertaining show in the NBA in the Charlotte Hornets.
#36: Anthony Edwards (Prediction: 65)
Speaking of being built for stardom, Ant is naturally a superstar. His talent and confidence are through the roof and he will be one of the faces of the league one day. For now, he ranks a few spots away from the top thirty.
#35: Fred VanVleet (Prediction: 41)
“Bet on yourself” is Fred VanVleet’s motto, and boy has that paid off for him as he became the fifth undrafted player to make an All-Star game in February. While he ultimately wasn’t Toronto’s best player, they wouldn’t have performed like they did without VanVleet.
#34: Khris Middleton (Prediction: 29)
Giannis’s longtime sidekick and NBA champion Khris Middleton didn’t quite play like his usual self this season, but he was still good enough to earn All-Star honors for the third time in his career. Khash Money is a guaranteed twenty-ball every time he steps on the hardwood and is one of the league’s most reliable closers. Plus, we all know Milwaukee was going to the Finals if he didn’t get hurt.
#33: Jarrett Allen (Prediction: 81)
The man in the middle for this season’s biggest surprise had one heck of a year. On his way to receiving his first All-Star nod, the Fro rejected anyone that came to his rim and finished almost everything lobbed his way on the other end. While centers like Allen aren’t flashy they get it done and are highly impactful players, and that’s why he lands just outside the top thirty.
#32: Draymond Green (Prediction: 47)
Draymond is the most polarizing player in the NBA. It’s easy to watch him get a technical or check his stats and write him off as overrated and obnoxious. Yet, the former second-round pick has been the second most important player on an all-time dynasty. I don’t always like the man, but you have to respect him.
#31: Damian Lillard (Prediction: 7)
Dame was playing hurt this season, which is obvious when you look at his efficiency. The superstar was unusually inconsistent, likely caused by his abdominal strain. After 29 contests he finally called it and underwent surgery. He’ll be back to his normal self next year.
#30: Anthony Davis (Prediction: 10)
Since the bubble, AD has struggled with injuries and failed to play at the level he did that season. 2022 was a step in the right direction though. However, even if we never see the top-ten version of the Brow again, he’s unquestionably good enough to crack the top thirty.
#29: James Harden (Prediction: 5)
What a weird season for James Harden. After playing his worst ball since his OKC days, the two-time MVP forced himself out of Brooklyn to Philadelphia where his scoring struggles continued. A lingering hamstring injury may be the cause, but the Harden of old disappeared in 2022 and that’s why he falls so far from the top ten.
#28: Bam Adebayo (Prediction: 27)
Gritty big man Bam Adebayo is the heart of Miami’s defense with his ability to switch on the perimeter and protect the rim. His all-world guarding ability paired with his post scoring make him a formidable force on the court. The only thing missing for Bam is consistent aggression on offense.
#27: Jaylen Brown (Prediction: 23)
The second-best player on the Finals runner-ups, Brown performed very well on the biggest stage in basketball. He carried the scoring load when Tatum was struggling and locked down on the other end. 2022 was a huge year for one of the league’s best second options.
#26: Dejounte Murray (Prediction: 49)
My preseason pick for MIP, Dejounte Murray outperformed even my high expectations. He made his first All-Star team while leading the young Spurs to a surprisingly competitive season. He elevated everyone around him with his ability to run the offense while also scoring better than he ever has. He became the second player ever to average 20+ points, 8+ rebounds, 8+ assists, and 2+ steals (the other is Michael Jordan by the way). It was a pleasure to watch Dejounte blossom this year.
#25: Pascal Siakam (Prediction: 46)
Siakam bounced back better than ever from a disappointing 2021 season. He made All-NBA third team while leading Toronto to the fifth seed. The 2019 Most Improved Player regained the title of best Raptor as he did everything well. He scores effectively from all three levels, guards everywhere on the court, playmakes, rebounds, and hustles. The Pascal Siakam we’re used to returned in 2022.
#24: Rudy Gobert (Prediction: 35)
Say what you want about Rudy Gobert, but he’s the best defensive player of the last decade and one of the greatest rim protectors ever. Utah’s failure to make noise in the playoffs is not his fault and trading him is not the answer.
#23: Brandon Ingram (Prediction: 32)
The Pelicans made a surprise push into the playoffs, and spearheading that run was Brandon Ingram. He played out of his mind against the Suns making New Orleans a tough out in six games. His postseason performance capped off his most complete regular season as a pro. I think the one-time All-Star is the best player in the Big Easy.
#22: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Prediction: 25)
An average fan doesn’t consume much OKC basketball, so they overlook one of the most exciting young players in the association. Shai dissects defenses with his excellent downhill playmaking and some of the best finishing the guard position has to offer. He led the league in scoring after the All-Star break, all but cementing himself as a top twenty-five player.
#21: Darius Garland (Prediction: 66)
22-year-old Darius Garland became a star this past season. He was the floor general and leader for the young and fun Cavaliers, and played his first All-Star game in front of the hometown fans. His growth since his disappointing rookie campaign is very impressive and DG the PG is Cleveland’s lead guard for the future.
#20: Zach LaVine (Prediction: 24)
The long-time empty stats rip on LaVine is no more after 2022. He was arguably the best secondary scoring option in the league, getting his exceptionally efficient buckets for the Bulls in the regular season and the ‘offs;
#19: Jrue Holiday (Prediction: 40)
When Jrue placed 37th on my 2021 list, I guessed that would be the highest he would place for the rest of his career. I was way wrong. He had his best season as a pro in 2022 and was Milwaukee’s second-best player. Besides his incredible defense, Jrue scored the ball better than he ever has. He shot 50% from the field, 41% from deep, and was one of the most efficient isolation players in the NBA. There was no world where I was leaving him outside the top twenty.
#18: Kyrie Irving (Prediction: 15)
Kyrie treated hooping like a part-time job this past season, but he was so good when he played I couldn’t penalize him for it too much. His unreal handle and craftiness make it nearly impossible to stop him, reflected by the most efficient 50-ball of all time and the 60-piece he dropped this year. I wish he played more.
#17: Chris Paul (Prediction: 21)
Forget his playoff breakdown against Dallas. CP3 is an all-time great at the point guard position still operating at the highest level despite his age. He put up 33 points on perfect 14-14 shooting to close out the pesky Pelicans in round one and was the motor that kept the Suns in first place all season.
#16: Paul George (Prediction: 13)
Had he played more than 31 games, PG13 would have ranked higher. My preseason dark horse pick for MVP was playing at that level before he tore something in his elbow. He’s one of the smoothest hoopers in the league and has long put the Pandemic P memes to rest.
#15: Donovan Mitchell (Prediction: 14)
Blinded by another early exit for the Jazz, people have forgotten that Mitchell is a proven superstar at the shooting guard position. He’s been a winner since his rookie season and scores with the best of them. Spida will be a top fifteen player for a long time.
#14: Karl-Anthony Towns (Prediction: 19)
The best shooting big man ever remained the third-best center in 2022. Another fantastic regular season for KAT, headlined by a 60-bomb, resulted in the second playoff appearance of his career where I think he performed better than he’s given credit for.
#13: Jimmy Butler (Prediction: 17)
Jimmy G. Buckets did what his nickname suggests in the postseason. He had some massive single-game scoring outings and averaged 27 points across 17 games, leading the Heat to the Conference Finals. When Jimmy is producing like that it’s a cherry on top of everything else he does to contribute to winning.
#12: Trae Young (Prediction: 18)
Ice Trae established himself as a top offensive hub in the game this past season, shooting the ball at a career-high clip while serving his teammates easy looks on silver platters. Getting clamped in the playoffs was an unfortunate ending to the first All-NBA campaign of Young’s career.
#11: DeMar DeRozan (Prediction: 39)
Remember when ESPN called DeMar DeRozan the worst acquisition of the 2021 off-season? DeMar made all his doubters look like fools with his incredible regular season. He garnered MVP buzz, broke a Wilt Chamberlain record, led the Bulls to a winning record for the first time in a while, and became the first player to knock down a game-winning buzzer beater on back-to-back days. He would have ranked in the top ten had he played better in the postseason. I have no superlatives left in my bag to describe how fun it was watching my favorite player hoop in 2022.
#10: Ja Morant (Prediction: 30)
Leading off the top ten is young phenom Ja Morant. The former second-overall pick dominated highlight tapes with his ridiculous dunks and absurd layup package, and all his pizzazz resulted in winning as the Grizzlies finished second in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. Ja will be at the top of the league for loooong time.
#9: Devin Booker (Prediction: 16)
Fueled by defeat, Booker came into 2022 on a mission and played the best ball of his career. Even if his Suns failed to return to the promised land, the three-time All-Star was the best shooting guard this past season and lands in the top ten.
#8: Jayson Tatum (Prediction: 9)
Leading a team to the Finals at age 24 is no small feat. All-NBA first-team member Jayson Tatum proved to me this season that he will be a top-five player very soon. I’m not too caught up in his struggles on the big stage. Tatum is a bonafide superstar.
#7: LeBron James (Prediction: 3)
In terms of straight-up basketball ability, LeBron is still top five. He just didn’t have a better season than everyone above him. Regardless, even though it’s been said so many times, continuing to play like a top ten player at age 37 is well beyond impressive and that’s why he’s one of the two best to ever lace ‘em up.
#6: Luka Doncic (Prediction: 6)
To say Luka is the brightest young star in basketball would be a severe understatement. Every night for the Slovenian sensation is both a scoring and playmaking masterclass. He led the Mavericks to the Conference Finals while continuing to build his case as an all-time playoff performer. Magic is real and its name is Luka.
#5: Stephen Curry (Prediction: 4)
The greatest shooter ever truly has nothing left to prove after winning Finals MVP honors. His regular-season performance may have fallen below his lofty standards, but he led this Warriors core to their fourth ‘chip. What a great run for an all-time great.
#4: Joel Embiid (Prediction: 11)
Playing at an MVP level for the second straight year, Embiid has become one of the most dominant players in the sport. You truly can’t guard him one-on-one. Sounds like a top-five player to me.
#3: Kevin Durant (Prediction: 2)
The best scorer ever and one of the most unguardable players finally got slowed down in the playoffs. Boston’s defensive personnel is second to none and they made life very hard on KD. That doesn’t take away from the fact that he is a top-three player.
#2: Nikola Jokic (Prediction: 8)
The back-to-back MVP tears up defenses nightly with his absurd passing ability and patient post-move package. He gets pushed to the side by those who frown on analytics, but you don’t need to look at his numbers to see that the Joker is one of the best players in the world.
#1: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Prediction: 1)
Unsurprisingly sitting atop the league is Giannis Antetokounmpo, and he’s virtually unchallenged at this point. He’s an all-time great already and he’s just entering his prime. The hardest working and most humble superstar ever was the best player in basketball in the 2021-22 season.
In my quest to overcome my draft casual status, I researched around 80 prospects and threw together two big boards. Therefore, for the first time ever, I considered myself decently knowledgeable headed into the 2022 NBA draft.
So, now that we’re a couple of days removed from draft night, it’s time to hand out some grades for each team’s selections. Let’s get into it!
Atlanta Hawks
Draftee: AJ Griffin (16th)
Griffin was pegged as a lottery pick by the vast majority of scouts and fans, but he surprisingly slid to 16th on Thursday night and fell into Atlanta’s lap. The Duke forward was a top shooter in college basketball, knocking down 44.7% of his triples in his lone season with the Blue Devils. Even though the defense is somewhat of a question mark, Griffin’s deep stroke will be a lethal weapon next to Trae Young’s elite playmaking.
Grade: A-
Boston Celtics
Draftee: JD Davison (53rd)
While Jayson Tatum took huge strides as a playmaker this past season, Boston’s biggest weakness in 2022 was in that department. They were missing a true point guard who can run the offense, and it led to some big-time turnover woes (specifically in the playoffs). Davison, a raw guard from Alabama, excites me with his downhill athleticism but he too struggles with giving the ball away. He’s a solid upside swing late in the second round, but I would have rather seen Boston go with a guy like Alondes Williams or Collin Gillespie to boost their PG play.
Grade: C
Charlotte Hornets
Draftees: Mark Williams (15th), Bryce McGowens (40th)
Considering Charlotte’s hole at center, picking Mark Williams was practically destiny. The 7’2” big will fill the need for rim protection in Buzz City and therefore was a good pickup.
The confusing part is the Jalen Duren trade. Duren is a smaller but more athletic and skilled version of Williams, and Charlotte had him until they flipped him for a future pick. Not the best decision in my opinion.
Bryce McGowens, a shooter with some shot-creation upside, should be able to play at least some spot minutes from the get-go.
After a dud rookie campaign from Charlotte’s 2021 class, hopefully things go differently this year.
Grade: B
Chicago Bulls
Draftees: Dalen Terry (18th)
Dalen Terry is a very interesting player. He’s a 6’7” lengthy athlete with solid passing chops who plays good on-ball defense. His skill set will make him a nice connecting piece in Chicago’s rotation, but the big problem is his shot. His form is hitchy and it will take some serious work for him to become even an average shooter, which is a significant issue in a league where spacing is king. I like Terry’s game but I think Chicago should have gone a different route as a team who could use some more shooting.
One of the oldest players in this class, Kansas wing Ochai Agbaji is ready to contribute right away. He’s a prototypical 3&D guy who does both things well and will be a key rotational piece for a Cavs team looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the LeBron era.
Isaiah Mobley teaming up with his younger brother is not only fun because they’re family. Just like Evan, Isaiah is a switchable big and I’m really intrigued by a lineup with those two playing together. The elder brother can also stretch the floor and pass, and I think he’s a sleeper in this class.
I unfortunately don’t know anything about Khalifa Diop.
Grade: B+
Dallas Mavericks
Draftee: Jaden Hardy (37th)
Steal of the draft award goes to Dallas. The guard from G-League Ignite has serious prowess as a shot creator and overall scorer and once the shot starts falling more he’s going to be a star. Even if he doesn’t become a player of that stature, he shot a great percentage on open threes in the G-League and that alone will allow him to play off of offensive supernova Luka Doncic.
Grade: A
Denver Nuggets
Draftees: Christian Braun (21st), Peyton Watson (30th), Ismael Kamagate (46th)
One of my pre-draft dream pickups for the Bucks, I like Christian Braun because he does it all. The 6’7” forward is a big-time competitor who can shoot the three, defend, rebound, and talk smack with the best of them. He’ll bring some juice off the bench for a Denver roster with championship aspirations.
Peyton Watson is the rawest talent in the class. He’s a fantastic athlete but that’s about it. Denver has a solid track record of player development and should be able to bring the best out of the UCLA forward.
Ivey, who was considered a member of the big four, slid to fifth and Detroit fans are very excited for good reason. Ivey is an explosive downhill athlete and finisher with tremendous upside, and he and Cade Cunningham will be one of the league’s top backcourts one day. Even more exciting is Duren ending up in Motor City through a trade. The best true center in the draft, Duren will anchor the young Pistons on defense and serve as an elite finisher off Ivey & Cade dimes.
Detroit now has an incredibly fun young core consisting of Cade, Ivey, Duren, Saddiq Bey, Killian Hayes, and Isaiah Stewart. This draft accelerated their rebuild, and I see this team making the playoffs within three seasons. What a turnaround for a team built around Andre Drummond and Reggie Jackson not too long ago.
Grade: A+
Golden State Warriors
Draftees: Patrick Baldwin Jr. (28th), Ryan Rollins (44th), Gui Santos (55th)
PBJ is an elite shooter for his size (6’10”) and was projected in the lottery before a subpar season at UW Milwaukee. He’s definitely raw but he won’t have to do too much in Golden State and I think he’s going to absolutely pop there.
Ryan Rollins is a borderline first-round talent who fell to 44th. The guard from Toldeo has great self-creation tools and can score at all three levels. While he may not get a ton of burn right away for a loaded Warriors roster, I’m almost certain they’ll develop him into a rotational guy (or more) by year two.
The rich get richer.
Grade: A
Houston Rockets
Draftees: Jabari Smith Jr. (3rd), Tari Eason (17th), TyTy Washington (29th)
Auburn product Jabari Smith, the pre-draft favorite to go first overall, is the most NBA ready player in the class. He’s an elite shooter and versatile defender and is without a doubt Houston’s new power forward for the future.
Tari Eason is a hyper-atheltic defender who will be a big help for a Rockets team that wasn’t so good on that end this past season.
I love the TyTy Washington pick at 29. A lottery prospect on my board, the Kentucky guard has star upside with his smooth three-level scoring ability and solid passing.
Grade: A
Indiana Pacers
Draftees: Bennedict Mathurin (6th), Andrew Nembhard (31st), Kendall Brown (48th)
Bennedict Mathurin is an absolute knockdown shooter off the catch or movement and that alone makes this pick worth it in a league dominated by the three-ball. The Arizona wing’s athleticism and length suggest he has even more to him.
As for the second round guys, Nembhard is a smart backup point guard who will be able to learn from Malcolm Brogdon and Tyrese Haliburton. Kendall Brown was a first-round talent in my eyes as I like his activity and IQ on the defensive end.
Grade: A-
Los Angeles Clippers
Draftee: Moussa Diabate (43rd)
Michigan big man Moussa Diabate is an intriguing prospect due to the mobility he brings on the defensive end. With Isaiah Hartenstein potentially heading out the door, Diabate may be able to fill the backup center role for the Clippers. Solid value in the second round.
Grade: B
Los Angeles Lakers
Draftee: Max Christie (35th)
To play next to LeBron James, you need to be able to shoot and defend. Max Christie does both. The Michigan State wing obviously caught the eye of L.A.’s front office as they traded into the draft to select at 35.
Grade: B
Memphis Grizzlies
Draftees: Jake LaRavia (19th), David Roddy (23rd), Kennedy Chandler (38th), Vince Williams Jr. (47th)
The Grizzlies have one of the top young cores in the association and bolstered it with their new rookies. Jake LaRavia is a perfect modern four with his shooting and switchable defense. Kennedy Chandler is a quick and bouncy guard who’s one of the better passers in this class, and he’ll fill the backup point guard role if Tyus Jones leaves. Vince Williams is a highly productive and versatile wing. I thought David Roddy was a little bit of a reach, but other than that this was a solid draft for Memphis.
Grade: B+
Miami Heat
Draftee: Nikola Jovic (27th)
6’11” Jokic is a skillful guard with a big man’s height and he has some massive upside. Player development has become one of Miami’s calling cards and I trust them to help Jovic unlock his full potential.
Grade: A-
Milwaukee Bucks
Draftees: Marjon Beauchamp (24th), Hugo Besson (58th)
Heading into the draft, the Bucks had multiple things they needed including a backup PG, big depth, and a movement shooter. Above all though, they needed a guy who can play minutes right away and that’s what Marjon Beauchamp can do. The G-League Ignite product is an smart, athletic forward who is best known for his defense and I’m excited to have him in Milwaukee.
GM Jon Horst also bought the last pick of the draft from Indiana to select Hugo Besson. The French guard may be a draft-and-stash guy but when he comes over to the NBA he’ll provide creative scoring off the bench.
Grade: B
Minnesota Timberwolves
Draftees: Walker Kessler (22nd), Wendell Moore Jr. (26th), Josh Minott (45th)
Karl-Anthony Towns isn’t known for his interior defense, and Walker Kessler will bring the best shot-blocking in the class to help make up for that.
My favorite pick for the Wolves is Wendell Moore from Duke, a wing who can shoot, defend, and pass that will definitely get some burn for Chris Finch from day one.
Josh Minott is a raw athelte who will likely spend a lot of time in the G-League to begin his career.
Grade: B+
New York Knicks
Draftee: Trevor Keels (42nd)
While Keels is a solid pickup in round two, the Knicks kind of goofed up in this draft. They traded the 12th pick for multiple future firsts, which is fine because maybe they didn’t like anybody in that range, but the problem was the other deal. They acquired Jalen Duren and flipped him to the Pistons in the same trade for nothing. Legitimately nothing. At the end of the day New York passed on the opportunity to add young talent to their roster and I don’t know why.
The up-and-coming Pelicans have become one of the deepest rosters in the league with their plethora of young talent. Dyson Daniels will help elevate everyone around him with his high IQ playmaking, and he also forms a scary defensive duo with 2021 Bench Mob Player of the Year Herb Jones. If the shot comes around the G-League Ignite guard will be a premier role player.
E.J. Liddell was a projected first round pick but fell all the way to 41st. There has to be a reason why, but maybe New Orleans got the steal of the draft.
Grade: A-
Oklahoma City Thunder
Draftees: Chet Holmgren (2nd), Ousmane Dieng (11th), Jalen Williams (12th), Jaylin Williams (34th)
OKC got their guy in seven-foot unicorn Chet Holmgren. At the very least he’ll be a high-level anchor for a team in desperate need of just that, but there’s a lot to unlock with his offense and OKC is the place to do it.
Ousmane Dieng is the biggest boom-or-bust guy in the draft, and he’ll have all the freedom he needs to develop his game in Oklahoma so I’m happy for him that he ended up there.
Jalen Williams from Santa Clara, or JDub, might be my favorite player in the class. He does absolutely everything on the court and will be a legitmate contributor right away. He also has star upside if his shot creation carries over to the next level. The other Jaylin Williams, the big from Arkansas, might spend some time in the G-League to begin his career but should be a solid bench piece one day.
Overall great draft for OKC.
Grade: A
Orlando Magic
Draftees: Paolo Banchero (1st), Caleb Houstan (32nd)
Orlando got the best player in the draft with the first pick and there’s not much else to say. Banchero joins Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and others to form a young group I’m ecstatic to watch next season, and he should be their number one offensive option for the future.
Caleb Houstan is a 6’8” forward who will provide some 3&D play off the bench.
Portland was the team to bite on mystery man Shaedon Sharpe. The extremely athletic wing caught the eye of Blazers superstar Damian Lillard, and therefore it doesn’t surprise me that he ended up in Rip City. Shape will be able to learn from Dame while playing in a structured environment (as the Blazers are looking to win) and I think that will help him blossom into the best player he can be.
Jabari Walker is a versatile defending forward who can shoot some, and he might be able to earn some burn as a rookie which is great value for a guy picked so late.
Grade: B+
Sacramento Kings
Draftee: Keegan Murray (4th)
Jaden Ivey is a top four talent in this draft, which is why people took to clowning Sacremento on social media when they selected Keegan Murray. They failed to recognize why the Kings went with the Iowa forward.
For one, Ivey did not want to land in Sactown, and there’s no reason to draft a guy who doesn’t want to play for your team. Even if the Purdue guard did want to play for the Kings, I don’t think they needed another guard. Tyrese Haliburton was a great compliment to De’Aaron Fox, but he got traded, and drafting a guy who would fit worse next to your franchise lead guard wouldn’t make sense.
All in all, Sacramento made the right pick.
Grade: A-
San Antonio Spurs
Draftees: Jeremy Sochan (9th), Malaki Branham (20th), Blake Wesley (25th)
I like all three of San Antonio’s new draftees. Jeremy Sochan is a top defender in this class who will fit nicely in the starting lineup and form a menacing defensive trio with Dejounte Murray and Jakob Poeltl. Malaki Branahm, projected lottery pick, is a smooth, efficient shot creator who can play on and off the ball effectively. Blake Wesley has high upside as a scorer and defender with his smooth handle and length.
While there are now some kinks to be worked out in the rotation, I think the Spurs hit on all three of their first round picks and that’s great for a rebuilding squad.
Grade: A
Toronto Raptors
Draftee: Christian Koloko (33rd)
In typical Raptors fashion they ended draft night with a lengthy mobile frontcourt player. Koloko will fit right in Tortonto’s jumbo lineups with his ability to protect the rim and switch on the perimeter. I like this selection for them.
Grade: B+
Washington Wizards
Draftee: Johnny Davis (10th)
The Wizards have a big ol’ whole at point guard, and while Johnny Davis isn’t a true one he will provide some much-needed backcourt play. He’ll compliment Bradley Beal with his ability to defend, and his mid-range scoring will make him a quality two-way contributor.
Grade: A-
So those are my 2022 draft grades! Who do you think won the draft? Let me know! Thanks for reading and see you next time!
Just a day away from the NBA draft, we got our second major trade of the off-season. In exchange for a 2025 first-round pick and the rights to select 36th in this year’s draft, the Portland Trail Blazers landed Jerami Grant (and pick 46). Grant, who broke out in a bigger role during the 2020-21 season, fits very nicely on a Portland team still looking to compete with Damian Lillard. Here’s why.
Offense
After acting mainly as a spot-up shooter in OKC and Denver, Grant displayed the ability to create his own shot when given more freedom in Detroit. He shot 42.9% on long twos this year.
With his self-creation skills, Grant will be able to take some scoring pressure off of Damian Lillard.
When the star forward is playing alongside Lillard, he can also play off-ball. Grant knocked down a respectable 36.2% of his catch-and-shoot threes this past season. It’s easy to envision him getting more open looks when the defense is keyed in on Lillard, and I expect that percentage to increase.
Grant is also effective at getting to the rim. He finished 49.1% of his tries off 8.3 drives per game, a similar success rate to stars like Jayson Tatum and Jimmy Butler.
Grant’s overall scoring ability will make him a legitimate second or third option in Rip City, depending on how they use young stud Anfernee Simons.
Defense
Defense has long been Portland’s problem, and Grant can help fix that. He provides Coach Billups with a lengthy 6’8″ guy to throw at opposing stars, filling the hole left behind by Robert Covington at the trade deadline.
His on-ball D is solid, but Grant’s best defensive trait is his shot-blocking. He has sent back 1.1 shots per game for his career.
The eight-year man has great timing from the help side, using his seven-foot wingspan to reject opponents at the rim.
HIs swatting skills from the weak side will be usual for a Blazers team whose starting center Jusuf Nurkic isn’t known for shot blocking.
Overall, acquiring a borderline top fifty player who fills a need while giving up only a couple draft picks is a fantastic move for Portland. They will be selecting seventh in tomorrow’s draft and still have some cash to spend in free agency, and Dame’s supporting cast is shaping up to be one of the best he’s had in his career.
If I had to give an immediate grade for this deal, I would give both parties an A. Even though Detroit didn’t get a lot of immediate value in return for Grant, they cleared up a ton of cap space and now are set to have $40+ million to throw at a guy like Deandre Ayton.
What are your thoughts on this trade? Who won in your opinion? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
The 2021-22 NBA season will come to a close this week with either the Warriors or the Celtics emerging as champions. The off-season is fast approaching, also known as Christmas for many fans. Few things are more exciting than picking up your phone and seeing a Woj or Shams bomb.
That being said, in this article I’m going to give my thoughts on some names who could possibly land in San Antonio this summer. I’ll be breaking down the fit, a realistic avenue to acquire the player, and if I would like the move or not. Let’s get into it!
Zach LaVine
The clearest need for the Spurs is a go-to scorer. Dejounte Murray is a fantastic offensive engine, but you can’t really give him the ball and tell him to get a bucket. Having a guy who can do that would elevate this young, talented group to the next level.
Zach LaVine is one of the best in the business when it comes to bucket-getting, and he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. Prying the two-time All-Star away from Chicago would immediately push the Silver and Black into the playoffs, and doing so is very possible. San Antonio will have over thirty million dollars to spend in free agency.
LaVine would likely eat up most of that cash. Is paying him the big bucks worth it? I think so. At just 27 years old, he would join fellow Seattle native Dejounte Murray (who turns 26 in September) to form a formidable duo that would be primed to compete for years to come.
I am all for Zach LaVine in San Antonio.
Deandre Ayton
Former number one pick Deandre Ayton has thrived in Phoenix over the last couple of seasons. He and Chris Paul were a killer pick-and-roll tandem. Defenders were forced to decide between a pull-up jumper from one of the league’s premier mid-range assassins or a near-guaranteed finish from Ayton (an impossible choice).
Many reports as of late are saying Ayton is unhappy with his role with the Suns and claiming he will play elsewhere next season. The young Spurs seem like a prime landing spot for the young star.
The main reason for that is Dejounte Murray. While he isn’t the point god, the first-time All-Star operates very well in the pick-and-roll. His passing and mid-range game paired alongside Jakob Poeltl’s sweet finishing made for an effective weapon for the Silver and Black this past season.
An Ayton-Dejounte pick-and-roll would likely rival Phoenix’s death action, and that’s why bringing the big man to San Antonio seems like a no-brainer. I’m not so sure though.
Ayton is supposedly disgruntled in Phoenix because of his role. While he could definitely get more shots in a Spurs jersey, he isn’t an offensive hub at all and if that’s the kind of treatment he wants then I don’t want him.
Furthermore, he is a restricted free agent which means the Spurs would likely have to overpay to get him. Giving max money to a guy who would ultimately be a complimentary piece to Dejounte Murray doesn’t seem like the best option. Trading Jakob Poeltl and one of the young wings isn’t ideal either.
Overall, although I wouldn’t be upset if Deandre Ayton landed in San Antonio, I’m not really licking my chops at the idea.
John Collins
The Hawks are reportedly shopping John Collins on the trade market, and the Spurs are one of the teams linked to the rumor.
I’ve seen skeptical fans on Twitter, but personally I really like the idea of Collins in a Spurs jersey.
He is an excellent roll man and lob threat which made him a great running mate for offensive phenom Trae Young in Atlanta. He’s also a career 37.6% shooter from deep and possesses a solid short mid-range game.
Not only would the high-flying forward’s versatile offensive arsenal fit well with the Silver and Black, Collins is also a true four which would allow Keldon Johnson to slide back to his natural position at the three.
I think Collins has All-Star upside in him, and San Antonio would give him the freedom to fully spread his wings. If he blossomed into a star, a lineup of Dejounte, Devin Vassell, Keldon, Collins, and Poeltl would be a really solid core.
So what would a trade for Collins look like? To make salaries match, Doug McDermott or Josh Richardson would likely be involved in the deal. Either veteran wing would be able to contribute to Atlanta’s rotation right away, but they obviously aren’t enough to get it done. Lonnie Walker IV, who showed some exciting flashes this past season, would need to be in the package as well. Add in a first round pick and that might be enough to snag Collins.
Collin Sexton
If the Spurs strike out on Zach LaVine, there is still another option in the bucket-getting department: Collin Sexton.
Since he missed most of this past season with a torn meniscus, people have forgotten how talented of a scorer Sexton is. In the 2020-21 season he put up an efficient 24 points per game.
The knocks on Sexton are his size, his defense, and his passing. The man is strictly about his buckets. Because of this, Sexton and Darius Garland don’t fit very well together in the backcourt. Two 6’1″ guards who can’t play D isn’t a winning recipe.
But while the duo called “Sexland” isn’t meant to be, I think pairing Sexton with Dejounte Murray would work well. Dejounte does everything Sexton can’t, allowing Sexton to focus on filling up the scoring column.
Sexton is a restricted free agent, and it seems likely that Cleveland will bring him back. But if they don’t, I think the Spurs should make a run at the young guard.
OG Anunoby
Take a moment and picture a lineup that features Dejounte Murray, OG Anunoby, and Jakob Poeltl. Three All-Defensive level guys would give opposing offenses fits. Even if you finally got past Murray or Anunoby on the perimeter, you would have to meet menacing shot-bloker Poeltl at the rim. That’s an idea to get excited about if you’re a Spurs fan.
Not only is Anunoby an exceptional defender, he’s an effective scorer who has improved his self-creation every year. He’s on the brink of stardom, and he could reach that in San Antonio.
Unfortunately, trading Anunoby would be difficult. He’s a very valuable player and the price to get him is steep. San Antonio would potentially have to part ways with Jakob Poeltl and/or Devin Vassell as well as some draft capital.
Some fans would pull the trigger on that deal in an instant, but I’m not so sure. Not only are you losing an elite anchor in Poeltl, you’re giving up on lottery pick Devin Vassell who could be as good as Anunoby if he reaches his full potential.
So while I love the concept of Anunoby hooping for the Silver and Black, I don’t think it would be the best move to acquire him.
Those are my thoughts on some possible off-season acquisitions for the San Antonio Spurs! Do you agree? Which one of those guys do you want the most? Who are some other players you want to see in San Antonio? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
On March 2, I began my journey to graduate from draft casual status and released my Draft Casual’s Big Board article in which I ranked my top thirty prospects in the 2022 NBA draft class. A few months later, I’m back with part two as promised. Since the first edition, I’ve done a lot more research, scouting around fifty new players.
Today, rather than ranking players 1-60 like a typical big board, I’ve divided the players into different tiers based on play type and projected role. Next to each player, I will also list their overall ranking on my board. Let’s get into it!
Tier 1: Franchise Cornerstones
The first tier includes the four players who I think are undoubtedly going to be very good in the NBA and who will be core pieces of whatever roster they join.
#1- Paolo Banchero (PF, Duke)
Banchero is the best player in this class. He has the highest chance of becoming a number one offensive option with his self-creation and passing skills that are atypical for a 6’10” guy. I think he’s destined for superstardom
#2- Jabari Smith Jr. (PF, Auburn)
Smith, who was the top guy on my original big board, has maybe the highest floor in the draft. His elite shooting and versatile defense will make him at least a high-level starter from the day he steps foot on an NBA court.
#3- Chet Holmgren (Big, Gonzaga)
The seven-footer from Gonzaga’s standout skill is his shot-blocking, and he will be able to slide in and anchor a defense from the get-go. What makes him a top-three pick though is his unique offensive game. He’s skilled on that end with a solid handle that allows him to drive and finish, and he can also hit the deep ball. While I’m not sure if he’ll be an All-Star, he’ll definitely be a very good player for a long time.
#4- Jaden Ivey (G, Purdue)
Ivey is often compared to Ja Morant for good reason- he’s a ridiculously explosive guard. He can beat anybody off the dribble and is a menace in transition. The star upside is obvious for Ivey which makes him a near-consensus top-five guy.
Tier 2: All-Stars
This tier is made up of guys who have realistic avenues to becoming All-Star level players but I wouldn’t quite consider building blocks for a rebuilding team.
#5- Shaedon Shape (Wing, Kentucky)
Sharpe is a 6’5” freak athlete with a smooth scoring game, and he has star written all over him. The one thing holding him back is that he didn’t play any college or foreign ball after high school, leaving him as a bit of a question mark for some. That doesn’t really scare me but there is a world where he becomes a bust and that’s why he isn’t tier one material for me.
#8- Nikola Jovic (G/F, Serbia)
Jovic is a 6’10” guard. He creates for himself and others, hitting stepbacks from range and dishing out sweet dimes. While he is somewhat raw and definitely has things to work on, the upside for a guy like Jovic is ridiculous which is why I’m higher on him than most.
#11- Jaden Hardy (G, G League Ignite)
Hardy is a very natural scorer off the bounce and he accompanies that with some solid playmaking. He’s been selected in the late first round in many mock drafts I’ve seen (Bucks range 👀), but I think he’s easily a lottery talent and will be a fantastic player at the next level.
#12- TyTy Washington (G, Kentucky)
I like Washington’s game because he’s built to be a lead guard in the NBA. He’s quick and crafty, scores from all three levels, and is a good playmaker. I specifically love his floater, which is an important shot for small guards. He could make an All-Star game one day if he really pops as a true point guard.
#13- Jalen Williams (Wing, Santa Clara)
While he is ranked by many as a late first-round talent, Williams is one of my favorite guys in this class. He’ll be able to contribute right away as a 3&D wing, but he’s also a good passer and can create his own shot which is why I think he could be an All-Star in the future.
Tier 3: Starters
Not everyone can be an All-Star, but there are a lot of guys in this draft who will be important contributors in various ways. Keegan Murray, a guy who has a shot at being picked top five, does literally everything well on the court. Dyson Daniels will be an excellent connector piece as a secondary playmaker. Bennedict Mathruin and AJ Griffin are great shooters. Jeremy Sochan is a fantastic defender. I’ve seen this group be referred to as weak, but I disagree as I think there are a lot of really solid non-star players.
#6- Keegan Murray (F, Iowa)
#7- Dyson Daniels (G, G League Ignite)
#9- Bennedict Mathurin (Wing, Arizona)
#10- Johnny Davis (G, Wisconsin)
#14- Jeremy Sochan (F, Baylor)
#15- AJ Griffin (F, Duke)
#16- Tari Eason (F, LSU)
#17- Jalen Duren (C, Memphis)
#19- Malaki Branham (Wing, Ohio St.)
#21- Mark Williams (C, Duke)
#24- Patrick Baldwin Jr. (F, UW Milwaukee)
#33- Ryan Rollins (G, Toledo)
#34- Jake LaRavia (F, Wake Forest)
#38- Dalen Terry (Wing, Arizona)
Tier 4: Boom-or-Bust
Every year there are very raw prospects that have high upside if they put everything together, and that’s no different in this class. Ousmane Dieng in particular is an intriguing player who falls under that category. During his time in the NBL, he showed small flashes of awesome point forward skills, but he has a lot to clean up. Blake Wesley was a very natural scorer in college, and if his shot creation carries over to the league he’ll be fantastic. Jean Montero and Dominick Barlow are the first-ever prospects from Overtime Elite, and it will be interesting to see how good they are in the league.
#18- Ousmane Dieng (G/F, France)
#20- Blake Wesley (Wing, Notre Dame)
#25- Jean Montero (PG, Overtime Elite)
#37- Leonard Miller (F, High School)
#48- Josh Minott (F, Memphis)
#49- Peyton Watson (F, UCLA)
#54- Dominick Barlow (F, Overtime Elite)
#63- John Butler (F, Florida St.)
Tier 5: Rotational Pieces
The largest tier on the list, this group includes every player who I think will play some sort of role in an NBA rotation. Kennedy Chandler, Trevor Keels, and Andrew Nembhard are quality backup point guards. Ochai Agbaji is perhaps the most NBA-ready guy in the class as an athletic 3&D forward that could fit well on any roster. Wendell Moore and Christian Braun are do-it-all wings. Christian Koloko and Isaiah Mobley are versatile defensive bigs. As I said before, I think this is a very deep bunch of incoming rookies.
#22- Kennedy Chandler (PG, Tennessee)
#23- Ochai Agbaji (Wing, Kansas)
#26- Kendall Brown (F, Baylor)
#27- Christian Koloko (C, Arizona)
#28- Wendell Moore (Wing, Duke)
#29- Christian Braun (F, Kansas)
#30- Bryce McGowens (Wing, Nebraska)
#31- Walker Kessler (C, Auburn)
#32- Marjon Beauchamp (F, G League Ignite)
#35- E.J. Liddell (F, Ohio St.)
#36- Trevor Keels (G, Duke)
#39- Jordan Hall (F, St. Joseph’s)
#40- Max Christie (G, Michigan St.)
#41- Keon Ellis (Wing, Alabama)
#42- Caleb Houstan (F, Michigan)
#43- Ismael Kamagate (C, France)
#44- Iverson Molinar (G, Mississippi St.)
#45- Dereon Seabron (F, NC State)
#46- Isaiah Mobley (Big, USC)
#49- JD Davison (PG, Alabama)
#50- Andrew Nembhard (G, Gonzaga)
#51- Alondes Williams (G, Wake Forest)
#54- Johnny Juzang (Wing, UCLA)
#55- Hyunjung Lee (F, Davidson)
#56- Trevion Williams (C, Purdue)
#57- Justin Lewis (F, Marquette)
#60- Julian Champagnie (F, St. John’s)
#61- Ron Harper Jr. (F, Rutgers)
Tier 6: Second Round Contributors
This tier is comprised of players who I don’t think will be consistent rotational pieces but will be able to contribute in some way. These guys will provide depth for teams in case of injury or foul trouble.
#52- Collin Gillespie (PG, Villanova)
#58- Jabari Walker (F, Colorado)
#59- Kameron McGusty (Wing, Miami)
#62- Tevin Brown (Wing, Murray St.)
#64- Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG, Vanderbilt)
#65- James Akinjo (PG, Baylor)
#66- Michael Foster Jr. (F, G League Ignite)
#67- David Roddy (F, Colorado St.)
#68- Jaylin Williams (C, Arkansas)
#72- Tyrese Martin (F, UConn)
#73- Tyson Etienne (G, Wichita St.)
#74- Darius Days (F, LSU)
Tier 7: Summer League Hoopers
Prospects in the seventh and final tier are guys who might not make it in the league but will hopefully have some fun performances in summer league.
#69- Kenneth Lofton Jr. (PF, Louisiana Tech)
#70- Jamaree Boyea (PG, San Francisco)
#71- Teddy Allen (Wing, New Mexico St.)
#75- Aminu Mohammed (G, Georgetown)
#76- Bryson Williams (F, Texas Tech)
#77- Lucas Williamson (F, Loyola Chicago)
So that is part two of my draft casual series! Do you agree with my placements? Did I forget any prospects I should know about? Let me know! Thanks for reading, and see you after the draft for some grades!
(P.S. Sorry for the incredibly long wait between articles- my school year was wrapping up and I had to spend a lot of time studying for finals. Consistency will be back!)
With their loss on Sunday, the 2021 NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks fell short of a return to the Finals in disappointing fashion. A combination of putrid shooting and a questionable defensive scheme led to the game seven collapse.
Now that their season is over, it’s time to start thinking about what will be an important off-season for the Bucks. As long as the core of Giannis, Khris, and Jrue are together they will be in title contention, and the key to hoisting the trophy again will be improving the supporting cast that underperformed in the Boston series.
I’ve compiled a list of realistic targets Milwaukee can acquire via free agency, trade, and the draft. Let’s get into it!
Free Agency
First off, it’s crucial that the Bucks bring back key bench pieces Bobby Portis Jr. and Pat Connaughton. Both played a huge role in the 2021 championship run and have become fan favorites in the Cream City, and if the duo declines their player options Jon Horst should make it a priority to re-sign them.
Alongside Bobby and Pat, I would like to see Wes Matthews and Jevon Carter back in Bucks uniforms next season. Matthews played some awesome defense, specifically on Jayson Tatum and DeMar DeRozan, throughout the playoffs and looked like the most important guy outside of the big three at times. There’s a chance his old age catches up to him next year, but renewing his deal at the vet minimum would be a low-risk, high-reward move. Carter is another hard-nosed defender who also shot the ball very well during his short tenure in Milwaukee, leaving fans confused when he didn’t see the court often. He’s proven he can be a contributor when he gets the opportunity and hopefully he comes back.
Restricted free agent Jordan Nwora is one of my favorite Bucks (I’m a proud owner of his jersey), but I would be fine with him going elsewhere if it meant he could spread his wings and get more playing time.
For new additions, there are a few different roles that need to be filled. The most glaring one is a backup point guard. George Hill’s age and Coach Bud’s unwillingness to play Jevon Carter made Jrue-less minutes an adventure, and that problem needs to be addressed.
One guy who fits that role is Delon Wright. The 6’5″ combo guard has been a contributor for playoff teams like Toronto, Dallas, and Atlanta in the past and is known best for his defense.
Wright is also a solid shooter (37.9% from three in the 2021-22 season) and passer and could play with or without Jrue.
Another type of player the Bucks could use is a movement shooter. Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton, and Wes Matthews are all reliable catch-and-shoot threats, but they need Giannis to create looks for them. Therefore, when two or more of those guys are in the game without Giannis the offense slows down. A lineup of Jrue, Grayson, Pat, Bobby, and Brook posted a disgusting offensive rating of 71.8 in the playoffs, the worst of any five-Buck combo that played 15+ minutes together.
Adding a player who can fly off screens and knock down triples would add much-needed movement when the Greek Freak is taking a rest. Malik Monk, who spent his 2021-22 campaign with the Lakers, can do just that.
Furthermore, Monk can hit the deep ball off the dribble at times- something I’ve never seen Pat or Wes do.
Other viable shooting options include Patty Mills and Ben McLemore.
Finally, the Bucks could use a center who can move a little. I love Brook Lopez, but he’s really slow and that’s why his time on the court was limited against Boston. Adding a big who has decent lateral quickness would really help out on defense. Unfortunately, there’s a reason why having guys like that is so valuable and that’s because they’re hard to come across. There aren’t any upcoming free agents who fit that mold.
Draft
The Milwaukee Bucks will select 24th overall in the 2022 NBA draft, the perfect chance to add some young talent to a team with an aging core.
One guy I’d really like to see them draft is Kennedy Chandler, a point guard from Tennessee. The 19-year-old is quick, shifty, and one of the best passers in the class. He could create for himself and others when the stars need a break, filling the backup spot.
Another good selection would be Christian Koloko from Arizona. He won the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year award and might be the aforementioned type of big the Bucks need. He’s mobile, long, and swats a ton of shots.
Other players who would fit well in Milwaukee include Jaden Hardy (The G-League Ignite guard who has shown flashes of self-creation from all three levels), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (a 6’9″ sharpshooter), and Trevor Keels (a tough guard from Duke who can defend and finish).
Trade
To wrap up this article, here are a few potential trade targets. The Bucks don’t have the money or the assets to pull off a deal for a bigger name such as Jerami Grant, but there are some solid role players Jon Horst should call about if they’re available.
First on that list is PJ Washington. The three-year man from Kentucky would be an excellent fit next to Giannis as a four/small-ball five because he stretches the floor and is switchable on defense.
PJ Washington as a switch defender in the pick-and-roll — grinding out stops, staying down on shot fakes + forcing turnovers vs. various All-Stars (Trae, Dejounte Murray, Middleton, DeRozan, VanVleet), Cade Cunningham and Anfernee Simons pic.twitter.com/VN3VmebiWr
A deal to get Washington would likely have to end Brook Lopez’s tenure in Milwaukee. The Hornets will need to pay LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges big bucks in the near future, and when Lopez’s contract expires that will clear up cash for Charlotte to throw the bag at their young stars. The full deal would probably look something like this:
Shoutout my guy @wesmatthewsfan on Twitter- I got this idea from him 🙂
A second guy who should be on Milwaukee’s radar is Royce O’Neale. O’Neale is a consistent 3&D wing who’s been a key contributor for the Jazz over the last couple of seasons. If Utah decides to enter rebuild mode, the Bucks could rescue the veteran with a package centered around Grayson Allen and draft capital of some kind.
Devonte’ Graham is a third player that could be a target for Milwaukee. Graham had a down year with New Orleans, as the acquisition of C.J. McCollum and the emergence of Jose Alvarado made him the odd man out in the guard rotation. However, if he could return to his Charlotte form he would bring nice shooting off the bench for Milwaukee. Grayson Allen, George Hill, and a pick might be enough to pry Graham away from the up-and-coming Pelicans.
Overall, a really solid off-season for the Bucks would result in the 2022-23 rotation looking something like this:
With the best player in the world at the helm, that’s a championship roster. My favorite part about it is the drop-coverage defense that cost Milwaukee their season wouldn’t need to be played anymore. This group is very switchable, full of guys who can guard multiple positions, which is becoming the new norm in today’s NBA.
What does your ideal Bucks off-season look like? Let me know your thoughts on my Twitter, @thebenchmobblog. Thanks for reading, and see you next time!
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