Could 2022 Have the Next Vanvleet?
The 2022 NBA Draft produced a rather interesting night. Between the first pick being up in the air and confusing bettors to no end, the Knicks doing Knicks things, and news breaking that the Nets could completely blow up, it was one for the books. Now, I could write about who is a sleeper pick or sure-fire star in the league. But this article is going to take a slightly different route. From now-Hall of Famer Ben Wallace to current sharpshooter Fred VanVleet, there have been some real gems in the undrafted players pool. Maybe it is just me being optimistic, but this latest class of undrafted NBA players is one of the better I have seen. Immediately after the draft, I recognized plenty of undrafted players I believe have a place in the NBA.
Here are three players I believe are undrafted gems and could make an NBA roster as the next Fred VanVleet.
Brady Manek, North Carolina (Signed with the Charlotte Hornets)
Manek has the size and shooting ability to be in this league. Listed at 6-foot-9, Manek is big enough to play the wing in the NBA and guard several positions. He started his collegiate career with Oklahoma, shooting above 42 percent from the field in each season before transferring to North Carolina before last season. In his one season at UNC, Manek was a large part of the Tar Heels run to National Championship, averaging 15 points per game and shooting the three-ball at 40 percent.
For his height, he struggles to rebound and can have a tough time guarding quicker players. However, Manek's play during March Madness proved he can be in the league, although adjusting will take some time. His size and ability to shoot the three at a high clip when he is hot make me believe there is a roster spot for him somewhere. The Hornets are a suitable place for his career to start, and I cannot wait to see him in the summer league.
Johnny Juzang, UCLA (Signed with Utah Jazz)
After being a crucial part of UCLA’s cinderella run to the championship in 2021, Juzang returned to school for his junior season. After averaging under three points per game his freshman year, Juzang made a giant leap to average 16 points per game in his next two seasons. He also shot above 83 percent from the free-throw line, an appealing number for teams on top of his scoring leap. Juzang is a talented scorer who knows how to use the post against smaller opponents. His rebounding ability for a guard is impressive, and the athleticism he brings can be explosive at times. He is also a willing defender, although he can be undisciplined at times.
I believe the Jazz are an ideal spot for Juzang to prove he deserves to be in this league. With the team in flux with the Donovan Mitchell situation and an aging Mike Conley, he could possibly make a run at the roster. In addition, his 6-foot-7 frame allows him to play small forward, making him more versatile. Keep an eye on how he plays in the summer league.
Scotty Pippen Jr, Vanderbilt (Signed with Los Angeles Lakers)
His name alone will have NBA fans on high alert, with the main issue here being the lifetime comparisons to his all-time great father, Scottie Pippen. That information aside, Scotty Pippen Jr. is a legit player. He is a solid shooter who can hit the deep ball and shoot off the dribble. Pippen Jr. also gets to the free-throw line a lot, although early in his career, he won’t get the calls he did in college. He can be reckless at times, as he averaged roughly four turnovers per game, but when he is hot, he is HOT.
There is no doubt about his ability to play the game after putting up 20 points per game in back-to-back seasons. And despite only putting up 4.5 assists per game in his junior year, Pippen Jr. dished out seven dimes in four of his last five games, so the ability to pass is there. However, at only 6-foot-3, he will have to fight hard and be scrappy. If there is any team for a player to stand out because of a name, it is the Lakers, as they also brought in Shaq’s son, Shareef. I will be interested to see how he plays in the summer league. I feel that, if not the Lakers, some team will bring him aboard. No doubt you will want to see how this story plays out because he is, in fact, the son of a legend.
On a realistic view, none of these guys will see legit NBA minutes this upcoming season or possibly even next season. I am not a crystal ball, so I cannot say with certainty who will do what in this league. However, what I can tell you is that these three players have the potential to carve out a career, and seeing them in college proved it. I would encourage you all to watch the NBA Summer League, as it gives you a look at the future of the league, as well as the ability to assess young talent that is up and coming. I love watching the Summer League regardless of who is playing because I get to watch basketball again. As for scouting or trying to find who is next, you can locate surprising picks or undrafted gems like the players above. Can anyone of these three be the next VanVleet?
Only time will tell.
