Expectations for the 2022 Class: Picks 1-5
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I had the pleasure of attending most of the NBA2K23 Las Vegas Summer League at the beginning of the month and saw a LOT of basketball. When I returned home to New York, I left astonished at some of the play I saw. Today, we’re looking at the entire first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, and I’ll be giving my opinions on what I saw, starting with the top five picks, and doing five picks every article.
Let’s get into it.
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1. Paolo Banchero, F, Orlando Magic
Banchero was absolutely the correct choice with the first pick in comparison to the alternatives of Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith. Defensively, yeah, they have him on that end. However, the potential for him to turn into a great defender is so evident. In the game against Sacramento, as the game went into overtime and eventually sudden death, Banchero was everywhere defensively, including that crazy block that was called a foul but later overturned.
Next, Banchero has zero weaknesses offensively, and his Ben Simmons-type frame makes him even harder for opposing defenses to stop. Banchero also has a decent post-game already, and he keeps his eyes up the whole time, helping him find cutting teammates. Overall, Orlando absolutely got a future superstar that can score at all three levels and be one of the best players very soon.
2. Chet Holmgren, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
When watching Holmgren, I was looking to see how much his weight would play into any games in terms of negative impact. But, to be honest, it never really mattered. His size and mobility give him RIDICULOUS rim-protecting capabilities for a rookie. To be real with you all, I will not be shocked if he averages over 1.5 blocks per game next year due to his insane defensive prowess off the ball. On the ball, he wasn’t bad either, as he did a decent job keeping up with some of the smaller, quicker guards and even deflected a Zavier Simpson hook shot in one game.
Offensively, the times he would put the ball on the floor and take step-back three-pointers made me gasp. Everything looks so fluid when he handles it. However, this does not mean he wasn’t getting stripped at least once a game by smaller guards. I think playing with Josh Giddey is going to get him great looks to where he will need minimal dribbling and be an impactful player pretty quickly. Can’t blame the Thunder for taking this guy with the second pick.
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3. Jabari Smith, F, Houston Rockets
Did some of the scouts' worries go on full display at Summer League? Absolutely. Smith does struggle to create space off the dribble, and his shot selection makes me sting a little bit. But, I have no worries. Some of his bad shot selection does not hurt me because he was not getting as many touches as he should have been, so whenever he had the chance to score, he went for it. With actual NBA-level teammates, he should be fine on that front. Defensively, he is so much fun to watch because he can switch onto anybody and do a great job keeping a hand up and people in front of him. Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, and I am excited to see what he can do once he is with an actual NBA team.
4. Keegan Murray, F, Sacramento Kings
I think the Kings knew they got one with Murray and wanted to show the world what he could do. To accomplish this, they gave him the ultimate green light and wanted him to be as aggressive as possible. It seems to have worked out well, as he won the Summer League MVP. Beyond accolades, he was incredible to watch. His shooting prowess was well known, but the volume and confidence of Murray’s shooting was a sight to see. Also, he is not afraid to put the ball on the floor and use his body to create room at the basket. While his handle wasn’t exactly tight, it works well enough for it to be a threat combined with his shooting.
Defensively, things were tough as he likes to reach a lot, but his size helped him stay with bigger forwards. I think he could be as good as anyone in his class if given the opportunity, but I still believe that he is the worst of all the players in the top five. This is not a knock at all, as I think he could be an All-Star multiple times in his career, but this class is LOADED.
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5. Jaden Ivey, G, Detroit Pistons
I only got to see one full game of Ivey, but it was all I needed to see to prove everything I thought of him. He is incredible. Ivey received a lot of Ja Morant comparisons because of how athletic they both are and how they can get above the rim with ease. Something I see with Ivey right now that Morant did not have immediately is a jump shot. Ivey can get to different spots in the midrange area and behind the three-point line. The one play that stands out in my mind was at the beginning of the second Pistons game when he took a side-step three with the utmost confidence, and it looked so smooth.
To me, Ivey can be the second-best player in this entire class behind Banchero if he can stay healthy and continue to work on his jumper to the point where he is a threat anytime he touches the ball. He is so quick that if you step up close to him, he’s at the basket before you realize it. I am really looking forward to Detroit basketball this season.
