NBA Draft: 2022 NBA Draft Class Scouting Reports
The following list was intended to be a full Top-100 big board and mock draft. I had a notebook of over 150 players scouted. However, life got in the way. My mental health struggled and the goal I set for myself wasn’t reached. This is only 1/3 of what I intended. I was able to update a few of these following scouting reports, however, some may be a bit incomplete, and a lot of my personal favorites aren’t listed. I struggled with putting this out there. I didn’t feel not getting the full project done wasn’t worth putting out at all. However, had I done that, all I did this past year would’ve been for nothing. So, enjoy what I have here for you. And, know the 2023 NBA Draft will become my B*tch!
Keegan Murray
If there is a guy in this draft that fits an NBA team more than Keegan Murray, I’d like to be shown. Murray, while a scorer at Iowa, is going to be taken for his versatility at multiple positions. Murray can play an effective game down low (not a post-up threat), and can step back and take the three. I see Murray having a very Harrison Barnes-like ceiling. He doesn’t scream All-Star, however, there isn’t a team in the league that wouldn’t benefit from him.
John Butler
Butler is an extremely raw big man. I’ll go on record and say he’s the best 3-point shooting specialist when it comes down to the 7-footers in this draft. That in itself is a reason for a high pick. A freshman, Butler wasn’t used to his full ability at Florida State. There’s still so much to uncover about his game. I’m not convinced Butler is a pure paint big, he’ll always be more of a stretch big. He might not have the most polish, however, a team will take him to get his game into their system and reap the benefits over time.
Paolo Banchero
I’m far from a hater on Banchero. I am just not to be convinced he’s an NBA All-Star. Coming into college, Banchero was about as physical looking and imposing as LeBron James was coming into the NBA. Banchero doesn’t use that physicality near enough. He has the athleticism of Giannis/the strength of LeBron and doesn’t penetrate near enough. I’ve seen Banchero settle for way too many jumpers, especially concerning because he’s yet to really develop a 3-point shot. In addition, Banchero is at times a very inconsistent player. He will go missing got stretches of games or games in general. If he had a bigger motor, I’d have him higher. However, the talent and upside, if he puts it together, are sky-high. Nobody will deny him that.
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Chet Holmgren
I’m not like the rest of the draft analysts who think Chet is a surefire top pick. I do like Chet’s game in college. I’d caution to think he’s bringing any of that to the NBA. If you’re concerned about the weight, Chet isn’t going to be looked at as a post guy in the league. Teams will use him as a stretch big and play him at the top of the key in passing/screen/pick and pop scenarios. If you ask where I think Chet’s ceiling is now, think Cavaliers Kevin Love. That’s not a bad comp, as Love is arguably a 6th-man candidate. If Chet stays healthy and gets more opportunities at playing time than Love (which he should), Chet can be a top option on a team. Is he an All-NBA player? I don’t think so.
AJ Griffin Jr.
For the record, AJ Griffin Jr. is the only draft prospect that I’m 100% certain will be a superstar in the NBA. However, his injury history is too vast to ignore. Griffin has the makeup of a very solid defender and scorer. A lot have made the Jimmy Butler comp. In terms of skill, I see that. In terms of leadership/drive, I can’t say he’s anywhere near that of Butler. That trait comes with time. You don’t find guys with the elite scoring potential of Griffin in this draft. He can at times be a bit inconsistent. Once Griffin gets accustomed to the NBA, that inconsistency will be a non-factor. Again, the injuries are cause for concern. For that reason, I have him lower. Quite frankly, AJ Griffin is a top-3 talent.
Hugo Besson
Admittedly I’m much higher on Besson than just about everyone. Let me tell you what I see in Besson. Watching the first games of the New Zealand Breakers NBL season, Besson lit the league on fire. His passing and playmaking were only overshadowed by his ability to come hard off a screen and sink the 3-point shot. I’ve said and will stand by, no player comes off a screen faster or more aggressive into a 3 outside of Damian Lillard or Steph Curry. Yes, he’s that kind of talent. You might be saying, “why is this guy not getting the love he deserves?” Besson hasn’t been used nearly as effectively over the course of the NBL season as he should. Don’t let that cloud your judgment of him as a player.
Jalen Duren
Duren is one of the youngest players in this draft class. That’s what is most important to remember when evaluating Duren. While I’m not going to say I think Duren is an NBA All-Star, he’s a capable rotation player (at least from what I’ve seen thus far). Duren played very well against Chet Holmgren in the NCAA Tournament. He played aggressively, not backing down from the challenge. Duren is a player who’s going to be able to make the high screen/picks and get to the rim. He’s primarily a post player, however, his mid-range game has become a bit more refined. With the amount of stretch-5s in this year’s class, putting Duren ahead of Holmgren or Butler for his shooting potential would be silly. As far as an effective down-low presence, I’d argue Duren has very Embiid-like potential. He has the highest upside of any center in this draft.
Kai Sotto
Sotto is a player I struggle with. The talent is there. He’s not afraid to mix it up with the biggest guys. In his game, he can afford to be more aggressive and assertive. Keeping up with the NBA pace of play will be a challenge. I think his main calling card will be his defense. However, that defense still does need work to be elite NBA level.
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Mike Miles Jr.
Miles is an effective on-ball shot creator. He knows his shot and can nail the mid-range shot and the 3-point shot. His challenge will be what his true calling card is. He’s nothing special or extraordinary, however, he can make the backend of an NBA rotation.
Emmanuel Akot
A true sleeper prospect of mine, Akot reminds me of fellow draft prospect, EJ Liddell. The Boise State guard has some good basketball instincts. Akot isn’t much of an on-ball shot creator. He’s able to back down his man down low with a nice touch at the basket. A very underrated defender in this draft class. Liddell is the better 3-point shooter and has a better chance at paying a more overall game. Akot will come at a much cheaper price, with the potential of a similar (scaled-down) impact.
Orlando Robinson
I’m not as high on Robinson as most. I’m of the belief he’s nothing more than a bench big. Robinson has good post moves. His offensive ceiling seems limited in my eyes. He’s going to challenge himself on the court and will take on tough assignments. I just don’t see enough of a ceiling to have him higher.
Matteo Spagnolo
One of the best full-court offense movers of this draft, Spagnolo loves the flashy highlights. He’s got a decent look pull-up game. My concern, is how does he succeed against NBA defenses?
Pete Nance
Like his brother, Larry, Pete Nance is going to be a solid rotational big man. If I’m being honest, Nance was one of the most realistic floors of this draft. He’s going to be a player coming off a team’s bench (possibly starter). He does all the things needed to help a team. Never an All-Star, Nance is about as sure of a thing to a rotation guy as you’ll find in this draft.
Carlos Alocean
Alocean is a mature point guard. He knows how to run an offense. I’m confident he will be able to carry that over in the NBA. His scoring upside is limited. He’s not as flashy as I initially thought, but he can direct the pace of play on the court.
Kenneth Lofton Jr
I love Lofton as a prospect. He’s big and knows how to maneuver around the basket. Lofton has shown his ability to extend away from the basket as well. He’s more than able to add an effective jumper to his game. My one concern, while not necessarily his frame, Lofton lacks explosion. At times it seems he’s struggling to make a putback dunk. The leaping ability isn’t there. Given the right coaching and conditioning, he’s legit.
EJ Liddell
Liddell will have a bright NBA future. Perhaps he will never be an All-NBA player, but his floor is very settled. He’s not going to wow you with his on-ball offense. He’s got a good defensive mind, along with s solid spot-up 3. The defensive game will be what keeps him on the court. If he develops more of his post-up game (or a bit more on-ball offense) I like him a lot more in the future.
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Christian Koloko
Koloko has confidence in him not many have. I can’t pinpoint one signature trait, outside of his shot-blocking, that stands out highly. I’m not positive the defense away from the perimeter is NBA level, meaning teams will force him away from the paint. Is he much of a scorer? No. I’d argue there’s enough potential to tap into to make it worth it.
Benedict Mathurian
Easily, and no doubt about this, the best off-ball movement around the perimeter of any prospect in this draft. Mathurian is a dangerous catch-and-shoot player coming off a screen. Knows how to make quick decisions on the court. Whether he needs to make an extra pass, drive, or pull-up, I trust Mathurian’s game. Does he have that superstar upside? That’s what is holding me back.
Peter Kiss
Kiss was the leading scorer in Division 1. I can’t leave him off the list. The ceiling is really high given his age. He has a very competitive drive to him, along with a cocky attitude. He can get rattled very easily. Haven’t watched much Bryant basketball, it’s hard to gauge how he’d fare against certain defenses. I’ll say this, he’s not effective when teams key in on him. Bulldogs guard, Charles Pride, played a big role in taking pressure off Kiss. In the First 4 matchups against Wright State, the Raiders took Pride out of the game, making Kiss carry the load of the offense. That wasn’t in favor of the Bulldogs. He’s a talent; perhaps a talent best suited for NBL or Euroleague.
Jaden Ivey
In terms of the most exciting players, Ivey is at the top. He’s a damn good penetrator. He knows how to finesse his way inside. One trait I admire is his ability to find players on the move, whether that be in transition or penetrating the lane. His lack of a mid-range shot will be a downfall if he’s not able to figure that out. Defensively he’s not great, however, his energy and knack for scoring will make up for that. One thing to caution, he does have that “always green light” mentality. Ivey will shoot, Ivey, will get his no matter what the situation is. Sometimes that’s to the team’s benefit, others it is not.
Scottie Pippen Jr.
Pippen Jr. is not his father. Junior has the potential to be a much more prolific scorer. Will he be a part of a future NBA dynasty like his father was? Maybe as a fourth or fifth option on a contender. I love Pippen Jr’s aggressiveness when it comes to attacking. He was one of the leaders in free throws at the collegiate level. While he’s got the ability to be a role player, I can’t envision Pippen taking on a prominent scoring role in the league. There are a lot of things he can do with his offensive repetiteur, just none at an elite level (except drawing fouls).
Dyson Daniels
The comp for Daniels is very simple, Ben Simmons. He’s a tall, athletic guard with a knack for playmaking over scoring. He’s more than likely not going to have an elite jumper. What Daniels does have is the ability to run the offense. He isn’t going to be the defender Simmons has shown to be, although, that has a chance of being proven wrong.
Michael Foster
Foster feels like a throwback big. He’s got muscle and power to his frame. His draw is he will be able to hang and bang with NBA bigs as soon as his rookie season. What else does he bring to the table? I don’t think I’ve seen one defining NBA trait with Foster. He’s big, can grab rebounds, and throw down putbacks. He’s not leaving the paint. Perhaps he can develop into a screen/pick and roll big. That’s not enough to convince me he won’t be anything more than a G-League lifer.
Jean Montero
Has anyone really seen an OTE game? Montero, while obviously skilled, is going up against some rather questionable competition. This isn’t the G-League (Ignite), Euro-League, NBL, OTE is glorified high school AAU ball. From what I’ve seen with Montero, he’s a skilled guard with the potential to be an above-average scorer with flashy passes. His impact in the NBA is uncertain considering the rather weak competition in a first-year OTE league.
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Jeremy Sochan
I didn’t believe the hype at first. Sochan felt like a Draft Twitter darling with a lot of inflated hype. I was wrong and will eat the crow. I’ve known about his defensive chops for some time. It wasn’t until recently that I really became aware of his offensive aggressiveness. Sochan will not come into the NBA as an offensive player. Over time, he will develop into (at the very least) a 15-point scorer with solid rebounding totals and amazing defensive metrics. Sochan has an amazingly high ceiling and can be a very versatile player on both ends of the floor.
Jordan Hall
Hall has good size for the NBA. He’s able to use his length to get passes over defenders. Hall is not an explosive penetrator, however, can find open teammates on the move. On/off ball shot creation is a bit concerning. Doesn’t create well for himself on-ball to be a primary ballhandler if the pass isn’t available. Hall might be a bit slow for the NBA pace.
Alondes Williams
Solid off-ball movement, not selfish enough on-ball. He needs to cement himself as a scorer. The free throw percentages could be cause for concern. Aggressive offensive rebounder, leading to putbacks. Williams should focus more on the off-ball and really establish that as a bigger advantage to his game
Jamal Cain
At 22, I’m not sold on Cain’s true ceiling. He’s a very effortless cutter and knows how to penetrate the defense. His aggressiveness can sometimes overmatch defenders. Outside of that, Cain’s catch-and-shoot skills are subpar. He might be too reliant on half-court offenses, which in most NBA systems, could be fatal to his stock.
Andrew Nembhard
It’s apparent how crucial Nembhard is to a team’s success. Gonzaga was lost without him during the Arkansas Sweet 16 matchup. The Hogs made it impossible got him to penetrate and find his teammates (something he does exceptionally well). Nembhard is always going to be a better on-ball creator than off. He does have a very good spot-up 3-point shot, one that will work useful in the league. I’ll say this if the lane isn’t available, how valuable is he? I’m not sure if Nembhard is the best finisher at the rim.
Jaylin Williams
I’m not going to go too much into Jaylin Williams. I love him as a prospect. I don’t think he’s a Joel Embiid scorer at the 5. I do believe he will drive teams nuts with his ability to draw the fouls. Williams (if I’m correct) led the Nation in charges drawn. He will frustrate opposing players. When you have someone like that, it’s valuable to any roster.
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Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
