NBA Draft: Who’s Bold Enough To Say Caleb Houstan Can Be The First Pick In 2022?
There are players in the 2022 NBA Draft class that aren’t viewed as #1 picks. The general feeling is Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Adrian Griffin Jr., Jalen Duren, and Jaden Hardy are the candidates to go first. I’m a firm believer that Griffin, Duren, and Holmgren aren’t worthy of going 1. (Banchero I can be convinced of) I’m starting to really hitch my wagon to Caleb Houstan as the top guy for 2022.
It’s a controversial pick to have Houstan higher than Holmgren, Duren, and Griffin, but I’m a bit unconventional. In my defense, I have reasons for him being at the top of this list. There’s an obvious bias some have towards certain players. My hope is to convince you of seeing Houstan as I see him.
When looking at today’s NBA, a vast majority of players have a very defined 3-point shot. These guys are classified as 3-and-D players. To name a few, Aaron Nesmith, Issac Okoro, Terrance Mann, Patrick Williams, Lou Dort, and Moses Moody have taken the step as those teams are banking on. There’s always a spot for a player who can knock down 3’s at the wing, or just score from the wing position in general. None of these guys were top picks, some have even gone late-1st. That shouldn’t mean they aren’t top guys.
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What am I getting at with Caleb Houstan? Why am I classifying him with the standard 3-and-D player that has become so common in today’s NBA? Well, he’s not the common 3-and-D guy in today’s NBA. Houstan is a scorer, a legit scorer if we are being honest. No, he is not on the Jaden Hardy scoring level (nobody is in this class), but Houstan is 2nd tier for sure. The gap between Houstan and the 3rd tier might be as great as the gap between himself and Hardy.
Houstan is a 6’8 forward who has the muscle to play down low, but his best attribute is his shooting. According to scouts, he has one of the best releases and shooting strokes of anyone in 2022. His scoring comes from off the dribble. His main attribute, Houstan is probably the closest prospect to an NBA level from a catch-and-shoot basis. The upside is 200+ 3-point shot seasons, paired with the ability to score elsewhere on the court. Think a player similar to Jayson Tatum.
Tatum is actually a good comp for Houstan. The Celtics All-Star is one of the league’s best all-around scorers. I’d take bets that Houstan follows a similar game to that of Tatum. The exception being, Tatum is more athletic with less defensive upside. Houstan will take more 3’s. If you’re asking if I see Houstan as an All-Star like Tatum, I do. There aren’t many (if any) guys in this draft that have NBA-ready defensive chops, and a 3-point/jumper game with its potential.
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During the FIBA U-19’s, Houstan only scored less than 15 points once. His 3-point shot had difficulty going down. He still managed to have 5 or more games of 8 attempts or more. That confidence will serve him well. Not being discouraged after missed shots will be beneficial to his growth as an NBA player. No Ben Simmons confidence issues with Caleb Houstan.
The big telling points of his future success were his steal numbers. Houstan averaged 2.3 per game in the FIBA’s. These steals led to easy transition baskets, most of which he finished at the rim.
With the FIBA’s and high school behind him, the University of Michigan will be Houstan’s next endeavor. He will have the chance to be groomed under Juwan Howard and his staff. The key for Houstan is developing that 3-point/ mid-range stroke to play at an NBA level. That will no doubt come in time. The defense will
become an even greater asset as well.
There’s no question in my mind that Houstan is one of the best 2-way players in the draft class. That might be just enough to get him into that top pick range.
Image Source: Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty
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
