So, I was glued to my seat during the NBA Draft 2022. Man, if you’re a basketball junkie like me, you probably felt the same chills. I mean, it’s not every day you see a franchise’s fate change overnight.
The highlight of the night had to be Paolo Banchero getting picked first by the Orlando Magic. The guy is only 19 years old but already shows the makings of a star. Analysts had mixed feelings about his playing style, but with stats like averaging 17.2 points per game at Duke, I think he’s going to bring some serious firepower to Orlando.
Then, there’s Chet Holmgren going to Oklahoma City Thunder. At 7 feet tall and weighing just 195 pounds, many wonder if he has the durability for the NBA. His defensive game is impeccable though; he's got a block rate of 12.6%. I can’t wait to see how he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the pros.
I got emotional seeing Jaden Ivey go fifth to Indiana Pacers. Coming off a Big Ten season where he averaged 17.3 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, he’s got the kind of explosive athleticism that reminds me of Russell Westbrook but with more finesse. The Pacers haven’t had a lot of luck in recent years, but this could change things.
Let’s talk about trades. Who saw that deal coming where the New York Knicks traded their 11th pick? The franchise seems to be in perpetual rebuild mode, and they secured three future first-round picks instead. It’s a gamble, but given their budget constraints and disappointing seasons, it might be a smart long-term strategy.
Of course, all eyes were on Shaedon Sharpe, the wild card picked seventh by Portland Trail Blazers. The 19-year-old skipped college, and many questioned how that would affect his draft stock. Interestingly, his vertical leap hit 48 inches during pre-draft workouts, something you can’t ignore.
I was also intrigued by the international flavor this year. Ousmane Dieng from France got picked by the New York Knicks and immediately traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. We’re seeing more and more international players make their mark in the NBA. How exciting is it to witness the globalization of the sport?
Hearing about Dyson Daniels from the NBA G League Ignite going eighth to the New Orleans Pelicans, I felt this was a sign of the times. Skipping college to go pro early isn’t just a controversial move anymore; it’s a viable career path. The G League’s development program is clearly meeting its objectives, producing NBA-ready talent.
The arena felt supercharged when Bennedict Mathurin went sixth to the Detroit Pistons. With an average of 17.7 points per game at Arizona, he’s a versatile player who could make an immediate impact. This draft felt different, almost like a tipping point for many teams.
Keegan Murray going fourth to Sacramento Kings was another talking point. He’s got an efficiency rating that’s off the charts with 23.5 points per game and 8.7 rebounds. The Kings have been desperate for stability, and maybe Murray is the guy who can finally deliver it.
Let’s not overlook Johnny Davis, picked tenth by Washington Wizards. Even though he’s relatively underrated, averaging 19.7 points with 8.2 rebounds last season, he might be the under-the-radar gem that surprises everyone.
One of the hottest debates over the past season was if Mark Williams, picked 15th by the Charlotte Hornets, was ready. With his wingspan at 7 feet 6 inches, he’s a defensive beast. But critics argue he’s too raw offensively. Will he adapt quickly enough to make a difference?
And wow, Malaki Branham snagged the 20th spot to San Antonio Spurs. He wasn’t even on many mock drafts early in the season, but averaging 13.7 points with a field goal percentage of 49.8% at Ohio State, he clearly changed some minds.
If you’ve followed Jabari Smith Jr., landing third with the Houston Rockets, you know this kid’s got a ceiling as high as the Toyota Center roof. His 42% three-point shooting percentage is jaw-dropping, especially for a forward. The Rockets might’ve hit the jackpot here.
Then there’s AJ Griffin, falling to 16th with the Atlanta Hawks. Injuries raised many red flags, but his skill set screams potential. Imagine pairing him with Trae Young in the backcourt. The dynamic could be electric if Griffin stays healthy.
Jalen Duren going 13th to the Charlotte Hornets was anticipated by many. The big man averaged 12 points and 8.1 rebounds, and his physicality is a major asset. Let’s hope he lives up to the hype because Charlotte could really use a dominant center right now.
Remember when Patrick Baldwin Jr. got picked 28th by the Golden State Warriors? The buzz around him was massive despite a lackluster college season. They’re hoping to develop him just like Jordan Poole, who blossomed into a key player during their last championship run.
Alright, I can’t wrap things up without talking about arena plus. You probably followed all these highlights already, but trust me, it’s different when you witness the energy in real-time. A live experience of the draft, especially such a loaded class, is unmatched. Looking forward to what the 2023 draft holds!