The 2022 NBA draft is officially complete, and it was certainly an eventful night. The first big surprise came right off the bat, when the Magic made Duke big man Paolo Banchero the No. 1 overall pick.
Virtually all reporting leading up to draft night had Auburn forward Jabari Smith as the favorite to go first, with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony suggesting earlier this week that it would be a major surprise to most teams around the NBA if Smith wasn’t Orlando’s pick.
Since Smith unexpectedly fell to the Rockets with the No. 3 pick, and they were able to pick up a couple of highly regarded prospects in Tari Eason and TyTy Washington at Nos. 17 and 29 in addition to a couple of future second-rounders, they seem like one of the clear winners tonight. Smith and Eason, in particular, are long, versatile defenders who should immediately improve Houston’s 29th ranked defense, and a core of Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Eason, Smith, and Alperen Sengun sounds pretty intriguing on paper.
The Thunder used a small portion of their war chest of future draft picks to acquire a third lottery pick, used on French forward Ousmane Dieng with the No. 11 pick (via the Knicks). In addition to Dieng, the Oklahoma City snagged Chet Holmgren at No. 2, Jalen Williams at No. 12, and Jaylin Williams at No. 34 (that definitely won’t be confusing).
The Pistons were able to take Jaden Ivey at No. 5, widely regarded as the top guard prospect in the draft, and added a second lottery pick (No. 13 via the Hornets) in Jalen Duren. The Grizzlies and Timberwolves were both very active during the draft as well, maneuvering up and down to select their preferred targets.
Despite rumors that they were interested in moving into the draft, both the Suns and the Jazz left the draft the same way they entered it, with no draft picks. The Sixers traded out of the draft, but landed 24-year-old De’Anthony Melton from Memphis for the No. 23 pick and Danny Green.
There will be a flurry of undrafted free agent signings in the coming hours and days, but we’d like to take a break from transactions for a moment to solicit your opinions on the draft’s winners and losers. Which teams do you think did the best? Which did the worst? Head to the comments section and share your thoughts!
PISTONS did great, got a Morant-esque PG and another bruiser of a big.
They got a nice young core to build on, Cade, Bey, Beef-Stew, Bagley, Jackson, Livers, Diallo, Ivey, Duren ……. Hayes and Garza will likely be the odd men out, among the young guys.
Another excellent draft by Weaver and Co.
Ivey and Morant are both fast but that’s about it. Ivey is much more muscular but is not a natural PG.
T yy66⁶3
I would say Ivey appears to be as explosive to the basket as Morant. Some of his finishes at Purdue definately were Morantesqe
Oh excuse me I said “fast” not “explosive”. I was not trying an involved scouting report (nor was Honcho), but I suspect sensibilities of homer fans are involved. Honcho was right when he said “Morant-esque” but that is just for dunking drives. Ivey is bigger.
Morant was almost scrawny when drafted, while Ivey is a speeding freight train coming downcourt. But Ivey does not have the change of direction and ability to avoid that a small player learns.
I remember when scouts were reluctant to call Ivey the top guard, as he lacked polish. I was the first on this site to point him out as the best regardless, after a national tv game. But he may have problems in traffic if he can’t use his speed. Oh wait— explosiveness.
Winners
Top 2 rebuild
Warriors
4 old rookie contracts
3 new rookie contracts today
Pistons
3 old rookie contracts
Cade, Hayes, Bey
3 new rookie contracts
Duren’s a fraud, GSW got a project, and your methods are mysterious.
The Rockets got the best player in the Draft at #3, then they got the best PG at 29. I’d say they “won” the draft.
The Pistons got the perfect guy to play next to Cunningham and got Duren to boot.
The Hawks gotta steal at 16
He’s in a great situation Houston. Unless Paolo impresses early, my pick is Smith ROY, 17, 7, 3.5 and he’ll shoot around 36/37 from 3pt
Things worked beautifully for the Pelicans. First they got the first, then picked a fits perfectly their main opening, Daniels at 8. Then EJ Liddell fell to them at 41. Did not need to trade.
Agree on HOU & OKC, though I am not sold on Dieng. Ousmane & Jabari may rely on perimeter shooting, and Dieng may not have a D. But talent volume.
Bad, the Hawks made all this noise and turned out sat there and got Griffin who fell forxa reason. He did not work out for any team below 11. Should be another un-fun player to deal with on that team.
Deanthony Melton for 23 while dumping Green (out for basically the year) was a steal.
Yes, this was a sneaky good trade by Morey.
Melton scores within the flow of the game, defends a bit as well. SIXERS can trade Thybulle now.
Indiana may take many losses at first giving Mathurin, Brown & Duarte the reins.
Memphis got a first for Melton, took Chandler to replace him, and picked Roddy to uncork an offense if the PGs get shut down. Im not familiar with top pick LaRavia.
Ideal need fills:
Johnny Davis pairing with Beal
Dalen Terry a taller Caruso
Mark Williams Hornets
Christian Braun Nuggets
Wendall Moore doing whatever it takes for MIN talent collection
I think Houston took a W. 3rd pick was always the best position imo, because you’re getting one of the clear top 3 when the number 1 was really up in the air. Plus I liked their other first rounders. Eason and TyTy looked like good value picks.
I thought Memphis took an L at first glance. I realize Kleiman always moves up to get his guys, and he’s built a solid team so I will reserve judgement. Maybe he knows a thing or two.
Thought the worst was Brooklyn. They could of changed their franchise by trading Kyrie for the top pick.
Winter: Milwaukee (Bucks)
Top Three Winners of this draft.
1. Pistons- Excellent moves for their team, got what they needed and not what people may have thought was the best available at the time.
2. Rockets- Got a better replacement for Wood with Jabari, I think TyTy is Risky but it might work out for them but overall good draft night with trades and picks.
3. Timberwolves- Got some good players overall. I personally think we will see KAT go to PF and eventually see Kessler at Center.