LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 08: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Saint Mary’s Gaels at the Orleans Arena on March 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Gaels 82-69, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Chet Holmgren
I mean, what else is there to say about the 7’1 unique specimen that is Gonzaga big man Chet Holmgren. He is so unique, despite his frail size at 195 lbs, due to his ability to handle the ball as fluidly as if he was 6’3.
He has a smooth jump shot with great mechanics, shooting 60% from the field this past season, and 39% from behind the arc. Holmgren can face you up, take you off the dribble (ala Kevin Durant), and despite being skinny, is not afraid to mix it up in the paint with opponents, making him a solid finisher at the rim.
Holmgren is mobile, can guard multiple positions, and is a tremendous shot blocker (3.6 BPG) who will be a defensive anchor for any team he goes to, especially if he fills out his frame. In addition, he’s mentally tough and started off his basketball journey as a guard, which definitely shows in his game.
The term “Unicorn” doesn’t have the same juice or pizazz it had 4-5 years ago, since we’ve seen so many unique bigs such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokic, but it truly does apply to Holmgren.
But don’t get it twisted, if he fills out, Holmgren can be someone we have never seen before. Think of a mix of KD and Dirk Nowitzki, but with elite rim-protecting skills, and that’s the type of ceiling he has. It’s all about if he can reach it, and if he does… watch out.
Golden State</a> Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, taking home their fourth championship in eight seasons over the young, up-and-coming <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/boston-celtics/">Boston Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.</p>
<p>With the season now over, it is now time to look forward to the stars of tomorrow, and that is the NBA Draft. Last year’s draft was one for the ages. It brought in the likes of Jalen Green, Scottie Barnes, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Josh Giddey, and others, all of whom displayed star potential and are foundational cornerstones for their respective franchises. So, who’s going to join the influx of young talent in the NBA in this year’s class that have star potential?</p>
<h2>Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft</h2>
<p>Let’s get one thing straight, this class is top-heavy with unique players such as Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr, and electrifying Purdue guard Jaden Ivey.</p>
<p>It even has some uncertain guys who I believe have star potential if all pans out right. Players like Kentucky’s Shaedon Sharpe, who didn’t play at all this season, and Ousmane Dieng, the forward from France.</p>
<p>This class has some depth, but not as deep as last year’s class, which saw impactful rookies such as Herbert Jones and Ayo Dosumnu go in the second round. But, it should still be a solid class nonetheless. Now, let’s get into a few of the guys I believe can be stars in the NBA someday.</p>
<p>These are the top-four players in the 2022 NBA Draft.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Prospect #1 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-445540 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1200,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2022%2F05%2F1383419639.jpeg" alt="2022 NBA Draft" width="1600" height="1200" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1383419639.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2022/05/1383419639-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 08: Chet Holmgren #34 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs is introduced before the championship game of the West Coast Conference basketball tournament against the Saint Mary’s Gaels at the Orleans Arena on March 08, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bulldogs defeated the Gaels 82-69, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Chet Holmgren</h2>
<p>I mean, what else is there to say about the 7’1 unique specimen that is Gonzaga big man Chet Holmgren. He is so unique, despite his frail size at 195 lbs, due to his ability to handle the ball as fluidly as if he was 6’3.</p>
<p>He has a smooth jump shot with great mechanics, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/chet-holmgren-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">shooting 60% from the field this past season, and 39% from behind the arc</a>. Holmgren can face you up, take you off the dribble (ala Kevin Durant), and despite being skinny, is not afraid to mix it up in the paint with opponents, making him a solid finisher at the rim.</p>
<p>Holmgren is mobile, can guard multiple positions, and is a tremendous shot blocker (3.6 BPG) who will be a defensive anchor for any team he goes to, especially if he fills out his frame. In addition, he’s mentally tough and started off his basketball journey as a guard, which definitely shows in his game.</p>
<p>The term “Unicorn” doesn’t have the same juice or pizazz it had 4-5 years ago, since we’ve seen so many unique bigs such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokic, but it truly does apply to Holmgren.</p>
<p>But don’t get it twisted, if he fills out, Holmgren can be someone we have never seen before. Think of a mix of KD and Dirk Nowitzki, but with elite rim-protecting skills, and that’s the type of ceiling he has. It’s all about if he can reach it, and if he does… watch out.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Prospect #2 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-439045 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1356837274.jpeg" alt="2022 NBA Draft" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1356837274.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1356837274-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">COLUMBUS, OHIO – NOVEMBER 30: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Duke Blue Devils drives the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Value City Arena on November 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Paolo Banchero</h2>
<p>Next up is the 6’10, 255 lb freight train that is Duke forward Paolo Banchero. A manchild who can bulldoze his way to the rim whenever he feels like it, whether he’s posting you up, facing up, or taking it off the glass and pushing it in transition.</p>
<p>Banchero has come a long way since I watched him as a freshman in high school when he had more of an old-school, traditional type game. But in the last two seasons, he has really made himself more valuable by modernizing his game. He’s implemented the three-ball and improved his handle and vision, all of which make him the coveted prospect he has become.</p>
<p>He’ll need to improve his defensive consistency and intensity at all times, while also becoming more consistent on his three-point shot, but he has an NBA-ready body at just 19 years of age and I believe he can be your primary playmaker, as he averaged 3.2 assists last season.</p>
<p>But that does him a disservice, considering the college game doesn’t have as much spacing as the NBA level, and he was playing with non-shooters on Duke who couldn’t connect on some easy looks he created for them.</p>
<p>Banchero, to me, is the most polished offensive player in this draft class, and I believe he will make an immediate impact upon his arrival in the NBA for whatever franchise gets his services.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Prospect #3 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-444065 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2285,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1237844150.jpeg" alt="2022 NBA Draft" width="3200" height="2285" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1237844150.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1237844150-768x548.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">AUBURN, AL – JANUARY 19: Jabari Smith #10 of the Auburn Tigers sets up a shot against the Georgia Bulldogs in the second half at Auburn Arena on January 19, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Jabari Smith Jr.</h2>
<p>The third player I have is Auburn’s sharpshooting sniper Jabari Smith Jr. He sits at a legit 6-’10, 220 lbs with a beautiful looking stroke and soft touch on his jumper.</p>
<p>He doesn’t have much creative ability as of now due to his lack of an elite handle, but he will be able to be an amazing spot-up shooter from Day 1 in the NBA. He brings a contagious, positive, competitive attitude that rubs through the whole team.</p>
<p>Smith also is an amazingly versatile defender who’s laterally quick enough to defend guards and big enough to defend fours. And if he adds more muscle over time, he’ll be able to defend small-ball fives as well.</p>
<p>He was one of the best big man shooters ever, shooting 43% from three as a true freshman. His per-40-minute averages were <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jabari-smith-2.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">23.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and1.4 blocks per game</a>.</p>
<p>Smith will have to develop his ball-handling and playmaking ability to reach his sky-high ceiling as a player, but with his work ethic and feisty competitiveness, I believe he will.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#222423" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Prospect #4 </a>
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<img class="wp-image-439055 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1355721694.jpeg" alt="2022 NBA Draft" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355721694.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1355721694-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 26: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers celebrates with fans after a win over the Omaha Mavericks at Mackey Arena on November 26, 2021 in West Lafayette, Indiana, Breaking down the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)</p>
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<h2>Analyzing the projected top four picks in the 2022 NBA Draft: Jaden Ivey</h2>
<p>The fourth player I believe will be a bonafide star in this class is the mesmerizing Purdue guard, Jaden Ivey. Ivey has an electric first step that will make you freeze in your boots and think of current star guards such as Ja Morant and Russell Westbrook, both of whom he has been compared to.</p>
<p>He is also a dynamic shot creator and puts immense pressure on defenses with his drives, punishing any opponents who dare try to get in the way of his elite finishing ability. He also can shoot it a bit, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2022/06/22/analyzing-2022-nba-draft/2/"https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jaden-ivey-1.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow">shooting 35% from three this past season</a>.</p>
<p>Ivey makes some timely passes for his teammates and shows the ability to be able to play the point, but will need more refining in his playmaking and pick-and-roll game before becoming a full-time point guard.</p>
<p>The Purdue star uses his 6-foot-9 wingspan to disrupt passes in the passing lane to get out in transition and is a ballhawk (when he wants to be) at times.</p>
<p>He’ll have to refine his shooting, playmaking abilities, and bring it every night defensively to reach the star potential he possesses, but having a mom like Niele Ivey, who played in the WNBA and who now coaches at Notre Dame, sure does help when it comes to critiquing his game in his inner circle.</p>
<p>In the end, Ivey has the ability to be a highlight reel from Day 1 in the NBA, but if he wants to reach his otherworldy ceiling, he’ll have to correct his weaknesses.</p>
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