The new year is upon us and that can only mean one thing, the NBA Draft hype begins. We’ve had an awesome start to the college basketball season, with upsets and breakout performances left and right. For the first time in 3 years, the 2022 NBA Draft will return to its usual slot in the end of June as the NBA season returned to a regular schedule this year. The Bulls and Heat will both forfeit their second round picks this year due to tampering in last year’s free agency. That means the draft will only be 58 picks, a bit of a let down for players trying to come out and get guaranteed deals. Also due to the extra year of eligibility, seniors will have to declare for the draft again this year and will have to continue to do so for the next few years. Several grad seniors are on the horizon who will automatically enter the draft since they are using their extra year of eligibility.
So as we do every January, here is my first version of my NBA Draft Big Board, with top 15’s for every position, a full top 58 draft board, and notes on each player. Hope you enjoy!
*These rankings are my own personal opinions and are carefully articulated through personal impacts on me and research of draft stocks from NBADraft.net, Stadium, ESPN, and Hoops Hype.
POINT GUARDS
Jaden Ivey
PG RK: #1, OVR RK: #3
Purdue (Sophomore)
6’4 | 195 lbs
21-22 Stats: 16.2 pts, 5.1 reb, 3 ast, 43.8% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Freakishly athletic combo guard with can’t miss potential
TyTy Washington
PG RK: #2, OVR RK: #10
Kentucky (Freshman)
6’3 | 197 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.7 pts, 4.8 ast, 4.3 reb, 40.4% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Score-first facilitator, could be more of an SG at the NBA level
J.D. Davison
PG RK: #3, OVR RK: #14
Alabama (Freshman)
6’3 | 195 lbs
21-22 Stats: 8.3 pts, 4.8 reb, 4.3 ast, 0.8 stl
Paul’s Notes: Playmaker, could benefit from extra time in college to find his footing
Kennedy Chandler
PG RK: #4, OVR RK: #16
Tennessee (Freshman)
6’0 | 171 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.4 pts, 5.1 ast, 3.1 reb, 2.3 stl
Paul’s Notes: Great scorer/passer with incredible potential on the defensive end
Jean Montero
PG RK: #5, OVR RK: #18
Team Gomes (Overtime Elite)
6’2 | 172 lbs | Age: 18
21-22 Stats: N/A
Paul’s Notes: All-around scorer
Trevor Keels
PG RK: #6, OVR RK: #31
Duke (Freshman)
6’4 | 221 lbs
21-22 Stats: 12.2 pts, 3.6 reb, 2.8 ast, 1.7 stl
Paul’s Notes: Microwave 3-point shooter with solid handles and a gritty build
Caleb Love
PG RK: #7, OVR RK: #38
North Carolina (Sophomore)
6’4 | 195 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.6 pts, 3.7 reb, 3.4 ast, 44.2% 3P
Paul’s Notes: An all-around playmaker and leader
Blake Wesley
PG RK: #8, OVR RK: #40
Notre Dame (Freshman)
6’5 | 185 lbs
21-22 Stats: 14.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 2.1 ast, 1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Driving scorer
Max Abmas
PG RK: #9, OVR RK: #45
Oral Roberts (Junior)
6’0 | 175 lbs
21-22 Stats: 22.9 pts, 4 ast, 3.4 reb, 41.5% 3P
Paul’s Notes: All-around scorer that can translate at any level
Tyson Etienne
PG RK: #10, OVR RK: #52
Wichita State (Junior)
6’2 | 205 lbs
21-22 Stats: 14.6 pts, 2.4 reb, 2 ast, 1.4 stl
Paul’s Notes: Offensive-minded combo guard
Andrew Nembhard
PG RK: #11, OVR RK: #54
Gonzaga (Senior)
6’5 | 193 lbs
21-22 Stats: 8.1 pts, 4.8 ast, 3.1 reb, 1.6 stl
Paul’s Notes: High IQ floor general, a 2nd round steal that could give good bench minutes immediately
Carlos Alocén
PG RK: #12, OVR RK: #56
Real Madrid (Spain) – Euro/ACB
6’5 | 205 lbs | Age: 20
21-22 Stats: 4.5 pts, 1.6 reb, 1.1 ast, 0.4 stl
Paul’s Notes: Crafty playmaking PG, potential to come over in a few years
Hugo Besson
PG RK: #13
New Zealand – NBL
6’3 | 196 lbs | Age: 20
21-22 Stats: 15.3 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.3 ast, 0.1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Scoring machine ball handler, probably more of a 2 in the league
Marcus Sasser
PG RK: #14
Houston (Junior) – OUT FOR THE SEASON
6’2 | 195 lbs
21-22 Stats: 17.7 pts, 2.8 reb, 2.6 ast, 2.1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Score-first facilitator, not ready to make the pro jump just yet
Kyle Lofton
PG RK: #15
St. Bonaventure (Senior)
6’3 | 185 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.9 pts, 5.8 ast, 3.8 reb, 1.4 stl
Paul’s Notes: A four-year mid-major star with the size and craftiness to be a PG in the league
OTHER NOTABLE PG’S IN THE NATION:
Jahvon Quinerly (Alabama, JR.), Jahmir Young (Charlotte, JR.), Boogie Ellis (USC, JR.), Remy Martin (Kansas, Grad-SR.), Jamaree Bouyea (San Francisco, Grad-SR.)
SHOOTING GUARDS
Jaden Hardy
SG RK: #1, OVR RK: #5
NBA G-League Ignite
6’4 | 198 lbs | Age: 19
21-22 Stats: 17.7 pts, 4.6 reb, 3.2 ast, 1.3 stl
Paul’s Notes: Athletic above the rim shot maker, can be a valuable piece in the league
Bennedict Mathurin
SG RK: #2, OVR RK: #6
Arizona (Sophomore)
6’6 | 210 lbs
21-22 Stats: 18.9 pts, 6.5 reb, 2.1 ast, 50.6% FG
Paul’s Notes: Two-way guard with incredible development on offense
Johnny Davis
SG RK: #3, OVR RK: #11
Wisconsin (Sophomore)
6’5 | 194 lbs
21-22 Stats: 22.3 pts, 7.4 reb, 2.6 ast, 1.4 stl
Paul’s Notes: All-around crafty scorer and playmaker
Aminu Mohammed
SG RK: #4, OVR RK: #13
Georgetown (Freshman)
6’5 | 210 lbs
21-22 Stats: 14.4 pts, 8.5 reb, 2 ast, 1.4 stl
Paul’s Notes: Physical scorer and rebounder, potential Keldon Johnson type game
Ochai Agbaji
SG RK: #5, OVR RK: #17
Kansas (Senior)
6’5 | 215 lbs
21-22 Stats: 20.6 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.4 ast, 47.5% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Defensive minded guard/wing with insane development on offense, taken full advantage of college
Bryce McGowens
SG RK: #6, OVR RK: #22
Nebraska (Freshman)
6’7 | 179 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.9 pts, 5.5 reb, 1.6 ast, 0.8 stl
Paul’s Notes: Lengthy shot maker, may need to put on some lbs for the pros
Wendell Moore Jr.
SG RK: #7, OVR RK: #25
Duke (Junior)
6’5 | 213 lbs
21-22 Stats: 16 pts, 5.9 reb, 4.9 ast, 54.5% FG
Paul’s Notes: Great all-around scorer, filling out his potential as a junior
MarJon Beauchamp
SG RK: #8, OVR RK: #26
NBA G-League Ignite
6’6 | 199 lbs | Age: 21
21-22 Stats: 15.1 pts, 7.3 reb, 2.5 ast, 1.5 stl
Paul’s Notes: Freak athlete with a long workload as a former Community College star
Terrence Shannon Jr.
SG RK: #9, OVR RK: #37
Texas Tech (Junior)
6’6 | 215 lbs
21-22 Stats: 6 GP, 14.3 pts, 3.2 reb, 2.2 ast
Paul’s Notes: 3-and-D guard with a lot of untapped potential
Taevion Kinsey
SG RK: #10, OVR RK: #44
Marshall (Senior)
6’5 | 190 lbs
21-22 Stats: 19.3 pts, 5.3 reb, 4 ast, 0.8 stl
Paul’s Notes: An intriguing athletic tweener, needs to figure out that 16% 3P
Max Christie
SG RK: #11, OVR RK: #49
Michigan State (Freshman)
6’6 | 190 lbs
21-22 Stats: 10.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 1.6 ast, 0.6 stl
Paul’s Notes: Two-way guard with great athleticism
Allen Flanigan
SG RK: #12, OVR RK: #53
Auburn (Junior)
6’6 | 215 lbs
21-22 Stats: 4 GP, 7.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 1 ast
Paul’s Notes: Great two-way talent with the potential to be a first rounder (spent start of the season injured)
Dyson Daniels
SG RK: #13, OVR RK: #57
NBA G-League Ignite
6’6 | 199 lbs | Age: 18
21-22 Stats: 11.3 pts, 6.2 reb, 4.4 ast, 1.9 stl
Paul’s Notes: Can play the 3, can handle the ball, can shoot the 3 ball, an all-around great talent
Justin Moore
SG RK: #14
Villanova (Junior)
6’4 | 210 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.9 pts, 5.2 reb, 2.3 ast, 1.2 stl
Paul’s Notes: Lethal 3-point shooter and above average defender
Gabriele Procida
SG RK: #15
Fortitudo Bologna (Italy) – LBA
6’6 | 191 lbs | Age: 19
21-22 Stats: 6 pts, 2.9 reb, 0.7 ast, 0.7 stl
Paul’s Notes: Lights out shooter with good size
OTHER NOTABLE SG’s IN THE NATION:
Alex Barcello (BYU, Grad-SR.), Christian Braun (Kansas, JR.), Javon Freeman-Liberty (DePaul, SR.), Hyunjung Lee (Davidson, JR.)
SMALL FORWARDS
Kendall Brown
SF RK: #1, OVR RK: #7
Baylor (Freshman)
6’8 | 205 lbs
21-22 Stats: 11 pts, 3.8 reb, 1.9 ast, 67.9% FG
Paul’s Notes: Lengthy point forward that can spread the floor and lead on the defensive end
Patrick Baldwin Jr.
SF RK: #2, OVR RK: #9
UW-Milwaukee (Freshman)
6’9 | 220 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.4 pts, 6.6 reb, 1.8 ast, 0.8 stl
Paul’s Notes: Great size and strength with uncanny shot-making ability
Keegan Murray
SF RK: #3, OVR RK: #15
Iowa (Sophomore)
6’8 | 225 lbs
21-22 Stats: 24.7 pts, 7.9 reb, 2.1 blk, 1.5 stl
Paul’s Notes: Size, skill, and overall stud potential, can easily rise into the lottery
E.J. Liddell
SF RK: #4, OVR RK: #21
Ohio State (Junior)
6’7 | 240 lbs
21-22 Stats: 20.1 pts, 7.2 reb, 3.2 blk, 37.3% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Does just about everything extremely well, can translate to a good role player in the league
Ousmane Dieng
SF RK: #5, OVR RK: #24
New Zealand Breakers – NBL
6’9 | 185 lbs | Age: 18
21-22 Stats: 3.6 pts, 2.3 reb, 0.9 ast, 0.1 blk
Paul’s Notes: Lengthy two-way forward, may drop a bit unless he picks up the numbers
Caleb Houstan
SF RK: #6, OVR RK: #29
Michigan (Freshman)
6’8 | 205 lbs
21-22 Stats: 9.5 pts, 4.5 reb, 1.6 ast, 0.7 stl
Paul’s Notes: Been struggling to gain footing in the college ranks, especially on defense. Could benefit from more time at Michigan
Peyton Watson
SF RK: #7, OVR RK: #30
UCLA (Freshman)
6’8 | 200 lbs
21-22 Stats: 3.5 pts, 3.5 reb, 1 ast, 0.6 blk
Paul’s Notes: A ton of raw talent, struggling to make an impact on a stacked Bruins squad
Johnny Juzang
SF RK: #8, OVR RK: #32
UCLA (Junior)
6’7 | 215 lbs
21-22 Stats: 16 pts, 4.6 reb, 1.8 ast, 36.1% 3P
Paul’s Notes: All-around great scorer, lacks on defense
A.J. Griffin
SF RK: #9, OVR RK: #36
Duke (Freshman)
6’6 | 222 lbs
21-22 Stats: 8.3 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.9 ast, 46.3% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Don’t be fooled by the numbers, his insane athleticism is still top notch NBA talent
Julian Champagnie
SF RK: #10, OVR RK: #42
St. John’s (Junior)
6’8 | 215 lbs
21-22 Stats: 21.2 pts, 7.3 reb, 1.9 stl, 40.7% 3P
Paul’s Notes: All-around scoring machine with athletic capability to be a plus defender in the league
Julian Strawther
SF RK: #11, OVR RK: #55
Gonzaga (Sophomore)
6’7 | 205 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.5 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.1 ast, 38.5% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Much improved all-around player, always a high efficiency scorer
Jaime Jaquez Jr.
SF RK: #12, OVR RK: #58
UCLA (Junior)
6’7 | 225 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.3 pts, 5.6 reb, 1.9 ast, 1.1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Lethal scorer with NBA size
Justin Lewis
SF RK: #13
Marquette (Sophomore)
6’7 | 245 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.1 pts, 7.8 reb, 1.5 ast, 1.1 stl
Paul’s Notes: All-around playmaker with legit size for a big in the NBA
Tari Eason
SF RK: #14
LSU (Sophomore)
6’8 | 216 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.5 pts, 7.2 reb, 1.4 stl, 1.2 blk
Paul’s Notes: Rim protecting big with great offensive skills
Marcus Bagley
SF RK: #15
Arizona State (Sophomore)
6’8 | 215 lbs
21-22 Stats: 3 GP, 10 pts, 4 reb, 1.3 ast
Paul’s Notes: Has the talent for the NBA but hasn’t improved much in the college ranks
OTHER NOTABLE SF’s IN THE NATION:
Ron Harper Jr. (Rutgers, SR.), Brady Manek (North Carolina, Grad-SR.), Dereon Seabron (NC State, SO.)
POWER FORWARDS
Paolo Banchero
PF RK: #1, OVR RK: #1
Duke (Freshman)
6’10 | 250 lbs
21-22 Stats: 17.7 pts, 7.3 reb, 2.2 ast, 1.3 stl
Paul’s Notes: Great size with incredible offensive skills and athleticism, all-around stud
Jabari Smith
PF RK: #2, OVR RK: #2
Auburn (Freshman)
6’10 | 220 lbs
21-22 Stats: 16.1 pts, 6.4 reb, 2.1 ast, 45.1% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Great size, ability to score from anywhere, and an elite defensive talent
Nikola Jović
PF RK: #3, OVR RK: #12
KK Mega Bemax (Serbia) – ABA
6’10 | 205 lbs | Age: 18
21-22 Stats: 10.8 pts, 4.3 reb, 2.8 ast, 0.6 stl
Paul’s Notes: Elusive scoring big that can attack off the dribble
Trayce Jackson-Davis
PF RK: #4, OVR RK: #20
Indiana (Junior)
6’9 | 245 lbs
21-22 Stats: 19.3 pts, 8.9 reb, 3.1 blk, 60.6% FG
Paul’s Notes: Versatile stretch four that brings NBA level athleticism and IQ
Isaiah Mobley
PF RK: #5, OVR RK: #28
USC (Junior)
6’10 | 240 lbs
21-22 Stats: 15.1 pts, 9.2 reb, 2.9 ast, 44.8% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Athletic stretch four with high IQ and motor
Roko Prkačin
PF RK: #6, OVR RK: #34
KK Cibona (Croatia) – A-1/ABA
6’9 | 234 lbs | Age: 19
21-22 Stats: 9.8 pts, 5.8 reb, 2 ast, 0.7 stl
Paul’s Notes: Talent and skills to be a good low post threat, still raw
Drew Timme
PF RK: #7, OVR RK: #35
Gonzaga (Junior)
6’10 | 235 lbs
21-22 Stats: 17.7 pts, 5.9 reb, 2.4 ast, 64.1% FG
Paul’s Notes: Dominant back-to-the basket big that can attack anywhere on offense
Harrison Ingram
PF RK: #8, OVR RK: #46
Stanford (Freshman)
6’8 | 230 lbs
21-22 Stats: 12.2 pts, 6.9 reb, 3 ast, 0.9 stl
Paul’s Notes: Lengthy stretch 4 with great two-way skills
Michael Foster
PF RK: #9, OVR RK: #47
NBA G-League Ignite
6’8 | 250 lbs | Age: 19
21-22 Stats: 14.8 pts, 8.7 reb, 2 ast, 1.9 blk
Paul’s Notes: Physical big bodied 4 with a 3-ball, a ton of room to move up higher in the draft
Tristan Vukčević
PF RK: #10, OVR RK: #51
Real Madrid (Spain) – ACB/Euro
7’0 | 230 lbs | Age: 18
21-22 Stats: 2.8 pts, 1.7 reb, 0.2 ast, 0.1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Great size and strength, will probably take a few years to come over
Moussa Diabaté
PF RK: #11
Michigan (Freshman)
6’11 | 210 lbs
21-22 Stats: 8.7 pts, 6.1 reb, 0.8 blk, 59.4% FG
Paul’s Notes: Raw big with some upside, will need extra time in college
Armando Bacot
PF RK: #12
North Carolina (Junior)
6’10 | 240 lbs
21-22 Stats: 16.6 pts, 11.1 reb, 1.7 ast, 1.5 blk
Paul’s Notes: Dynamic scorer inside 15 feet, translation to the NBA is questionable
David Roddy
PF RK: #13
Colorado State (Junior)
6’5 | 252 lbs
21-22 Stats: 19.8 pts, 7.6 reb, 2.2 ast, 43.9% 3P
Paul’s Notes: A bit undersized but makes up with his strength in the post, a legitimate NBA talent in either 2022 or 2023
Dawson Garcia
PF RK: #14
North Carolina (Sophomore)
6’11 | 235 lbs
21-22 Stats: 10 pts, 5.5 reb, 0.8 ast, 45.8% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Good shooting big man, has potential but may need to stay at UNC for a bit
Josh Minott
PF RK: #15
Memphis (Freshman)
6’8 | 205 lbs
21-22 Stats: 5.9 pts, 3.9 reb, 1 ast, 0.8 stl
Paul’s Notes: Has a long way to go but the talent is there
OTHER NOTABLE PF’s IN THE NATION:
Garrison Brooks (Mississippi State, Grad-SR.), Matthew Mayer (Baylor, SR.), Daimion Collins (Kentucky, FR.)
CENTERS
Chet Holmgren
C RK: #1, OVR RK: #4
Gonzaga (Freshman)
7’0 | 195 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.3 pts, 8.3 reb, 3.5 blk, 38.1% 3P
Paul’s Notes: Elusive big with great low post skills and ball handling, a unicorn type talent
Jalen Duren
C RK: #2, OVR RK: #8
Memphis (Freshman)
6’11 | 250 lbs
21-22 Stats: 10.3 pts, 7.1 reb, 2.7 blk, 62.5% FG
Paul’s Notes: Dominant low post threat with great athleticism
Mark Williams
C RK: #3, OVR RK: #19
Duke (Sophomore)
7’0 | 242 lbs
21-22 Stats: 8.6 pts, 6.3 reb, 3.1 blk, 65.5% FG
Paul’s Notes: Athletic rim protector with exceptional defensive talent
Yannick Nzosa
C RK: #4, OVR RK: #23
Unicaja (Spain) – ACB/BCL
7’0 | 174 lbs | Age: 18
21-22 Stats: 2.8 pts, 2.4 reb, 0.7 blk, 0.4 stl
Paul’s Notes: Raw talent with a ton of upside, definitely will be a project
Oscar Tshiebwe
C RK: #5, OVR RK: #27
Kentucky (Junior)
6’9 | 255 lbs
21-22 Stats: 17 pts, 15.1 reb, 1.4 blk, 62.7% FG
Paul’s Notes: Ultimate rim protector and rebounder, a bit of a tweener in size
Kofi Cockburn
C RK: #6, OVR RK: #33
Illinois (Junior)
7’0 | 285 lbs
21-22 Stats: 22 pts, 12.5 reb, 1.1 blk, 60.1% FG
Paul’s Notes: Low post nightmare, developed an offensive game that will translate to the NBA
Christian Koloko
C RK: #7, OVR RK: #39
Arizona (Junior)
7’1 | 230 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.1 pts, 7.3 reb, 3.1 blk, 1.1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Exceptional back-to-the basket skills with elite defense
Orlando Robinson
C RK: #8, OVR RK: #43
Fresno State (Junior)
7’0 | 235 lbs
21-22 Stats: 19.5 pts, 8.3 reb, 2.7 ast, 1.5 blk
Paul’s Notes: A matchup nightmare that can score from just about anywhere
Ariel Hukporti
C RK: #9, OVR RK: #48
Melbourne United (Australia) – NBL
7’0 | 250 lbs | Age: 19
21-22 Stats: 6.7 pts, 5.8 reb, 1.4 ast, 1.2 blk
Paul’s Notes: Athleticism and speed to become a dominant big in the NBA
Khalifa Diop
C RK: #10, OVR RK: #50
Gran Canaria (Spain) – ACB/Euro
6’11 | 231 lbs | Age: 20
21-22 Stats: 5.5 pts, 3.1 reb, 0.6 blk, 0.4 ast
Paul’s Notes: Elusive big man that can attack on the dribble
Walker Kessler
C RK: #11
Auburn (Sophomore)
7’1 | 245 lbs
21-22 Stats: 9.4 pts, 7.3 reb, 3.9 blk, 58.3% FG
Paul’s Notes: Elite size and strength to become a good draft pick in 2023 or 2024
Trevion Williams
C RK: #12
Purdue (Senior)
6’10 | 255 lbs
21-22 Stats: 13.5 pts, 8.8 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl
Paul’s Notes: Dynamic force in the post
Ibou Badji
C RK: #13
Forca Lleida (Spain) – LEB
7’2 | 230 lbs | Age: 19
21-22 Stats: 9.3 pts, 5.3 reb, 1.8 blk, 0.4 ast
Paul’s Notes: Size and strength to possibly have a career in the NBA
Makur Maker
C RK: #14
Sydney Kings (Australia) – NBL
6’11 | 235 lbs | Age: 21
21-22 Stats: 5.4 pts, 3.6 reb, 0.6 ast, 0.6 stl
Paul’s Notes: Huge potential, looking for a big year in Australia to rise into the 1st round
Zach Edey
C RK: #15
Purdue (Sophomore)
7’4 | 295 lbs
21-22 Stats: 14.9 pts, 7.4 reb, 1.3 blk, 71% FG
Paul’s Notes: Has come a long way since last year, great footwork for a guy of his height
OTHER NOTABLE C’s IN THE NATION:
Charles Bediako (Auburn, FR.), Efton Reid (LSU, FR.), Osun Osunniyi (St. Bonaventure, SR.)
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