Best 2022 NBA Draft Basketball Players

Banchero averaged nearly 20 points per game in his sole season in Durham. He led Duke to the Final Four. Banchero is a polished offensive player. He creates his own shots with a sweet midrange game. His guard-like passing skills at 6'10" make his potential seem supernatural.

NBA ComparisonsChris Webber and Julius Randle are NBA comparisons.

Hunchback Holmgren's long-term durability worries fans for his NBA career due to his 7-foot, 195-pound frame. He needs to gain weight, like a boxer gaining classes. Holmgren plays well, though. He is an elite shot blocker and a steady floor spacer. He can handle the pressure. The paint might look rough early on. But if Holmgren succeeds, he will deliver a huge return.

NBA ComparisonsPau Gasol and Rudy Gobert are NBA comparisons.

Ivey is an explosive player. He pressures the rim whenever he wants. His deep range needs work. He added a step-back jumper to his arsenal. This will lead to the next level. Ivey needs better decision-making on the ball. His defense requires a direction change. Ivey is a brawny guard with an elite first step. He shows electric shot-making ability that could make him a star.

NBA ComparisonsDonovan Mitchell and Victor Oladipo are NBA comparisons.

Sharpe is a bouncy wing prospect. He has long arms and much lower body strength. He has a full tool set. He has a quick first step, gets to the rim, and finishes through contact. Sharpe is an amazing slasher and off-ball cutter. He throws down ferocious dunks. The 6'6" shooting guard still develops his ball handling and needs more pick-and-roll reps. He is not a pure shooter. He shows promise and can be hot sometimes. He must improve his shot selection, but that will happen with NBA talent.

NBA ComparisonsBradley Beal and Jalen Green are NBA comparisons.

Auburn's guard play hurt them in the NCAA tournament. This was not Walker Kessler's fault. His production last season is too good to ignore. Guards fed the ball into their frontcourt. Kessler led the NCAA in blocked shots per game. He is a problem in the paint. He scores efficiently too, ranking top-20 nationally in effective field goal percentage.

NBA ComparisonsJakob Poeltl and Jarrett Allen are NBA comparisons.

Jalen Duren is a high-flying center. He defends the rim, runs the floor, and scores efficiently inside the arc at the NBA level. His lob-finishing ability fits the modern pick-and-roll game perfectly. Duren is a physically imposing force; he bullied players in college. That toughness in the paint stays. He has long arms and big hands; these help him control the ball everywhere. He leaps high and quick above the rim. Lock him in as your team's rim protector from the start. His massive 7-5 wingspan and solid frame give him all the tools for a big NBA center. He is 18 months younger than Chet.

NBA Comparisons: DeAndre Jordan, Robert Williams

Mathurin finished the season strong. He scored 30 points in the NCAA Tournament game against TCU. Mathurin shows how elite a talent he is. He is a dynamic offensive weapon who makes outside shots at a high level. He is not just a scorer. With a high IQ, he makes things happen with the ball. He is a smart off-ball cutter too.

NBA Comparisons: Jamal Crawford, Caris LeVert

The Iowa star vanished late in the NCAA tournament. The Hawkeyes lost in an upset. Murray's stats still looked good: 21 points, nine rebounds on 8-of-15 shooting. Murray is a perfect modern stretch big, combining shooting and scoring. He is one of the easiest draft prospects.

NBA Comparisons: Pascal Siakam, Al Horford

Auburn looked like a mess in the NCAA Tournament, losing in the second round. In that loss, Smith shot 3-16 from the floor and played poorly. Still, the son of an NBA journeyman looks like the modern NBA player you want to see. Smith shoots well for his 6'10" size, hitting unblockable jump shots. He works hard and defends well, switching positions effectively. His ceiling is high; he could easily be number one.

NBA Comparisons: Harrison Barnes, Rashard Lewis

The LSU Tiger is a big combo forward. He spaces the floor as a shooter and drives the offense. Eason impacts games on defense, acting as a Swiss Army knife. He can switch onto anyone and defend 1-5. His offense is raw, and it lacks NBA standard, but his physical tools and defense make him a good prospect.

NBA Comparisons: Jerami Grant, Josh Smith

Daniels should be the first G League Ignite talent taken in this draft. He shot nearly 35% from three in a strong season. Daniels plays like a complete guard. He attacks the rim well and creates easy shots. He is a threat on defense and grabs rebounds for a guard. He is rough but looks like a safe pick.

NBA Comparisons: Derrick White, Evan Turner

Christian Braun functions as a solid wing contributor. He plays a team-first game, putting in great effort on both ends. Braun moves the ball and shows good game feel. He is not a star; he does not need high shot volume. Braun drives well, which pairs with his solid 3-point shooting (39%) and keeps the defense honest. Braun is not an elite defender, but he plays strong team defense.

NBA Comparisons: Kevin Huerter, Max Strus

Jeremy Sochan did not post flashy stats on a deep Baylor team while defending a title. He accepted his role and became a true team player with two-way impact. Sochan is a combo forward who defends many positions, plays bigger than he is, and has limited playmaking ability to pass. Better three-point shooting will make him a solid NBA player.

NBA Comparisons: Draymond Green, Aaron Gordon

Last year, Agbaji tested the draft and went back to school to boost his draft stock. He succeeded. As a senior at KU this season, Agbaji shot over 40% from three. He took on the team's main scorer role and led the Jayhawks to a national title. Coming out at 22, the potential is smaller. But like Chris Duarte last year, Agbaji's NBA-ready body, defensive effort, and outside shooting show skill.NBA role player right away.

NBA Comparisons: Desmond Bane, Chris Duarte

Scotty Pippen Jr. is not highly noticed, despite his famous father. He is a crafty point guard who plays with great control and strength. Pippen Jr. acts as a coach on the floor, having played at a high level his whole life. He involves everyone and passes well, pressuring defenses with good scoring. If he had his father's height, he would be a lottery pick, but the point guard spot is crowded, even for a taller guard (6'3"). He can easily be Gary Payton II 2.0 with a good three-point shot and elite on-ball defense. That will likely be his path.

NBA Comparisons: Jalen Brunson, Fred VanVleet

You cannot teach size. Jovic is a unique NBA prospect due to his height (6'10"), smooth shooting, and clever play. Jovic passes like Jokic and sometimes led his European club as the main starter. He also has great vision as a point forward, similar to Josh Giddey in last year's draft. Vision and creativity at 6'10" with outside shooting. *Mwah*.

NBA Comparisons: Danilo Gallinari, Nikola Jokic

Williams dominated the paint late for Duke, showing his elite length and shot-blocking in college basketball. He is an NBA-ready center, and few bigs like him are in this draft. Williams scores around the rim consistently with dump-offs and putbacks. He must improve his footwork and pick-and-roll defense.

NBA Comparisons: Hassan Whiteside, Michael Olowokandi

A.J. Griffin was another face at Duke. Griffin sometimes played behind Wendell Moore and the possible number one pick, Paolo Banchero, a fellow one-and-doner. Griffin showed flashes of BIG TIME PLAY, even though he was inconsistent after starting the year injured. His above-average three-point shooting and brawny frame suggest the small forward could land in the lottery. Griffin fits almost any roster position; he is a highly switchable perimeter player who can guard the post if needed. His defensive potential, shooting, and shot-creation build a solid 3-and-D player.

NBA Comparisons: Jaylen Brown, T.J. Warren

Hardy showed low efficiency in the G League. His playmaking decisions need refinement. Hardy remains a gifted scorer and creator, though his production was not steady. At 6'5", he has a good size for a shooting guard and decent athleticism. Hardy handles the ball well, gets to his spots, and creates space on the perimeter.

NBA Comparisons: Cameron Thomas, Dion Waiters

Champagnie has good size and strength for a wing. His shooting and shot creation are his main strengths. He possesses a solid mid-range game and a good scoring package. He lacks blow-by speed or elite athleticism. At 6-8 and 220 pounds, he handles the load and uses strength to make up for lacking burst.

NBA Comparisons: Alec Burks, Francisco Garcia

A late-season ankle injury hurt Johnny Davis' tournament output and momentum before his March Madness event. However, viewers who watched the Wisconsin shooting guard before that injury do not need worry. Davis led a middling team as the number one option, personally guiding them to a No. 3 seed. Davis' defense transfers directly to the NBA. His mid-range scoring ability also translates. His three-point accuracy (30% last year) needs work, but a coach will fix that. Davis shot 39% from three as a freshman off the bench. Given NBA spacing, Davis will perform fine since he is not the primary target in opponent scouting reports. His father is Mark Davis, a former pro player, which is a good sign for his maturity and readiness for the next level, especially off the court.

NBA Comparisons: Devin Harris, Khris Middleton

The lanky shooting guard can score from anywhere. Christie is a long, athletic talent with big-time ability. He takes his own shots and has the potential for a pro-level jump shot. Pull-ups off the dribble and step-backs are in his arsenal. He is shifty; he punishes defenses when given space. Christie is quick, gets above the rim, and can blow by defenders. He plays finesse sometimes and does not always finish through contact, but he has hops and burst. Once he develops, he looks like a natural player.

NBA Comparisons: Evan Fournier, Franz Wagner

Caleb Houstan played most of the season without leading a Wolverines team facing NCAA tournament trouble. Houstan did play in big games, showing he could score sometimes. A scoreless 33-minute outing against OSU worries observers. Houstan is a fringe first-rounder because of his frame, length, and deep touch.

NBA Comparisons: Rodney Hood, Herb Jones

The Cameroonian big man became an NCAA top rim protector and finisher this year. He needs to get stronger for the NBA. He excels at lobs and will earn money on pick-and-roll in the NBA. He seals defenders deep in the paint and finishes with a jump hook. Koloko can switch onto wings and guards due to his mobility for his size. He remains raw force, but good film study and fundamental work could make Koloko a lottery pick.

NBA Comparisons: Clint Capela, Ed Davis

Malaki Branham became Ohio State's main option late in the year. Branham averaged 17.3 points and 3.8 rebounds per game in the second half. Branham is a big wing. He scores from three levels and can score near the basket. He is efficient and deadly in the mid-range. Branham uses tight handles to break opponents down with dribbling into the lane. He leads naturally and plays with strong intensity.

NBA Comparisons: Khris Middleton, Caris LeVert

Davison had many highlights at Alabama; he is an amazing athlete. The former five-star recruit has skills for most first-rounders. Davison might miss the top-20 because his Bama shooting was weak (30% from deep). Davison looks ready for a first-round spot based on his pedigree.

NBA Comparisons: Russell Westbrook, Colin Sexton

The NBL-to-NBA pipeline works in 2022. The Oceania league sends a star prospect stateside for the third year. This follows a route legitimized by LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey in recent NBA drafts. Dieng looks like a candidate to randomly land in the lottery. This 6-9 forward has big potential as a jumbo forward due to his length and scoring. A team in talent-collection mode would benefit from his youth and growth time.

NBA Comparisons: Chandler Parsons, Brandon Ingram

Wesley's appeal is his scoring and NBA-ready frame. Wesley gets to his spots, creates with the ball, and attacks the rim. He loves to get to the line. He is raw, but the 19-year-old has much to like. Wesley is an explosive player, one of the top athletes in his class, but he lacks a three-point shot. Add one, and watch out in the NBA.

NBA Comparisons: R.J. Hampton, Larry Hughes

MarJon Beauchamp, the oldest G League Ignite talent at 20, has a strong G-League season pushing him toward the first round. Beauchamp shows great size and athleticism. He must improve his shooting. His scoring ability is proven; he averaged over 30 points per game at Yakima Valley College during one season. The NBA isa littlebetter than JUCO, showing Beauchamp's potential. He is a boom or bust prospect. He should play as a standard two-way player right away.

Comparison: Kelly Oubre, Matt Barnes

Ryan Rollins is a versatile guard. He plays on and off the ball. Rollins scores efficiently from all three levels. He has a great jumper with NBA range. He posted elite shooting splits better than 50/40/90. Rollins is a pure knock-down shooter. At 6-4, 180, he lacks ideal size for a two-guard. However, shot-making matters most in today's NBA.

NBA Comparisons: Cole Anthony, Coby White

The Mountain West Player of the year has a quick first step and uses spins, rip throughs, and up-and-unders from the post with both hands. Roddy's big frame helps him finish through contact. Seeing him as a primary scorer early is difficult. He has a multi-faceted face-up game and moves well off the ball. He is not a tough one-on-one defender. The wing player showed only one season of strong deep shooting, but that might earn a 3-and-D chance on him.

NBA Comparisons: Grant Williams, DeJuan Blair

McGowens is a long, wiry athlete with smooth handles and a good dribble drive. McGowens excels at bouncing the ball and attacking the rim. Nebraska lacks a prospect like him. He has all the tools: great length and size for a shooting guard, athleticism, and basketball instincts. He looks scary in the open court. Though inconsistent from downtown yet, he shows promise as an outside shooter. He shoots with confidence and projects as a high-volume three-point shooter later on.

NBA Comparisons: Spencer Dinwiddie, Shaun Livingston

E.J. Liddell does not fit a standard prospect mold. He has been in the college basketball national player of the year talks for over two seasons. He is undersized for a big man. He finished in the top five in the Big Ten for blocks last season. He scores well offensively. If he gets more consistent from downtown, he will likely stick in the league. Otherwise, Liddell has potential overseas.

NBA Comparisons: Paul Millsap, P.J. Washington

Juzang's knock is his lack of athleticism. Still, the UCLA star has a good frame and size on the wing. Juzang moves quickly and has clever handles, despite lacking a fast first step. He scores well, both inside and out. His shot is smooth; he can be effective from deep in catch-and-shoot plays. Juzang knows how to find his shot and plays well without the ball.

NBA Comparisons: Georges Niang, Dillon Brooks

Patrick Baldwin Jr. played only 11 games with Milwaukee due to injury. He missed most of his senior year of high school due to injury too. Baldwin Jr. was ranked #1 in his recruiting class once. He may not be an easy pick now. Still, players with injury history play in the NBA with that talent (see Michael Porter Jr.). In 2021, Baldwin Jr. did not stand out, shooting poorly from deep. A team might take a chance on his potential floor-spacing 6-9 combo forward.

NBA Comparisons: Kevin Knox, Jabari Parker

Timme is a skilled power forward. He passes well in the post, scores efficiently, and defends capable. Timme projects as a high-end role player in the NBA. Post play is not popular now, but Timme's footwork and underneath moves are not a passing trend. Timme needs to expand his range to the three-point line. Timme lacks explosive athleticism but has the quickness to stay in the game down low.NBA power forwardsdown low. He cannot switch onto NBA guards. He gets little help and is not a rim protector. His main value comes from the offense.

NBA Comparisons: Ryan Kelly, Khem Birch

NBA Comparisons: Bryn Forbes, Monte Morris

Wendell Moore Jr. is a versatile player affecting all game areas. He does not rely on one skill. Moore Jr. adds value as a defender, passer, and transition scorer. Moore Jr. moves his feet well and has the traits of a classic 3-and-D player. He is not a complete offensive player, but he excels in transition. With better ball handling, the Dukey could become a capable combo guard in the NBA.

Comparison: Josh Hart, Gary Harris

Washington played more off-the-ball at Kentucky than you want to see for anNBA point guard. Plus, an injury hurt his production late in the season; Kentucky lost the tournament in an upset against Saint Peter's. Still, TyTy has a strong case as a top-five talent due to his huge untapped potential. Operating as a lead guard, which we only saw in bursts at UK, Washington proved he is a versatile shot-creator and skilled midrange scorer. He needs to extend his range to become a great all-around player. Is “combo guard” still a dirty word in the NBA? It is complex, but with Washington, we will see more soon.

NBA Comparisons: Immanuel Quickley, Andre Miller

NBA ComparisonsUdoka Azubuike, Johnny O'Bryant.

Combo forward Lewis has a wide build and a low center of gravity, plus high individual skill. At 6-7, he fits the modern small ball wing mold. Lewis has a good mid-range game and shows promise as an outside shooter. Lewis needs to improve his shooting range and become a reliable threat to stretch the floor. Lewis moves well for a big guy; he is fluid and has power. He makes smart decisions with the ball and shows good instincts on both ends.

NBA ComparisonsTalen Horton-Tucker, Markieff Morris.

Isaiah is not as elite as his brother Evan. Still, Isaiah has the tools for a solid pro. He is a nimble 6'10" big who contributes all over the court. Like Evan, he moves fluidly in the paint with great body control and agility. Isaiah plays inside out on offense. He scores in the paint, but he also has a good face-up game, hitting shots off the dribble. Isaiah is a natural offensive talent; he makes things look easy and handles the ball comfortably. He needs a corner three and some strength.

NBA ComparisonsEvan Mobley, Zach Collins.

Fanbo Zeng is a bouncy, agile 6'11" combo forward who strokes from deep and moves fast off the bounce. Zeng was a top-40 prospect in high school but wisely skipped Gonzaga. He avoided being behind expected #1 pick Chet Holmgren on the depth chart, choosing instead to join the NBA G-League Ignite. Zeng is the best NBA prospect from China since Yao Ming, and he grew two inches last year!

NBA ComparisonsJaden McDaniels, Chris Boucher.

NBA ComparisonsKevin Duckworth, Steven Adams.

Harrison Ingram is a tall wing with mostly raw potential right now. Ingram played his way into a one-and-done, even without a tournament finish. Ingram can space the floor, defend, and create as a secondary ball handler.

NBA ComparisonsJeff Green, Nemanja Bjelica.

Kendall Brown plays like Sochan on a deep Baylor team defending a title. Brown did not explode like a mid-first-round prospect. Still, his big frame and elite motor keep him in the mix. Brown defends the wing with intensity, seeking opponents' best players every time. On offense, he stretches the floor as a shooter. Hungry wing players make a living in the league, a lesson the NBA should learn from Herb Jones.

NBA ComparisonsHerb Jones, Kenrich Williams.

Jean Montero is the best real prospect from the new Overtime Elite basketball league this season. Montero plays lead guard with style. His playmaking pops as a creator and shooter. The point guard attacks downhill and pulls up on a dime. Montero must improve his free-throw and three-point numbers badly. However, as one of the youngest prospects, he has time to improve.

NBA ComparisonsDennis Schroder, JJ Barea.

NBA Comparisons.P.J. Tucker, Grant Williams.

NBA Comparisons.Alex Caruso, Davis Bertans.

Ron Harper Jr. is a tall, broad-shouldered combo guard, like his dad, in the 2022 NBA Draft Basketball Players. He shows a high skill level and a great feel for the game. Harper Jr. does not jump out of the gym, but he makes knockdown catch-and-shoot plays.3 point shooter.Harper Jr. is a versatile defender and a 3-point shooter. He crafts in the paint using runners and fadeaways. His thick frame handles contact well on defense.

NBA comparisons.Gary Trent Jr., Eric Paschall.