As I sit down to analyze the 2022 NBA draft class, I can't help but feel this particular group reminds me of something former coach Jong Uichico once said about playoff momentum. While he noted that finishing either No. 1 or 2 isn't the biggest concern, there's nothing more satisfying than entering the playoffs on a winning note. That same philosophy applies perfectly to evaluating these young prospects - it's not just about who goes first overall, but about which players are building that winning momentum that will carry them into successful playoff careers down the road.
Let me start with Paolo Banchero from Duke, who I believe has separated himself as the most complete offensive package in this draft. Standing at 6'10" with a 7'1" wingspan, his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is something we haven't seen since maybe Blake Griffin entered the league. What really stands out in my view is his advanced footwork and ability to create his own shot - he averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds while shooting 47.8% from the field. I've watched countless hours of tape on him, and his ability to read defensive coverages at just 19 years old is genuinely special. He reminds me of a young Carmelo Anthony in how he can score from all three levels, though I do have concerns about his defensive consistency that need addressing.
Then there's Chet Holmgren from Gonzaga, the most polarizing prospect in this draft. At 7'0" with a 7'6" wingspan, his defensive potential is absolutely staggering - he averaged 3.7 blocks in just 26.9 minutes per game while shooting an incredible 60.7% from the field and 39% from three. I'll be honest, his slender frame worries me when projecting him against NBA physicality, but the basketball instincts are just off the charts. I've spoken with several scouts who compare his defensive timing to Rudy Gobert but with far more offensive versatility. The way he protects the rim while also being comfortable bringing the ball up court is something we rarely see in players his size.
Jabari Smith from Auburn might be my personal favorite in this class, and I'm not shy about that bias. His shooting mechanics are arguably the cleanest I've evaluated since Klay Thompson came out of Washington State - he shot 42.9% from three-point range on 5.5 attempts per game. At 6'10" with quick release and high release point, he's essentially unblockable when he gets his feet set. What really sold me was watching him in person against Kentucky where he dropped 26 points despite constant defensive attention. His handle needs work, sure, but I'd take that shooting stroke any day of the week.
The guard class is particularly deep this year, with Jaden Ivey from Purdue bringing that explosive athleticism that just jumps off the screen. He averaged 17.3 points and 3.1 assists while shooting 46% from the field, but the numbers don't capture how electric he is in transition. I've timed his first step multiple times, and it's consistently among the fastest I've ever recorded at the college level. His shooting needs to become more consistent - he shot just 35.8% from three - but the foundation is there for a future All-Star.
What's interesting about this draft class is how it reflects that philosophy I mentioned earlier about building momentum. These top prospects aren't just talented - they're coming into the league with winning mentalities and proven track records. Banchero led Duke to the Final Four, Holmgren was the cornerstone of a Gonzaga team that spent most of the season ranked number one, Smith transformed Auburn into a legitimate contender, and Ivey helped Purdue reach their highest ranking in years. That winning experience matters more than people realize when projecting NBA success.
Looking beyond the obvious top four, there are several players I'm higher on than most analysts. I've been beating the drum for Jalen Duren from Memphis since high school - at 6'11" with a 7'5" wingspan and explosive athleticism, he reminds me of a young Dwight Howard. He averaged 12.0 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks while shooting 59.7% from the field, and I think he has All-Defensive team potential down the road. Then there's Shaedon Sharpe from Kentucky, the mystery man of this draft who didn't play a single college minute. I've watched his high school and grassroots footage extensively, and the athleticism is absolutely elite - he might have the highest vertical in this class at around 45 inches according to my sources within the Kentucky program.
The international prospects bring another dimension to this draft, with players like Ousmane Dieng from France showing that unique combination of size and skill that NBA teams covet. At 6'10" with legitimate guard skills, he's exactly the type of versatile wing that dominates modern basketball. I had the chance to watch him live in the NBL, and his development throughout the season was remarkable - he improved from shooting 22% from three in the first half to 40% in the second half. That kind of rapid adjustment speaks volumes about his work ethic and potential.
As we approach draft night, I keep coming back to that idea of building momentum that Uichico emphasized. The team that selects Banchero gets an immediate offensive centerpiece who can average 18-20 points as a rookie in my estimation. Holmgren provides the type of defensive anchor that can transform an entire team's identity, though I'd project him more in the 12 points and 8 rebounds range initially. Smith's shooting should translate immediately - I wouldn't be surprised to see him lead all rookies in three-point percentage. And Ivey's explosiveness will make him a highlight reel from day one.
Ultimately, what makes this draft class so compelling is the variety of pathways to success these players represent. Whether it's Banchero's polished offensive game, Holmgren's unique two-way potential, Smith's elite shooting, or Ivey's athletic dynamism, each top prospect brings something distinct to the table. Having evaluated hundreds of prospects over the years, I can confidently say this group has the potential to produce multiple All-Stars and franchise cornerstones. The teams that prioritize fit and development environment over simply taking the "best available" will likely reap the greatest rewards, because as Uichico understood, it's not just about where you start - it's about building that winning momentum that carries you through your entire career.