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2022 NBA Draft bold observations: Five unconventional takeaways from studying this year’s prospects

2022 NBA Draft bold observations: Five unconventional takeaways from studying this year's prospects

The 2022 NBA Draft – hello! – is just days away. We’ve ranked the prospects, we’ve mocked their landing spots, we’ve dissected the race for No. 1 and written extensive profiles on many of them. Now’s time for the not-so-fun part (for me) and fun part (for you): putting pen to paper on some observations after devoting plenty of energy into scouting pro prospects.

I’ve scouted this class for a long time now and watched them grow over the course of the last year. I’ve followed their trajectory, some from likely No. 1 pick candidates to No. 1 pick contenders, others from off-the-radar talents to potential first-round selections. And I’ve come up with five observations – some lukewarm, some scolding hot – about the 2022 class and some specific players as Thursday’s draft approaches. 

Let’s dive in.

1. Chet Holmgren is worth the risk

The list of 7-footers in the NBA who weigh less than 200 pounds right now is a very short list. The list who meet those qualifications over the last few decades and have been successful is perhaps smaller. But what if Holmgren, all 7-feet and 195 pounds of him, pans out?

There’s been so much gnashing of teeth over Holmgren and his frame – will he hold up, will he not? – that I don’t think anyone has fully come to grips with the star power he possesses if he indeed stays healthy. He’s got a ridiculously long wingspan, amazing timing on shot-blocking and a competitive spirit that will make him a star. He’s already arguably the best shot blocker in the draft and a good floor-spacer, and he can add so much more to his game as he matures.

There’s always a chance he doesn’t hit, of course – either because injuries or because he doesn’t quite fit into the NBA – but I think he’s a clear top-two talent in the class who turns out to be worth whatever risk he brings given his unique frame. 

Want more analysis of the top prospects in the NBA Draft? Listen below and subscribe to the Eye on College Basketball podcast where we take a deep dive on the top players heading to the next level.

2. Jaden Ivey will be an All-Star the most times

Jabari Smith Jr. (the favorite to go No. 1) and Holmgren (someone I’m on record as being a top-two talent) are both going to be difference-makers. No doubt. But I’m ready to push my chips to the table with Jaden Ivey, who I have No. 1 in this class, and predict that he makes the most All-Star teams of any…

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