Mock Draft
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The 2022 NBA Draft is now less than two months away. Unlike some years, there is still no consensus projected No. 1 overall pick as franchises seem genuinely split on whether the first player off of the board should be Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Duke’s Paolo Banchero, Auburn’s Jabari Smith or Purdue’s Jaden Ivey. They’re all very different players with different bodies and skill sets. I could make an argument in favor of any of them. But, at this point, after watching each player perform for an entire season of college basketball, I’m leaning slightly toward Holmgren because he’s the most unique of the group and, I think, the prospect with the highest ceiling.
Yes, I know he’s very thin.
No, I’m not sure that’ll ever significantly change.
But focusing too much on Holmgren’s slight frame feels a little like how so many people focused too much on Luka Doncic’s lack of athleticism in advance of the 2018 NBA Draft. Was it something to be considered? Sure. But locking in on that led to some discounting the fact that Doncic was doing unprecedented things for a player his age in Europe, which is my way of saying that locking in on Holmgren’s body can distract from the fact that the 7-foot center just did unprecedented things for a player his age in college. He’s an incredible rim-protector who can, on the offensive end, bounce it and shoot it comfortably and confidently. It’s not a stretch to suggest we’ve never seen a prospect quite like Holmgren. So I’m just going to trust that his slight frame won’t keep him from being the kind of NBA star his talent indicates is possible. If the Houston Rockets do indeed win the lottery, they should select Holmgren first.