2022 NBA Draft

[babyjax13]

Someone sell me on Shaeden Sharpe. I've been watching as much as I can, and while he is a nice player with very good athleticism, I'm not seeing a can't miss prospect, more of a guy who should go 5-9 in this draft.

[Hal14]

Someone sell me on Shaeden Sharpe. I've been watching as much as I can, and while he is a nice player with very good athleticism, I'm not seeing a can't miss prospect, more of a guy who should go 5-9 in this draft.

Not sure what videos you've seen or how much footage you've seen of Sharpe, but the things that stand out to me are:

-6'6" with a 7'0" wingspan
-45" vertical leap
-Legit 3 level scorer
-Appears to be one of the best shooters in the class, especially given how good his range is and his shot versatility (self created 3's, shots off screens, catch and shoot, off the dribble pull-ups, etc.)
-Really good finisher at the rim
-Will make some highlight reel passes and highlight reel blocks at he rim to wipe away baskets
-Freakish athleticism
-The game seems to come so easy, natural to him. Makes insane play after insane play yet makes it look so damn easy, smooth, effortless and like he's barely breaking a sweat
-Strong frame

I mean, what's not to like?

Very curious to see how he looks vs high major college competition and hope Kentucky puts him in the lineup soon.

[DCasey91]

he is NOT bigger than DeAndre Hunter, not really that close. Hunter is a legit 6-8 guy, AJ is like 6-5.

Clyde weight not height. AJ is a big big boy.

And that’s disingenuous. Hunter does not look at all 6”8”.

One is 203 cm
The other 198 cm

Metric > Imperial . Metric is so much better for correct measurements. That’s 2 inches that’s it.

[SeattleJazzFan]

man, watching that nd game last night, paolo just oozes talent. he didn't even play that great - missed a few bunnies, didn't get to the line, had a couple bad turnovers, took about 20 shots to score his 21 points - so not even that efficient, but it's hard not to watch that dude see a future star.

[clyde21]

he is NOT bigger than DeAndre Hunter, not really that close. Hunter is a legit 6-8 guy, AJ is like 6-5.

Clyde weight not height. AJ is a big big boy.

And that’s disingenuous. Hunter does not look at all 6”8”.

One is 203 cm
The other 198 cm

Metric > Imperial . Metric is so much better for correct measurements. That’s 2 inches that’s it.

Hunter is a legit 6-8, not sure what you're watching

and AJ is 6-5 probably at best

im not sure how you can conclude that AJ is "a bigger Hunter". even if you go by weight (lol?).

just admit you were wrong, it's better than doubling down on this clearly wrong take.

[mattao313]

man, watching that nd game last night, paolo just oozes talent. he didn't even play that great - missed a few bunnies, didn't get to the line, had a couple bad turnovers, took about 20 shots to score his 21 points - so not even that efficient, but it's hard not to watch that dude see a future star.

He's underrated imo when I watch him play it just seems like ths game comes easy for him, it doesn't look like he's going 100%.

Sent from my 5087Z using RealGM mobile app

[SelfishPlayer]

The power forward position in the NBA today has been devalued in comparison to 20 years ago. Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero are presently consensus top 5 picks. Why? It is better to "reach" for a lottery prospect at a more impactful fulltime perimeter position. Jaden Ivey has probably just become a consensus lottery pick projection. His potential to be Russell Westbrook is a better gamble than the names I've seen produced as comps for those two PFs above.

The lack of the combination of skill and athleticism that prevents anyone from projecting those two PFs as fulltime SFs in the NBA precluding them from projecting as Kawhi or Durant is concerning. Jabari Parker and Wendell Carter need to be learned from, and so do Russell Westbrook and Donovan Mitchell. Westbrook was accurately reached for in the draft, Mitchell was not. Size is still inaccurately overvalued. Valuing the size of 6'8"-6'10" players should still be a function of their fulltime perimeter adeptness being that they don't have very much of a size advantage over the average NBA player.

[clyde21]

^ the biggest problem with Paolo and Jabari to a lesser extent is that they are kinda positionally locked, Paolo specifically, he's not necessarily mobile or skilled enough to log big minutes at the 3, and he's not good enough defensively to log enough minutes at the 5, so he's kinda locked in as a 4 on your team which limits lineup scalability a bit.

it's not that they are 4s, it's that they are almost exclusively 4s which hurts them the most. versatility is king in today's NBA and getting guys that can play multiple positions on both sides of the floor is always the priority.

i say Jabari to a lesser extent because Jabari is just a better defender than Paolo and can actually provide good drop coverage, switchability and perimeter defense so he's a 3/4 defensively but Paolo I'd say is just a big unknown defensively right now in terms of his role. that's why Jabari is in T1 for me alone and Paolo is in T2.

[jman3134]

I like Paolo's skillset, but I wonder how much "untapped" potential he has left. Surely, he can become a deadeye three point gunner in the league, but I don't see the potential defensive versatility. He could power through most on the offensive end as well, but I don't see a game changing prospect. Of course, I also don't know him personally. The guy could have a Kobe mentality and that would be an obvious reason to pick him. But, from the outside in, I don't see it from a 'projecting upside' standpoint. High floor, medium ceiling offensive weapon who is probably a minus defensively.

[babyjax13]

Someone sell me on Shaeden Sharpe. I've been watching as much as I can, and while he is a nice player with very good athleticism, I'm not seeing a can't miss prospect, more of a guy who should go 5-9 in this draft.

Not sure what videos you've seen or how much footage you've seen of Sharpe, but the things that stand out to me are:

-6'6" with a 7'0" wingspan
-45" vertical leap
-Legit 3 level scorer
-Appears to be one of the best shooters in the class, especially given how good his range is and his shot versatility (self created 3's, shots off screens, catch and shoot, off the dribble pull-ups, etc.)
-Really good finisher at the rim
-Will make some highlight reel passes and highlight reel blocks at he rim to wipe away baskets
-Freakish athleticism
-The game seems to come so easy, natural to him. Makes insane play after insane play yet makes it look so damn easy, smooth, effortless and like he's barely breaking a sweat
-Strong frame

I mean, what's not to like?

Very curious to see how he looks vs high major college competition and hope Kentucky puts him in the lineup soon.

To me he does not look like an overwhelming NBA athlete, and I don't think he looks like an elite shooter, either. More of a poor man's Anthony Edwards. But I also have a lot of skepticism about players we don't see in a competitive environment, I'd feel more comfortable about him if he actually does wait till 2023, it just makes 2022 a bit more interesting if he actually declares. Any suggestions for things to watch? I've seen some of his EYBL stuff and some runs w/Kentucky in practice.

[MemphisX]

Someone sell me on Shaeden Sharpe. I've been watching as much as I can, and while he is a nice player with very good athleticism, I'm not seeing a can't miss prospect, more of a guy who should go 5-9 in this draft.

Not sure what videos you've seen or how much footage you've seen of Sharpe, but the things that stand out to me are:

-6'6" with a 7'0" wingspan
-45" vertical leap
-Legit 3 level scorer
-Appears to be one of the best shooters in the class, especially given how good his range is and his shot versatility (self created 3's, shots off screens, catch and shoot, off the dribble pull-ups, etc.)
-Really good finisher at the rim
-Will make some highlight reel passes and highlight reel blocks at he rim to wipe away baskets
-Freakish athleticism
-The game seems to come so easy, natural to him. Makes insane play after insane play yet makes it look so damn easy, smooth, effortless and like he's barely breaking a sweat
-Strong frame

I mean, what's not to like?

Very curious to see how he looks vs high major college competition and hope Kentucky puts him in the lineup soon.

To me he does not look like an overwhelming NBA athlete, and I don't think he looks like an elite shooter, either. More of a poor man's Anthony Edwards. But I also have a lot of skepticism about players we don't see in a competitive environment, I'd feel more comfortable about him if he actually does wait till 2023, it just makes 2022 a bit more interesting if he actually declares. Any suggestions for things to watch? I've seen some of his EYBL stuff and some runs w/Kentucky in practice.

EYBL is one of the best markers to me.

[reanimator]

When I saw Shaedon Sharpe live, he didn't look 6'6 more like 6'4 not that it matters. Easier to hide warts at the grassroots level. Definitely a plus athlete who can shoot it and create but for me, the college level would help answer to what extent he can do those things.

[Hal14]

Someone sell me on Shaeden Sharpe. I've been watching as much as I can, and while he is a nice player with very good athleticism, I'm not seeing a can't miss prospect, more of a guy who should go 5-9 in this draft.

Not sure what videos you've seen or how much footage you've seen of Sharpe, but the things that stand out to me are:

-6'6" with a 7'0" wingspan
-45" vertical leap
-Legit 3 level scorer
-Appears to be one of the best shooters in the class, especially given how good his range is and his shot versatility (self created 3's, shots off screens, catch and shoot, off the dribble pull-ups, etc.)
-Really good finisher at the rim
-Will make some highlight reel passes and highlight reel blocks at he rim to wipe away baskets
-Freakish athleticism
-The game seems to come so easy, natural to him. Makes insane play after insane play yet makes it look so damn easy, smooth, effortless and like he's barely breaking a sweat
-Strong frame

I mean, what's not to like?

Very curious to see how he looks vs high major college competition and hope Kentucky puts him in the lineup soon.

To me he does not look like an overwhelming NBA athlete, and I don't think he looks like an elite shooter, either. More of a poor man's Anthony Edwards. But I also have a lot of skepticism about players we don't see in a competitive environment, I'd feel more comfortable about him if he actually does wait till 2023, it just makes 2022 a bit more interesting if he actually declares. Any suggestions for things to watch? I've seen some of his EYBL stuff and some runs w/Kentucky in practice.

Yeah it is tough to judge without seeing him vs better competition. But look at lebron, KG, t-mac, kobe, etc. all either went no. 1 or should've gone no. 1 despite only going against high schoolers.

As far as recommendations on what to watch, I've just basically searched Shaedon Sharpe basketball on youtube and have watched a few of the vids that come up highest on the search and are more recent vids from the past year..

[SeattleJazzFan]

I like Paolo's skillset, but I wonder how much "untapped" potential he has left. Surely, he can become a deadeye three point gunner in the league, but I don't see the potential defensive versatility. He could power through most on the offensive end as well, but I don't see a game changing prospect. Of course, I also don't know him personally. The guy could have a Kobe mentality and that would be an obvious reason to pick him. But, from the outside in, I don't see it from a 'projecting upside' standpoint. High floor, medium ceiling offensive weapon who is probably a minus defensively.

as a fan of paolo the prospect, i don't disagree with any of that. absolutely valid criticisms.

honestly, he just looks different to me and i'm not sure i can pinpoint it exactly. when i watch him, even when he doesn't have a great game, he just looks really good. special. different. i'm probably wrong, but that's what i'm seeing.

his production and consistency right now are probably his greatest attributes. it's easy to pick apart his game, but he just comes out and produces every night. the other night vs l'ville, he went 5-15 and only had 11 points - but even then he chipped in 15 rebs. looks like the best player on the floor every night as a frosh.

[Duke4life831]

Someone sell me on Shaeden Sharpe. I've been watching as much as I can, and while he is a nice player with very good athleticism, I'm not seeing a can't miss prospect, more of a guy who should go 5-9 in this draft.

Not sure what videos you've seen or how much footage you've seen of Sharpe, but the things that stand out to me are:

-6'6" with a 7'0" wingspan
-45" vertical leap
-Legit 3 level scorer
-Appears to be one of the best shooters in the class, especially given how good his range is and his shot versatility (self created 3's, shots off screens, catch and shoot, off the dribble pull-ups, etc.)
-Really good finisher at the rim
-Will make some highlight reel passes and highlight reel blocks at he rim to wipe away baskets
-Freakish athleticism
-The game seems to come so easy, natural to him. Makes insane play after insane play yet makes it look so damn easy, smooth, effortless and like he's barely breaking a sweat
-Strong frame

I mean, what's not to like?

Very curious to see how he looks vs high major college competition and hope Kentucky puts him in the lineup soon.

To me he does not look like an overwhelming NBA athlete, and I don't think he looks like an elite shooter, either. More of a poor man's Anthony Edwards. But I also have a lot of skepticism about players we don't see in a competitive environment, I'd feel more comfortable about him if he actually does wait till 2023, it just makes 2022 a bit more interesting if he actually declares. Any suggestions for things to watch? I've seen some of his EYBL stuff and some runs w/Kentucky in practice.

He’s very bouncy, but ya I wouldn’t call him elite overall. Before anyone goes crazy, I’m not saying he’s not a good athlete. But ya compare him to say a Jalen Green, he doesn’t have the first step and lateral agility of Jalen.

His shot isn’t super consistent yet, but the form is solid and nothing too crazy to fix with it.

Again I think he’s pretty much just a further along LaVine (I also give the overall athleticism edge to LaVine) when comparing them at the same age. Very bouncy 2 guards with inconsistent jumpers but very workable forms.

Now just because he’s further along at the same stage doesn’t mean he will have the same progression rate. But ya you take him with the hope he is the next LaVine with higher level defense.

[Ruzious]

So Kessler's averaging 6.8 blocks and 1,8 steals per 40 minutes. He's also showing a great touch around the basket. He doesn't have a 3 point shot, but he's probably never been asked to shoot it from there. I'm guessing he practices it a lot. So, can he be a successful starting C in the NBA?

[Duke4life831]

So Kessler's averaging 6.8 blocks and 1,8 steals per 40 minutes. He's also showing a great touch around the basket. He doesn't have a 3 point shot, but he's probably never been asked to shoot it from there. I'm guessing he practices it a lot. So, can he be a successful starting C in the NBA?

The big question with Kessler is the foot speed. He won’t be able to camp in the paint like he does most of the time right now.

If he had better foot speed I would be a lot higher on him. The form on his jumper is solid (obviously not a part of his game yet) and he is a super smart player on both ends.

[Duke4life831]

My end of week 1 rankings

Jabari
Paolo
Chet
Ivey
Baldwin
Hardy
Collins (my sleeper)

Too lazy at the moment to dig any deeper than these guys at the moment.

My end of Month 1 rankings
Jabari
Paolo
Ivey
Brown
Chet
Baldwin
Hardy

Dont think there are any franchise guys in this draft. Jabari though I think has a good mix of high floor and solid ceiling. Paolo I can end up seeing being a box score machine like a Julius Randle and I think he will be a smarter player than Randle. Just way too big of a question mark on the defensive end for me. Ive been a big fan of Ivey for awhile, with this not being the strongest draft, Im cool taking Ivey top 3. His speed and quickness is flat out ridiculous. Not in love with his shooting form and wish he had a better natural facilitating feel to him. But ya Im cool taking him top 3 and hoping he can build upon that speed. The athletic profile in Brown is hard to pass up, I like his floor just from the defensive side of it, but one of those guys if it clicks I can see him being a good offensive player too. Chet Ive made it pretty known the issues I have with Chet. Just dont know if he has the physical profile or the athletic profile where his offensive skills will translate all that well against NBA competition. He wont drop outside the top 5 for me because if those skills do end up translating, the dude will be very good.

Since a few others did their tier rankings a few days ago, thought I would join in on the party (Im a follower, what can I say).

Tier 1:
Paolo
Jabari
Sharpe

Tier 2:
Ivey
Chet

Tier 3:
Bennedict
AJ

Tier 4:
Christie
Baldwin
Brown

Im more sold on my tier ranking than actual order. But that is probably the order I would have them at the moment as well. Ya even with all my criticisms of Paolo (again in my opinion just pushing back on some takes I dont quite see), Ive had him jump to #1 over the last couple weeks. Also as the season has gone by, I still dont see a franchise guy in this draft, but Im liking the depth of it more and more.

[GSWFan1994]

What's becoming clear to me, in some sense, is that the top 5 for this next draft is set in stone: Banchero, Ivey, Chet, Sharpe and Jabari.

Do you guys agree with this assessment? Or is Sharpe a tier below? Or someone like Johnny Davis could jump up?

[clyde21]

What's becoming clear to me, in some sense, is that the top 5 for this next draft is set in stone: Banchero, Ivey, Chet, Sharpe and Jabari.

Do you guys agree with this assessment? Or is Sharpe a tier below? Or someone like Johnny Davis could jump up?

that's probably right at this point