2022 NBA DRAFT

[Teffer10]

An option at Shooting Guard who could be available in the #18-22 range: Ochai Agbaji.

Watch on YouTube

If he is there, we'll regret not taking him like Bane if we don't.

Most players in our range will require development time, but Agbaji is mature and should quickly become part of the rotation.
His entire game is polished.
Agbaji is actually older than Green, but decided to stay in college to develop. Green took the NBA route to develop.
Agbaji was able to develop his offensive game in college by becoming the go-to guy and getting touches on every possession in meaningful games.
Green's development was in practice, watching from the sidelines, or playing in ho-hum G-League games until this season, and even then his touches are limited.

Agbaji is basically Green with an offensive game.
However, I'll be more than shocked if he isn't a lotto pick, let alone make it into the 20s.

[LAL1947]

An option at Shooting Guard who could be available in the #18-22 range: Ochai Agbaji.

If he is there, we'll regret not taking him like Bane if we don't.

Most players in our range will require development time, but Agbaji is mature and should quickly become part of the rotation. His entire game is polished.

However, I'll be more than shocked if he isn't a lotto pick, let alone make it into the 20s.

Haha, agreed on the Bane thing! Agbaji seems like he could be this year's Bane. I guess the Mavs will have to see how the dice fall. Perhaps, they finish 12th overall, get the 19th pick and he's still on the board.

If he's gone by then, then Marjon Beauchamp seems like a nice wing prospect. Not as good of a shooter as Agbaji but there's something about him that reminds me of Terance Mann from LAC. He does a little bit of everything, is active on both ends. Seems the sort who could end up surprising with his progress and improvement, like Mann has, as he gets more access to better training and teammates. He was playing in community college just last season and is now in the G-league.

[realEAST]

Agbaji is decent, but he has fallen off quite a bit as season progressed and Kansas faced tougher competition. Has pretty underwhelming tournament so far as well. And Mavs are stacked as guard positions at the moment (Luka, Brunson, Dinwiddie, Hardaway, Green, even Bullock).
And in comparison to Bane in his senior year, he is just a much worse playmaker and handler, as well as defender. Even as shooter, Bane was 46% 3pt, while Agbaji is 39%. I think Agbaji is decent rotation guy at best.

[Teffer10]

Agbaji is decent, but he has fallen off quite a bit as season progressed and Kansas faced tougher competition. Has pretty underwhelming tournament so far as well. And Mavs are stacked as guard positions at the moment (Luka, Brunson, Dinwiddie, Hardaway, Green, even Bullock).
And in comparison to Bane in his senior year, he is just a much worse playmaker and handler, as well as defender. Even as shooter, Bane was 46% 3pt, while Agbaji is 39%. I think Agbaji is decent rotation guy at best.

Fair enough but I don't think anyone is comparing Agbaji to Bane but merely making the point of regret not taking him like they should be with not taking Bane.
Bane has proven himself at the next level, and Agbaji could very well be the next Jones/Anderson/Cunningham/Ager etc...

Agree, Agbaji probably won't have the success that Bane has had, but I think he will have a much better career than Green will have.
My comparison is more with Green than Bane.

And in defense of Agbaji's slippage during the season, he was the obvious go-to guy so defenses were designed to stop him. I don't see him anywhere near a #1 or #2 potential at the NBA level, and probably not even a starter, but I think he will become a steady rotation player at an early age.

I do agree he wouldn't be a pick to address need, but if he is there in the mid-20s he would most likely be BPA and someone who could fit into our rotation fairly soon.
If we try to address need, I agree with the OP that a 4/5 player is where we should look and there should be some good candidates in that range. If Mark Williams is there, he'd be another BPA candidate and someone who would fill a dire need.

[realEAST]

Agbaji is decent, but he has fallen off quite a bit as season progressed and Kansas faced tougher competition. Has pretty underwhelming tournament so far as well. And Mavs are stacked as guard positions at the moment (Luka, Brunson, Dinwiddie, Hardaway, Green, even Bullock).
And in comparison to Bane in his senior year, he is just a much worse playmaker and handler, as well as defender. Even as shooter, Bane was 46% 3pt, while Agbaji is 39%. I think Agbaji is decent rotation guy at best.

Fair enough but I don't think anyone is comparing Agbaji to Bane but merely making the point of regret not taking him like they should be with not taking Bane.
Bane has proven himself at the next level, and Agbaji could very well be the next Jones/Anderson/Cunningham/Ager etc...

Agree, Agbaji probably won't have the success that Bane has had, but I think he will have a much better career than Green will have.
My comparison is more with Green than Bane.

And in defense of Agbaji's slippage during the season, he was the obvious go-to guy so defenses were designed to stop him. I don't see him anywhere near a #1 or #2 potential at the NBA level, and probably not even a starter, but I think he will become a steady rotation player at an early age.

I do agree he wouldn't be a pick to address need, but if he is there in the mid-20s he would most likely be BPA and someone who could fit into our rotation fairly soon.
If we try to address need, I agree with the OP that a 4/5 player is where we should look and there should be some good candidates in that range. If Mark Williams is there, he'd be another BPA candidate and someone who would fill a dire need.

I kind of agree with you there, it's just that with all the guard depth Dallas has, where Agbaji would be 6th or 7th option just among guards, if I was looking for most ready now player, I'd rather pick someone who plays position of greater need, like Koloko. Don't think M. Williams will be there, but if he is, he is a no brainer pick for me; Koloko is slightly worse version of him but still should be decent contributor.

At the same time, in Dallas range there should also be several young guards, with, in my opinion, greater potential than Agbaji - and since there would be had to find minutes right away for them (as much as for Agbaji), I'd rather pick someone who has a higher ceiling and could be gradually developed, with greater long term returns.

This would be my general approach, but Agbaji could very well take a massive leap, develop in few areas like handling and mid range game, and become decent starter in his first or second year in the league. It's just that I'd be more comfortable if he had clearer path to playing time than it is in Dallas.

[ejs78]

This was supposed to be a lot shorter post, bu I got carried away... Anyways, this is how I'd have a draft list for Dallas.

Personally, unless Sochan or Williams fall to Mavs pick, I'd gladly trade down if OKC would be willing to trade #30 and #34 for Mavs pick, #23 at the moment. Pick up two prospects there, and hope one of the guys from the last group goes undrafted.

Here it goes:

A) UNLIKELY: both of these guys are likely a mid 1st picks (late lotto or late teens) and probably outside of Mavs reach, but if for some reason they fall, I think they'd be great gets, and would seriously think about keeping the pick no matter what.

1. Jeremy Sochan (F), Baylor
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/jeremy-sochan)

Has great all around defensive potential, with his combination of size, length, athleticism, motor and instincts. Developing offensive game too, with some dribbling and shooting ability. works hard on that end too, collecting offensive rebounds, cutting and running to the rim. Long term solution to PF position.

2. Mark Williams (C), Duke
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/mark-williams)

Great fit as C long term. Has great tools and high IQ, fills the role as defensive anchor perfectly. Active and efficient on offensive end, good screener and P'n'R big; great offensive rebounder who generates extra possessions.

B) TALENT ON THE RISE :

Malaki Branham (G), Ohio State
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/malaki-branham)

Branham had a great end of season. He is not an immediate positional need, but has a really high potential that would be shame to miss if he is available when Mavs pick - although he is starting to climb the boards now and is already in late teens with a chance to get higher. Just has great combination of tools and skills, and is still fairly young (won't turn 19 until Draft time) - 6'6 with +wingspan (6'10), high level athlete, can handle and create his own shot, has pull up mid range game, good 3pt shooter, can take it to the rim too; has shown some potential as P'n'R creator... might end up one of the steals of the draft.

C) GUYS THAT FIT: not overly exciting prospects, but both of these guys would fill the positional need and have potential to become decent starters or high level backpus.

1. EJ Liddel (F), Ohio State
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/e-j-liddell)

College vet that plays like one. Good shooter with developed offensive game, who also puts up good shot blocking numbers on the defensive end. Question is what and how it will translate to NBA level - he lacks size and athleticism to be high level defender and especially shot blocker in the NBA, and he might very well be reduced to spot up shooter on the other end. In my opinion he's closer to decent backup than starter.

2. Christian Koloko (C), Arizona
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/christian-koloko)

Not as good as Mark Williams (slightly smaller and not as strong) on both ends of the floor, but has makings of good role player - rim protecting / rim running C. Has good mobility on defensive end, has strength and size that should translate to NBA too; on offense he knows and executes his role. Not a flashy pick but a useful player for sure.

D) SHOOTING FOR THE STARS: all of these guys are young shooting guards / combo forwards who all show various interesting traits, but have some glaring holes as well. At least one of them at is going to be a very good player.

1. Bryce McGowan, Nebraska
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/bryce-mcgowens)

Talented scorer, better shooter than his percentages, great at drawing and converting FTs, good handles, has really nice size... downside is defense and slight uncertainty regarding the shooting; marginal inclination towards playmaking for others. Question is do you take him over players more ready to contribute immediately.

2. Blake Wesley, Notre Dame
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/blake-wesley)

Has tool to be two way combo guard, but his shooting is extremely streaky, and in comparison to McGowens he is much worse FT shooter, which is worrisome; on the other hand, very young and had some great games against good competition

3. Jaden Hardy, Gleague Ignite
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/jaden-hardy)

Started the year as lotto talent, but has fallen out so far. He certainly has talent - good handler, can create and make even the tough shots - could very well end up something like Cole Anthony; but very inconsistent, not good playmaker and questionable IQ and readiness to play mature, team game.

4. Trevor Keels, Duke
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/trevor-keels)

Youngest in the group, won't turn 19 until the Draft. Great physical profile and defensive instincts and tools. Has underwhelmed as shooter and playmaker relative to expectations, but still has promise and is on slightly higher level than rest of the guys. At the same time, he is really good defensively, and has great physical profile for his age, very strong, although not as explosive as other guys. Slightly smaller than them too.

5. Jalen Williams, Santa Clara
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/jalen-williams)

Oldest in the group and from the smallest school, but has interesting all round potential as defender, playmaker and shooter / scorer. Probably some bias due to playing worst competition of the bunch, but he could very well surprise and be rotation player right away as he averaged 18 / 4 / 4, on 40% 3pt shooting.

E) UNDER THE RADAR YOUNGER GUYS: young guys, without spectacular ceiling, but with potential to be valuable role players. Could be a reach tom take them in the 1st round, but should offer great value in the 2nd round.

1. Jabari Walker (F), Colorado State
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/jabari-walker)

Has all the makings of the solid role player, maybe even starter on the NBA level - he is good all round defender, rebounder and developing shooter with range to 3pt. Doesn't have some ultra exciting ceiling, but should be a contributor. It might be hard to take him over some of the higher ceiling guys, but he has a pretty certain floor at position of great value (3&D combo forward), and is still young (sophmore).

2. Justin Lewis (F), Marquette
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/justin-lewis)

Very similar to Jabari Walker, but in my opinion maybe a slightly lesser rebounder and defender, while being a more versatile shooter. Still, I'd prefer Walker at this point, I think he has greater potential as two way player.

F) INTERNATIONAL GUYS:

Procida, Spagnolo, Besson: haven't really seen a lot of them, but they have some promise, although all of them are longer term projects. Procida likley has best NBA tools with his combination of size, athleticism and shooting.
Jovic has some obvious appeal as big playmaker, but his defense remains suspectable, and it is a question how he translates. I am fairly high on him.
Kamagate has tool to be good rimprotector, but for some reason I'd feel safer to go with Koloko in this range and witht his type of player.

https://www.tankathon.com/players/matteo-spagnolo
https://www.tankathon.com/players/hugo-besson
https://www.tankathon.com/players/gabriele-procida
https://www.tankathon.com/players/nikola-jovic
https://www.tankathon.com/players/ismael-kamagate

G) UNDER THE RADAR MIX OF GUYS: more of an honorable mentions section, with a mix of interesting guys that should be available later in the 2nd round, or might even go undrafted, with some of them having potential to blow up given improvement in one major area. Listed from oldest to youngest.

1. Alondes Williams (G), Wake Forest
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/alondes-williams)

Herky jerky senior guard, who has good size, handles and vision, but his shaky jumper is the main draw back. If he can improve that, could be a good rotation guard or even a 6th man in the NBA.

2. Ron Harper jr. (F), Rutgers
(https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/ron-harperjr-1.html)

Combo forward with good size and strength who lacks some athleticism, but could carve a role as rotation two way forward, as he has good IQ and is decent shooter, especially in the smaller role.

3. Jordan Hall (G), Saint Joseph's
(https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/jordan-hall-1.html)

6'7 guard with really nice passing touch and vision, and a good shooter with NBA range, even from the dribble. Not overly athletic, which prevents him from finishing at the rim, and really not a good defender, despite his size. Still failry young too, just a sophomore.

4. Caleb Love (G), North Carolina
(https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/caleb-love-1.html)

6'4 guard who has all the tools, but is wildly inconsistent in putting it together. He has handling, shooting and finishing ability, but lacks experience and maturity to balance it all and put it together. If he declares and drops to second part of 2nd round, could be a really nice get couple of years down the way.

5. Harrison Ingram (F), Stanford
(https://www.tankathon.com/players/harrison-ingram)

Combo forward with good size and strength, has decent two way potential, and also has some playmaking ability. His shot has been bad (3pt, and FTs), but if he improves there, could be a surprise down the stretch. Also, he could easily return to college if his 1st round prospects don't look to bright.

I'm seeing some mocks with Kamagate to Mavs. Mavsdraft from Twitter was on Locked On Mavs and also listed him as a potential pick

Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

[Apz]

Talk about next year and fits, when is eugene expected to be healed?

[Darren]

Agbaji is decent, but he has fallen off quite a bit as season progressed and Kansas faced tougher competition. Has pretty underwhelming tournament so far as well. And Mavs are stacked as guard positions at the moment (Luka, Brunson, Dinwiddie, Hardaway, Green, even Bullock).
And in comparison to Bane in his senior year, he is just a much worse playmaker and handler, as well as defender. Even as shooter, Bane was 46% 3pt, while Agbaji is 39%. I think Agbaji is decent rotation guy at best.

I agree. Agbaji is Ntilikina at best. Desmond Bane is elite volume shooter in that year draft. Meanwhile, Agbaji plays good defense with long arm. But defensively, it is nothing closed to Thybulle or even Ntilikina. Offensively, Agbaji makes a lot of ill-advised shots. In such a case, I don't think Agbaji beats Hardaway or Bullock in 4 years. I'd rather focus on a big in 1st round and trade a 2nd for Naismith instead. But I don't think Naismith is any good unless Hardaway is traded. Still, the Mavs likely won't get anything with the 2nd rounder.

To me, it's the priority:
1.Trade up for Mark William with Maxi / Powell?
2.Draft Moussa Diabate (I am not high on EJ Liddey. I think the upside is limited; may not excel well against random nba player. I'd rather get Eugene Omoruyi back.) if possible for a trade down getting a higher second round pick.

[realEAST]

I'm seeing some mocks with Kamagate to Mavs. Mavsdraft from Twitter was on Locked On Mavs and also listed him as a potential pick

Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

Kamagate has really nice tool, being 6'11 with 7'5 wingspan and really good athleticism and mobility. He even flashed some shooting potential, hitting some contested turnaround jumpers.

My worries regarding him are his strength - he is just 220 lbs - and whether his defense will translate, since in Europe there is no 3 seconds rule, which makes it easier for the Centers. He is also a bit older prospect, as he will be 22 by the Draft time.

That said, if he is well scouted and Mavs are confident in him translating and improving, he could be a nice get.

[gottamakeit]

Kamagate would be my pick from a draft of need type move.
No idea if better, more talented players fall in the draft. If they do, the Mavs should draft talent over fit/need.

[realEAST]

Kamagate would be my pick from a draft of need type move.
No idea if better, more talented players fall in the draft. If they do, the Mavs should draft talent over fit/need.

Right now, from talent standpoint, I am very high on Ousmane Dieng, who was a lotto talent to start the year, but should be available when Mavs pick.

His numbers are bad as he started the year awfully, but he has has a really nice stretch of games recently, indicating something clicked with him.

He is far from NBA level contributor right now, but his physical and athletic profile and array of skills, as well as his really fluid, natural movements with ball in his hands is special.

It may take a season or two to develop, but if he comes close to his ceiling, we are talking about star level player.

Personally, he reminds me of Jaden McDaniels, but with more on ball creation and ability.

If M. Williams and J. Sochan (pretty safe bets with high ceiling imo) are off the board, he is potentially my favourite high upside player ro gamble on.

[gottamakeit]

Kamagate would be my pick from a draft of need type move.
No idea if better, more talented players fall in the draft. If they do, the Mavs should draft talent over fit/need.

Right now, from talent standpoint, I am very high on Ousmane Dieng, who was a lotto talent to start the year, but should be available when Mavs pick.

His numbers are bad as he started the year awfully, but he has has a really nice stretch of games recently, indicating something clicked with him.

He is far from NBA level contributor right now, but his physical and athletic profile and array of skills, as well as his really fluid, natural movements with ball in his hands is special.

It may take a season or two to develop, but if he comes close to his ceiling, we are talking about star level player.

Personally, he reminds me of Jaden McDaniels, but with more on ball creation and ability.

If M. Williams and J. Sochan (pretty safe bets with high ceiling imo) are off the board, he is potentially my favourite high upside player ro gamble on.

From the video i just watchd

Watch on YouTube

, i'll make the following observations:

Ousmane Dieng reminds me of Kyle Anderson's game. Lack of first step, plays below the rim, good playmaking & vision, good size and length, do you see the similarities?

Anyways, i wouldn't be too opposed to the idea. But i am wary of the Mavs capability of developing raw talent (high upside players).
I would rather they go with a player that already produces something that can keep him on the floor with the first round pick.

If they find a way to trade up in the second round, then i'm all for it.

[realEAST]

Kamagate would be my pick from a draft of need type move.
No idea if better, more talented players fall in the draft. If they do, the Mavs should draft talent over fit/need.

Right now, from talent standpoint, I am very high on Ousmane Dieng, who was a lotto talent to start the year, but should be available when Mavs pick.

His numbers are bad as he started the year awfully, but he has has a really nice stretch of games recently, indicating something clicked with him.

He is far from NBA level contributor right now, but his physical and athletic profile and array of skills, as well as his really fluid, natural movements with ball in his hands is special.

It may take a season or two to develop, but if he comes close to his ceiling, we are talking about star level player.

Personally, he reminds me of Jaden McDaniels, but with more on ball creation and ability.

If M. Williams and J. Sochan (pretty safe bets with high ceiling imo) are off the board, he is potentially my favourite high upside player ro gamble on.

Spoiler:

From the video i just watchd

Watch on YouTube

, i'll make the following observations:

Ousmane Dieng reminds me of Kyle Anderson's game. Lack of first step, plays below the rim, good playmaking & vision, good size and length, do you see the similarities?

Anyways, i wouldn't be too opposed to the idea. But i am wary of the Mavs capability of developing raw talent (high upside players).
I would rather they go with a player that already produces something that can keep him on the floor with the first round pick.

If they find a way to trade up in the second round, then i'm all for it.

I have to admit, Anderson wasn't my first comparison, but I can see where you are coming from there certainly are some similarities.

That said, I think Dieng, even though not an overly explosive athlete, is faster and more agile than Anderson.

He lacks strength, and that's what mostly prevented him from getting to the rim and finishing efficiently for the better part of the year, but if you look last few games, he really improved in that regard, and that's what give me most optimism - he's got skills and if he continues to develop his body and gets stronger, his game could really come together nicely.

Also, except strength I think Anderson is better playmaker, and even though Dieng has nice feel for the game, Anderson has a really high IQ too. Dieng however is a better shooter.

All in all, I'd say Dieng has more favorable skill set than Anderson, question is whether he puts it together.

And I agree, if Mavs conclude they can get immediate contributor, they should probably go for it, especially if he plays position of need like Kamagate.
But if they can't or are not sure that guy is as ready as it seems, taking a flyer on prospect like Dieng is not the worst thing, especially since Mavs need to find a gem like this given they did squander few assets, even though it might have seemed different at the time.

Also, I think they can develop guys (Brunson, Kleber, DFS, even Green is slowly coming along), but they often don't have patience and get rid of them too soon. But if they draft someone with clear intention to give him two years to slowly develop before he contribute, than I would be more optimistic.

Personally, my preference, or rather dream scenario, would be for them to move slightly down (like trading #23 for OKC's #30 and #34 - I saw it mentioned on Trade board, not sure it has legs) and try to pick up two guys - it is quite possible that both Kamagate and Dieng would be available with those picks, but there are also other guys I think would be nice get in this range (more so if they can get two of them instead of just one)

[Apz]

Why is it still a thing talking about why we didnt take the obvious choice bane? It was never an obvious choice. If u had said saddiq bey it would been different since that was an obvious choice. Bane was always mocked in that late 1st early 2nd. Not much mavs could do when grizzlies traded up to the pick before mavs and grBbed him

[daoneandonly]

Why is it still a thing talking about why we didnt take the obvious choice bane? It was never an obvious choice. If u had said saddiq bey it would been different since that was an obvious choice. Bane was always mocked in that late 1st early 2nd. Not much mavs could do when grizzlies traded up to the pick before mavs and grBbed him

The fact that he went to a local school should have meant our scouts had easy access to see him and evaluate, they didnt. Add to that the reports that Donnie nelson just walked out on draft night in a hissy fit and no one could get a hold of him, it just a disaster of a night

[Darren]

I'm seeing some mocks with Kamagate to Mavs. Mavsdraft from Twitter was on Locked On Mavs and also listed him as a potential pick

Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

Kamagate has really nice tool, being 6'11 with 7'5 wingspan and really good athleticism and mobility. He even flashed some shooting potential, hitting some contested turnaround jumpers.

My worries regarding him are his strength - he is just 220 lbs - and whether his defense will translate, since in Europe there is no 3 seconds rule, which makes it easier for the Centers. He is also a bit older prospect, as he will be 22 by the Draft time.

That said, if he is well scouted and Mavs are confident in him translating and improving, he could be a nice get.

Not really as good as Moussa Diabate.

[realEAST]

I'm seeing some mocks with Kamagate to Mavs. Mavsdraft from Twitter was on Locked On Mavs and also listed him as a potential pick

Sent from my SM-G960U using RealGM Forums mobile app

Kamagate has really nice tool, being 6'11 with 7'5 wingspan and really good athleticism and mobility. He even flashed some shooting potential, hitting some contested turnaround jumpers.

My worries regarding him are his strength - he is just 220 lbs - and whether his defense will translate, since in Europe there is no 3 seconds rule, which makes it easier for the Centers. He is also a bit older prospect, as he will be 22 by the Draft time.

That said, if he is well scouted and Mavs are confident in him translating and improving, he could be a nice get.

Not really as good as Moussa Diabate.

I mean, Diabate didn't have a particularly productive college season, but he certainly showed flashes in certain games. Main question with him is whether he is full time center. He's got interesting physical tools and he has decent skill level for a Center, but if he is more of a PF, he could end up as bench big or small ball C. This year he was playing next to traditional C all season long.

I don't want to act like I know or can project anything, especially in this draft range, just to be clear. Kamagate, Koloko, Diabate... it's not so hard to differentiate them at this time, but when you have to project them going forward and how they would develop, it becomes much trickier.

[Darren]

That's why I'd rather trade up for Mark Williams. I think it takes Maxi and this year first for Mark Williams. I'd strongly consider that.

[arkuo]

I think the Mavs go BPA here. Nico seems to be built different than Donnie. Donnie walked out of his office just minutes before having to make a draft choice. I would like to believe Nico is more professional than that.

[realEAST]

That's why I'd rather trade up for Mark Williams. I think it takes Maxi and this year first for Mark Williams. I'd strongly consider that.

I would too, but not sure Maxi has that kind of value. It would probably take a pick around #15 to get Williams, and I am not sure Maxi gets you there from #26 where Dallas is currently. But I absloutely love Williams.