2022 NBA Draft: Best Second Round Picks

2022 NBA Draft: Best Second Round Picks

The 2022 NBA Draft was loaded with second-round talent. Here are some of the best picks from outside the first round.

Andrew Nembhard – Indiana Pacers, Pick 31

I’ve said that Nembhard is the best pure point guard in the draft class. Getting him with the first pick of the second round should pay dividends for the Pacers. The Gonzaga product is excellent in the pick-and-roll and is skilled enough to carve out a lengthy career in the NBA.

Christian Koloko – Toronto Raptors, Pick 33

Koloko is a very solid center prospect. He has a high motor and excellent mobility for a seven-footer. The former Arizona big is serviceable as a rim protector and paint defender with some upside on the offensive side of the ball as well. He does most things well and has a fairly high floor given his draft spot.

Gabriele Procida – Detroit Pistons, Pick 36

I’m fairly high on Gabriele Procida relative to consensus. The 20-year-old Italian is a smooth shooter with very underrated athleticism. I’m not sure how he fits into the Pistons plans, but maybe they stash him overseas and he turns into something down the line. He has the potential to return first-round value.

Jaden Hardy – Dallas Mavericks, Pick 37

Definitely one of the steals of the draft considering Hardy was tabbed as a top-5 pick at the beginning of the cycle. He had a relatively inefficient G League campaign, but the elite scoring traits and deep shooting range are undeniable. Playing him off-ball alongside Luka Doncic is a great way to maximize his value.

Kennedy Chandler – Memphis Grizzlies, Pick 38

Kennedy Chandler slid this far because of his size, much like Sharife Cooper last year. That was a mistake. The Tennessee product quite simply has that dawg in him. He’s an excellent shooter and active defender who is really good at jumping passing lanes to generate transition opportunities. He plays much larger than his listed height and Memphis fans will like what he brings.

Bryce McGowens – Charlotte Hornets, Pick 40

McGowens has so much potential as an offensive force and shot creator. Just looking at offense alone, he has one of the best packages in the draft class. McGowens also has ideal size at the guard spot. The idea that he could end up returning the value of a lottery pick really isn’t that crazy to me.

EJ Liddell – New Orleans Pelicans, Pick 41

It’s a crime that Liddell wasn’t drafted in the first round. I liked him as the potential finishing touch to the roster of a contending team. He’s just so solid on both sides of the ball and improved every season of his college career. As a four, Liddell can stretch the floor while also having enough defensive ability to be a capable shot-blocker. Not sure why so many teams passed on him.

Ryan Rollins – Golden State Warriors, Pick 44

Rollins was one of my favorite sleepers of the 2022 NBA Draft. He makes the offensive part of the game look so effortless. Very smooth scorer and playmaker. Golden State is a great spot for his development, but maybe not for seeing an NBA court right away. He’ll hit the G League and hopefully turn some heads early.

Ismael Kamagate – Denver Nuggets, Pick 46

Kamagate is another one of the sleepers I liked before the draft. He’s a high-level, athletic rim protector and proficient rebounder who moves fluidly off the ball. He is a bit of a project but the tools he has are undeniable.

Jabari Walker – Portland Trail Blazers, Pick 57

There is absolutely no way that Jabari Walker is only the 57th best player in this draft class. The former Colorado forward is a good scorer and rebounder who shoots the ball very well and stays engaged on the defensive end. Far closer to a first-round talent than an end-of-the-draft guy. Definitely a steal.

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