Tag: 2022 nba draft

TyTy Washington ready to bring winning spirit, confidence to Rockets

“One thing I bring to the table, no matter where I’m at, is my winning spirit,” TyTy Washington said in his introductory press conference with the Rockets. “I always want to win.”

HOUSTON — Former University of Kentucky guard, TyTy Washington, sat on stage Friday with his new Rockets teammates, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. Washington was already quite familiar with those players from their time competing against each other a few months ago in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and it was easy to see and hear a humble young man ready to show NBA fans just what he can do.

Proving himself is something the young 20-year-old has had to do at every level during his young basketball career, especially to those who doubt his skill set and what he brings to the court.

“He’s comfortable in his own skin,” said John Calipari, his former college coach at Kentucky, during an interview last season. “Great smile every day, comes to play. Competitive now, he’s got a little chip on his shoulder. You come at him; he’s coming back at you.”

Washington was selected with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft. The Phoenix, Arizona native feels he should have been selected higher but believes it was a loss for all the teams that passed on him.

“I mean, every player wants to be a top pick, high pick, and stuff like that,” Washington said after Thursday’s draft. “As I was falling, I wasn’t really stressing about it. It only takes one team to believe in you, and you can go out there and shock the world. That’s kind of my mindset on it. I always bet on myself, so I’m just going to go out there with a chip on my shoulder and remember all the teams that skipped me.”

That attitude and his on-court play impressed Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, who has known Washington since he was a young kid.

“I saw TyTy play for the first time when he was 11-years-old,” Stone said during Friday’s introductory press conference. “It feels like it is destined for him to be here. TyTy is a good basketball player. He is literally good at this game. At every level I have seen him on, he was one of the better players because he figures it out and he is really good at this game.”

Washington, a 6-foot-3 guard who was named SEC Freshman of the Week five times at Kentucky, averaged 12.5 points and 3.9 assists last season. That was good enough to earn him second-team All-Southeastern Conference honors and a spot on the SEC All-Freshman team.

Behind starter Kevin Porter Jr., it will be a fierce battle for the backup point guard position between Washington and second-year guard Daishen Nix, who led Houston’s G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers, to a championship this past season. That does not make Washington fear the challenge, because he is confident in his game.

“One thing I bring to the table, no matter where I’m at, is my winning spirit,” Washington said at Toyota Center, his new NBA home. “I always want to win. Whether that’s me scoring 30 points, zero points, as long as I’m out there on the court helping our team win, that’s all I care about.”

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WATCH: The moment E.J. Liddell was selected in the NBA draft

Love these videos when players get drafted. Congrats to an all-time great OSU player and human being, E.J. Liddell. #GoBucks

One of the things I love most about the NBA and NFL draft is watching the reactions of players as they realize their lifelong dream of playing in the highest competitive environment in their sport. It’s pure emotion, and even the most stoic of personalities tend to let it all hang out and are overcome realizing that they just reached a fantasy of all fantasies from the vigor of their youth.

Ohio State forward E.J. Liddell put off staying in the NBA draft to focus on improving his game based on the feedback he received. The former Mr. Basketball in Illinois turned into a state sheet stuffer that can score from multiple spots on the floor, protect the rim, and be a guy that can go get a shot when you need.

Still, he fell down the NBA draft board on Thursday night for reasons only NBA scouts and executives will know. When his name was finally called by the New Orleans Pelicans in the second round, he was overcome with emotion as he was surrounded by family, friends, and supporters.

Watch as Liddell’s wait on Thursday night in Belleville, Illinois, is finally realized with his name being called as a legit NBA player. The video is courtesy of Adam Jardy of the Columbus Dispatch.

I for one can’t wait to see Liddell prove to all of those teams that passed him up as he works just as hard as he has to date and puts together a long and productive NBA career.

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Best photos of Malaki Branham at the 2022 NBA draft

Get a look at some of the best photos of Malaki Branham at the 2022 NBA draft Thursday night. #GoBucks

Two Ohio State basketball players saw their dreams come true Thursday night at the 2022 NBA draft. Malaki Branham went off the board in the first round when the San Antonio Spurs selected him at pick No. 20. That was followed by E.J. Liddell slipping down to the second round when the New Orleans Pelicans called his name.

For Branham, the experience was even more special because he was in attendance as one of the players thought to be a shoo-in for being taken earlier in the first round. It was the equivalent of rolling out the red carpet NBA style.

Since Branham was in attendance, there were some great photos snapped of him from his arrival in Brooklyn all the way through him walking across the stage, and we’re bringing them to you.

Here are some of the best photos of Malaki Branham at the 2022 NBA draft on Thursday night.

Podcast: Michael Scotto on Houston’s 2022 draft, free agency plans

Michael Scotto, NBA insider for HoopsHype, joins us to preview free agency and recap Houston’s strong draft class — led by Jabari Smith.

Michael Scotto, NBA insider for HoopsHype, joins The Lager Line podcast to preview free agency for the Rockets and recap Houston’s strong 2022 draft class — led by Auburn forward Jabari Smith.

In the show, Scotto explains why he concurs with the rave reviews of Rockets general manager Rafael Stone for his work bringing Smith, LSU’s Tari Eason, and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington to Houston. “A really good draft, no questions about it,” Scotto concludes.

Topics on Friday’s newly released episode include:

  • Scotto’s level of surprise in seeing Orlando draft Duke’s Paolo Banchero, rather than Smith, at No. 1 overall
  • How Smith and other 2022 rookies may fit with the Rockets
  • Whether Kyrie Irving is likely to leave the Nets in free agency, and the potential impact on Brooklyn’s draft assets due to Houston
  • If the James Harden trade from January 2021 is aging better than expected for Stone and the Rockets, given Brooklyn’s uncertainty
  • Possible centers that Houston could pair with Alperen Sengun in 2022 free agency, which begins June 30
  • Updates on the potential offseason trade markets for John Wall and Eric Gordon, as well as the contract buyout option for Wall
  • An assessment of the value received by the Rockets in the Christian Wood trade, which ultimately resulted in Washington and two future second-round picks

Friday’s complete episode can be listened to below. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790, as well as to all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Boston signs undrafted Purdue big man Trevion Williams to camp deal for Las Vegas Summer League

His excellent passing game might be enough to get the former Boilermaker to the NBA with Boston.

Even though the 2022 NBA draft is already in the proverbial rearview mirror, that does not mean the Boston Celtics have entirely left it behind them, instead combing through the undrafted players in search of potential additions to the roster.

On Friday afternoon, they may have found such a player, signing Purdue big man Trevion Williams to a camp deal to play for the team in the Las Vegas Summer League kicking off in July according to the Lafayette Journal & Courier’s Mike Carmin. A slightly undersized 6-foot-8 center with a 7-foot-3 wingspan who is especially adept at moving the ball and is a passable defender at the NCAA level, the Purdue product likely went undrafted due to concern over his 3-point shot, lack of lift, and tendency to turn the ball over.

Still, the former Boilermaker is an absolute unit of a big man at 265 pounds who could prove useful to the Celtics given his unique combination of skills and size with even a modicum of ballhandling above what you see from most bigs.

He will have an uphill climb given his relative shortcomings on defense and away from the basket, but passes and reads well enough that him making the team as a two way player is very much in play.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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2022 Celtics second-round pick JD Davison 2021-22 highlights with the Alabama Crimson Tide

Get to know the No. 53 pick’s game a bit better.

Who is JD Davison? A 19-year-old floor general who played but one season with the Alabama Crimson Tide’s men’s basketball program, the Latohatchee native will be a long way from his home state of Alabama when he finally joins the Celtics in Boston — and further still when he makes his debut for the team in Las Vegas Summer League in July.

But the 6-foot-3, 190-llb. point guard has a solid foundation in his athleticism that was good enough to earn him a five-star ranking heading into college as one of the country’s top recruits, which a team willing to invest a season ro three into his development could build a bright future for all involved upon.

Lethal downhill with nascent passing chops he’ll need to hone to bail him out when his athleticism won’t and a 6-foot-7 wingspan that will help him defend above his size, there’s plenty to like about Davison if you are patient.

Check out the compilation put together by YouTuber Tomasz Kordylewski in the clip embedded above to get to know the Alabama product’s game better.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Paolo Banchero, Caleb Houstan excited for new beginning in Orlando

Banchero and Houstan hadn’t met each other prior to the draft, but the two are both eager to get to work with the Magic.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Paolo Banchero and Caleb Houstan hadn’t met each other prior to the NBA draft, but the two are both eager to take the court together for the Orlando Magic.

The Magic selected Banchero with the first pick on Thursday and then took Houstan early in the second round at No. 32. The two players are the latest additions to the roster, and are each expected to help the team reach the next level under second-year head coach Jamahl Mosley.

They share many of the same qualities that stood out to the team.

“We are adding two great young men who are going to bring character and team orientation in a winning way of working, in addition to the amazing set of skills and talent they are going to bring to our team,” Magic president Jeff Weltman said. “We went into this draft looking to add skill, size, shooting, IQ, integrity, positional versatility and with these two young guys, we think we checked all of those boxes.”

Banchero was an All-American last season at Duke after averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals. He is the fifth Blue Devils player to become the No. 1 pick in the NBA and the first since Zion Williamson in 2019.

The 19-year-old was among the three front-runners to be the No. 1 pick, along with Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren and Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. The team ultimately felt as though Banchero was the top college player in the country last season and drafted accordingly.

From afar, Houstan was as equally impressed with Banchero.

“I really don’t have to say too much, he is the No. 1 pick,” Houstan said. “Obviously, the size and skill at his position being able to score the ball all over the floor … He does it all. It is really exciting to play alongside him and I can’t wait.”

In addition to Banchero, Houstan also brings an all-around game to the Magic, as well.

Houstan, who previously played at the Montverde Academy roughly 30 minutes west of Orlando, averaged 10.1 points, four rebounds and 1.4 assists last season at Michigan. He started every game for the Wolverines and led the team with 60 3-pointers.

He had an inconsistent season but was highly touted entering the program last year. The Magic will certainly hope to be able to tap into his potential on the court as he projects to fill several needs for the team.

“(I watched) him at Montverde shoot the lights out for a couple of years,” Banchero said. “A very smart player and great size — really can do it all. He is really just able to affect the game in a lot of ways on both ends. I’m excited to get on the court with him.”

Added head coach Jamahl Mosley: “He is going to fit right in.”

Banchero and Houstan are each expected to play in the Las Vegas Summer League, which tips off on July 7 as the Magic host the Houston Rockets in the first game of the competition. It will serve as the first opportunity for fans to see their top pick in action.

He will be equally as excited to hit the hardwood.

“(I’m excited) to get out there and play and compete again,” Banchero said. “I’m really just looking forward to getting back to bumping live, playing 5-on-5 and getting on the court with other guys and competing.”

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

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List of players the OKC Thunder have signed in 2022 undrafted free agency

The UDFA list will continuously be updated.

Following the 2022 NBA draft, it was a free for all in terms of undrafted free agents to go after. The Oklahoma City Thunder partook in the undrafted free agency game and added a few players that were announced following the draft.

The Thunder added four rookies in the draft with Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng, Jalen Williams and Jaylin Williams. Three of them were top-12 lottery picks while the other was a high second-round pick.

Let’s take a look at the reported undrafted free agent signing the Thunder have made. This list will continually be updated whenever new signings are announced.

Rockets welcome Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, TyTy Washington to Houston

Rockets draftees Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and TyTy Washington traveled to their new NBA home Friday and shared some initial impressions.

HOUSTON — Rockets draftees Jabari Smith, Tari Eason, and TyTy Washington each traveled to their new NBA home Friday and shared their initial impressions upon visiting Toyota Center for the first time.

The former Auburn forward, LSU forward, and Kentucky guard all made their way from Barclays Center in Brooklyn — where the 2022 NBA draft took place Thursday — to Houston less than 24 hours later.

It was a whirlwind day, but each of Houston’s prized rookie prospects was clearly thrilled by the experience.

“It made me happy,” Smith said of the support shown by the Rockets and their fans after his selection. “It puts a smile on my face.”

The focus will turn to the basketball court imminently, since the Rockets are gearing up for the start of 2022 NBA summer league play on July 7. Going into that process, here’s what each of the new prospects — along with general manager Rafael Stone and head coach Stephen Silas — had to say at the starting point of their NBA journeys.

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Magic top pick Paolo Banchero opens as betting favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year

The order might not be what you expect after No. 1.

Paolo Banchero’s status as the No. 1 overall pick might’ve been in question leading up to Thursday’s NBA Draft, but never was his talent. The Orlando Magic first-rounder opened Friday as the betting favorite to win the 2023 NBA Rookie of the Year at +300 odds on Tipico Sportsbook.

The players that follow don’t all fall in the order they were drafted, however. No. 3 pick Jabari Smith has the second-shortest odds at +350, followed by No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren at +400. No. 5 Jaden Ivey (+500) and No. 4 Keegan Murray (+750) round out the top five before the odds start to lengthen out a little more.

2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds

If the betting drama leading into the draft is any indication, it’s hard to consider any of these guys a sure bet. But it should make for a thrilling finish that goes to the end of the season.

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