Tag: 2022 nba draft

2022 NBA draft race: March 26 update for Rockets, Nets picks

After losing on Friday, Detroit (20-54) pulled within a game of the Rockets (19-55), who won with ease versus injury-ravaged Portland.

With Houston in possession of the NBA’s worst record, the 2022 playoffs are already off the table for the Rockets. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to still watch for in the final month of the 2021-22 campaign.

Until the regular season’s conclusion on April 10, we’re regularly updating where the Rockets stand in relation to their closest competitors in the race for 2022 NBA draft odds and positioning.

Houston owns two picks in this year’s first round: Their own, and one from Brooklyn. For purposes of these updates, we’re going to focus on teams (at the time of publication) within three games in either direction of both the Rockets and Nets in the standings.

After a second straight season at the bottom of the West, will the Rockets land another elite prospect such as Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith or Paolo Banchero for their troubles? Scroll on for the latest updates as of March 26, along with information on odds and tiebreaker scenarios.

Projected first-round pick Tari Eason to hire agent, enter NBA draft

Eason was named the SEC Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks and one assist in 33 games.

LSU Tigers sophomore Tari Eason told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he will hire an agent and declare for the 2022 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Eason was named the SEC Sixth Man of the Year after averaging 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 1.1 blocks and one assist in 33 games. He recorded four games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, the most by a Tigers player since 2015.

The 6-foot-8 forward emerged as a tremendous defensive player this season, ranking fourth in the country in defensive rating (83.2) and fifth in defensive box plus/minus (5.7). He was one of 10 players named as a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year award.

Eason is projected to be selected late in the lottery by most mock drafts. He is also highly efficient, boasting a 33.4 PER, which ranked fifth in the country, and is improving as a shooter after converting on 35.9% on 2.4 attempts per game from 3-point range.

Underclassmen have until April 24 to declare for the NBA draft.

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

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2022 NBA draft race: March 25 update for Rockets, Nets picks

The Rockets (18-55) and Pistons (20-53) each have a game on Friday night, which could prove pivotal in the 2022 NBA draft race — since Houston is in a rare position as a road favorite.

With Houston in possession of the NBA’s worst record, the 2022 playoffs are already off the table for the Rockets. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to still watch for in the final month of the 2021-22 campaign.

Until the regular season’s conclusion on April 10, we’re regularly updating where the Rockets stand in relation to their closest competitors in the race for 2022 NBA draft odds and positioning.

Houston owns two picks in this year’s first round: Their own, and one from Brooklyn. For purposes of these updates, we’re going to focus on teams (at the time of publication) within three games in either direction of both the Rockets and Nets in the standings.

After a second straight season at the bottom of the West, will the Rockets land another elite prospect such as Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith or Paolo Banchero for their troubles? Scroll on for the latest updates as of March 25, along with information on odds and tiebreaker scenarios.

Murray State forward KJ Williams to test NBA pre-draft process

Williams was named the OVC Player of the Year after averaging a career-high 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 34 games.

Murray State forward KJ Williams this week announced that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft without signing with an agent to maintain his remaining collegiate eligibility.

Williams was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year after averaging a career-high 18 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 34 games. He helped lead the Racers to the second round of the NCAA Tournament this year before losing to No. 15 seed Saint Peter’s.

The 6-foot-10 standout is listed as a junior, despite playing four years with the program, and could return to school for one more season. The NCAA granted student-athletes an additional year of eligibility last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Williams is highly touted for his scoring and rebounding ability. He can score in a variety of ways and has a solid 3-point shot, converting on 32.7% of his 3.3 attempts last season. He also has good size that figures to translate well to the next level at 245 pounds.

The 22-year-old is not currently projected to be drafted but could have the opportunity to participate in the draft combine or NBA G League Elite Camp in May and improve his stock. He will also have the opportunity to take part in private workouts with teams.

The early-entry withdrawal deadline for underclassmen is June 1.

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

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‘I’m the best player’: Jaden Hardy credited G League for draft prep

Hardy believes the experience of playing in the G League has made him the top prospect in the NBA draft.

Projected first-round pick Jaden Hardy recently credited the NBA G League for preparing him to advance to the next level after playing this season with the Ignite.

Hardy, who was the No. 3 prospect in the high school class of 2021, opted to turn professional and sign with the Ignite for their second season. He averaged 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 37.6% shooting from the field in 25 games with the Ignite.

The Ignite program was started to give the top high school prospects the opportunity to turn pro early while staying in the United States. The players have the chance to learn from seasoned veterans while also playing against G League competition.

The inaugural class featured the likes of Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga and Isaiah Todd among others. Hardy headlined the team this year, along with MarJon Beauchamp, Dyson Daniels, Michael Foster Jr. and Scoot Henderson among others.

Hardy, speaking on the “Posted Up” podcast with Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, believes that experience in the G League has made him the top prospect in the draft.

I feel like I’m the best player in this draft if you ask me. I feel like playing in the NBA G League, I mean, it is the second-best league in the world. I played against people in the NBA right now like Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga — those guys are in the NBA getting good minutes.

They were just playing against me so I’m playing against NBA talent-level guys every game. Not only that, but I’m learning every game. I’m getting more comfortable. I’m learning from my mistakes. I’m watching film, playing against vets — you start to pick up things.

Hardy entered the season widely projected to be a top-five pick by most mock drafts. However, the 6-foot-4 guard has slipped down boards and is now considered to be a late first-round selection due to a variety of factors, such as his shooting and shot selection.

The 19-year-old shot just 30.9% from 3-point range on 7.5 attempts per game with the Ignite. The shooting does not appear to be a concern for Hardy, though, as he told Haynes that he is the best shooter in the draft.

He believes he is being overlooked at this point of the pre-draft process.

I feel like people are sleeping on me. I feel like they don’t really know, they haven’t seen my whole bag yet. I feel like they’re sleeping on me, for real.

Despite those perceived flaws, Hardy emerged as a strong scorer with the Ignite against tougher competition than those at the collegiate level. He scored in double figures in each of his last eight games, including a season-high 31 points and nine assists on Jan. 28.

Hardy will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock between now and the NBA draft on June 23. He could be a candidate to participate in the draft combine in May and private workouts with teams. He certainly doesn’t lack confidence and that figures to help him along the way.

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

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Memphis freshman Josh Minott to declare for 2022 NBA draft

Minott was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team after averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 33 games.

Memphis Tigers freshman Josh Minott told Jonathan Givony of ESPN that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft with the intention to maintain his collegiate eligibility.

Minott, who does not plan to return to Memphis, was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team after averaging 6.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 33 games. The 6-foot-8 forward produced his best game of the season on Jan. 23 with 18 points and nine rebounds in a win over Tulsa.

Despite seeing a limited role, averaging only 14.6 minutes per game, Minott projects to be an intriguing prospect at the next level. He has great length and athleticism and was the second-most efficient player on the roster, posting a 23.7 rating.

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Minott is currently not projected to be drafted but will have the opportunity to improve his stock between now and the night of the draft on June 23. He could be a candidate to participate in the draft combine May 16-22 while he can also make a name for himself in private workouts.

Underclassmen have until April 24 to declare for the NBA draft.

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

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2022 NBA draft race: March 24 update for Rockets, Nets picks

Between Houston’s loss on Wednesday and a victory by Detroit, the Rockets now own a two-game lead (in the win column) in the race for the 2022 NBA draft’s No. 1 positioning slot.

With Houston in possession of the NBA’s worst record, the 2022 playoffs are already off the table for the Rockets. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to still watch for in the final month of the 2021-22 campaign.

Until the regular season’s conclusion on April 10, we’re regularly updating where the Rockets stand in relation to their closest competitors in the race for 2022 NBA draft odds and positioning.

Houston owns two picks in this year’s first round: Their own, and one from Brooklyn. For purposes of these updates, we’re going to focus on teams (at the time of publication) within three games in either direction of both the Rockets and Nets in the standings.

After a second straight season at the bottom of the West, will the Rockets land another elite prospect such as Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith or Paolo Banchero for their troubles? Scroll on for the latest updates as of March 24, along with information on odds and tiebreaker scenarios.

Rutgers forward Ron Harper Jr. declares for 2022 NBA draft

Harper was named an All-American honorable mention after averaging a career-high 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights senior Ron Harper Jr. on Wednesday announced that he will declare for the 2022 NBA draft, leaving after four seasons with the university.

Harper, the son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, was named an All-American honorable mention after averaging a career-high 15.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and one steal. He finished with 1,525 career points, tied with Roy Hinson for 12th all-time in program history.

The 6-foot-6 forward is projected to be a second-round pick given his ability as a scorer and shooter. He shot 39.8% from 3-point range this season and hit two game-winning shots and a game-tying shot in regulation versus Notre Dame in an overtime loss in the First Four.

Harper will have the opportunity to improve his stock between now and the night of the draft on June 23. He will likely be a candidate to participate in the draft combine May 16-22 while he can also make a name for himself in private workouts with teams.

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

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2022 NBA draft race: March 23 update for Rockets, Nets picks

Orlando’s improbable win over Golden State on Tuesday night gives the Rockets a bit more breathing room in the race for top 2022 NBA draft positioning.

With Houston in possession of the NBA’s worst record, the 2022 playoffs are already off the table for the Rockets. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to still watch for in the final month of the 2021-22 campaign.

Until the regular season’s conclusion on April 10, we’re regularly updating where the Rockets stand in relation to their closest competitors in the race for 2022 NBA draft odds and positioning.

Houston owns two picks in this year’s first round: Their own, and one from Brooklyn. For purposes of these updates, we’re going to focus on teams (at the time of publication) within three games in either direction of both the Rockets and Nets in the standings.

After a second straight season at the bottom of the West, will the Rockets land another elite prospect such as Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith or Paolo Banchero for their troubles? Scroll on for the latest updates as of March 23, along with information on odds and tiebreaker scenarios.

NCAA Sweet 16 matchups for potential Houston Rockets draft picks

Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Duke’s Paolo Banchero are so close to an Elite Eight showdown. Here’s our look at who Rockets fans should watch in the Sweet 16 for 2022 NBA draft purposes.

For some of the elite 2022 NBA draft prospects, their stay in “March Madness” was an abbreviated one after a loss in the first or second round of the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball Tounament.

Top prospects that saw their teams lose on the opening weekend included Auburn’s Jabari Smith, Iowa’s Keegan Murray, Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis, Memphis’ Jalen Duren, and Kentucky’s TyTy Washington. All are projected in the top 10 of our latest consensus NBA mock draft.

Others, however — led by Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren and Duke’s Paolo Banchero — remain in the mix. Should those teams win Thursday, Banchero and Holmgren would be on course to face off in one of Saturday’s regional final games, with a spot in the Final Four on the line.

Fans of the Rockets, of course, are watching intently. Not only does Houston (18-54) have its own draft pick, which currently is in the No. 1 positioning slot for the 2022 NBA draft lottery, but they also own a pick from Brooklyn that is tracking to be at No. 16 in the first round, as of now.

With those draft parameters in mind, here’s a look at college prospects from the top 20 of the latest consensus mock draft who will be in action on Thursday or Friday in the “Sweet 16” round. Should that prospect’s team advance, Elite Eight games would be held on Saturday (for Thursday’s winners) and Sunday (for Friday’s winners).

With the tournament field culled from 68 teams to 16, the good news is that nearly every matchup from the Sweet 16 onward features a quality opponent. Thus, from a scouting perspective, it’s an ideal opportunity to see how the elite 2022 NBA draft hopefuls perform under pressure.

Scroll on for tournament highlights, statistics, and television details pertaining to each of the remaining top prospects in March Madness.