Tag: 2022 nba draft

New SI mock has Boston Celtics going for a wing and a big in 2022 NBA draft

The first mock drafts of the 2021-22 NCAA season are already starting to circulate.

The start of the 2021-22 college season being fully underway means the start of the 2022 NBA mock draft season has begun in earnest as well, with our sister site For The Win having already leaped into the fray of the annual series of predictive publications, now joined by the first mock draft of the year from the folks over at Sports Illustrated.

In a new prognosticatory article detailing picks for all 30 NBA teams for both rounds of the still-distant 2022 draft, SI’s Jeremy Woo has two prospects in mind for the Boston Celtics — a wing and a big man, two positions of need in the team’s current depth chart.

Let’s get a look at the players Woo sees in green and white come the 2022-23 NBA season.

For The Win’s first mock draft of the season has Boston Celtics taking two guards

Boston goes backcourt-heavy in this projection of their 2022 NBA draft.

It may only be November and still at the start of the 2021-22 NCAA collegiate season with most teams having just played a handful of games that count, but if you think that means there hasn’t been enough of a sample size for NBA draft analysts to start assembling their first mock drafts of the season, you clearly don’t know how these prospect-obsessed minds think.

And such is the case with our friends over at our sister site For The Win, who just published their own first mock draft of this season. Analyst Bryan Kalbrosky has released a full two-round projection for the 2022 NBA draft, complete with a pair of selections for both of the draft picks the Boston Celtics will use if they don’t deal them away first.

Let’s take a look at who Kalbrosky sees Boston taking this summer.

2022 NBA mock draft roundup: Who experts see Rockets taking in first round (Nov. 23)

With new seasons for college basketball and many international leagues now underway, here’s an early look at top 2022 NBA draft prospects.

One silver lining to the 1-16 start by the Houston Rockets — which includes 15 consecutive losses and counting, as of Tuesday — involves implications for the 2022 NBA draft, which takes place next June.

Unlike last season, when a top-four-protected pick swap (owned by Oklahoma City from the Chris Paul-Russell Westbrook trade) meant nearly a 50% probability of Houston losing its top draft pick, there is no potential swap attached to the team’s 2022 first-round selection.

In other words, barring a miraculous in-season turnaround, the Rockets are effectively guaranteed to land a top selection. It’s simply a matter of where they slide in during the NBA’s 2022 draft lottery. Should Houston maintain its current position as the league’s worst team, its lowest possible selection would be at No. 5 overall in the first round.

That’s the floor scenario, of course. The upside is that no team would have better odds than the Rockets of securing the No. 1 overall pick. And since draft forecasts have no knowledge of how the lottery will turn out, their projections are based on current records. At the moment, that would mean Houston picks first. The Rockets will also own a 2022 first-round pick from either Miami or Brooklyn, whichever is higher.

With the 2021-22 seasons now underway for college basketball and many international leagues, the first wave of mock draft projections is emerging. On Tuesday, Nov. 23, For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky and Sports Illustrated’s (SI) Jeremy Woo made their initial 2022 NBA draft selections, and here’s a look at who they have the Rockets taking. For complete analysis of all picks, visit the For The Win and SI websites.

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Chet Holmgren is off to a historic start with Gonzaga

Holmgren has five games in the books this season and is putting up historic numbers to start his collegiate career.

No. 1 recruit Chet Holmgren has put five games in the books this season with the Gonzaga Bulldogs, and the 7-foot-1 standout is putting up historic numbers to start his collegiate career.

The latest performance came on Monday as Holmgren led the No. 1 Bulldogs to a win over Central Michigan to tip off the Good Sam Empire Classic from Las Vegas, Nevada. Holmgren recorded 19 points, five rebounds, three blocked shots and two assists in 20 minutes of work.

The 19-year-old once again flashed his unique size and skillset in the victory on Monday. On one sequence, in particular, Holmgren blocked a shot and then took the ball coast-to-coast to finish for the and-1 attempt on the other end.

On the season, Holmgren is averaging 12.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 3.4 blocks on 70.4% shooting from the field.

Holmgren is the only Division I player over the last 25 years to total at least 60 points, 15 assists, 15 blocks and shoot 70% from the field and free-throw line over any five-game span, according to Stats Perform.

Remarkably, he has done that over the first five games of his career.

Holmgren, who was the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Gonzaga, has shown why he was so highly touted coming into this year. He is currently a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick next year and has shown why he should be in the conversation.

After defeating Central Michigan, Holmgren and Gonzaga will face off against No. 2 UCLA on Tuesday night. He struggled against No. 5 Texas on Nov. 13, recording just two points, so it will be worth monitoring to see how he performs against another highly-ranked opponent.

Gonzaga and UCLA will tip off at 10 p.m. EST on ESPN.

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

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Michael Savarino, Paolo Banchero face DWI charges after traffic stop

The two Duke players reportedly face driving while impaired charges after they were stopped early Sunday morning.

Michael Savarino and Paolo Banchero reportedly face driving while impaired charges after the two Duke Blue Devils players were stopped early Sunday morning, according to the Charlotte Observer.

Savarino, the grandson of Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski, was charged with DWI after getting stopped in Orange County, North Carolina. Banchero, a potential No. 1 overall pick next year, was charged with aiding and abetting DWI.

The N.C. Highway Patrol stopped Savarino for a stop sign violation and later observed signs of impairment. He registered a blood-alcohol level of .08 and was taken into custody. He was charged with DWI, driving after consuming alcohol under the age of 21 and the stop sign violation. His court date is set for Dec. 9.

The two players were riding in a 2017 Jeep SUV registered to Banchero. He was released at the site of the stop and will have a court date on Dec. 8. According to the report, aiding and abetting a DWI can be cited when a person knowingly turns their vehicle over to someone that is impaired or when they fail to stop an impaired person from driving.

Krzyzewski released the following statement through the program:

We are reviewing a legal matter involving two members of the men’s basketball team. Any further actions as a result of this situation will ultimately be determined by the Vice President/Director of Athletics and University officials.

Savarino joined the program as a walk-on in 2019 and was elevated to a scholarship player this past offseason. He made his season debut on Friday, recording one rebound in four minutes during a win over Army. He logged two appearances last season.

Banchero, the No. 3 recruit, was named the ACC Preseason Player of the Year and is widely considered to be in the conversation to become the top pick in the NBA next year. He produced 22 points in his debut on Nov. 9 and is averaging 19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals.

The seventh-ranked Blue Devils return to play on Tuesday against Campbell at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The status of the two players in that contest is not yet known.

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

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Paolo Banchero dropped 22 points amidst cramping issues in Duke debut

Banchero needed an IV in the second half but still managed to score 22 points in his debut as Duke defeated Kentucky.

Trevor Keels produced a team-high 25 points, Paolo Banchero battled through cramping issues but still managed to score 22 points on Tuesday to lead the No. 9 Duke Blue Devils to a win over the 10th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats.

Banchero left the contest briefly in the second half to receive treatment, and was among four Blue Devils players to deal with cramps. Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski said Banchero, along with Wendell Moore Jr., received IVs inside of the locker room.

The cramping, Banchero said, was the first of its kind.

I’ve never cramped that early in a game. I have cramped before. It’s not really a problem for me. I gotta figure out why that was. I thought I was pretty hydrated. It wasn’t fun but it is what it is. You gotta adjust and Trev and the rest of the team stepped up and we were able to pull it out.

The first look at Banchero with the Blue Devils only further ignited the immense hype surrounding him. He showed precisely why he is considered to be a potential No. 1 overall pick next year in the NBA draft, and dazzled during his time on the court.

Banchero connected on 7-of-11 shot attempts from the field, going 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. He had his mid-range shot working, often creating space with his patented jab-step move, while he was also able to finish strong at the rim.

The effort was further highlighted in a primetime win over Kentucky.

Seeing that clock hit zero with us with more points than them was a relief. We wanted to get this win, especially for Coach in the first game. It was a big game for us coming in. We felt like we had a chance to make a statement with this game and come out and play well.

While Banchero put up a strong effort in his debut, Keels stole the show after emerging as the leading shot-creator for the Blue Devils throughout the game. He is considered to be a mid-to-late first-round pick next year but could improve that stock with more performances like on Tuesday.

His 25 points were tied for the third-most in a debut under Coach K.

With Banchero and Keels leading the way this season, along with A.J. Griffin and Mark Williams, Duke will likely be one of the top teams in the country this season. They certainly showed just how powerful they can be against the Wildcats.

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

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Chet Holmgren puts up rare stat line in debut with Gonzaga

Holmgren finished with a rather historic stat line on Tuesday during his debut with Gonzaga in a win over Dixie State.

No. 1 overall recruit Chet Holmgren finished with a rather historic stat line on Tuesday during his collegiate debut with the top-ranked Gonzaga Bulldogs in a win over Dixie State.

Holmgren produced 14 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocked shots and six assists during the 97-63 victory. He became the first player over the last 25 seasons to register at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a Division I debut, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

He went to work quickly, recording six points and five rebounds in the first 10 minutes of the game as the Bulldogs jumped out to a 23-4 lead. Holmgren entered the season highly touted due to his unique blend of size and skill, and the 7-footer had that going in his debut.

Holmgren, who was the highest-ranked recruit to commit to Gonzaga, showed exactly why he was so highly thought of as a collegiate prospect. He did the majority of his work in the first half and, with the game out of hand, logged only 10 minutes in the second half.

He will be tested throughout Gonzaga’s upcoming non-conference schedule, beginning on Saturday with No. 5 Texas. They will also see No. 2 UCLA, No. 9 Duke and No. 14 Alabama over the next few weeks so it will be a good challenge to see him against tougher competition.

Holmgren is a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft next year. It will certainly be worth monitoring how he adjusts to the college game and plays against some of the powerhouse teams in the nation.

So far, so good for the 19-year-old.

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

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Warriors land Iowa’s Keegan Murray in early Rookie Wire mock draft

With a fresh draft cycle approaching, the Golden State Warriors landed Iowa’s Keegan Murray in Rookie Wire’s early 2022 NBA mock draft.

Over the past two years, the Golden State Warriors have been at the center of the NBA draft. With a trio of lottery picks in the 2020 and 2021 draft, the Warriors have brought in top prospects like James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody.

All three players will likely play a key role as Golden State attempts to make a run back to the postseason in the 2021-22 season. While a potential playoff campaign behind a healthy Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green will likely serve as the priority for the Warriors, it’s never too early to keep an eye on the NBA draft.

With the new college basketball and NBA season approaching, Cody Taylor of USA Today’s Rookie Wire released an early 2022 mock draft. While prospects like Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jalen Hardy headline the 2022 class, the Warriors didn’t hit the clock till deep into the first round.

With the No. 27 pick in the Rookie Wire mock draft, the Warriors landed Iowa’s Keegan Murray. According to Taylor, Murray is viewed as one of the top returning players in college hoops.

Via Rookie Wire:

Murray was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team after averaging 7.2 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocked shots in 31 games. He was one of five players in the country to register at least 200 points, 35 blocks, 25 steals and 15 3-pointers. He is viewed as one of the top returning players this season and could find himself as a late first-round pick with another strong season for the Hawkeyes. The team just lost big production from Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp, so Murray figures to have a bigger role next season.

In his freshman season with the Hawkeyes, the 6-foot-8 forward averaged 7.2 points on 50.6% shooting from the floor with 5.1 boards and 1.3 blocks in 18 minutes per contest. In 2021 against Rutgers, Murray recorded a near double-double with 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the field with nine rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Heading into the 2022 draft season, Murray will be a name to monitor in college basketball.

For Taylor’s full 2022 mock draft, check out Rookie Wire here.

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2022 NBA Mock Draft: An early look at the top prospects next year

Rookie Wire took an early look at the next crop of players set to enter the NBA in 2022.

With the basketball world one month removed from the NBA draft, some have started to look ahead to the next rookie class that features some high-profile prospects.

The top of the class is highlight by Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren and Duke forward Paolo Banchero. The two players will likely trade places atop draft boards throughout much of the next season as both project to be franchise-changing prospects at the next level.

Of course, with the NBA draft set to take place on June 23, 2022, plenty will change over the course of the next 10 months. However, it can be a productive exercise to see how prospects have improved their stock and how others dropped on draft boards over time.

Rookie Wire took a very early look at the next rookie class and some of the top prospects to monitor as the 2021-22 season approaches in a couple of months.

Note: The order of the draft was determined by the reverse championship odds set by Tipico Sportsbook. The 2022 draft will only have 59 picks after the Bucks were stripped of their second-round pick by the NBA due to a tampering violation last year in free agency.

Sixers 2022 NBA mock draft: Julian Champagnie provides more shooting

A 2022 NBA mock draft has the Philadelphia 76ers selecting Julian Champagnie.

The 2021-22 NBA season has not yet begun, but it also doesn’t hurt to look at some 2022 NBA mock drafts in order to add more young talent in the future.

The Philadelphia 76ers held the No. 28 pick in the 2021 draft and selected a young wing defender in the form of Jaden Springer. With the talent they possess and the expectations that come with it, the Sixers figure to have a late-round pick in the 2022 draft as well.

In a mock draft performed by Bryan Kalbrosky over at For The Win, the Sixers are projected to have the 23rd pick and they are selecting Julian Champagnie out of St. John’s with the selection.

Kalbrosky on the pick:

St. John’s Julian Champagnie showed a ton of promise during his sophomore campaign, shooting well both off the catch and the bounce. Since 2007-08, the only other high-major freshman to finish the season with a free throw percentage above 80 percent, three-point percentage above 35 percent, steal percentage above 3.0 percent and block percentage above 2.0 percent is just Phoenix Suns wing Mikal Bridges.

Champagnie had himself a solid sophomore season shooting 37.7% from deep and averaging 19.8 points on his way to winning Big East Most Improved Player. Standing at 6-foot-8, he can play both forward positions and is a solid rebounder averaging 7.4 per game in the 2020-21 season. His upcoming junior season will be telling for his NBA projections.

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

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