5 2022 NBA Draft prospects that could go No. 1 overall.
Similar to the 2020 NBA draft, the 2022 NBA draft looks to be extremely top-heavy. Without a clear-cut No. 1 prospect, it is still being debated who will have their name called first come July.
One of the major variables is who actually lands the top pick in this year’s draft. Here are 5 prospects that may be drafted first overall this year.
NBA Draft prospect: Paolo Banchero, Duke
2021-22 Stats: 17.9 PPG, 7.9 REB, 2.7 AST, 1.2 STL, 0.9 BLK, 51.0 FG%, 33.9 3PT%
Paolo Banchero is a 6-9 power forward out of Duke who has excellent size and offensive potential. His ability to stretch the floor and offensive skillset make him a prototypical 4 in the modern NBA.
Banchero is an elite talent, however, he has had cramping issues and troubles staying hydrated during his time at Duke which has resulted in cramps. This may affect his ability to play big stretches in the NBA. Regardless of the cramping issue, Banchero is a prime candidate to be off the board first.
NBA Draft prospect: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
2021-22 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 8.6 REB, 1.9 AST, 0.6 STL, 3.4 BLK, 63.2 FG%, 43.1 3PT%
Another highly touted prospect is Gonzaga big man Chet Holmgren. A 7-foot unicorn, Chet Holmgren has the elite ability to block shots and stretch the floor. Holmgren is another very talented prospect, with his main drawback being his strength.
Only weighing 195 lbs, Holmgren may have some trouble in the post with bigs in the NBA, as they’ll likely back him down with ease at his current weight.
Despite this, Holmgren has shown flashes of stardom and may very well be selected first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft.
NBA Draft prospect: Jabari Smith, Auburn
2021-22 Stats: 15.2 PPG, 6.5 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.3 STL, 1.1 BLK, 43.8 FG%, 40.3 3PT%
Auburn forward Jabari Smith is one of the draft’s most well-rounded prospects and he may go first overall for that very reason. Smith has a nice touch, whether that’d be from mid-range or beyond the arc.
He’s a versatile defender as well as a solid athlete.
The only thing holding Smith back is that he’s still pretty raw at 18 years old. Nevertheless, Jabari Smith perhaps has the highest upside in the draft, making him perhaps, the most likely to get their name called first.
NBA Draft prospect: Jaden Ivey, Purdue
2021-22 Stats: 16.6 PPG, 5.0 REB, 3.0 AST, 0.5 BLK, 1.2 BLK, 49.3 FG%, 43.8 3PT%
Perhaps my favorite prospect in the draft, Boilermakers’ guard Jaden Ivey has elite upside as a 2-way guard at the NBA level. Ivey struggled from behind the arc during his first season at Purdue but has made great strides from his freshman to sophomore season.
Ivey’s real intrigue comes from his defensive ability.
Ivey is a pesky defender who does a good job of reading passing lanes and creating havoc for the opposing team’s offense. Jaden Ivey will most likely land top 5, but could even go first if the team picking is desperate enough for a guard.
Shaedon Sharpe, Kentucky
2021-22 Stats: Has not played
Despite not playing a single game for the Kentucky Wildcats this season, Shaedon Sharpe is without a doubt one of the most intriguing prospects of the class. Many people have Sharpe as their top prospect in the draft and for good reason.
Sharpe is an uber-athletic wing with incredible bounce. He’s a great finisher and utilizes that ability with his incredibly quick first step.
Now the rest of his game needs work, but the fact that he’s this highly touted just off his athleticism alone should tell you something. Sharpe is gonna be a problem in the NBA and is one of the most likely names to be called first come draft night.