2022 NBA Draft: Ranking the top 5 players at each position

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NBA Draft prospect Malaki Branham (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

Shooting guards

1. Shaedon Sharpe, Kentucky

Strengths: An ELITE type of athlete that we don’t see often, fearless finisher at the rim, ridiculous vertical, creates shots with no problem with a beautiful step-back game, pure overall scorer.

Weaknesses: Ball security and shot selection can be in question. His defense needs to improve, but his athleticism can help him big time with effort, looks lazy on defense.

2. Jaden Ivey, Purdue

Strengths: Extremely explosive, drives to the rim with no issue, and can dunk on nearly anyone, he is very confident with the ball, and his overall athleticism is something special; his quick first step and his transition play are elite will leave your jaw on the floor.

Weaknesses: He can dribble too much, causing turnovers or poor shots, at times too confident on the offensive end, turnovers are an issue, and the overall defensive game needs work, especially with his effort on the defensive end, as his athleticism should have him being a solid defender

3. Malaki Branham, OSU

Strengths: Fantastic pure shooter, best midrange shooter in the draft, physical driving the lane, ball handling upside, his scoring potential is very impressive.

Weaknesses: He needs to work on his strength. His major downfall is his poor defensive game, which he could be a liability on defense in the NBA.

4. Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

Strengths: Always wants to improve, very powerful, an athletic shooter who can shoot threes well, improved every year, took his team to a National Championship, excellent defender, instant rotational player

Weaknesses: Not a high ceiling, not a very good ball-handler, will not a starter, not overly athletic.

5. Jeremy Sochan, Baylor

Strengths: Elite defender, very aggressive, forces players to give up the ball, extended length, large for his position, natural feel for basketball, high IQ, and playmaking upside.

Weaknesses: Poor three-point shooting, great defender but struggles with rim protection, overall scoring is lackluster, which leads to concerns for the NBA if he can play both ends.