Tag: NBA Draft 2022

Prospect Draft Profile: Paolo Banchero

With the 2022 NBA draft just mere hours away, there are a ton of things NBA fans should keep an eye on. With rumors swirling all around regarding teams, players, and possible trades, it’s easy to get lost in the rumor-mill. Let’s get back to basics, and examine one of the most exciting players in this class; Paolo Banchero.

Banchero averaged over 17 points per game and nearly eight rebounds in his only season at Duke. Paolo helped lead the Blue Devils to the final four in Coach K’s penultimate season, and he impressed greatly.

Banchero’s trophy case is at max capacity right now. In just one collegiate season, Paolo was named the 2022 ACC Rookie of the Year, First team All-ACC, and the ACC All-Rookie team. On the national level, he was named a second-team All American. Lets begin to Look at Paolo Banchero’s strengths.

Paolo Banchero’s Strenghts

Paolo is considered the consensus top forward in the entire class, and that’s due to his sheer size and athleticism. Standing at 6’10”, Banchero is a big guy who has a ton of finesse for his size. With his tall stature, he shouldn’t see any trouble guarding or scoring against big men in the league, and his athleticism may give him an advantage over many. Watching the clips below, Paolo’s combination of size and athleticism will jump off the screen.

Overall, Paolo Banchero is a great scorer especially around the basket. His finesse gives him a nifty ability to score down low, and in the fast-paced league the NBA currently is, Banchero should thrive. Thanks to his size as well, Banchero is a solid rebounder. Paolo is pretty creative off the dribble as well, especially when it comes to passing and setting up his teammates.

Paolo Banchero’s Weaknesses

For all of his agility, one thing Banchero must improve on at the NBA level is his perimeter defense. Paolo is a bit slow moving laterally, which isn’t surprising for somebody of his size. His wingspan gives him a chance to still block shots after getting beat on the dribble. However, in the NBA players are much better at finishing near the basket so he won’t be able to have that crutch anymore. Paolo could also do better at reading the offense as well, but both of these issues can certainly be improved in the NBA.

Paolo is a confident shooter, and he’s not a bad one. Still, his shot selection will need to improve. As the best player on a championship contending team, it is possible that Banchero felt the need to force some shots. With NBA-caliber teamates, that likely won’t be as much of an issue.

Paolo Banchero’s NBA Outlook

Paolo is one of the safest picks in the draft, and will more than likely go in the top three. He has hardly any holes in his game, and his size and athleticism leave a ton of potential still untapped.

Paolo has an ability to score at all three levels, and that will instantly translate to the pro game. His defense and shot selection still need some work, but Banchero is still only 19 years old, so he’ll have plenty of time to improve. Paolo Banchero has a long road ahead of him, and it will be very exciting to watch his career play out.

Lakers Draft Prospects: The Finals Power Rankings

As the NBA draft approaches in less than twenty-four hours, the team has worked out a large number of possible prospects. Some have even returned for a second workout. With a view to the future, these are the top four best prospect suitors for the Lakers.

4)Terell Brown Jr – Washington, Guard

Brown Jr. is a true two-way player who would significantly improve the Lakers’ depth at point guard. He is a hound on defense who scores and makes his teammates look good because of his excellent playmaking abilities. Brown Jr. should be high on The Lakers prospects draft board, as new head coach Darvin Ham wants his players to be versatile and give their best on both sides of the ball.

3) Johnny Juzang- Guard, UCLA

Juzang, a former UCLA Bruin, would not have to relocate if picked by his hometown Lakers. He is a high-level scorer who will rapidly become a fan favorite due to his ability to score. He would give instant scoring off the bench, which the squad desperately needs. It would be a special sight to see him off the bench with Austin Reeves and Stanley Johnson. With the addition of new coaching staff member Schyler Rimmer, who specializes in shooting, his career will take the next step.

2) Jabari Walker- Forward, Colorado

Walker, a big body, two-way player who can grab rebounds in bunches, would be one of the keys to the Lakers’ future if the Lakers front office is able to secure him. Walker has the potential to develop under the Lakers coaching staff, who understand how to bring out the best in young players, and he might be a key player for the Lakers in the post-LeBron future. He would contribute everything the squad requires, as a hardworking player who works hard on both sides and is eager to progress and learn.

1)Cole Swider- Forward, Syracuse

Swider, has wowed Lakers scouts so much that he has landed a second workout with the team this week. During his time with the Orange, he was a product of Jim Boeheim’s high-level scoring attack. He made 41.1 percent of his three-point attempts. Swider is the definition of a walking bucket, as he can score from everywhere on the court. His ability to make big shots would impress fans. With the Lakers giving him a second look, it appears like he will be one of the prospects wearing purple and gold very soon.

Lakers Workouts: Prospect Power Rankings 3.0

With The NBA draft taking place this week, the Lakers workouts have continued with the third round of potential prospects. With news of teams willing to offer the team a chance to obtain their second-round pick, here are rankings based on fit.

6) Phlandrous Fleming Jr – Florida, Guard

Fleming Jr., is a 6’4 210-pound guard, who transferred from Charleston Southern before finishing his career at Florida. He averaged 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals a game during his time as a Gator. Fleming Jr. had a number of accomplishments throughout his college career, including being named Big South Defensive Player of the Year twice and being named to the All-Big South Team twice.

He’s a terrific defender as well as scorer and could fit the Lakers’ need for defensive players who can shoot.

5) Darius Days- LSU, Forward

Days, the former Tiger, averaged 13 points, 7 rebounds, and one steal per game during his final season. In 2021, he was also named to the Preseason All-SEC Team. What distinguishes him is his versatility in playing either ball or on ball. On ball, he excels at knocking down shots, scoring in the post, and is ideal for pick and roll scenarios.

He can also spread the floor, creating opportunities for others, and he battles for rebounds. At 6’7 and 245 pounds, he really plays above his frame.

4) Fabian White Jr- Houston, Forward

Last season, White averaged 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. During his five years at Houston, he also received a variety of honors, including being named to the All-AAC Team for the 2021 season and being awarded The AAC Tournament MVP.

He is recognized for his scoring variety and stands 6’8 and weighs 225 pounds. He can score from everywhere on the court and generates instant offense the moment he walks on the court due to his excellent shot IQ.

3) Michael Steadman- UMass, Power Forward

Steadman averaged 7 points and three rebounds for Massachusetts last season. He stands a towering 6’10 and weighs 215 pounds. While his stat line may not immediately capture your eye, it is his presence on the defensive side that makes people attacking the paint second-guess their decisions. He excels at pick and roll and stretching the floor. With the Lakers’ track record of developing small-school or lesser-known players, he might be one of the draft’s many steals.

2) Terrell Brown Jr -Washington, Guard

Brown Jr. stands 6’3 and weighs 185 pounds. Last season, he averaged 21 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. He was also chosen to the All Pac-12 First Team as the lone representative from his institution in 2021. Aside from his scoring and playmaking, what stands out most about him is his great defense, with him being a pest on whoever he’s defending, nothing simple comes his way.

With the Lakers in need of depth at point guard and pesky defenders, if he’s available, the Lakers should call him. One thing is certain, he’s a do-it-all sort of player and is the ideal player in today’s NBA.

1)Jabari Walker- Colorado, Forward

Jabari Walker is the son of former Laker Samaki Walker. He is 6’8 and weighs 200 pounds. He averaged 14 points and 9 rebounds last season while playing at Colorado. In his sophomore season, he was awarded to the All Pac-12 First Team, and in 2020, he was named to the All Pac-12 Freshmen Team.

Looking at his game, he can score in bunches in any situation, whether it’s being fed the ball for a mid-range shot or displaying his range for a three. Walker isn’t afraid of a little contact, and he’ll muscle his way to the rim.

This potential draft pick would be well mentored by Anthony Davis because they have similar body types and play styles. With the Lakers hiring a whole new staff, he’s one that might bloom into a component of the team’s future, not to mention being a local talent from Inglewood, it’ll be the perfect homecoming.

Prospect Draft Profile: Jabari Smith Jr.

Thursday night, the Warriors knocked off the Celtics 103-90 to win the NBA Finals. With the season now officially over, the next major event on the basketball calendar is the NBA Draft. With the draft coming very soon, on June 23rd, it’s time to start taking a look at some of the top prospects. First, we have Jabari Smith Jr.

Smith was a known talent before the 2021 season, but he wasn’t a preseason candidate for the number one pick. Jabari then leaped onto the scene last season, and he’s considered by many to go to Orlando with the first pick. Smith is a tantalizing prospect physically, and his potential is through the roof. Let’s take a look at some of his strengths.

Jabari Smith’s Strengths

One of the most compelling traits that come with Smith is his shooting ability relating to his size. Smith is a big guy, standing at 6’10”. With that size, his shooting touch is remarkable. He has great form and was consistently able to knock down shots at Auburn. There is a legitimate case to be made that Smith is the best shooter in the entire draft class. If a team is looking for a big player that can space the floor, Jabari is that guy.

Jabari Smith can shoot, but he doesn’t back down in the post either. Smith is a very well-rounded player in general. He moves well off the ball as well, setting screens for his teammates and such.

Defense isn’t Jabari’s best game, but it’s impressive nonetheless. He’s able to switch onto guards when a screen is set, which is very important in the modern NBA. His size and wingspan give him an edge against any smaller offensive player, and he’s well-rounded at the very least on defense in general.

Jabaris Smith’s Weaknesses

While Smith is a wonderful shooter, he struggles a bit to find his own shot. At the height of 6’10”, it would always be hard for a player (barring Kevin Durant) to create his own shot of the dribble. Still, if Smith is looked at as the number one option it is something he must improve. Smith isn’t immune to knocking these shots down, though:

As is common for players who struggle to create their own shot, Smith’s ball-handling can be improved too. Jabari likes to push the pace, but at Auburn, he did occasionally lose control of the ball on the fast break. Fortunately, both of these issues are things that can definitely be improved at the NBA level.

Jabari Smith’s NBA Outlook

Jabari Smith is a popular candidate to go as the first overall pick, and it would make a lot of sense. The Magic’s current starting frontcourt consists of Wendell Carter Jr. and Jonathan Isaac. Neither of those two have lived up to their full potential and getting Jabari alongside Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner would be a great young lineup.

As for Smith, no matter what team he goes to, he could be looked at as a power forward. In some lineups, he could even see time at small forward. The NBA is a very free-flowing and positionless game nowadays, and due to Smith’s excellent catch-and-shoot skills, he could make sense in one of those positions.

Smith should develop into an all-star, and there is good reason to look at him as a franchise player as well. Jabari is a big, tall guy with very sneaky athleticism. That athleticism allows him to be a force on the defensive end, and he contributes more than enough on offense to warrant the number one selection.