NBA Full First Round Mock Draft 1.0
Going into the conference tournaments next week, there is enough evidence to discern which players will be picked at the top of the draft in June, but not enough known about who will follow them yet
Statistics used in this article are from ESPN.com.
Although this years’ 2022 NBA draft is not nearly as talented as last year’s draft, there are still some future All-Stars at the top of the board in Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero, Jaden Ivey, and Chet Holmgren (even Nikola Jovic should become an All-Star if he goes to the right organization). However, after a star-studded top five prospects, there is a huge drop-off in talent and projection and none of the players picked after those five would have even been lottery picks last season.
Projected top Freshmen Kennedy Chandler, Jalen Duren, and Patrick Baldwin Jr. have all struggled, which may lead to them dropping even out of the lottery come June.
Proven college veterans who were expected to make a leap after playing well last year, UCLA’s Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez Jr., Vanderbilt’s Scottie Pippen Jr., Duke’s Wendell Moore, and Gonzaga’s Drew Timme have all fallen on draft boards despite consistent production this season.
Nonetheless, this draft will turn into a good one, but not a great one, and will be judged based on the development of Smith, Banchero, Jovic, Holmgren, and Ivey, the players most likely to make an impact in the NBA for a long time.
Let me just say this, any one of the top 6 selections of last year’s draft (Cunningham, Green, Mobley, Barnes, Suggs, and Giddey) would all have been drafted #1 overall in this draft (except maybe not Suggs since he has struggled tremendously in his first year in the NBA).
I’m just being frank. Don’t get used to this past draft’s depth and talent, which is already on display in the NBA this season. Before I begin, this is how I think the draft will play out, not who I would select for each pick.
Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith Jr., 6-10 PF Freshman, Auburn
Jabari Smith Jr’s game is a mixture of Jaren Jackson Jr and Chris Bosh with his smooth jumper that can extend from deep in 3PT range and his elite shot-blocking, making him one of the best two-way prospects in the draft.
Smith is averaging 16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.2 steals with an insanely efficient 3PT% of 42.
There is a certain smoothness in Smith’s game that is beautiful to watch, and the fluidity of his jumper, ability to score at all 3 levels, and create his own shot reminds me so much of Kevin Durant, just to a much lesser extent.
A better comparison for Smith though is Chris Bosh, and if he turns into anything close to or as good as Bosh, Smith will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I personally see a huge upside in Smith, who has singlehandedly won games for #3 Auburn this season.
He is the #2 prospect on my big board (which will be posted next week) behind Chet Holmgren. I just think whoever has the #1 selection will pick Smith Jr. because it’s a safer pick since Holmgren is “really skinny”.
He will enter the NBA averaging 15 points 7 rebounds and 1 steal and 1 block, but he could develop into one of the league’s best players with his smooth stroke and ability to defend 1-5. However, I would select Chet Holmgren with the first selection, despite Smith’s extreme upside and present two-way abilities.
Detroit Pistons: Chet Holmgren, 7-0 C Freshman, Gonzaga
I love every single thing about the “unicorns” game and every other draft evaluator will say the same thing. However, they’ll all have one negative and that is Holmgren being “too skinny and frail”, which will apparently make him suffer in the NBA like Kevin Durant.
That is a joke for those who didn’t get it and evaluators and teams made the same mistake with Kevin Durant, which made him slide from 1st overall to 2nd overall in 2009, and whoever has the #1 selection will have regrets of not taking Holmgren 1st overall.
I promise you that. Smith is no Greg Oden and will be an All-Star caliber player, but Holmgren is the type of prospect that we simply have never seen as he is 7-0 tall, is the BEST 3PT shooter in the country, the BEST rim protector in the country, and is one of the best rebounders and interior defenders in the country.
Holmgren has the potential to be one of the best players in the NBA for years to come, even with his “skinny frame” just based on how many ways he can impact the game with his size and skillset. Holmgren is averaging 14.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and a whopping 3.4 blocks per game to go along with a 3PT% of 43.8 and an FG% of 61.6 this season at Gonzaga.
The Bulldogs are ranked #1 in the country and Holmgren should only continue to see his stock rise when he plays in the NCAA tournament. I would pick him 1st overall, and whoever has the 2nd selection will be one happy camper, I can guarantee you that.
Houston Rockets: Jaden Ivey, 6-4 PG/SG Freshman, Purdue
Ivey is the first prospect that evaluators have compared to Ja Morant, and their abilities are truly uncanny. Ivey is the most athletic player in this class, plays above the rim, can pass at a high level, and also hits the 3-pointer with consistency (37%).
Ivey is averaging 17.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3 assists per game to go along with 1 steal and only 2.4 turnovers per game this season for the #8 ranked Purdue Boilermakers. I don’t think Ivey will be as good as Morant, but he is already a better 3PT shooter than Morant was as college and will be the first discount double of Morant that fans will see in the NBA (just like Trae Young and Stephen Curry).
Ivey has the ability to become a perenial All-Star and just needs to fall to a team that will let him let loose and score at will right when he enters the NBA. If that happens, Ivey will become a household name really quickly for the fanbase of whoever drafts him.
Indiana Pacers: Paolo Banchero, 6-10 PF Freshman, Duke
Banchero is one of those prospects that has no flaws in his game, has an incredible floor, but lacks upside according to many evaluators. I actually think Banchero has more upside than people give him credit for and he will immediately be a force when he enters the NBA with his ability to score at all 3 levels and rebound at a high level.
Banchero also might be the most mature and high-IQ player in the draft, and that is evident when fans watch Duke games with his ability to control the offense from the wing and the post.
Banchero is averaging 16.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal and rebound each on the season with a 3PT% of 30.9 and a FG% of 46. Although the shooting metrics aren’t great, his ability to score, rebound, and play solid defense at a high level affects the Blue Devils positively in so many ways. Banchero will enter the NBA as a good scorer and rebounder, although his shot-making, playmaking, and defense may take some time to develop in the NBA. Banchero is my #5 overall prospect in this year’s draft.
Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Jovic, 6-10 SF 18 years old, Serbia
And the first home-run selection goes to the Thunder as Sam Presti does it again, selecting the prospect that has the ability to become the best player in this draft at #5. Nikola Jovic is my #3 ranked prospect because of his 6-10 frame and his ability to play point guard and score and create at a high level already. By the way, another Serbian was selected with a similar name, and he turned out pretty well (hence Nikola Jokic not Jovic).
Jovic is also one of the best perimeter defenders in this draft because of his broad shoulders and long wingspan. His mix of playmaking, scoring, and size reminds me so much of Luka Doncic (although he won’t become as good as Doncic).
Just like Doncic though, Jovic has had trouble from beyond the arc which is an obvious concern since he doesn’t play in that great of an international league. His jumper looks decently smooth and should only improve as he gets older and more experienced in the NBA.
Jovic may take time to reach his upside in the NBA, but he will fit in perfectly alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey for the future of this up-and-coming Thunder team. I personally can’t wait for Sam Presti and the Thunder to make this pick. I just know it’s going to happen whether the Thunder get any of the top 5 selections. They probably even take this guy #1 over Smith Jr. and Holmgren.
Sacramento Kings: Jalen Duren, 6-11 C Freshman, Memphis
A surprise pick here from the Kings as Duren has struggled in his lone freshman season for the Tigers and that the Kings are well, the Kings. To give them credit, they have made two solid selections in a row picking Davion Mitchell in last year’s draft and Tyrese Haliburton in the 2020 draft.
The only downside of that is they traded Haliburton, who was their best player. Duren entered the year as one of the top 3 projected selections because of his already NBA frame, dominant inside scoring, and elite rim protection and rebounding.
The scoring has been a problem for Duren as he is only averaging 11.9 points, but the rim protection and rebounding have been on display and are the lone positives this year for him.
Duren is averaging 7.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game, and has played way better as of late (22 points 3 blocks, and 3 steals against Temple last week, and 13 points 3 blocks and 2 steals in his last game against Wichita State).
By the end of the year, I just have feeling teams like the Kings will select Duren early and take a big risk hoping the scoring potential is still there along with his rim protection and rebounding.
San Antonio Spurs: A.J. Griffin Jr., 6-6 SG Freshman, Duke
One of the best two-way players in the draft, Griffin Jr. has dealt with some injuries in his career so far, but has been healthy this year playing all 29 Duke games and showed extreme efficiency on the offensive end (49% from 3PT range) with 10.4 points per game.
Griffin Jr. projects to be a high-end defender in the NBA with his long 7-0 wingspan, but he hasn’t shown much effort on defense this season at Duke nor has he scored at a high level either. It may take time for Griffin Jr. to become a really good NBA player, but he has all the ability in the world with his elite 3PT shooting, big frame of 6-6 225 pounds, and projectability on the defensive end.
Like Joshua Primo last season, the Spurs will take another chance on a young and developing strong guard/forward. Griffin Jr. couldn’t end up in a better place than San Antonio.
Portland Trailblazers: Johnny Davis, 6-5 SG Sophomore, Wisconsin
Davis has scored at will this season for the Badgers averaging 20.5 points per game, but what has gone under the radar is rebounding and his defensive abilities.
Davis is averaging 8.3 rebounds per game, one of the highest averages in the country for a 6-5 Guard. He is also averaging 1.2 steals per game and almost 1 block as well, all while playing good on-ball defense on some of the best guards in the Big-Ten conference.
I personally would go with the Arizona guard Bennedict Mathurin here, but I know that the Blazers want to find Anfernee Simons’ version of C.J. McCollom, a go-to bucket getter who can score at all 3 levels, which Davis projects to be.
Portland Trailblazers (From Pelicans): Kendall Brown, 6-8 SG/SF Freshman, Baylor
The Blazers went with an elite scorer who can play some defense with the selection before in Davis, and now they go with a young and big guard/forward who is one of the best defenders in the class and an underrated passer (only 2 assists per game but seems to make all the right passes and decisions on offense).
Brown is averaging 9.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal per game, but what is even more impressive is his 3PT% of 36.4, as Brown did not have that kind of efficiency and range in high school.
I can’t speak for the 32 GM’s in the NBA, but it’s always nice to add a 6-8 guard/forward who is a lockdown defender and already shoots 37% from beyond the arc if you ask me.
This is exactly what Portland needs for its future, defense, and 3PT shooting. Brown should only continue to rise on draft boards as he will show off his talent in the NCAA Tournament for the projected 1 or 2 seeded Baylor Bears.
New York Knicks, TyTy Washington, 6-3 PG Freshman, Kentucky
The Knicks will want to pair R.J. Barrett (a gifted scorer) with arguably the best passer in this draft in Washington. Known for his big-time plays and athleticism, Washington is a perfect fit for New York, an organization that has been yearning for more exciting players like Barett.
Washington also has a knack for scoring and creating instant offense. This just feels like such a good fit that it has to come true. New York doesn’t have a long-term point guard or enough exciting players. TyTy Washington fits both of those needs.
Washington Wizards, Bennedict Mathurin, 6-7 SG Sophomore, Arizona
Mathurin is an elite 3 level scorer who can step back for 3’s, get to the rim with ease, shoot the mid-range, and create offense for the players around him. A truly brilliant offensive player, Mathurin’s 3PT% of 38.2 gets overlooked just because of his ability to do so much more than just shoot 3’s on offense.
The Wizards should want to pair Bradley Beal with another scorer in the backcourt and Mathurin should fit in perfectly right away. Mathurin also plays good on-ball defense and is averaging 1 steal per game at Arizona this season to go along with his 17.2 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Arizona is reaping the benefits of Mathurin’s breakout season and so could the Wizards if they make this selection.
Memphis Grizzlies (From Lakers): Shaedon Sharpe 6-6 SG Freshman, Kentucky
Sharpe is one of the biggest enigmas of this draft since scouts haven’t seen him since high school. A 5-star recruit who showed a polished offensive game and elite athleticism won’t be able to play this season at Kentucky, but that isn’t stopping evaluators from putting him in the mix to be drafted in the top 5. Sharpe isn’t that good of a defender, but he is very quick and has long arms, meaning the projection to be a solid NBA defender is there.
I simply haven’t seen it though, and no one really knows how much Sharpe has improved since high school. Therefore I am leaning on the side of caution and predicting a fall for Sharpe based on the recency bias of other players. The Grizzlies love upside and athleticism, and Sharpe fits the build of both of those characteristics.
Charlotte Hornets: Dyson Daniels, 6-6 SG 19 years old, G League Ignite
Daniels has had a much better campaign than his highly-touted teammate Jalen Hardy and it’s really because of Daniels’ ability to do everything well. Although his big strength is perimeter defense (averaging 2 steals per game for G-League Ignite this season), Daniels is averaging 11.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game flashing triple-double type potential.
Other than that, Daniels has become a more efficient shooter this season which begs the question of how much can he continue to improve if he has made so much progress in just one season? Daniels is another wild-card selection and could get selected anywhere from 13-30 depending on how teams continue to evaluate him throughout the rest of the G-League season.
Atlanta Hawks: Jalen Hardy, 6-4 SG 18 years old, G League Ignite
Although Hardy was originally projected as a top 5 selection in this draft, efficiency and defensive issues have him falling all the way into the lottery. The superb potential is still there as Hardy could become of the best scorers in the NBA one day, but he just hasn’t been consistent for G League Ignite. In the G League showcase earlier this season, Hardy only shot 26.9% from 3PT range and 35.1% overall from the floor.
Overall Hardy is averaging 17.7 points, which seems like a lot, but if you have been evaluating him for a couple of years as I have now, then you’ll understand that those numbers should be closer to 25 points per game with much better efficiency since he has such a “polished” offensive game. Hardy isn’t the most athletic guard, and he becomes a liability on the court if he isn’t scoring at a high level.
Although he played well in the Rising Stars game and the “Clutch Challenge”, Hardy’s only asset is his ability to score with ease and he simply isn’t doing it with efficiency this year. Hardy shouldn’t fall that much past #14 overall just because of his high-end scoring potential that he showcased in high school when he was ranked the #2 player in the country.
Oklahoma City Thunder (From Clippers): Blake Wesley, 6-5 PG/SG Freshman, Notre Dame
Knowing the Thunder, I had to re-arrange my selection here as they’ll only select a player with upside that they can develop and Wesley has shown an elite two-way game in college so far this season averaging 14.7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Wesley will need to improve his 3PT shooting (only 32.7%) but the intangibles are there as Wesley is an explosive lead guard who can get to the rim with ease, create his own shot, and lockdown the opposing guard as well. Wesley is considered a high-risk high-reward type of player and if the Thunder pick him, we will know that he is more on the high-reward side of things.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Keegan Murray, 6-8 SF/PF Sophomore, Iowa
Keegan Murray has one of the highest floors in the draft with his ability to knock down the 3-pointer with ease (37%), score at will (23.3 points per game which is top 10 in the NCAA), and play elite defense with his long arms and ability to guard multiple positions (2 blocks and 1.3 steals per game).
The only knock on Murray is his age (going to be around 22 on draft day), but other than that, you're not going to find a more versatile two-way guy in this draft.
There is an argument that Murray is not only the best scoring forward, but the best defending forward in this draft as well.
The Timberwolves have seen a lot of success this season and will look to add onto their core of Anthony Edwards, Karl Anthony-Towns, and D’Angelo Russell by adding an elite two-way player in Murray who would be a steal at 16th overall.
Houston Rockets (From Nets): Malaki Branham, 6-5 SG Freshman, Ohio State
The Rockets are known to have young players with extreme athleticism (Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Josh Christopher) and they get yet another one in Branham, who is one of the best athletes in the draft. Branham uses his explosion to play high-level defense and get to the rim with ease on offense. Branham has a little bit of DeMar DeRozan in his game as he loves to set himself up for mid-range jumpers and hits them very comfortably.
But what is extremely overlooked in Branham’s game is his efficient 3PT shooting as he has a 3PT% of 45, one of the best percentages in the whole country. Branham could rise on draft boards all the way into the top ten, and if he falls to 17, the Rockets will be ecstatic as it’s already their second selection in the first round.
San Antonio Spurs (From Raptors): John Butler, 7-1 PF Freshman, Florida State
San Antonio is in a complete rebuild around Dejounte Murray and Keldon Johnson, and Butler would be another nice complement to that rebuild as San Antonio has three first-round selections in this year's draft.
Butler is an extremely raw prospect and no one really knows if he will actually enter this year’s draft just because he has to develop so much in his game.
However, the upside is there with Butler’s elite 3PT shooting (37%), size at 7-1, and ability to guard positions 3-5 with ease. Butler will need a lot of time to develop his skinny frame and offensive skills besides shooting, but this is the type of selection that San Antonio likes; high-risk high-reward.
Denver Nuggets: Wendell Moore, 6-6 SF Junior, Duke
Moore has always been an elite defender who can guard multiple positions (1.5 steals per game this season at Duke), but it took him until his junior season to polish his offensive game (13.2 points per game) and there is a lot to like about it.
A smooth finisher at the basket, Moore knows that he is not as explosive as other players and uses finesse to his advantage. Moore passes the ball extremely well and can create for others at a high level (4.6 assists per game) and limits his turnovers as well (less than 2 turnovers per game).
Moore is also a good rebounder (5.5 rebounds per game) and a high IQ player that will enter the NBA as a crucial role player. Since Moore’s offensive game only took a big leap this season, there should be even more offensive skills to develop at the next level. The Nuggets aren’t in a rebuild and need a guy ready to come in and contribute on both ends of the floor and Moore is that guy.
San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics): Walker Kessler, 7-1 PF/C Sophomore, Auburn
Kessler is a big body at 7-1 255 pounds and has been one of the biggest reasons why Auburn is ranked 3rd in the country. Kessler has a polished old-school center type of offensive game with his back to the basket, good footwork, and elite ability to score inside type of play.
However, Kessler does not fit the mold of a modern NBA center because he cannot extend his shooting range. Nonetheless, Kessler is a good rebounder (8.2 rebounds per game) and an innate shot-blocker with his NCAA leading 4.7 blocks per game. The Spurs have Jakob Poeltl as an elite shot-blocker already and will draft another one like Kessler to improve their interior defense even further.
Dallas Mavericks: Patrick Baldwin Jr., 6-10 SF Freshman, Milwaukee
Like Jalen Hardy, Baldwin Jr. was originally projected as a top 5-10 selection even after choosing to attend the small school Milwaukee and play for his father (who was ironically fired two days ago as the head coach following Baldwin Jr. being ruled out for the rest of the season for an ankle injury).
Baldwin Jr. showed off high-quality two-way capabilities in high school, which allowed for him to be a top 5 player nationally, but even in a lower-tier conference he is struggling this season tremendously averaging only 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds on 26.0% from 3PT range and 34.4% from the floor overall this season.
The ability and upside are still there for Baldwin and a team not needing a guy to contribute right away like the Mavericks will be a perfect fit for him as he needs years of developing before he is ready to play serious minutes in the NBA.
Indiana Pacers (From Cavaliers): Tari Eason, 6-8 PF Sophomore, LSU
With Domantas Sabonis gone, the Pacers will look for a plug-and-play power forward who also has some serious upside. This is the Pacers’ second selection in the first round and they got this pick from the Caris LeVert trade.
Eason isn’t the biggest power forward but is having an ultra-productive season and is a very versatile prospect. Eason provides instant offensive production (16.8 points per game at LSU this season and a 37% 3 point shooter) and elite on-ball and interior defense (2 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game at LSU).
Eason has shown major strides in every facet of his game from his freshman year at Cincinnati (only 7.3 points and a 24% 3 point shooter) to his sophomore year at LSU and he should fit in perfectly with the Pacers organization.
Brooklyn Nets (From 76ers): MarJon Beauchamp, 6-7 SG/SF 18 years old, G League Ignite
Another one of the talented G League Ignite players, Beauchamp is the biggest wild card of any of them. Some evaluators have him going as high as 8th and some have him going as low as 28th, it all depends on how teams and GM’s view Beauchamp as a long-term prospect and contributor for their organization.
What we do know is that Beauchamp is a gifted scorer who uses his athleticism and explosion to get to the rim and create space on offense. He also has a 7-foot wingspan which projects him to be a good defender.
A legitimate two-way guy, Beauchamp still needs to improve his 3Pt shot and decision-making on offense, but the upside to become a serious contributor for the Nets is there. The Nets make this pick based on Beauchamp’s upside since they won’t need him to play immediately.
Milwaukee Bucks: Ochai Agbaji, 6-5 PG/SG Senior, Kansas
The only knock on Agbaji is that he is a senior and is older than many of the draft prospects, but man can this guy do it all on offense. Arguably the best offensive player in the NCAA this season, Agbaji has a polished offensive game with his ability to score at will whenever he wants, but also get his teammates open looks without turning the ball over much.
Agbaji may not fall to 24th overall, but if he does, the Milwaukee Bucks will jump on this selection to add an immediate contributor who can be the scoring guard off of the bench behind Jrue Holiday as they continue to compete for championships.
Memphis Grizzlies (From Jazz): Jeremy Sochan, 6-9 PF Freshman, Baylor
The forward out of England is exactly the type of player that the Grizzlies love. A versatile wing with an upside to become and a 3 and D guy once his shot improves. The present strength and size are there for Sochan who is contributing tremendously (especially defensively) for the reigning national champion Baylor Bears.
He is more of a long-term prospect and it will take years for him to become a solid NBA player, but the Grizzlies will select him anyways as their core is already built with Morant, Bane, Brooks, Jackson Jr., and Williams.
Chicago Bulls: Mark Williams, 7-1 C Sophomore, Duke
One of the best defensive players in the country, Williams is averaging 7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game for the Blue Devils and at worst projects to be a defensive-minded role-playing center at the NBA level. Scouts love his 7-7 wingspan to go along with his strength and size at 7-1 as well.
The Bulls have enough shooters and once they get Patrick Williams back next season, they will become a more defensive-minded team. Mark Williams can help them defensively right away, although he may enter the NBA as an offensive liability.
Miami Heat: Christian Braun, 6-7 SG/SF Junior, Kansas
One of the best off guards in the NCAA, Braun would fit perfectly into the Heat’s “grit and grind” system as he plays hard on defense, makes all the right decisions on the basketball court, and can shoot the 3 ball with extreme efficiency (37% on the season).
Braun may never become more than a role player in the NBA but him being a legitimate 3 and D guy who fits perfectly in the “grit and grind” Heat culture makes him a solid selection from Miami.
Memphis Grizzlies: Harrison Ingram, 6-8 PG/SF Freshman, Stanford
Like I mentioned with the Grizzlies’ earlier selection of Shaedon Sharpe at #12, they love upside, long arms, and athleticism, all of which Harrison Ingram possesses. Ingram is a crafty 6-8 point guard who can create for others at a high level and has a high basketball IQ.
His scoring and 3PT shooting need work, but he reminds me so much of the Grizzlies’ first-round selection last season, Ziaire Williams (who oddly enough was another one-and-done prospect at Stanford).
Williams was considered a very “raw” prospect with tons of upside because of his athleticism and ability to defend at a high level. Ingram is a lockdown defender and is ultra-athletic as well, but is also considered the most “raw” prospect in the draft other than John Butler.
Williams’ offensive game is more polished than Ingram’s but the Grizzlies will love the comparisons to their rookie Williams and select Ingram, who has loads of upside and doesn’t need to contribute right away.
Golden State Warriors: Johnny Juzang, 6-7 SG Junior, UCLA
Juzang is mostly known for his legendary March Madness run last season where he led the tournament in scoring and helped get UCLA to its first Final Four since 2008. Juzang could be described as a “walking bucket” as he can score at will from anywhere on the court and any way he wants to.
Consistency has been the issue for Juzang this season, who would have been at least a second-round selection in last year’s draft. Juzang has been up and down with his scoring all season long and looks to be forcing a ton of shots that he simply isn’t hitting like he was in last season’s tournament.
His stock couldn’t have gone more up after his tournament run, but he decided that one more year at UCLA to polish his offensive game and become a better defender would better prepare him for the NBA. He has become a better defender, I will give him that, but offensively he looks to have taken a step back this season and that could hurt his draft stock tremendously.
Oklahoma City Thunder (From Suns): Trevor Keels, 6-6 PG/SG Freshman, Duke
Keels is an elite defender known for wreaking havoc on opposing players but has also developed into a decent 3PT shooter in his lone season at Duke. Keels is shooting 34% from 3PT range to go along with his 12 points per game. Now that Keels is an efficient scorer, even from beyond the arc, and not just a defensive-minded guard, his draft stock is rising.
The Thunder have benefited from having Luguentz Dort, a dominant on-ball defender with an emphasis on scorer, and Keels reminds me so much of him, except Dort wasn’t nearly as polished offensively at Keels’ age. The Thunder have another home run selection here with Keels as he looks the part to become a lockdown defender and an efficient scorer on offense.