The 2022 NBA Draft was a night filled with trades and unexpected twists, bringing every fan who was along for the roller coaster ride a jolt of excitement. The trio of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith went 1-2-3, as largely expected, though Banchero went first- maybe not as expected.
Through all the twists and turns, there were steals as well, as some NBA teams secured excellent draft day values. So, who made out like a bandit, so to speak?
These five players represent the biggest NBA Draft steals of 2022. Without further ado, let's get to it!
2022 NBA Draft Steals
5. Round 1, Pick 3- F Jabari Smith (Rockets)
Jabari Smith, who was a projected top-3 pick, can't necessarily be considered the biggest steal of the draft, which is why he's positioned here at no. 5. However, given that Smith was mocked as either the no. 1 or 2 pick for weeks, seeing him fall to pick no. 3 has to be a surprise- and a steal for the Houston Rockets.
While Banchero just might be the more NBA-ready prospect and a more versatile offensive scorer, Smith is the better shooter and defender. And that's the key here for the Rockets. They had the NBA's worst defense by a fair margin, as they allowed 118.2 points per game in 2021.
The lengthy Smith has the size to guard power forwards and the lateral quickness to defend smaller threes. In today's wing-oriented NBA, that is the most coveted type of player.
When it's all said and done, Smith has a chance to be the best player in this draft. The Rockets got him at pick 3. That's great value.
4. Round 1, Pick 20- G Malaki Branham (Spurs)
Ohio State's Malaki Branham, projected to be selected inside the top-20 picks by many, fell to the 20th pick, where he was snatched up by the San Antonio Spurs. There are question marks about Branham's ability to defend- and he may need to fill out his 6-5 frame a bit more.
However, there were few scorers and shot creators like him in this year's draft class. Branham was a model of efficiency at Ohio State, averaging 13.7 points on 49.8/41.6/83.3 percent shooting splits.
Branham figures to make up for some of the offense lost in the Derrick White trade deadline deal from this past season. While he might have some trouble cracking the rotation initially, the Ohio State product's scoring punch will certainly play eventually in San Antonio.
3. Round 2, Pick 44- G Ryan Rollins (Warriors)
The defending-champion Golden State Warriors, who needed a backup guard behind sharpshooter Stephen Curry, traded up with the Atlanta Hawks for Ryan Rollins out of Toledo. Rollins was a projected second-round pick, though this is an absolute steal by the Warriors.
Rollins, a 6-4 guard with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, was a 50-40-90 player in college, with his shooting prowess making him a logical fit for the Dubs. Not only that, but the Toledo product is an adept ballhandler and playmaker, one who should have no trouble running the offense off the Warriors' bench.
There is a case to be made that Rollins is a late first-round talent in the second round. Perhaps the Warriors recognized that and pounced. The rich get richer.
2. Round 2, Pick 41- F EJ Liddell (Pelicans)
EJ Liddell was mocked inside the top-20 picks by many pundits, though perhaps teams were concerned with his body, as scouts- via The Athletic- had their doubts about his fitness, given his 15 percent body fat.
However, it's hard to ignore that Liddell is the ideal forward for today's NBA. At 6-7, Liddell is a bit undersized for the power forward spot, though he certainly didn't defend like an undersized big in college.
The man averaged 2.6 blocks per game and is capable of guarding opposing bigs. Not only that, but he's a floor-spacer and capable passer.
Liddell might have a bit of an unconventional shot, but he knocked down 37.4 percent of his three-point attempts. He'll make for an excellent fit in the front court alongside Zion Williamson if the Pelicans opt to go small-ball in certain lineups.
If not, he can spell Williamson off the bench, giving the Pels a two-way, stretch forward. Given his versatility, Liddell had no business falling to the second round.
Round 2, Pick 38- G Kennedy Chandler (Grizzlies)
Tennessee guard Kennedy Chandler was drafted by the Spurs, though he didn't stay there long. He was promptly dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies, who just so happened to need a backup guard.
Perhaps Chandler's size- he is 6-foot- scared some teams off. Either way, it is downright shocking that he fell into the second round. Viewed as a first-round talent by many, Chandler is an excellent defender, can finish at the rim and is a capable shooter from distance.
Not only that, but he is a skilled and willing passer. He'll fit right in with Memphis as a backup to Ja Morant.
Follow Us
Subscribe