The days leading up to the 2022 NBA Draft seemed to indicate fireworks set to go off on the night itself. Instead, the trade market was largely quiet as teams focused on making their draft selections rather than working the phones. That basically sums up the Washington Wizards' draft night experience as well.
The Wizards entered the evening armed with the 10th overall pick in the first round and the 54th overall pick in the second round. Trade buzz had echoed throughout the past couple of weeks in D.C., not just with Bradley Beal, but also some key veterans in Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope who were reportedly being shopped for an upgrade at point guard.
But at least for one night, NBA draft night in particular, Washington quieted the whispers and made their selections without much drama. With that, let's grade the Wizards' 2022 NBA Draft selections:
FIRST ROUND – No. 10 overall – Johnny Davis, Wisconsin
GRADE: B
No matter who the Wizards ended up after the dust settled on draft night, majority of fans likely wouldn't have been left satisfied barring a trade up to grab a higher-end prospect like Jaden Ivey. Aggressive maneuvering to move up rather than standing pat tends to be the more celebrated option among draft circles because it paints the picture of a front office taking a step towards getting their man. They wanted someone enough to make a move.
But considering the options available at number 10, the Wizards made the right play in landing Johnny Davis. Regardless of how the Bradley Beal situation plays out in Washington, there will be future where Davis fits into the team's plans. He can comfortably play next to Beal, with both guards capable of playing either backcourt spot.
On-ball
Davis was the bona fide first option on the Badgers last season, owning a monster usage rate as he constantly had the ball in his hands and create off the dribble. He didn't have another high-end talent to pass to in his sophomore season, but did show a penchant for playmaking that he can unveil further playing off a multiple-time All-Star.
Off-ball
While his shooting numbers to play off the ball weren't great, shooting 30.6 percent from deep in his final season, Davis could heighten his efficiency with a much smaller offensive load on his shoulders. He owned a 38.9 percent clip on a smaller sample size as a bench scorer in his freshman season and could possibly return to that with NBA-level playmakers around him.
Defense
Johnny Davis' offensive game may take some time to fully blossom, but his defense could likely translate not long after his first steps onto an NBA court. It's been reported how Davis approaches basketball like football thanks to his background, fully embracing the physicality of the game. His first words as a member of the Wizards on draft night revolved around bringing in a defensive mindset. For a team desperate to turn its fortunes around defensively, Davis could be the injection that Washington needs.
All in all, Johnny Davis doesn't project to be a game-changer for the Wizards, but he's definitely likely to be a useful player, now and going forward. His impact on the defensive end and as a potential tone-setter in the locker room could be where his true value lies. If his offense comes along, then his ceiling could go up even more.
SECOND ROUND – No. 54 overall – Yannick Nzosa, Spanish Liga ACB
GRADE: B+
From an at-large perspective, the selection of Yannick Nzosa, a 6'11” center of Congolese descent, makes sense as your typical European draft and stash. Take a flier on a young prospect that may not be ready just yet in the hopes that he develops into something overseas.
Nzosa isn't just a relative unknown that one team's overseas scouting department developed an infatuation for. Nzosa got on the NBA radar and even made some noise as a potential first-round pick and maybe even a lottery selection thanks to his showing as a 17-year-old impact player for Unicaja.
Yannick Nzosa (Center, Unicaja Baloncesto Malaga)
6’11”, 7’5” wingspan, 190 lbs– Upside to be an elite rim protector. Gets off the ground fast, elite length, & instincts.
– Great mover at 6’11”. Defends in space effectively.
– Fast for a big. Great rim runner & a lob threat. pic.twitter.com/Mea8GMFVJg— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) June 20, 2022
However, Yannick Nzosa had a down season the following year, seeing his stats drop across the board after also suffering a groin injury that may have affected his development and production on the court.
Still, the man is only 18 years of age and doesn't turn 19 up until the 2022-23 season is well underway. There weren't likely to be any major impact players at 54 for the Wizards to take. Why not try and wait on a youngster with potential down the line?
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