2022 NBA Draft: #37 Jaden Hardy (6' 3", 6' 9" WS) to DAL | two 2nds to SAC

[juanc]

Not a lot of overseas prospects besides Jovic and Kamagate. The 26th pick would be the right place for a traditional draft and stash in Europe for a few more years. Will be hard for a rookie to get meaningful minutes next season

Jović is one of the more overrated prospects in this draft in my opinion. He has shown some flashes of playmaking and shot creation, but I have a hard time seeing him being a better player than Nemanja Bjelica(who was missused almost his whole prime in the NBA). He will really struggle toguard anyone in the league, so I would stay away from him.

So I made a promise to give my evaluation of the other prospect and here I am... I'll start with EJ Liddell. First of all let me say that I think he will be a good defender in the league. He has a strong body and will be able to bang with the stronger guys in the league, and it will also help him with the contests/blocks. Great timing and feeling on his help defense at the rim. I also like the his feet are quick enough to slide with the wing players(for example he was great guarding Banchero). All in all I'm not worried about his defense. I have a hard time seeing him as a good small ball C, since he misses a few inches of height/wingspan
But when it comes to his fit with the Mavs, offense is the problem. Most of his offense came from postups(and we all have seen how that looked like with Luka and the others). He is really bad attacking with the face to the basket and with dribble penetration. He's an OK shooter, but I don't really see him ever being a great/elite shooter... All in all I really like his defense, but am also worried about his offensive fit with the Mavs..

Next up i Malaki Branham. I am a big fan of his. On the offensive side he can create for himself, he can really shoot the ball and he can also go to the rim. he takes and makes tough shoots, the only thing here is that he can sometimes have somewhat of a tunnel vision, but I can easly see him benefiting from more space in the NBA. A really smart offensive player.
On defense, he is very solid. Able to guard 1-3, can see him also being able to cointain 4 once he gets more muscle. Quick and reactive feet and also smart on that end. He will never be a first team all defense player, but he'll good on that end. Also 6'5 with 6'11 WS(and that's huge).
Would love if he would fall to the Mavs.

If the Mavs end up with one of Brown, Branham, Wesley I would be thrilled. Also Braun and Hardy would be nice