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

[SleepingHero]

I was writing up a big pre-draft thing about my favorite prospects, and then the Mavs traded the pick. Figured I'd just get it in now for at least posterity sake:

Guys I like a lot:

• Jaden Hardy- I’m impressed by his ability to create off the dribble. He managed to make tough shot after tough shot. That type of shot creation is vital for a guard if they want to survive in the NBA. He’s a little short, but I wouldn’t call him undersized. His ability to get to the rim is there, but he can’t seem to finish. We saw a lot of that with DSJ. How well he fixes that is going to be key to unlocking his true potential. His defense leaves a lot to be desired, but when he’s locked in he can produce. I think with Kidd/Sweeney they can get something out of him.
                Comp: Jamal Crawford/Michael Redd with better handles but a worse shot/Shades of THJ. 
                Floor: 2-5 year pro barely averaging 5 a game.
                Ceiling: Sub all-star with 6th man of the year potential. Manu Ginobli if I'm being generous. 
  
• Sochan: His defensive impact is like none other. He can move his feet with the best of them. I watched 3 Baylor games this year, and after each one I left feeling that Sochan could go as high as a late lotto pick or go as low as the mid 2nd round. Most of that because of how his offensive game was practically non-existent. There were 5-6 min. stretches where the guy was a ghost on the court on that end. He got all of his points through hustle and effort. Yet despite that, he has a good feel on passing and leading a fast break. My money is that the Spurs grab him at 14 and turn him into the best version of himself
  

              Comp: Aaron Gordon that has the offensive game of a middle schooler/Ben Simmons if everything about him was worse.
              Floor: G-Leaguer that fizzles out after 3 years cause he can’t score.
              Ceiling: Multi time all-defensive first team, key role player on a championship team.

• Mark Williams: THE guy of the draft for me. He’s a limited center, but the things he’s good at are exactly what most centers lack today. His 9’9 standing reach puts him as the longest dude in the league once he’s drafted. He’s highly athletic. He’s a great screener and lob catcher. He has the foot speed to keep up with guards. If this was America’s Got Talent I’d press the Golden Buzzer instantly.
  

              Comp: Clint Capela with more mobility
              Floor: Mitchell Robinson's more athletic cousin
              Ceiling: Rudy Gobert if he couldn't be played off the floor

• Jalen Duren: A monstorous athletic big that reminds me of a combo of Bam and Dwight Howard at times, although with half the skill of each! 
  

              Comp: Myles Turner if he was more athletic and a worse 3pt shot
              Floor: Bismack Biyombo with a higher IQ
              Ceiling: The actual mix of Bam and D.Howard.

• Walker Kessler- Probably the highest volatility in terms of success in the league. I can see the guy being a valuable starter with great rim protection like Zubac. I can also see him barely getting played and people wonder how the hell did the guy even make the league. I still liked his positional awareness. I enjoyed his rim protection. I am scared shitless at his ability to move his feet and finish with contact in the big league.
  

                    Comp: Jakob Poeltl with a higher ceiling
                    Floor: Justin Patton (remember that guy? yeah me neither)
                    Ceiling: Jarrett Allen with a 3pt shot in a perfect world.

• Ochai Agbaji: I was on this guy a bit earlier than most. I think he's a classic vet 2-guard with a great 3 just waiting to happen. Would be surprised to see him drop below 20. 
             Comp: Desmond Bane 2.0.           
             Floor: Jae Crowder before he made it to Boston.           
             Ceiling: The all-star version of Malik Beasley.
  

• Palo Banchero: No shot the Mavs get him. Just wanted to put it in writing of me saying I think he'll be the best kid out of this draft. His offensive game reminds me Carmelo Anthony but modernized and a tad bit worse. I see him as the ultimate version of Danny Green. He even has shown some ability to run the point. 
  

Some guys I absolutely do not like: 

• Chet Holmgren: I see the stats. I see all the scouts, analysts, and talking heads saying this guy is amazing. The times I watched him I just can't get over how skinny his frame is. He makes good plays. He rarely made mistakes. By all means he looks to be a unicorn. I seriously think he'll be the anemic version of Shawn Bradley, or an even less durable Porzingis. 
  
• Marjon Beauchamp: I don't see what everybody else sees. I think this guy is a prime flame out candidate. Would love to be proven wrong. 
  

Some guys I think will be steals:
Trevor Keels (and no he's not here because of the supposed Mavs interest. I thought he had a good tournament).
Koloko
Kamagate
Jovic (*I can easily see him as a bust, but it's hard not to get excited over a 6'10 highly mobile forward that can hit a three.)


Everyone else I didn't really have the time to scout. Looking forward to tonight's draft, although I'll be behind due to a meeting.