Analysis of the NBA Draft 2022 lottery prediction picks Chet Holmgren and Peyton Watson ahead of Gonzaga vs. UCLA
SN Draft Lab puts top colleges, G-League, and international players under the microscope as we build towards the 2022 NBA draft. NBA scouts face a high task It’s all about judging talent based not only on what players can do now, but also how they perform in the NBA game going forward. Throughout the 2021-22 season, Sporting News will analyze the biggest prospects, projects and matches to bring you the latest on the names that are rising and falling on the draft board.
College basketball fans have plenty to cheer about when #1 Gonzaga takes on No. 2 UCLA on Tuesday, November 23 at 10 p.m. ET.
The two best teams in the country will go head-to-head at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking the 43rd game between the 1st and 2nd place teams in the AP college basketball poll, which started early. until 1949.
We are just seven months away from the final meeting between these two teams, which delivered an instant classic in the 2021 Finals when Jalen Suggs buried a half-hit beat the buzzer in extra time to keep Gonzaga’s undefeated season alive and progressing to the National Championship match.
Since then, Gonzaga and UCLA have each returned most of their spin from last year’s March Madness run and added some big prospects in the long run, increasing the importance of the competition not to be missed. this.
THAN: Patience is Key for Peyton Watson on UCLA Downloaded
If you’re more of an NBA fan than a college basketball junkie, this game has something for you, too.
Keep a close eye on freshman Gonzaga Chet Holmgren and UCLA freshman Peyton Watson, two potential lottery picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. If you’re new to them, check out two of the potential clients. top below.
NBA Draft 2022 Potential: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
Expected NBA Mock Draft 2022: No. 2 overall
Position: F / C
Height and weight: 7 feet-1, 190 lbs.
The age: 19, Freshman
Summary: According to ESPN, Holmgren was the #1 ranked prospect for the Class of 2020. By committing to Gonzaga, he became the first #1 prospect in the show’s history. With stars like Suggs and Corey Kispert moving to the NBA after last year’s successful season, Holmgren was immediately included in the starting lineup, emerging as one of Gonzaga’s attackers while strengthening the defence. their reign.
File: Holmgren is a seven-footed player who handles the ball like a defender and guards the belt like a center. He’s uncharacteristically coordinated for his size and his mobility makes him a real threat inside and out on either side of the ball. When attacking, he can create a shot of his own to dribble and has a dexterity towards him that keeps him out of line with larger defenders. Because of his 7-foot-6 wingspan, he only needed a dribble or two to reach the belt.
He shoots comfortably from 3-points and mid-range like a floor cushion, but he can also score in the paint with his solid movement and virtuosic touch, or simply catch the ball. border around the rim.
In terms of defense, he is an elite shooter like you would see in a college outlook.
He is an inner defensive anchor but is also more likely to step outside with switches and fend off defenders faster.
Holmgren’s 190-pound slim frame is clearly a concern, but he plays with attitude and doesn’t shy away from physical games — at least not against kids his age. It will be one of the toughest adjustments playing against grown-ups in the NBA, but at his height, his skill set is just too high for his frame to hold him. It’s like a prospect. He still needs to improve his arsenal in post moves, decision making and shot selection, and can develop as a passer, but Holmgren has all it takes to become a great passer. future star.
NBA Draft 2022 Potential: Peyton Watson, UCLA
Expected NBA Mock Draft 2022: Number 7 overall
Position: NS
Height and weight: 6 foot-8, 200 lbs.
The age: 18, freshman student
Summary: According to ESPN, Watson was the 12th ranked lead in the Class of 2020. A Los Angeles native, Watson was the top lead in the state of California, committing to UCLA to join a loaded list that returned. four of the top five scorers from their hands Final Four run a season ahead.
As a result, so far, the highly regarded freshman hasn’t had much consistent game time behind a group of upperclassmen. He’s only averaged 3.3 points in 14.3 minutes per game so far and is being used more as a defensive specialist than a goalscorer, but has plenty of time to play. The 18-year-old is comfortable on the pitch and takes on a more solid role. in rotation.
File: Watson is a long and sporty wing whose game project is unique at the NBA level. He is a versatile goalscorer who can create for himself on all three levels of the floor and although the consistency of his jump is far from perfect, his mechanics are smooth. .
With a dedicated offensive role at UCLA, he’ll thrive as a slice and dice, using his agility and leaping ability to score at the belt.
He has clearly shown himself to be a capable player in high school and if that skill develops, it will be a huge asset to being a next-level 3-and-D player. . While he wasn’t necessarily known as a defender before college, his efforts on that ball side should earn him more playing time under head coach Mick Cronin. With all the tools to be a versatile, nimble defender, don’t be surprised to see Watson making big strides during his freshman season.
Watson will have to learn to make an impact without a prominent role – which will likely be an adjustment for a five-star player – but he has a lot of potential to become one of the most important players in the world. The best NBA player in his class.
