NBA Draft 2022: Early observations heading into 2021-22 NCAA Basketball season

Two-way wings

This could be a strong wing class, or average depending on which freshmen elect to leave after one season. The headliner of this group (excluding Griffin Jr.) is UCLA freshman Peyton Watson. An angular forward, Watson had some impressive shooting flashes during his high school senior season. His offense was lacking in the U19’s, but his defense was on display. Watson enters a low-pressure situation joining the No. 2 Bruins.

He’ll often be a third or fourth option on offense and shouldn’t be tasked with too many responsibilities. Playing next to Johnny Juzang and Jaime Jaquez could lead to some creative lineups. Even with limited production, Watson can do enough to impact winning and remain a first-round prospect. He’s in the late lottery range for me right now.

Then, I think there are four freshman wings that may or may not be one-and-done: Kendall Brown (Baylor), Max Christie (Michigan State), Matthew Cleveland (Florida State), and Bryce McGowens (Nebraska).

Brown has the best physical tools of the bunch. He’s listed at 6’8 and is a springy athlete. But I question Brown’s feel from his tape. He showed some shooting but his mechanics and low-release point need reworking. He should start at the three for the defending National Champions, but with James Akinjo, Adam Flagler, and Matthew Mayer in the fold, he will probably be asked to play a minor role. Brown could excel as a cutter and defender and show teams why he’s an NBA player. But I’m a bit scared when it comes to athletic, low-feel wings after Greg Brown last year.

Christie has the best ball skills of this group. The skinny wing can score at all three levels, and showed some playmaking. But, he’s not a plus athlete and needs to continue to bulk his body. Michigan State lacks a go-to scorer and Christie could conceivably be the guy. But Tom Izzo has historically been reluctant to give freshmen a ton of opportunity.

Cleveland is a bit raw, but the flashes are wildly impressive. He looks long and athletic on film and enters a Leonard Hamilton system that has produced three NBA forwards in the past two seasons. For Cleveland, hitting shots at a solid rate and showing an improved handle should do enough to entice teams.

McGowens is a bit smaller but could play a huge role for a bad Nebraska team. If he shows off his scoring package, he’s a bit of a sleeper prospect in this class.

Duke’s Trevor Keels is also worth monitoring, especially with Griffin Jr.’s injury. The buzz surrounding him out of Durham has been positive.