NBA Draft 2022: NBA Draft Combine notebook and takeaways

Andrew Nembhard (Gonzaga)

Nembhard missed the first scrimmage with an injury but asserted himself in the second going for 26 points and 11 assists. Nembhard is undoubtedly one of the better passers in this draft. He doesn’t wow with elite burst to go by guys, but is a maestro operating in space and pick-and-roll heavy schemes. He’s a sound decision-maker and has some size for a guard to see over defenses.

The jump-shot has never been, or even looked great. But I think he could become a passable enough shooter. Nembhard isn’t overly gifted on either end, rating as an okay athlete, But his smarts, feel, and size make me think he has a chance to carve out a role as backup point guard. He was one of the most productive guards in college basketball, and while he’s not a great defender, I think he can survive for stretches to make it work. Nembhard has a solid chance to go in the second round and has earned a second-round grade from me.

Trevion Williams (Purdue)

Williams’ combine stats kind of encapsulated to me who I think he is a prospect. Removed from Purdue’s regimented system, Williams flourished as a passer. He reads defenders so well, and has an elite sense of when and where a cutter is going to be and the touch needed to find them. In a vacuum, I don’t think it’s ridiculous to say he’s the best passer in this class.

But Williams measured in at under 6’9, and his finishing issues were on display. He shot 6-24 from the field (25%) and just one made three in six attempts and the shot didn’t look great. Defensively, his slimmed-down body has helped him move laterally and I have some optimism he can play the five on defense, especially with a 7’2 wingspan. But how playable is he on offense as a subpar finisher as a big will be the major question. Yes, he can excel in short-roll passing situations. But defenses will shade the pass if he can’t hurt them as a finisher.

There are some similarities to Xavier Tillman, but Tillman’s size makes him a better finisher, defender and even he’s struggled offensively. I’ll be fascinated to see how Williams’ career plays out and if he can develop a mid-range/floater game to excel on offense. I still think he’s worthy of a second-round pick and can help a good team in situations, but unsure if he can do enough to stick.