NBA Draft 2022: NBA Draft Combine notebook and takeaways

Other notes

One of the prospects I was most interested to see in the scrimmages was Overtime Elite’s Dom Barlow. He looked good in the OTE league, but this was a noticeable step up. I actually thought Barlow held his own and was rather productive, despite being the second youngest prospect playing. He also had terrific measurements, at just under 6’10 in shoes with a 7’3 wingspan. He’s a project who definitely needs G-League time, but he’s someone I would invest in long-term and take in the second round.

The other younger, somewhat unknown prospect was Canadian import, Leonard Miller. Coming straight from high school, it’s not shocking he struggled with the competition. There were some flashes of ball-skills, but Miller just looked outmatched physically and by the speed of the game. He’s still considering Kentucky, Arizona, and G-League Ignite as opposed to staying in the draft, and that’s something I’d advise him too. I’m not sure I’d be comfortable drafting him, but if he stays in somebody probably will.

Speaking of young and raw prospects, I thought Memphis’ Josh Minott competed pretty well in Chicago. He’s like a baby deer with elite running and jumping skills, but kind of struggles to put it all together. His jumper mechanics did look much improved and I’d gamble on him in the early to middle second round on flashes alone. But it might behoove him to return to school and put together some production. Right now it looks like a weaker returning class for next year, so Minott could be one of the better returnees.

There’s a handful of prospects who will have to make interesting “college or NBA” decisions that will have a huge impact on the college landscape so let’s run through them.

Gonzaga’s Drew Timme honestly had a productive week. But his high usage and lack of defense will probably keep him from making it in the NBA. He can return to Gonzaga and dominate college basketball, but he might just be done. The Zags landing of Efton Reid signals to me he’s probably gone.

Arkansas’ Jaylin Williams showed his versatile defense and passing chops for a big, but like Trevion Williams, his inability to score might prevent him from getting drafted. I do think he has a chance long-term, but returning to anchor an Arkansas team that is likely preseason top-five could be beneficial for him.

Michigan’s Moussa Diabate, to me, is a long way away from contributing at an NBA level and I’m not sure he can make the improvements on both ends to get there. If he comes back, he’d make an interesting but talented pairing with Hunter Dickinson, but it doesn’t sound like he will.