NBA Draft 2022: Final Big Board of top 60 overall prospects

21. Tari Eason – LSU – Forward – 6’8, 217 lbs – May 2001 – Sophomore

Someone I’m probably lower on, Eason had an undeniably productive season for LSU. He thrived as a slasher, bullying his way to the rim and finishing through contact. He’s an analytical darling with a +13.5 BPM and high steal and block rates (I do think some of that was scheme based, but there’s no denying Easn’s aggressiveness and tenacity on that end. He is a terrific rebounder for his size and even in a scaled-back NBA defense, Eason should be pretty switchable 1-4, and maybe some fives. He moves well and has a 7’2 wingspan to wreak havoc.

I think my hold-up comes on the offensive end. Eason was successful as a driver, but he’s incredibly right-hand dominant. I’m not sure he can just plow through NBA defenders with one hand. The jumper is also a swing skill. After shooting 30% (13-43) from deep, the first three months of the season, Eason shot 42% (15-35) to finish out the year. I think the mechanics are a little wonky with the release off to his side a bit, but the results were good down the stretch, I just don’t buy it completely. He’s not a black hole with the ball, but Eason doesn’t make the best reads and won’t dissect teams with his passing. when he does have an advantage.

Even if the offensive swing skills don’t hit, the defensive versatility and some play-finishing should help him see the floor early on. His aggressiveness could be scaled back a bit, but he plays hard as heck and teams will like that.

22. E.J. Liddell – Ohio State – Forward –  6’7, 243 lbs – December 2000 – Junior

Having scouted Liddell multiple times since he was a high schooler, it’s noticeable and wildly impressive how he gets better every year. Liddell had a productive season as a sophomore, but took feedback from NBA teams and became one of the best players in college basketball this past year.

The most noticeable improvement was as a shooter. Liddell shot up from 33.8% to 37% on 43 more attempts. It’s a low-arching shot, so I’m a tad concerned with it stretching to NBA-level, but I’m not overly concerned. Liddell also improved as a passer to the point where he can make the right read in 4 on 3, 3 on 2 advantages.

Defensively is interesting. Liddell is a strong and a terrific two-foot leaper with real shot-blocking instcits. His 8.0% block rate for his size is wildly impressive. He does lack in the foot-speed department so I worry about him guarding wings and at 6’7, he is at a disadvantage. But, the playoffs have shown the value in smaller centers that can shoot and pass. He gets comped to Grant Williams and while Williams is bigger, they can fill similar archetypes. Liddell has his warts, but he’s a smart player, who works hard and should win coaches over.

23. Kendall Brown – Baylor – Wing – 6’7.5, 201 lbs – May 2003 – Freshman

Brown’s stock fell as his production waned on a guard-heavy Baylor team. He is noticeably big and athletic, dunking the ball 43 times and shooting an impressive 76% at the rim. Brown wasn’t a very willing shooter, taking under two per game and his release point is super low. He’s young and has good touch, but it’s clearly a few years away.

Despite his size and athleticism, Brown wasn’t great as a defender. He got back-cut quite frequently and his effort on the ball could have been better. But putting him in a normal defensive scheme (and not in Baylor’s “no middle” scheme) should help him.

Brown definitely underwhelmed a little, but legit 6’8, strong, athletic players are in need. He is a plus passer for his size and could be well-utilized as a roll-man and cutter and he should thrive in transition.

24. Jaden Hardy – G-League Ignite – Guard – 6’4, 198 lbs – July 2002

Billed as a top-five pick entering the year, Hardy struggled mightily in the G-League shooting 35% from the floor and 26% from three, while playing little to no defense. After that sentence, you may be wondering why I still have a first-round grade on Hardy (trust me part of me is too).

Hardy is well-built and while the percentages were terrible, I still buy Hardy as a shooter. He took some tough shots though that he won’t be asked to take at the next level. He’s got a creative handle to create separation. He does need to improve his willingness to pass off the advantages he creates and having always been a “score-first” player, I’m not sure how easy that is.

Defense will always be an uphill battle but creative scoring combo guards have had success (Jordan Poole, Tyrese Maxey, Tyler Herro) lately. Hardy will need to be reigned into a team concept, but there’s microwave scoring potential.