Duke Basketball: Analyzing where all 5 players went in 2022 NBA Draft

Wendell Moore – No. 26 pick to Houston Rockets via Dallas

A few days ago, the Dallas Mavericks decided to trade the No. 26 overall pick to the Houston Rockets for starting power forward Christian Wood, opening up the spot eventually for Jabari Smith. So once the trade is finalized, Houston will be the home for the all-around Moore.

Considering how off-an-on Moore was as a sophomore including getting benched, his breakout campaign as a junior, including leading Duke Basketball with 4.4 apg, revived his NBA Draft to get him into the first round. Not only was Moore a quality passer, but he also was an All-ACC Defender and shot over 41% from three-point range.

What helps Moore’s odds of staying in the league is that he can do a little bit of everything. He can facilitate while playing off the ball and can shoot off the ball as well. For Houston, who has been using shooting guard Kevin Porter Jr. mostly at point, having Moore can help the ball movement on offense. He’s also not going to be high-usage, allowing the likes of Porter, Jalen Green, and now Jabari Smith to lead the offense.

The Rockets aren’t in need of more scorers as they are more quality role players. Not to limit Moore but that’s how he’ll start out in the NBA but if his scoring translates, he can start in the lineups and be a key clog in their rebuild.