Grading the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery Picks Two Years Later
As the 2023-2024 NBA season draws to a close, it’s a great time to revisit the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery and evaluate how each pick has panned out two years in. Draft night is often filled with excitement and anticipation, but it’s only after seeing how players perform on the court and fit within their teams that we can truly assess their impact. In this article, we’ll grade each of the lottery picks from the 2022 NBA Draft, reflecting on their performances and potential for growth.
1. Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic
Grade: A+
Banchero has established himself as a cornerstone for the Orlando Magic, earning an All-Star selection by his second season. Initially, there were questions about whether he should have been the first pick, but Banchero quickly silenced the skeptics. His combination of size, strength, and skill has allowed him to dominate defenders, and as his three-point shooting continues to develop, he seems destined to be a long-term franchise player.
2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: A
Despite missing his rookie season due to injury, Holmgren came back strong, showcasing his elite defensive skills by ranking among the league leaders in blocks per game. His 17 points, 8 rebounds, and solid three-point shooting have made him a perfect fit for the Thunder’s youthful core, helping them secure the top spot in the Western Conference.3. Jabari Smith Jr., Houston Rockets
Grade: B
Smith Jr. has shown promise as a versatile defender, but his offensive game hasn’t progressed as hoped. He remains an average shooter, with minimal improvement in his scoring efficiency from year one to year two. While he contributes as a reliable role player, the Rockets likely anticipated more from a top-three pick, hence the B grade.
4. Keegan Murray, Sacramento Kings
Grade: B+
Murray burst onto the scene as a sharpshooter but regressed to league-average efficiency in his sophomore season. Despite this, he has demonstrated the ability to catch fire from beyond the arc and fill his role as a floor spacer and tough defender. His potential to regain his shooting touch justifies his slightly higher grade compared to Smith Jr.
5. Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons
Grade: B-
Ivey has shown flashes of talent but struggled to carve out a consistent role on a struggling Pistons team. His scoring dipped from his rookie season, and he has yet to find synergy alongside fellow young star Cade Cunningham. Although he has potential, the Pistons are still figuring out the best way to utilize him effectively.
6. Bennedict Mathurin, Indiana Pacers
Grade: B
Mathurin started strong, showing potential as a scorer but has since settled into a streaky sixth-man role. He can score 15 to 20 points on any given night, though his efficiency varies. While he may never be a top-tier player, his role as an energetic scorer off the bench makes him a valuable mid-lottery pick.
7. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers
Grade: B
Sharpe was a gamble due to his limited college experience, but his athleticism and scoring ability have flashed throughout two seasons. However, injuries have hindered his consistency, leaving room for improvement. If he can stay healthy and develop further, Sharpe could rise above his current grade.
8. Dyson Daniels, New Orleans Pelicans
Grade: C
Daniels has carved out a role as a versatile defender and secondary playmaker, but his offensive game remains underdeveloped. The Pelicans traded him to the Atlanta Hawks, signaling they might not have seen enough progress to justify his top-ten selection. Daniels’ NBA journey will continue, but he will need to grow significantly on offense to improve his grade.
9. Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio Spurs
Grade: C+
Sochan has been utilized in various roles, including as a point forward, yet he lacks specialization. Though a competent defender, he struggles offensively and doesn’t provide reliable floor spacing. His development may hinge on honing a particular skill set to elevate his overall impact on the court.
10. Johnny Davis, Washington Wizards
Grade: F
Davis, once touted as a scoring prodigy, has been the biggest disappointment of the draft class. He spent significant time in the G League due to his inefficiency and limited minutes in the NBA. His future in the league is uncertain, as the Wizards may soon move on from their former top-ten pick.
11. Ousmane Dieng, Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: D
Dieng remains a raw prospect who has struggled to find playing time on an increasingly competitive Thunder squad. With the team in win-now mode, there’s little room for a developmental player like Dieng, and it’s unclear if he’ll ever fully realize his potential in Oklahoma City.
12. Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Grade: A+
Williams has been a revelation, quickly establishing himself as a two-way force. Averaging 19 points on efficient shooting while displaying defensive versatility, he has proven to be a steal at the end of the lottery. Williams’ rapid development has been pivotal in the Thunder’s resurgence as a Western Conference powerhouse.
13. Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons
Grade: B
Duren has impressed with his athleticism, rebounding, and finishing abilities. He needs to polish his defensive game to become a top-tier starting center, but his potential is evident, making him a solid pick for the Pistons as they continue their rebuild.
14. Ochai Agbaji, Cleveland Cavaliers (traded to Utah Jazz)
Grade: C-
Initially expected to be a sharpshooter, Agbaji has struggled with consistency from beyond the arc. His three-point percentage dropped significantly in his sophomore season, casting doubt on his long-term viability as a floor spacer. While still contributing, his development has fallen short of expectations for a lottery pick.
As these players continue to develop, their impact will further reveal the success or failure of their respective teams’ decisions on draft night. While some lottery picks have quickly justified their selection, others are still finding their way, and a few may struggle to secure their spot in the league moving forward.
