NBA Roundup: Highlights and Analysis from Tonight’s Games: 4/2/23
Raptors vs Hornets:
Game Summary: Last night, the Toronto Raptors defeated the undermanned Charlotte Hornets 128-108, securing a place in the NBA play-in tournament. Pascal Siakam scored 36 points, Fred VanVleet added 20 points and a career-high 20 assists, and O.G. Anunoby added 23 points for the Raptors. The team clinched the spot after the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Utah Jazz later in the day. With four games remaining, the Raptors are now focused on seeding. They entered the day tied with the Atlanta Hawks for eighth place in the Eastern Conference and are looking to move up in the standings to secure a better chance of advancing out of the play-in tournament. The Raptors dominated the game, outscoring the Hornets 90-44 in the paint. VanVleet played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring 20 points and setting a franchise single-game record for assists. The Hornets, who played without all five of their anticipated starters this season, were led by Svi Mykhailiuk’s career-high 26 points and Mark Williams’ 15 points and 12 rebounds. The two teams will meet again on Tuesday night in Charlotte.
Nets vs Jazz
Game Summary: On Sunday, the Brooklyn Nets defeated the Utah Jazz 111-110, with Mikal Bridges contributing 30 points and seven rebounds to bring the Nets closer tosecuring a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Despite blowing a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Nets managed to hold off the Jazz and win their third consecutive game. Spencer Dinwiddie had 17 points and 12 assists, while Cam Johnson scored 18 points. The Nets are now two games ahead of Miami for the No. 6 seed and need just two more wins to clinch the last guaranteed playoff spot in the East. Talen Horton-Tucker scored 32 points for the Jazz, who lost for the fifth time in six games and are currently 12th in the West. Lauri Markkanen had 23 points and nine rebounds, but struggled to find his rhythm early in the game. Despite their strong fourth-quarter performance, the Jazz were unable to close the gap, and the Nets held on for the win.
Grizzlies vs Bulls
Game Summary: The Memphis Grizzlies appeared to be cruising towards another victory, but the Chicago Bulls had different plans. Led by Zach LaVine’s 36 points and DeMar DeRozan’s 31, the Bulls rallied in the second half to defeat the Grizzlies 128-107, overcoming Ja Morant’s triple-double performance. After being down by 23 points at halftime, the Bulls outscored the Grizzlies 75-39 in the final two quarters and dominated the third quarter, ending it on a 17-0 run to take the lead. The Bulls responded with another big push in the fourth quarter after Memphis pulled within three. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points for the Grizzlies, but the team committed 18 turnovers, resulting in 31 points for the Bulls. The win was crucial for the Bulls, who are aiming to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.
Trailblazers vs Timberwolves
Game Summary: The short-handed Portland Trail Blazers managed to beat the playoff-hopeful Minnesota Timberwolves 107-105 on Sunday, despite missing four regular starters. Shaedon Sharpe led the team with 27 points, while Kevin Knox II contributed 19. Trendon Watford and Skylar Mays also made solid contributions with 15 and 13 points respectively. Anthony Edwards was the top scorer for the Timberwolves with 37 points, but it was not enough to secure the victory. Despite the win, the Trail Blazers have had a tough time recently, losing 11 of their last 12 games, and missing several key players due to injury or trades. The Timberwolves have lost three in a row and are currently in the running for the playoffs, but have struggled against teams with the worst records in the NBA this season.
Hawks vs Mavericks
Game summary: In a game with significant playoff implications for both teams, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Dallas Mavericks 132-130 in a hard-fought battle that required regulation and overtime to settle. While the matchup between Trae Young and Luka Doncic is always significant, this game was mainly centered around Kyrie Irving versus the rest of the Hawks. Irving put up an impressive 41 points for Dallas, but he made a costly defensive mistake with one second remaining in overtime by committing a reach-in foul on Young, who then hit the game-winning free throws. Although the Hawks blew a 15-point lead in the second half and had some errors of their own, all seven players who scored in double digits contributed to the victory. In contrast, Dallas’s chances of reaching the Play-In Tournament are dwindling. Atlanta’s record improves to 39-39, while Dallas drops to 37-42 for the season. The Hawks will have a practice session tomorrow before traveling to Chicago for a road game against the Bulls on Tuesday.
Knicks vs Wizards
The New York Knicks secured their spot in the playoffs with a 118-109 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday. Jalen Brunson and Quentin Grimes scored 27 points each, while Immanuel Quickley contributed 22 points and Obi Toppin had 21. Corey Kispert led the Wizards with 29 points, and Johnny Davis had 16 points, and Taj Gibson added 14. The Knicks had missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons before making it twice in the last three years. The team has won its last four games, including this one, despite the absence of All-Star forward Julius Randle due to a sprained left ankle. The Wizards were missing their top three scorers, Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis, and Kyle Kuzma.
Magic vs Pistons:
Game Recap: In a 128-102 victory, the Magic triumphed over the Pistons with Jalen Suggs leading the team with 18 points and Paolo Banchero contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Despite Jaden Ivey’s 14 points and six assists, the Pistons were unable to secure a win. The Magic’s record now stands at 34-44 for the season, while the Pistons drop to 16-62.
Spurs vs Kings
The San Antonio Spurs stopped the Sacramento Kings from clinching the Pacific Division with a 142-134 victory on Sunday, despite Doug McDermott’s 30-point performance in the fourth quarter and overtime. The Kings were hoping to win their first division title in 20 years in front of their home fans but failed to do so against the struggling Spurs. The win ended San Antonio’s six-game losing streak, with Julian Champagnie contributing a career-high 26 points and Tre Jones adding 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Kings remain two games behind Memphis in the race for second place in the Western Conference. The victory was particularly significant for Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who was recently announced as part of the Hall of Fame class alongside former point guard Tony Parker and former assistant Becky Hammon.
Lakers vs Rockets
Game Recap: On Sunday night, Anthony Davis scored 40 points and LeBron James recorded his 107th triple-double to tie Jason Kidd for fourth place, with 18 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 134-109. The Lakers moved into a tie for seventh in the Western Conference with the New Orleans Pelicans with four games to go. James stated that the team wants to compete for a championship and these last four games are important to build chemistry. Davis has been in a great rhythm, scoring 38 points or more in three straight games and at least 37 in four of the last five. Lakers starter D’Angelo Russell did not return to play in the second half due to left foot soreness, and will be reevaluated on Monday. Alperen Sengun notched his third straight double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds for the Rockets, while Jalen Green scored 24 points and Kevin Porter Jr. chipped in 20 points. The Lakers extended their lead to 117-90 with 7:56 to go in the game.
Suns vs Thunder
The Phoenix Suns won their fifth consecutive victory on Sunday night, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-118. Kevin Durant, who led the Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012 and is now playing for the Suns, scored 35 points, including 13 points in the fourth quarter and a crucial block at the rim. Devin Booker added 22 points and 10 assists, while Chris Paul had 16 points and eight assists. Despite 39 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder lost for the third time in their last four games. Phoenix remains fourth in the Western Conference standings. Before the game, Phoenix coach Monty Williams expressed his admiration for Durant’s scoring abilities. Williams also thanked members of the Thunder organization for their support after his wife died in a traffic accident in Oklahoma City in 2016.
Cavaliers vs Pacers
Game Recap: On Sunday, the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Indiana Pacers with a score of 122-103, thanks in part to Darius Garland’s 24 points and Isaac Okoro’s 20 points. The Cavaliers had an excellent shooting percentage of 52.3% from the field, including 15 of 37 (40.5%) from long range, and their top-ranked defense held the Pacers to just 43.5% shooting. All five of the Cavs’ starters scored in double digits, with Jarrett Allen contributing 18 points and 13 rebounds, Evan Mobley with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Donovan Mitchell with 19 points and six assists. Despite averaging 22 points and 8.2 assists, Garland was not named an All-Star and commented on this after the game. The Pacers were led by Myles Turner with 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Tyrese Haliburton with 15 points and 11 assists, but they were unable to keep up with the Cavaliers after the first quarter. Cleveland’s victory marked their 23rd double-figure victory of the season.
Bucks vs 76ers
The 76ers defeat the Bucks 133-130, ending the Bucks’ 16 game win streak. James Harden had an impressive performance, contributing 38 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists for the 76ers. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 57 points, with Embiid scoring 31 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists, while Maxey added 26 points. Although Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Bucks, they were unable to secure a win. With this victory, the 76ers improve their record to 41-22, while the Bucks’ record falls to 45-18.
Nuggets vs Warriors
Game Recap: The Denver Nuggets secured a 112-110 win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday night. Jamal Murray contributed 26 points and made a crucial block on Klay Thompson’s 3-point attempt in the final seconds. Michael Porter Jr. added 29 points and 11 rebounds while Aaron Gordon scored 13 points and secured 10 rebounds, despite Denver playing with a shortened team. The victory means Denver is now within one game of securing home-court advantage in the Western Conference. With four games remaining, or one loss by Memphis, the Nuggets will clinch the No. 1 seed for the first time in franchise history. Warriors’ Thompson led with 25 points, followed by Stephen Curry with 21, but Curry struggled with his shots, missing his first five from behind the arc and finishing 2 of 14. Golden State is now tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the fifth seed, with New Orleans and the Lakers, who have won three straight games, half a game behind.
Is Gonzaga’s Championship Window Closed for the Foreseeable Future?
Gonzaga has been the best program in college hoops over the previous seven seasons, with its record being a remarkable 223–24 since the start of the 2016–17 season. Yet once again, the Bulldogs have lost out on the ultimate reward in the NCAA tournament, as they were stomped Saturday by 28 points against UConn to finish the career of standout big man Drew Timme and leave the program still without a national championship. The Huskies, victorious by double digits in their prior three NCAA tournament games, dominated Gonzaga Saturday, leading by as many as 33 and only trailing for less than a minute of the 40-minute encounter.
The Bulldogs were competitive early on, but they were unable to survive the early second-half blitz that has been UConn’s identity throughout this tournament. In the first five minutes of the second half of their last four games, the Huskies have outscored their opponents by 37 points. On Saturday, they increased a seven-point halftime lead to a 19-point halftime lead. Timme’s fourth foul, a controversial whistle on a rebound with 17:39 remaining and the Huskies trying to pull away, was the key moment of that run. With Timme sidelined, the game soon faded away, along with another opportunity for the Zags to finally capture their first NCAA Men’s Basketball Title in program history.
Timme’s illustrious career ended with little over two minutes on the clock, as Few substituted him out for the last time. The relationship between the coach and his star frequently resembled a complex, yet special one that led to A LOT of winning. Several teammates have jokingly called Timme the team’s “Union Rep” for the past two years, making fun of Timme’s attempts to reduce practice or loosen up on exercises, but this is an improvement over his rookie nickname, which was simply just, “Dumbass”. Timme embraced each player and staff member as he made his way down the bench. Once the buzzer sounded, Timme gathered his fellow teammates for some final goodbyes, before dispatching them down the tunnel. What did Timme say?
“[I] just told them we had a hell of a year. I was proud of them. I loved them. Wouldn’t want to do this journey with anyone else,”
Timme’s absence of a national championship should not diminish his status as one of March’s greatest players. His 10 NCAA tournament games with 20 or more points represent the most ever, including Thursday’s heroic 36-point explosion against UCLA. He accomplished this despite the absence of the NCAA tournament during his first year due to Covid. Timme shattered the record books in Spokane and nationally in the standard four years and is not utilizing his fifth. In an era where records are broken due to players using their additional year of eligibility, Timme rewrote the record books in Spokane and nationally in the traditional four years.
“I think he’s one of the greatest college players in this modern era,” Few said. “It was a hell of a good time walking out on the practice floor with him every time or hopping on a jet. And I’m sure going to have a lot of good times moving forward… It was a hell of a good time walking out on the practice floor with him every time or hopping on a jet. And I’m sure going to have a lot of good times moving forward.”
Timme also leaves behind a reputation as one of the greatest personalities college hoops has seen in a long time, as seen by his much-publicized mustache and consistently hilarious quips. College basketball needs players like Timme: identifiable figures that remain for four years, have a measurable influence on their program, and have a personality that fans may either love or despise. Even without a title, Gonzaga, famed for letting its players be stars, and Timme were a perfect match.
“The place took me for who I was. They didn’t ask me to be anybody but myself,” Timme told the media. “I’m forever in debt for Gonzaga, just the love I have for just everyone that helped me and made this journey so special and so fun. I just don’t think I could ever repay that.”
The conclusion of Timme’s career raises the question: Has Gonzaga’s chance at winning the national championship shut for the foreseeable future?The talent disparity was clear in this game, as it has been in other contests against top teams this season as well. While the Zags will probably make a transfer portal splash or two, its roster next year doesn’t appear exceptional on paper. With former top recruiter Tommy Lloyd now the head coach at Arizona and NIL’s influence on recruiting only growing, it is unlikely the Bulldogs will produce another Chet Holmgren or Jalen Suggs. It also may never have another Timme, the program’s all-time leading scorer and a clutch NCAA tournament player.
This is not to argue that Gonzaga will not produce consistently strong teams; as long as Few coaches in Spokane, the Bulldogs will continue to be a consistent force. He ranks among the sport’s top coaches as Gonzaga has been one of the nation’s best at player development, and the brand is strong enough at this time to continue luring in more talent. Even so, the highly prized national championship? If it didn’t happen after reaching the championship game in 2017 or ’21, in ’22 with Holmgren, Timme, and an excellent point guard in Andrew Nembhard, and with a senior Timme in a blown-out bracket, will it ever happen?
This era should not be viewed as a failure. Certainly, Gonzaga fell short of its ultimate objective of bringing a championship to Spokane’s small school. This is the cruelty of this one-and-done competition: According to KenPom’s criteria, Gonzaga had the best or second-best team in the country for five of the last seven years and ended in the top 10 in each of those seven seasons, yet the Zags did not win a national championship during that span. Occasionally, they were the victims of bad luck, like in the 2017 championship game versus North Carolina. Sometimes they were just outclassed, like as against Baylor in ’21 and UConn on Saturday.
Gonzaga has achieved all but winning the championship. sFollowing several years as serious contenders with no breakout, it is hard to imagine that the championship will ever won any time soon. On Saturday, the door may have shut not just on Timme’s career, but also on a phenomenal run of success that will long be tied with failure by many.
Stephen A. Smith to Tee Morant: ‘You’re Not One of His Boys, You’re His Dad’
Ja Morant has reached a bit of a crossroads due to a near-impressively lengthy string of deplorable actions. He can assess the situation and determine that he would rather be the face of the NBA than throw it away. However, we could revisit this after a couple of years and ponder what could have been. Let’s hope that is not the case.
Now, Morant is not with the Memphis Grizzlies and there is no schedule for his return.
This sort of material might be a challenge for sports debate programs thought, as we saw Skip Bayless, of all people, bring up the Crips. Stephen A. Smith took a different approach, equating Morant’s predicament to Allen Iverson’s early years.
Then he offered Ja’s father, Tee Morant, some parenting advice:
“Now in the case of pops, only thing, I’m not throwing any shade on somebody’s parent or anything like that,” Smith said. “I’m simply trying to highlight and illuminate to Tee Morant the importance of him being a dad. You raised him. You helped get him to this point. Make sure that you don’t let anybody get in the way of what he is on the verge of accomplishing. Make sure you do your part to protect him instead of joining in to have a good time like you one of his boys. You’re not one of his boys. You’re his dad.”
The world is at Ja Morant’s fingertips, and he must choose between doing the right thing or jeopardizing what looks to be like a hall-of-fame career when its all said and done.
Nike Issues a Statement Concerning Grizzlies Star Ja Morant
After the Grizzlies’ game against the Denver Nuggets Friday night, Grizzlies superstar guard Ja Morant posted an Instagram live video of himself at what seemed to be a strip club early on Saturday morning.
Ja Morant above
During this video, Morant was seen brandishing a firearm at the camera, sparking the league to investigate him and the Grizzlies to also act quickly.
Nike issued a statement regarding Ja Morant’s present situation following the Memphis Grizzlies’ news that he’ll be missing the team’s next two games minimum,
“We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritization of his well-being,”
according to reports from highly respected NBA Insider, Shams Charania.
Now, it does not appear that Morant will be dropped from Nike’s roster, but this incident with him carrying a pistol in the club might pose unforeseen situations between the two parties in the future.
Morant also made a statement via his agency, Tandem Sports & Entertainment, on Saturday. It stated,
The incident that got Morant in trouble ^
Ja Morant stated in his statement that he will “take some time apart” following his two-game “suspension” from the organization. It remains to be uncertain when Morant will return to the hardwood. If these last couple of days didn’t wake up Morant, this situation has the potential to turn real ugly.
The Grizzlies are suddenly extremely short-handed after Brandon Clarke tore his left Achilles tendon on Friday night and Dillon Brooks received his 16th technical foul of the season, which culminates in a one-game suspension from the NBA.
As of today, the Grizzlies sit only half a game above Sacramento for the #2 seed in the Westwith a record of 38-25.
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Steelers @ Panthers Week 15: Key Takeaways, Points and What We Saw
The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Carolina Panthers by setting the tone from kickoff on. With a 6-8 record and a road victory against Carolina, Pittsburgh’s AFC North title chances are dead, but a wild-card berth is still a slim possibility. Their ability to control and play the game at their own tempo was demonstrated by the Steelers’ 21-play drive to begin the second half, which occupied most of the third quarter. Pittsburgh tallied 91 yards and extended their advantage to 21-7 with a TD. The seven-pass, 14-run series was the longest in terms of plays and time of possession of any NFL team this season. Neither a block in the back nor a Diontae Johnson taunting penalty were able to derail it. It was also the Steelers’ longest possession in terms of plays and time since at least 2000. The Panthers rallied with 10 consecutive points to tie the game, and the Steelers’ several second-half penalties assisted them. But that one Steelers drive was enough to finish off the Panthers.
Carolina has seemed to drift away from their recent competitive play. The Panthers entered the game having won three of their past four games, and with legitimate aspirations of looking to win the NFC South crown, while the Buccaneers are continuing to struggle to put away their opponents. The Panthers’ recent success has been largely due to the run game and their situational defense, neither of which were visible on Sunday. They ran the ball 16 times for a season-low 21 yards. Interestingly, the Panthers abandoned their heavy-package run plays as indicated by the attempts, employing it on only a few of snaps in the first half, which was surprising given its success in previous games. The preceding three games, Carolina’s defense on third downs has been improved significantly, allowing only 35.8% of third-down conversions. Sunday? The Steelers were effective on 12 of their first 15 third-down attempts. This is how you lose a home game with significant stakes to Mitchell Trubisky.
2022 NBA Draft First Round Scouting Reports: Strengths, Weaknesses, Sleepers and What To Expect From This Class
It’s the morning of the NBA draft, and the trajectory of many teams, players, coaches, front offices and prospects’ fates could be determined by just one pick. Who will get the steal of the draft? Who will be a bust? This time of the year marks a time where trade talks are coming from every direction, and all 30 fan-bases have hope that their teams will be able to improve and take advantage of this NBA draft. Other than the Warriors, who have a perfectly constructed team, all other 29 organizations can completely change the narrative around their team if they play their cards right. This list is in no exact order, and it is not a mock draft. It is a thoroughly written scouting report with everything you need to know about this year’s draft class. With that being said, let’s look at the class!
Chet Holmgren
7-0, 195 PF/C
Gonzaga Freshman
DOB: 05/01/02 (20.1 yrs)
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
Strengths: An extremely skilled frontcourt player who can score everywhere from the floor. Has shown flashes of going coast-to-coast, the ability to attack his defender off the dribble, and can finish at the basket before opposing defenses can get set. Holmgreen has great size at 7’1″ and long arms (7’6″ wingspan) that allow him to alter and/or block many shots. Elite inside collegiate defender who makes up for his lack of strength with his length and IQ in the post, but he’ll definitely need to bulk up to not get pushed around. Has a smooth shot motion with a rapid trigger that can make him lethal in the pick-and-pop. The Gonzaga Product shot a very solid 39% from 3-point range. His 3 point percentage actually was as high as 45% from early December until around the NCAA Tournament. Takes advantage of and attacks less mobile centers and creates solid half-court space for any offense with his outside jumper. Holmgreen has an excellent basketball IQ as well for his age, as he can exploit opponents and make aggressive defenders sweat. Holmgreen’s rapid trigger and ability to put the ball on the court also make him hard to defend off screens. The former Gonzaga Bulldog standout uses his frame and long strides to get to the rim QUICK. Every time he suited up for the Zags he had some notable highlights. His lateral footwork allows him to defend any position and alter just about any shot. Excels at passing with his back to the basket in the post and reading off-ball action. A great defensive rebounder who can move. Has the ball handling and speed to lead the break after grabbing rebounds… His size and skills at his age give him sky-high potential and a seemingly limitless ceiling. We are looking at a prospect who could very well turn into a dominant two-way stud if he works hard enough and expands his range. Ultimately, he’s a very talented bigman with a quality feel for the game. If he keeps growing in size, length (just turned 20) and can stay healthy, he will be a FORCE at the next level.
Weaknesses: His greatest obstacles stem from his 195-pound physique. The ability to add weight while maintaining solid agility and mobility is not very easy. His combination of length and athleticism is unique yet concerning, because the chances him being able to play on the perimeter as a facilitator as he ages is more slim than not. Durability suffers Without higher body strength, that gives way for durability issues in the future. Stronger and more physical players might bully him under the rim, take away his length, and attack him if the opposition can stop his dribble and put him in tough spots. Doesn’t commit to screens and is known to avoid contact which limits the separation he creates. Gets into foul trouble, averaging around 4 fouls per 40 minutes in first and only campaign at Gonzaga. He didn’t perform too well against elite competition, and honestly vanished for some stretches of time in the tournament. At the beginning of the year, I did not know if Gonzaga was beatable with the team they had. We found out they were.
Paolo Banchero
6’10”, 250 PF/C
Duke Freshman
DOB: 11/12/02 (19.6 yrs)
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Banchero averaged 17.2 ppg and 7.7 rpg in his lone season at Duke under Coach K, helping them reach the Final Four. The top-three draft prospect is 6’10 with a 7’0.5 wingspan, superb size and length for a team that needs a legit front-court prospect. Banchero was the 2022 ACC Rookie of the Year, first-team All-ACC, ACC All-Rookie team, was named as a second-team All-American. With the success Banchero was able to have in his only season at Duke, he showed that he is legit, and can be so at the next level.
Strengths: Banchero is the top forward in this year’s class. He is a young, smart and purely talented prospect who uses his power and skill to get to the rack. Not to mention, his quickness gives him a considerable edge when it comes to scoring at the rim. While shooting from deep isn’t his strong suit, he’s confident and an excellent dribbler. In a league developing to smaller, faster-paced lineups, his playmaking and clever passing ability stands out.
Weaknesses: Banchero’s lateral speed improved through his freshman season, but he still needs to work on it to be as effective as possible in the NBA. His shot selection needs to be better in the NBA as his 3-point percentage was lowered by taking out-of range shots at times. His weaknesses are coachable though, and will strengthen with further NBA training and experience.
Jabari Smith
6’10”, 220 PF
Auburn Freshman
DOB: 05/13/03 (19.1 yrs)
Hometown: Fayetteville, GA
Strengths: Smith is a wiry 6’10 combo/stretch four with long arms which allow him to shoot over defenders… Last year with the Tigers, he was easily one of the best and most confident jump shooters in the nation, especially from long range. He shot an elite 44% from downtown, averaging around 5+ attempts per game in his 17 outings. Like I said earlier, he seems to have the height and size to shoot jumpers in solid defenders grills. A quick, active and determined defender with strong lateral quickness… Possesses solid instincts and has high-IQ anticipation which can help him block shots and swipe ball handers without gambling too hard. The Auburn product is a Multi-functional defender who can guard any position on the perimeter and even in the post. defender too.Averaged 1.5 steals and a block last year. Always plays with energy and is a sound decision maker. Smith displayed quite some poise and maturity for only being a freshman. He pays attention to all the little details too. The Sandy Springs standout is a quality free-throw shooter (80% FT) and a 3-level-scorer. His long strides and quick first step help him slither by similar-sized defenders and to the rim swiftly. An excellent cutter who finishes lobs and layups efficiently… His dazzling, explosive dunks in transition ignites crowds and his offenses. Despite a strong usage percentage of 27%, He only committed 1.8 turnovers per game. His gritty, timely, smart and aggressive defense keeps him out of foul trouble. A two-way forward who has size, length, and “OutOfSight” potential… He can operate as a versatile and mobile player, being a small forward in big lineups, but seems ideally suited to play the 4 considering his power to create mismatches and rebound the basketball. His ability to defend the perimeter is unlike any other top bigs in this draft. With that being said, Jabari Smith has the safest ceiling out of any player in this draft class.
Weaknesses: Given his size and intensity, his rebounding numbers could very well improve at the next level (6.2 per game at AU), but he plays away from the rim a good bit given his ability to stretch out defenses. Not to mention, he had to share front court duties with a solid big man in Walker Kessler which surely altered his rebound totals.. With more strength, he can play more aggressively around the rim. Smith is a decent ball-hander who isn’t the best at creating his own shots. If he can grow as shot creator and ISO threat, he without a doubt will become an even better score. He’s an okay passer who can definitely get better as he grows under NBA development. At times, Smith settles settles for perimeter jumpers and low-percentage mid-range shots due to his hesitancy at times to get to the basket and create for others in half-court action. With only 17 games under his belt in his one and only season with the Auburn Tigers, scouts were given a small offensive sample size, but he has the physical traits to excel with his jump shot. He doesn’t create much space when catching passes at the elbow. Frequently settles for mid-range jumpers on these entries. When he drives, he most oftenly goes to the right, when he goes left he tends to take difficult faders. With that being said, Smith is a stud and probably the lowest risk in the draft thanks to his build, skillset and ceiling. I just don’t see an NBA where Jabari Smith isn’t AT LEAST a key piece of a team’s rotation.
Keegan Murray
6-8, 225 SF/PF
Iowa Sophomore
DOB: 08/19/00 (21.8 yrs)
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, IA
Strengths: 6’8″ forward Keegan Murray is projected to be somewhere between the 5th and 9th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Murray is a weapon at forward who will help any team the moment he laces them up. Murray won the Big Ten Tournament MVP as well, leading the Hawkeyes to a conference title. Murray shot 55/39/74 shooting splits and averaged 23.5 PPG and 8.7 RPG last season. Iowa’s forward had the best box Plus-Minus since Zion Williamson too. Murray’s age, 21, could cause him to fall in the draft though. The Iowa Product is a lethal coast-to-coast transition scorer. He attacks the basket with his length and body control. Murray’s post-up game was effective, as he sealed opponents well during his collegiate career. His spin move is extremely effective too. The former Hawkeye forward can punish smaller players who switch onto him because of his aggressiveness and natural ability. He shot a pretty solid 39.8% from three-point range. His catch-and-shoot isn’t anything insane, but he can definitely be a threat. His high-motor is another advantage he has while on the court and his off-ball mobility makes him a vicious cutter.
Against guards, he can defend 3-4. Murray’s on-ball defense demonstrates quality balance and footwork. His length gives him the ability to recover after getting beat on defense. Sincehe understands how to position himself, he was able to average an impressive 1.9 BPG and 1.3 SPG per game last season, respectively.
Weaknesses: The former Hawkeye is not the fastest player, which causes him to have a pretty mediocre first step off the dribble. This allowe opposing guards to be able to shake him off quickly. Murray’s handle is too sloppy, and his playmaking isn’t NBA-caliber yet. Defenders intercepted dozens of his inaccurate passes last year as well as he must become more tidy will the basketball in his hands. He also lacks the ability to consistently run pick-and-rolls as well as he could.
Lastly, Murray’s inconsistent midrange game needs much. much improvement, allowing defenses to play/anticipate his drive rather than his his pull-up jumper. Improved balance would force defenders to respect both channels.
Jaden Ivey
6’4”, 195 PG/SG
Purdue Sophomore
DOB: 02/13/02 (20.4 yrs)
Hometown: South Bend, IN
Strengths: Jaden Ivey led Purdue to the Sweet 16 last season. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, he has the athleticism to thrive at the next level.
Ivey has the raw passing ability to act as a combo guard and secondary playmaker. His size gives him versatility every NBA team needs nowadays.Ivey is an electric player with his explosiveness making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He accelerates like he has a real-life turbo button which he uses to blow by defenders to get to the rack. In the open floor, he can reach a gear that other guys in his class just can’t quite reach in this class. Ivey is deadly in transition and is a very effective, shifty, and downhill guard.
Weaknesses: Ivey’s tough energy and play style can be a gift and a curse, as he may be overly aggressive and out of control on both ends at times. Tends to gamble and reaches often for steals, picking up unnecessary fouls and taking himself out of games… High IQ player, but his level of intensity and eagerness to make plays on defense can get the best of him, forcing him into turnovers by getting caught in no man’s land sometimes. When his speed doesn’t break down the defense’s help side, he demonstrates poor patience and shot selection. Can improve by varying his tempo. Should improve his mid-range game and add 1 and 2 dribble pull up shots while off the 3-point line. Improved passer but not a natural playmaker for others (3.3 apg/2.2 tog); loses his feet to complete passes, which telegraphs and gives defenders time to recover and close passing angles… Ivey possesses some misdirection, but is essentially an average ball-handler who uses his speed and lateral agility… He has a low lift on his jumper and shoots a set shot, which is less of a concern from 3-point range given his improvement this season, but it will make developing his floaters and runners more essential in the NBA. Some consider him a forthcoming point guard, but he’s more of a wing right now.
Bennedict Mathurin
6-6, 205 Shooting Guard/Small Forward
Arizona Sophomore
DOB:06/19/02 (20 yrs)
Hometown: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Strengths: Mathurin’s stature, length, strength, and quickness allow him to compete with most perimeter players and has an extremely high ceiling. Mathurin is an intriguing wing prospect with All-Star capability. After a strong Freshman season, he broke out his sophomore year and is now almost guaranteed to be a lottery pick.
Mathurin is 6’6″ and pretty darn athletic for a wing. He has a strong upper body , excellent base, and is disciplined. He’s not the fastest dude, but he has good burst, a phenomenal quick first step, and plenty of hops. His shot is compact, steady, and soft. He is also a good isolation scorer that utilizes his exceptional ability to make jumpers which also results in many layups and dunks. The 19- year old was a pretty 37% from deep his sophomore year, and was a solid 77% free-throw shooter that can draw a lot of fouls.
Mathurin needs to become a better dribbler and needs to use his stature more to score at the rim.
Weaknesses: Mathurin’s inability to create offense off the dribble is his biggest challenge. His Inconsistent defensive intensity lacks at times… He is still developing and learning how to play like a wing… Not the greatest rebounder and gives up offensive rebounds. May struggle against high-energy offensive players because he’s primarily an offensive player. Gets lost on defense sometimes due to ball-watching, and can be overpowered during boxouts. He definitely needs more transition defense energy too. His free-throw percentage dropped from 84% to 76%, but his volume and mechanics are good. Smaller guards can blow past him, as his lateral agility and anticipation lacks on defense a little too often. It will take time for him to become a solid shoot creator, but he has the tools and potential to develop it in a few years. Not the largest wingspan, but nice size with a wingspan approximately 2-3 inches larger than his height…
Dyson Daniels
6-7, 195 SG/SF
G-League International
DOB: 03/17/03 (19.3 yrs)
Hometown: Bendigo, Australia
Strengths: Dyson Daniels has mid-lottery potential after a great season with the G League Ignite. The large Australian guard/wing has physical and mental tools and intriguing upside. He’s 6’7″ 1/2 (in shoes) and athletic for a guard. He has quick feet, hands, and bounce. He’s not a high-volume shooter, but he’s got great form and could become one. Has point-forward skills and an excellent awareness setting up his teammates.
Dyson is the top perimeter defender in this draft class (or at least one of the best). He has outstanding footwork, quick hands, and is great at positioning himself. Looking ahead a few years he could become one of the standout two-way players in the league.
Weaknesses: Although he’s talented, his in-game IQ needs to improve. Good athlete, but that doesn’t always convert at the next level… Isn’t particularly explosive and struggles to complete… Lacks a good separating step… Has problems rising over bigger defenders, which could be age and maturity. Alters his shot instead of taking contact, making it harder to convert. Length and size help him against lesser opponents, while bigger rim protectors cause him trouble. Most decent guards can stay in front of him and force the ball out of his hands since he is a basic dribbler with no moves and a slow first step. 1.5 FTA/game An average ball handler with room to evolve into the starting primary ball handler at the next level. Carries the ball high while bringing it up the floor or operating in the halfcourt.
David Roddy
6-6, 260 SF/PF
Colorado St. Junior
DOB: 03/27/01 (21.2 yrs)
Hometown:Minneapolis, MN
Strengths: Roddy was good at scoring inside the arc at CSU, averaging 62% from two last season. High school football prospect at 6’6, 255 lbs., his size helped him play through contact to get to the rim. He can defend multiple positions with his 6’11 wingspan.
Weaknesses: Roddy is undersized for a forward at 6’6 and won’t post up defenders like he did in college. As a junior, he averaged 3.4 three-point attempts per game.
Trevor Keels
6-4, 225 PG/SG
Duke Freshman
DOB: 08/26/03 (18.8 yrs)
Hometown: Clinton, MD
Strengths: A big, strong combo guard who gets to the basket with his size. Defends well and harasses guards on and off the ball. Physical enough to play on the perimeter and switch to forwards… Solid rebounder who won’t back down or box out… Can score at all three levels, but midrange and perimeter efficiency are issues. He has point-guard experience, but he’s more useful off the ball. Can be a primary ballhandler… Spot-up shooter with potential… Averages 1.3 in both categories in 30 minutes per game. Physicality and willingness to draw contact get him to the line nearly three times per game.
Weaknesses: Passing and speed don’t make him a good lead guard, and he’s too small and lacks outside shooting to play off guard. Due to his practice shooting, he was expected to be an elite shooter at Duke, but he shot only 31% from 3-point range and 42% overall. Drives with his head down and gets stuck in traffic… Lacks court vision, which hinders his playmaking. Sometimes selfish, leading to few turnovers per game. Can disappear for long stretches, but his teammates will only get better at the next level. He only made 67 percent of his free throws as a freshman.
Walker Kessler
7-1, 255 C
Auburn Sophomore
DOB: 07/26/01 (20.9 yrs)
Hometown: Newnan, GA
Strengths: Kessler comes in at at 7’1″, 245 pounds. He routinely blocks 4 or more shots in a game (averaging 4.7 per game). He is a footer with nimble feet and moves well. He isn’t a statue in the paint and can defend pick-and-rolls while recovering to his man.
Despite being aggressive, he doesn’t pick up many fouls and uses verticality instead of swiping at the ball. His presence in the paint deters inside shots. Kessler makes contact with his man before chasing the rebound. His use of two-handed rebounds enables him to finish with dunks and put himself in scoring position.
Weaknesses: Kessler has a tendency to get his center of gravity too high on perimeter players, allowing them to pass him. This season, he’s made 21.4% of his threes on 1.5 attempts per game. He doesn’t secure the ball well when posting up offensively which leads to turnovers. He sometimes tries too hard offensively instead of playing to his strengths. This makes him a liability whenever he dribbles. The ball has been knocked out of his hands more than a player his size should have happen. Kessler must improve passing out of the post and finding open teammates. He Isn’t a great free throw shooter and with work could improve his 61.4 percent career mark.
Jaden Hardy
6-4, 200 Shooting Guard
G-League Freshman
DOB 07/05/02 (20 yrs)
Hometown: Henderson, NV
Strengths: Hardy is a highly touted recruit who chose G League Ignite over college. Hardy is a technically sound shooter who can score at all levels. He is an elite finisher at the rim and a perimeter space creator. His agility allows him to drive to either side and finish with either hand. His offensive strength is slashing while his impressive lateral movement and recovery are his strengths as a defender. Hardy steals a lot being a disruptive defender. When in rhythm, he can shoot from anywhere on the floor. Hardy is a great athlete who attacks the rim with aggressive ease.
Weaknesses: Hardy’s disappointing G-League season has dropped him from a mid-lottery pick to a mid-late first round pick. Offensively, he lacks the wiggle and moves to get by opponents in ISO situations. Hardy tends to overcommit when trying to steal, leaving his man open. His decision-making and game feel need work. He sometimes takes wild shots and dribbles too early on the drive. His overconfidence leads to drives without a plan, making him turnover-prone. His G-League shooting efficiency was poor, but he improved as the season went on.
Jalen Williams
6-6, 210 SG/SF
Santa Clara Junior
DOB: 04/14/01 (21.2 yrs)
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
Strengths: Jalen Williams has a 7’2” wingspan and ball-handling skills to work as a secondary ball-handler and initiator. In his junior year, his perimeter shooting percentage jumped from 27% to 40%. He has the mechanics and production to take this jumper to the next level. He creates separation to get his own shot and plays catch-and-shoot on the perimeter. He averages four free throw attempts per game, making 81%. At Santa Clara, he scored 81/40/51 from all three levels. Offensively, he is a versatile big point-guard, secondary ball-handler and scorer, or off-ball shooting wing with size and strength to do all three. He drives carefully and excels at stopping and creating space with pivots and spins. Williams is an active, versatile defender who knows when to cut and help defensively.
Weaknesses: Williams does not have elite athleticism to match pro opponents. There are concerns about his lateral speed. Smaller guards often beat him off the dribble; he should use his long arms to strip them. Williams is slow on closeouts and has less potential than others in his draft range but could fill a rotational hole.
Bryce McGowens
6-6, 180 SG
Nebraska Freshman
DOB: 11/08/02 (19.6 yrs)
Hometown: Pendleton, SC
Strengths: McGowens’ strength is ball-handling. He’s not shifty or fast with the ball, but he has a clean handle and can use his length and athleticism to drive to the paint or create separation in the mid-range. His ball-handling and scoring instincts mesh well. He can finish with either hand at the rim when driving to the basket. His leaping ability lets him finish above the rim. If he’s more consistent, he has three-level scoring potential.
6-foot-7, 181 pounds with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, he can become a versatile defender. Locking in on defense could boost his overall upside and game moving forward.
Weaknesses: McGowens’ ball-handling is a major concern. He’s not shifty or fast with the ball, but he has a clean handle and can use his length and athleticism to drive to the paint or create separation in the mid-range.
Wendell Moore Jr
6-5, 215 SG/SF
Duke Junior
DOB: 09/18/01 (20.8 yrs)
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Strengths: He’s a versatile ball-handler who can play guard or small forward. In his junior year at Duke, he proved he could run point, feed the post, and run the pick-and-roll. His 7-foot wingspan makes him versatile on the floor. He’s a solid rebounder who can dominate defensively out of nowhere.
Weaknesses: His Duke numbers don’t reflect his potential as a shooter off the dribble. Sometimes he passes when he should shoot, causing careless turnovers. Between his freshman and junior years, he reduced his turnover average from 2.4 to 1.9. He may have trouble adjusting to the NBA like he did in college, but he’ll look to maintain his 50% floor shooting from last season at Duke.
EJ Liddell
6-7, 245 PF
Ohio St. Junior
DOB: 18/00 (21.5 yrs)
Hometown: Belleville, IL
Strengths: Liddell’s strength is growth. He returned to Ohio State to become more well-rounded, and it paid off. His improved 3-point shooting and perimeter defense have boosted his draft stock. He’s built to handle bigger post defenders. Great shot-blocking instincts, but he’ll struggle against NBA big men.
Weaknesses: Liddell’s lack of speed hinders his offense. He’ll need to improve his passing to be effective in the NBA. He was a scorer at Ohio State, so he’ll have to adapt in the NBA. Mid range shooting needs work too.
Beal on his future: ‘I know what my decision will be based off of, and that’s gonna be where I feel like I can win’
In the upcoming offseason, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal is obviously expected to become one of the most sought-after free agents in the entire league. Of course, everything hinges on whether or not he declines the team’s player option.
Beal has been a member of the Wizards for the entirety of his professional career. In an interview with Taylor Rooks, he revealed that he hopes to spend the rest of his life in a place where he can succeed. According to Beal, “I know what my decision will be based on, and that’s where I feel like I can win.” This is a decision I have to make. Regardless of the outcome, I’m going to do what I think is best for me in Washington, and I want people to respect that. I don’t care if you believe me or not, but I’m going to do everything I can to make this team better. “It doesn’t matter if it’s somewhere else; it’s the same commitment.”
Beal hasn’t ruled out the Wizards, but they’ve had a rough few seasons recently. Because of Beal’s injury-related absences, the Wizards failed to qualify for the playoffs in the 2021-22 season. In February, he had season-ending wrist surgery.
In the 2021-22 season, the three-time All-Star appeared in just 40 games for Washington. 23.2 points per game on 45.1 percent shooting from the field, and 30.0 percent from three-point range.
However, while Beal’s points per game dropped in the 2021-22 season, his assists per game increased to a career-high level.
Kristaps Porzingis was acquired by the Wizards at the trade deadline of the 2021-22 season, but it’s not clear if he will be Beal’s long-term running mate.
During the previous four years, the Wizards have only once reached the postseason. With a focus on winning, it’s possible that Bradley Beal won’t be with the Wizards in 2022-23 if he keeps his word.
Iowa Sophomore 
OutOfSightSports 