Dream Situations For The NBA Drafts Top Prospects

By: Deren Cicitta

With most of the top prospects now out of the NCAA Tournament our attention now switches to the 2022 NBA Draft. We will try and predict the best landing spots for players we believe will be taken early in the draft, based on the teams that will be most likely picking towards the top of the Draft.

Paolo Banchero - Duke Freshman, Forward

Best Landing Spot: Houston Rockets

I do not love the situation that is going on in Houston, don't think they have the right blend of players right now but I do believe that will change this offseason. In order for this to be the perfect landing spot for Banchero, they will have to move on from veteran player Christian Wood. If Houston is able to do that, they will be able to put Banchero in that role. Banchero has all the physical tools you would want in a player at the next level, size, athleticism and the ability to score and play make.

I think Houston should try and emulate what other teams who use bigger wings who play make too. Especially with teams that don't necessarily have a true point guard, much like the Rockets don't have right now. A team like Milwaukee who uses Giannis all different types of ways to have him initiate the offense by either posting, working the elbow, pick and roll or bringing the ball up all together. I am not saying Banchero is Giannis but if you start to sprinkle some of that into your offense I believe it should work. Houston can Banchero those same touches they are currently giving Wood but now with Banchero they can become even more explosive because of his potential ability to play make. A young core of Banchero, Jalen Green and Alpheren Sengun would have me excited if I was a Rockets fan.

Potential Starting Lineup:

PG: Jalen Green

SG: Kevin Porter Jr

SF: Ja'Sean Tate

PF: Paolo Banchero

C: Alpheren Sengun

Jabri Smith, Auburn Freshman, Forward

Best Landing Spot: Oklahoma City Thunder

This is the kind of player that Sam Presti has been collecting all these picks for and why the Thunder have been in rebuild mode for the past couple of seasons. Jabri Smith has all the tools to be a a go-to scorer in the NBA, and was able to showcase that in college despite so questionable play from Auburn's backcourt. Imagine what he could with the playmakers OKC already have. A part of Smith's game that was not showcased as much but I believe will at the next level is moving without the ball and cutting to the rim where I believe he can be super effective.

I think there are many places where Smith can really flourish because he is that type of player, but he would be best suited on the Thunder. They still have a lot of holes to fill but adding Smith with Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddy is something to build off of.

Potential Starting Lineup

PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

SG: Luguentz Dort

SF: Josh Giddey

PF: Jabri Smith

C: TBD

Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga Freshman, Center

Best Landing Spot: Detroit Pistons

Perhaps the most intriguing prospect we have had in recent memory, Holmgren has all the tools to be a great player, but his size has people concerned if he will be able to hold up at the next level (which is ridiculous, because there is not a lot of post ups in the NBA anymore). In high school Holmgren had to do it all for his team which made him the top player is his recruiting class. But in college he was not asked to do everything and took a smaller role with the Bulldogs due to established players already having bigger roles. This has been the most impressive part about Holmgren and why I think he will do special things at the next level.

The ability Holmgren was able to showcase the most in college was his shot blocking ability. His timing on blocking shots is something that you can't really teach. Holmgren averaged almost 4 blocks a game in college and also only averaged 2.7 fouls per game as well. Holmgren was able to protect the basket without picking up fouls.

Holmgren would be a perfect addition to this up and coming Pistons team. Holmgren and Cade Cunningham would be a fun combination, the different ways Detroit could use those two on the offensive end can be something special. Chet fits into the Pistons starting five with ease as they really don't have a true center on the roster right now. Detroit knows they need rim protection and shown interest in Mitchell Robinson at the deadline. Holmgren will help in that effort, especially if Detroit see's Marvin Bagley as a big part of their future who is still growing on the defensive end.

Potential Starting Lineup

PG: Cade Cunningham

SG: Saddiq Bey

SF: Jeremi Grant

PF: Marvin Bagley III

C: Chet Holmgren