5 possible sleeper candidates to watch for in 2022 NBA draft
Last year, Herb Jones shocked the NBA as a second-round pick who entered the league and had an immediate impact. After his selection at 35th overall by New Orleans, Jones went on to average 9.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.7 steals at 29.9 minutes per game.
Jones, who was eventually named to the NBA All-Rookie second team, offered extremely valuable defensive basketball and complimentary offense to a Pelicans squad that overperformed their preseason expectations and made it to the playoffs.
It’s safe to say that, entering the 2022 NBA draft, every team would like to find their own version of Jones: A rookie with the ability to prosper and contribute meaningful minutes immediately if given the chance.
Here are five possible options that could meet that criterion in 2022.
Alondes Williams, Wake Forest
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Alondes Williams transferred to Wake Forest last summer after two seasons with the Oklahoma Sooners. A talented player who had flashed potential as a senior in the Big 12, Williams used his one additional year of eligibility to join the Demon Deacons and elevate himself on the college basketball scene.
Alondes Williams’ elite passing and Jake LaRavia’s excellent cutting and willing floor running were such a tremendous fit together. Those respective skills are something each can count on to contribute immediately on an NBA team pic.twitter.com/Vq0XJ9v1nu
— Jam Hines (@jamontheboards) June 11, 2022
Williams averaged 18.5 points, 5.2 assists and 6.4 rebounds on his way to winning ACC Player of the Year over prospects like Duke’s Paolo Banchero and being named to the First-Team All-ACC. He has a polished offensive game with strength that could translate immediately to a team’s second unit.
The 6-foot-5 guard could be a meaningful role player, run the second unit and score points off the bench as a rookie for whatever NBA team he may join.
Jean Montero, Overtime Elite
In the building for Pre-Draft Workouts: Jean Montero@jeanmontero03 x @OvertimeElite pic.twitter.com/74dPdZNvFt
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) June 8, 2022
The 18-year-old Montero is the youngest player in the 2022 NBA draft and a bit of an unknown commodity. He starred previously in Spain and spent last year with Overtime Elite in the States. Montero is a creative playmaker with unknown upside at the NBA level that could pay dividends if granted the opportunity.
He may need more time to develop than other players on this list, however, Montero’s high upside relative to the types of players that are drafted in the second round absolutely warrants his inclusion.
Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee
AP Photo/Alan Youngblood
Baldwin is a 6-foot-9, 220-pound guard from Milwaukee who averaged 12.1 points and 5.8 rebounds per game last season. Injuries, unfortunately, hampered his freshman year but he previously entered the college ranks as a five-star prospect and top 10 overall recruit.
Enjoyed sitting down with 6-10 stretch forward Patrick Baldwin Jr. to break down his game film from Milwaukee & the U19 Worlds. Once the top-ranked player in his HS class, Baldwin is highly skilled offensively. Loved his ability to talk through his improvement areas defensively. pic.twitter.com/Qjk0vHxVeZ
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 22, 2022
Baldwin has the physical skill set and defensive aptitude that make him an enticing option in the second round. Like Montero, a team will be gambling on his upside, but the physical tools are all present for him to be a much better professional basketball player than what was on display at Milwaukee.
Michael Foster Jr., NBA G League Ignite
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Foster spent last season in the NBA G League with the Ignite rather than playing college basketball. The 6-foot-8, 250-pound forward offers unique physical talents with an offensive game that evolved as he went through the season.
Michael Foster Jr. throughout the G-League Ignite Season
First 8 Games:
🏀13.9 PTS, 8.6 REB, 1.3 AST, 1.6 BLK
🏀46.7/25.0/76.0Next 9:
🏀14.1 PTS, 8.7 REB, 2.0 AST, 1.9 BLK
🏀46.7/30.8/78.9Last 9:
🏀16.4 PTS, 10.6 REB, 3.0 AST, 2.3 BLK
🏀42.3/25.0/81.0#NBADraft pic.twitter.com/8x1qp2QIeR— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) March 18, 2022
In a league desperate for versatile shot creators in the frontcourt, Foster could easily find a home in the NBA.
Christian Koloko, Arizona
AP Photo/Rick Scuteri
Christian Koloko capped off his three-year career with the Arizona Wildcats by averaging 12.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game during his junior season. The effort was enough to earn him All-Pac-12 honors. Now, the older rookie will enter the NBA at an astonishing 7-foot-1 and 225 pounds.
It's impressive just how well Christian Koloko can hold his own on switches against guards. Just one example vs Oregon guard Will Richardson; he did this multiple times across conference play pic.twitter.com/M9NcRiqhOZ
— Mavs / Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) May 19, 2022
Koloko’s immense size and more developed strength will contribute immediately to a team’s interior. He has a skill set that is coveted for today’s NBA centers and could help to anchor second units while contributing meaningfully with starters.
