2022 NBA Draft: NBA-Ready Players
While collections of superstars and big-money players give teams the best chance to win championships, it does create a dilemma from the middle of the roster on down. One way that a team can afford to spend up on elite players is by consistently nailing their draft picks, securing production at a ridiculously affordable price point. Not all rookies are created equal, however, and all sorts of factors go into a player’s first-year responsibilities. Certain teams have a more dire need for immediate production and can pursue prospects with a game that can hit the ground running, even with a big jump from the NCAA to the NBA ranks. Today we’re going to take a quick look at some players whose games look ready for the big stage — not everyone here is a game-changer, but they may be more equipped to chip in from day one than some of their draft counterparts.
Mark Williams, C, Duke
Stats: 23.6 mpg, 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 2.8 blocks, 0.0 3-pointers on .721 / .000 / .727 shooting splits
Centers are the guys who generally don’t need a lot of time to be fantasy-relevant, thanks to the scarcity of blocks. At 7’1″ with a 7’8″ wingspan and explosive leaping ability, Williams fits the bill. He’s a strong rebounder with a solid base of fundamentals, meaning he doesn’t rack up numbers by chasing them. Williams just puts himself in the right place at the right time, defending without fouling and using his immense physical attributes to reject shots. He took just nine jumpers all of last season and needs to add a little 15-footer to his arsenal to ensure a long-term future in the league, but will be an elite lob threat. How much he can play at the next level is up for debate, but Williams has plenty of skills that will make him a good team player right from the jump, which is more than most rookies can say. The right landing spot could make Williams a pick-and-roll demon and put him on the map right away.
He’s a great fit for any team with a hole at backup center and could become a solid low-maintenance starter down the line.
Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas
Agbaji was actually present at the 2021 NBA draft combine before deciding to return to school. It paid off, as he’s rounded out his game and is now generating lottery buzz after his senior season at Kansas. His length and strength make him a versatile defensive prospect, but Agbaji also knocked down his triples at a .407 clip last year, showing that he’s not just a one-way player. If you’re going to ask him to switch on attackers and hit open shots, Agbaji grades out well enough to help out a rotation.
That said, there are question marks. Agbaji isn’t the most consistent shooter and his free throw numbers are poor. He’s not overly dangerous with the ball in his hands and isn’t a defensive menace; Agbaji simply stays in his lane and doesn’t extend himself beyond that. Even his defensive attributes are geared towards dirty work and nuance rather than highlight-reel material. Agbaji isn’t flying around the court to jump lanes or block shots, but he gets himself in the right spots and is competitive on the ball. The 22-year-old has a high floor but may not have much ceiling. He looks like a plug-and-play option, as the only real room for behind-the-scenes improvement will come from more time with shooting doctors.
EJ Lidell, F, Ohio State
Liddell, a junior, is one of the older guys on the board, but improved throughout his career at Ohio State and looks like a modern frontcourt option thanks to his physicality and floor-spacing potential. Liddell shot 38 percent from distance last season and has a nice array of post moves that helped him net over 19 points per game last season. He also turned in 2.5 blocks per game and used his 240 lb frame to body opponents down low, showing well as a defender.
Physical limitations will be the issue at the next level. Even as the league changes the notions of who can play what position, Liddell is only 6’7″ and may constantly be at a physical disadvantage against NBA competition. He’s a guy who can get the most out of his skill set, and earns points for a diligent work ethic, but may struggle to find a true position at the next level. Everything about Lidell’s game, from his ability to defend guards to his huge block numbers, point to a guy who is smart enough to make things work. There’s lots of potential versatility here and Lidell has enough of a basketball IQ to make you think he’ll find a way to make it work.
Wendell Moore Jr., F, Duke
Moore doesn’t dazzle, but he didn’t have to at Duke. In fact, his time spent as a high-level role player should ease his adjustment into the NBA. Moore brings an enviable set of skills to the table, with a 7-foot wingspan and ball-handling capabilities, plus a timely sense for cutting and rebounding. He fits as a complementary piece for a lot of player types given his ability to play off of primary actions. While Moore is unproven as a scorer, that’s not what will be asked of him moving forward, and he did manage to hit .413 from distance as a junior.
Athleticism will be a question but Moore does so much at a positive level that it’s hard to see how his floor isn’t that of an effective contributor. Someone who can pass, defend and hit threes will always have a home in the league. How much he plays early on will depend on which team drafts him, and not every ready-made player gets run to start (hello Moses Moody), but Moore will be a safer option among the draft’s second-round targets.
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