NBA Draft 2022: 5 prospects with All-Star potential

Feb 27, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers guard Trey McGowens (2) dribbles the ball around the outside of Penn State Nittany Lions guard Dallion Johnson (23) during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Nebraska defeated Penn State 93-70. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 5

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 02: AJ Griffin #21 of the Duke Blue Devils drives to the basket against Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half in the semifinal game of the 2022 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four at Caesars Superdome on April 02, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Handout/NCAA Photos via Getty Images) /

3. AJ Griffin

Griffin almost certainly won’t be the first Duke player to hear his name called on Draft Night. That honor is going to go to big man Paolo Banchero. It’s actually Griffin that has a clearer path towards stardom at the next level though.

Elite NBA teams are dependent on employing high-quality wing players and that’s precisely what Griffin projects to be at the next level. He’s strong with the ball in his hands and already has the shake required to generate separation at the next level. If he can add a little versatility to his jump shot it’s easy to see him becoming a No. 2 offensive option on a team that has legitimate title aspirations.

Griffin also has the athleticism and strength required to hold up as a defender on the wing against larger players. It’s going to take him time to understand how to guard savvy NBA scorers but he profiles as a potential plus defender once he learns the league.

Griffin may not make the sort of immediate impact as some guys who will be taken just ahead of him but it’s easy to envision him becoming a Jaylen Brown type player at the next level. That would comfortably put him in All-Star consideration on an annual basis.

Home/NBA Draft