Dex
06-24-2022, 08:05 AM
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/2022-nba-draft-grades-pick-by-pick-analysis-of-all-58-selections-in-night-where-the-surprises-started-at-1/
9. San Antonio Spurs: SF Jeremy Sochan, Baylor
Sochan is the rare sub-100 high school recruit who becomes a one-and-done top-20 pick. His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft. The fact that the Spurs are taking him says a lot; it might not be what I would have done, but that may simply mean I am wrong. Grade: A-
20. San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors): SF Malaki Branham, Ohio State
He was the best available guy on my board because he's a wing with size who can genuinely create at a high level. He was taking over games by the end of the season. He's got offense for days and was a top 16 prospect. That kind of expectation-exceeding season is super impressive and he could be a steal for a team that often finds them. Grade: A+
25. San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics): SG Blake Wesley, Notre Dame
Wesley wasn't a consistent player for the Irish, but he flashes a lot of the things that shooting guards need in today's NBA. The only guy available higher on my big board is TyTy Washington, but Wesley has the athleticism and skills to turn into something with a great coaching staff. Grade: A-
Sporting News: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-draft-grades-2022-best-pistons-worst-bulls/xgtk9iw7r2fg0qy1gxwipdzm
4. San Antonio Spurs
Grade: A+
Picks: Jeremy Sochan (#9), Malaki Branham (#20), Blake Wesley (#25)
The Spurs nailed this draft. Sochan is a versatile defensive presence to help build out an athletic frontcourt with Keldon Johnson. Branham was a steal at No. 20 as one of the best pure scorers in this draft class. Wesley is the type of high-upside guard who could develop into a diamond in the rough in San Antonio. When the Spurs are back to their winning ways a few years down the line, this draft class will have a huge part in that.
SI: https://www.si.com/nba/2022/06/24/2022-nba-draft-grades-analysis-magic-thunder-rockets
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan
Grade: A
This is another fit I genuinely love: Sochan was No. 7 on my big board and is a quintessentially Spurs prospect. He’s an active, intelligent forward who can defend several positions and plays with a ton of personality, and San Antonio has long needed some help up front. I’d expect him to help the Spurs pretty quickly, and nabbing him here was an ideal scenario for San Antonio. As Sochan continues to develop his offensive skills—particularly his shooting—he could be much more than a role player, but all the things he already does well makes him a good bet to help the Spurs even if he doesn’t become a star. This one feels like it’s going to work out.
20. Spurs (from Raptors): Malaki Branham
Grade: A-
There were some teams that viewed Branham as a potential late lottery pick, and this is nice value for the Spurs, who nab another intriguing young perimeter player here at a pretty nice spot in the draft. He’s slightly undersized for a scorer and was leapfrogged by more well-rounded players ahead of him, but this is a good fit for him from a development perspective and he should have a chance to become part of San Antonio’s rotation as they rebuild. This could wind up as a steal here.
25. Spurs (from Celtics): Blake Wesley
Grade: B+
San Antonio had Wesley in play as an option at No. 20, and due to some movement around the board, wound up with a second guard they liked here at No. 25. Wesley was in play for teams drafting in the teens and gives the Spurs another nice value pick: although he’s pretty raw and San Antonio now has a ton of young guards, he’s got the type of athletic ability and scoring instincts that are well worth developing. The Spurs continue to accumulate young talent on the roster, and it’s a good type of problem to figure out.
Fox Sports: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/2022-nba-draft-grades-for-all-30-first-round-picks
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, forward, Baylor
Disruptive. Defender. That’s what a team is getting when they draft the Baylor Bears product. The Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year can guard any position with a wingspan over seven feet and quickness that jumps off the page. The way that he came into Scott Drew’s program and carved out the role of being the stopper for the Bears was really impressive. He doesn’t take a play off on that end of the floor, and it would not be a surprise at all to see him emerge as an All-NBA Defensive Team selection down the road.
The downside to Sochan? He’s not a shooter. He has the quickness to beat a defender, but a concern could be that a team packs it in when he gets the ball on the perimeter. That said, his fingerprints are all over a game when he’s on the floor, and to stand at 6-foot-9 and switch on anybody defensively carries so much value in today’s NBA.
This is a very on-brand pick by San Antonio. Jeremy Sochan will never lack effort and never takes a play off defensively. His offense? It’s raw. But, the Spurs need frontcourt pieces and with their coaching staff, the developmental fit for Sochan is fascinating. They have Dejounte Murray and backcourt depth. Sochan addresses the top need for San Antonio. Grade: A-
By the numbers: Averaged 9.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this past season. Became the youngest player in Polish Men’s National Team history when he played for the team in 2021.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors): Malaki Branham, guard, Ohio State
Branham is a big-time shot-maker and it’s why he ended up being a one-and-done player in Columbus. The hometown kid showed in his year with the Buckeyes that he possesses a lethal midrange game containing a quick release. He also was comfortable drilling tough shots and finishing at the rim in the physical Big Ten. The issues with Branham? He needs to mature physically. At the moment, he’s 180 pounds.
Branham is a big-time shot-maker and it’s why he ended up being a one-and-done player in Columbus. The hometown kid showed in his year with the Buckeyes that he possesses a lethal midrange game containing a quick release. He also was comfortable drilling tough shots and finishing at the rim in the physical Big Ten. The issues with Branham? He needs to mature physically. At the moment, he’s 180 pounds.
This is a "best available talent" pick over it being a perfect fit for San Antonio, which is okay. Branham’s lack of defensive ability and explosiveness means that he has to develop under the Spurs staff, which is very much in play. The scoring punch he can add to this team is why he makes sense. There are several questions for him to answer in terms of strength, though. Grade: B
By the numbers: Set an OSU freshman record for points in a Big Ten game, scoring 35 points in the overtime win at Nebraska in January.
25. San Antonio Spurs (via Boston Celtics): Blake Wesley, guard, Notre Dame
Wesley is an interesting prospect because he only scratched the surface of what he could be in a year at Notre Dame. He has explosiveness on the drive and a handle that could allow him to become a multidimensional scorer in the league. But he needs to get stronger.
Athleticism is not a question. He has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and an 8-foot-7 standing reach, which is a really strong result in that category. The issue with him is not being able to find separation but to be able to take well to contact and finish. Additionally, he only shot 30% from three this past season.
The value and pick at No. 25 is good for the Spurs to be able to get Wesley. He’s another project, but the explosiveness and athletic ability are promising. What he ends up being comes down to the shot, but seeing the selection of Wesley following Branham shows San Antonio’s collective goal of adding scoring guards. Grade: A-
NYPost: https://nypost.com/2022/06/24/2022-nba-draft-grades-breaking-down-every-teams-picks/
San Antonio Spurs — Grade: A-
No. 9: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor, Freshman
No. 20: Malaki Branham, SG/SF, Ohio State, Freshman
No. 25: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame, Freshman
It’s tough to have three first-round picks and come out with anything other than a productive night. All three players are works in progress, but Sochan projects as a plus defender, and both Branham and Wesley can score. The Spurs are a team that you intrinsically trust to develop players well. Maybe that results in too much of a cushion in an exercise like this, but the track record speaks for itself
Yahoo: https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nba-draft-grades-for-round-1-004222754.html
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, G/F, Baylor
A dynamic defender, Sochan can guard every position on the court with his length and athleticism. He still needs development on the offensive side of the ball but will see early minutes off the bench for this Spurs team. Grade: A-
20. San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State
Branham has great size at 6-foot-5 and was the most improved player from the start of the college season to the end. He averaged 13.7 points, two assists and only 1.7 turnovers per game. Expect Branham to be in the secondary group off the bench to start the season but with his size and the way he sees the floor, Branham could see some minutes early with the starting unit. Grade: A
25. San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
Wesley is the first one-and-done in Notre Dame history and even though he was a little inconsistent during the season, he's improved his jumper and added nine pounds of muscle mass during the pre-draft process. Wesley is an underrated passer and has great body control around the rim. Grade: A
9. San Antonio Spurs: SF Jeremy Sochan, Baylor
Sochan is the rare sub-100 high school recruit who becomes a one-and-done top-20 pick. His ability to guard multiple positions, and his potential as a shooter, are among the reasons he's a tantalizing prospect and one of the most versatile players available in this draft. The fact that the Spurs are taking him says a lot; it might not be what I would have done, but that may simply mean I am wrong. Grade: A-
20. San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors): SF Malaki Branham, Ohio State
He was the best available guy on my board because he's a wing with size who can genuinely create at a high level. He was taking over games by the end of the season. He's got offense for days and was a top 16 prospect. That kind of expectation-exceeding season is super impressive and he could be a steal for a team that often finds them. Grade: A+
25. San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics): SG Blake Wesley, Notre Dame
Wesley wasn't a consistent player for the Irish, but he flashes a lot of the things that shooting guards need in today's NBA. The only guy available higher on my big board is TyTy Washington, but Wesley has the athleticism and skills to turn into something with a great coaching staff. Grade: A-
Sporting News: https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/nba-draft-grades-2022-best-pistons-worst-bulls/xgtk9iw7r2fg0qy1gxwipdzm
4. San Antonio Spurs
Grade: A+
Picks: Jeremy Sochan (#9), Malaki Branham (#20), Blake Wesley (#25)
The Spurs nailed this draft. Sochan is a versatile defensive presence to help build out an athletic frontcourt with Keldon Johnson. Branham was a steal at No. 20 as one of the best pure scorers in this draft class. Wesley is the type of high-upside guard who could develop into a diamond in the rough in San Antonio. When the Spurs are back to their winning ways a few years down the line, this draft class will have a huge part in that.
SI: https://www.si.com/nba/2022/06/24/2022-nba-draft-grades-analysis-magic-thunder-rockets
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan
Grade: A
This is another fit I genuinely love: Sochan was No. 7 on my big board and is a quintessentially Spurs prospect. He’s an active, intelligent forward who can defend several positions and plays with a ton of personality, and San Antonio has long needed some help up front. I’d expect him to help the Spurs pretty quickly, and nabbing him here was an ideal scenario for San Antonio. As Sochan continues to develop his offensive skills—particularly his shooting—he could be much more than a role player, but all the things he already does well makes him a good bet to help the Spurs even if he doesn’t become a star. This one feels like it’s going to work out.
20. Spurs (from Raptors): Malaki Branham
Grade: A-
There were some teams that viewed Branham as a potential late lottery pick, and this is nice value for the Spurs, who nab another intriguing young perimeter player here at a pretty nice spot in the draft. He’s slightly undersized for a scorer and was leapfrogged by more well-rounded players ahead of him, but this is a good fit for him from a development perspective and he should have a chance to become part of San Antonio’s rotation as they rebuild. This could wind up as a steal here.
25. Spurs (from Celtics): Blake Wesley
Grade: B+
San Antonio had Wesley in play as an option at No. 20, and due to some movement around the board, wound up with a second guard they liked here at No. 25. Wesley was in play for teams drafting in the teens and gives the Spurs another nice value pick: although he’s pretty raw and San Antonio now has a ton of young guards, he’s got the type of athletic ability and scoring instincts that are well worth developing. The Spurs continue to accumulate young talent on the roster, and it’s a good type of problem to figure out.
Fox Sports: https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/2022-nba-draft-grades-for-all-30-first-round-picks
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, forward, Baylor
Disruptive. Defender. That’s what a team is getting when they draft the Baylor Bears product. The Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year can guard any position with a wingspan over seven feet and quickness that jumps off the page. The way that he came into Scott Drew’s program and carved out the role of being the stopper for the Bears was really impressive. He doesn’t take a play off on that end of the floor, and it would not be a surprise at all to see him emerge as an All-NBA Defensive Team selection down the road.
The downside to Sochan? He’s not a shooter. He has the quickness to beat a defender, but a concern could be that a team packs it in when he gets the ball on the perimeter. That said, his fingerprints are all over a game when he’s on the floor, and to stand at 6-foot-9 and switch on anybody defensively carries so much value in today’s NBA.
This is a very on-brand pick by San Antonio. Jeremy Sochan will never lack effort and never takes a play off defensively. His offense? It’s raw. But, the Spurs need frontcourt pieces and with their coaching staff, the developmental fit for Sochan is fascinating. They have Dejounte Murray and backcourt depth. Sochan addresses the top need for San Antonio. Grade: A-
By the numbers: Averaged 9.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game this past season. Became the youngest player in Polish Men’s National Team history when he played for the team in 2021.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors): Malaki Branham, guard, Ohio State
Branham is a big-time shot-maker and it’s why he ended up being a one-and-done player in Columbus. The hometown kid showed in his year with the Buckeyes that he possesses a lethal midrange game containing a quick release. He also was comfortable drilling tough shots and finishing at the rim in the physical Big Ten. The issues with Branham? He needs to mature physically. At the moment, he’s 180 pounds.
Branham is a big-time shot-maker and it’s why he ended up being a one-and-done player in Columbus. The hometown kid showed in his year with the Buckeyes that he possesses a lethal midrange game containing a quick release. He also was comfortable drilling tough shots and finishing at the rim in the physical Big Ten. The issues with Branham? He needs to mature physically. At the moment, he’s 180 pounds.
This is a "best available talent" pick over it being a perfect fit for San Antonio, which is okay. Branham’s lack of defensive ability and explosiveness means that he has to develop under the Spurs staff, which is very much in play. The scoring punch he can add to this team is why he makes sense. There are several questions for him to answer in terms of strength, though. Grade: B
By the numbers: Set an OSU freshman record for points in a Big Ten game, scoring 35 points in the overtime win at Nebraska in January.
25. San Antonio Spurs (via Boston Celtics): Blake Wesley, guard, Notre Dame
Wesley is an interesting prospect because he only scratched the surface of what he could be in a year at Notre Dame. He has explosiveness on the drive and a handle that could allow him to become a multidimensional scorer in the league. But he needs to get stronger.
Athleticism is not a question. He has a 6-foot-9 wingspan and an 8-foot-7 standing reach, which is a really strong result in that category. The issue with him is not being able to find separation but to be able to take well to contact and finish. Additionally, he only shot 30% from three this past season.
The value and pick at No. 25 is good for the Spurs to be able to get Wesley. He’s another project, but the explosiveness and athletic ability are promising. What he ends up being comes down to the shot, but seeing the selection of Wesley following Branham shows San Antonio’s collective goal of adding scoring guards. Grade: A-
NYPost: https://nypost.com/2022/06/24/2022-nba-draft-grades-breaking-down-every-teams-picks/
San Antonio Spurs — Grade: A-
No. 9: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor, Freshman
No. 20: Malaki Branham, SG/SF, Ohio State, Freshman
No. 25: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame, Freshman
It’s tough to have three first-round picks and come out with anything other than a productive night. All three players are works in progress, but Sochan projects as a plus defender, and both Branham and Wesley can score. The Spurs are a team that you intrinsically trust to develop players well. Maybe that results in too much of a cushion in an exercise like this, but the track record speaks for itself
Yahoo: https://sports.yahoo.com/2022-nba-draft-grades-for-round-1-004222754.html
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, G/F, Baylor
A dynamic defender, Sochan can guard every position on the court with his length and athleticism. He still needs development on the offensive side of the ball but will see early minutes off the bench for this Spurs team. Grade: A-
20. San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State
Branham has great size at 6-foot-5 and was the most improved player from the start of the college season to the end. He averaged 13.7 points, two assists and only 1.7 turnovers per game. Expect Branham to be in the secondary group off the bench to start the season but with his size and the way he sees the floor, Branham could see some minutes early with the starting unit. Grade: A
25. San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
Wesley is the first one-and-done in Notre Dame history and even though he was a little inconsistent during the season, he's improved his jumper and added nine pounds of muscle mass during the pre-draft process. Wesley is an underrated passer and has great body control around the rim. Grade: A