The 2022 draft was one of the more interesting ones, with 3 viable #1 picks in Paolo, Chet, and Jabari. Paolo ended up going #1 to the Magic.
Chet ended up getting hurt before his rookie season. Paolo went out and averaged 20/7/4 and won ROY behind a lot of hype around his potential. He’s got the athletic tools and seems to have the potential to be valuable in a big role, but he struggled shooting the ball at an elite level. He can do everything on the floor.
Chet is now healthy and making an impact on both ends for OKC. He’s providing elite rim protection on defense, and he spaces the floor about as well as any 5 in the league. He’s off to a really hot start efficiency wise. He has a lesser role on offense, but he’s excelling in that role so far.
The college advanced stat projections suggested Chet was a much better prospect, but there was basically a question whether his college production would translate to the NBA with his skinny frame. We’re only 5 games in, but it seems like his defense and efficiency will translate. I do think he’s struggling a bit on the glass which is to be expected as a skinny 20 year old. What do we think his two-way potential is? He really has some offensive skill with his handle and shooting at his size. Can Chet be first team All NBA?
With Paolo, you have someone who can potentially do it all as an athletic 6’10 point forward. Some see him as a potential MVP candidate in 5 years. Others see him as Julius Randle.
Who are you taking going forward?