Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Final two-round forecast

Every so often a player comes along that seems like they could go on to be a top 10 pick, while at the same time looking like they shouldn’t be drafted in the first round at all. This year, we’ve got exactly that in the form of Blake Wesley.

Poor shooting splits, limited playmaking ability, and a poor performance from the charity stripe are just a few of the hindrances to Wesley’s game. Looking at the numbers, it’s easy to see why Wesley may be an unsavory selection in the minds of many fans.

But then you watch him play, and it’s hard to deny the fact that Wesley clearly has the intangibles that make good players great. His shooting stroke is smooth, he has a great handle on the ball, and he has enough defensive upside to never be a liability on the court.

Just last year, Jaden Hardy was considered a top-five prospect in this year’s class. Now, he’s struggling to remain in the first round. Shooting a miserable 37.5% from the field and 30.4% from deep as the primary option for the G League Ignite, his inefficiency has scared away many potential suitors. I think the Grizzlies would be wise to not back down here, however, as Hardy’s natural talent is too great to deny here in the late first round.

It’s hard to completely condemn a player for a 25-game sample size, especially when the Ignite program is currently more about showcasing individual talents than playing proper team basketball. Hardy would have time to develop in Memphis behind Ja Morant and finally grant the Grizzlies a true offensive threat off the bench whenever Morant hits the bench.