The 2022 NBA Draft was held on Thursday night at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The Boston Celtics, after not making any trades to get into the first round, made their lone pick in the second round choosing 19 year old JD Davidson out of the University of Alabama (53rd overall).
The 6 foot 3 Davidson averaged 8.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in his freshman season with the Crimson Tide. Some downsides for Davidson seem to be his outside shooting (30.1% last year with Alabama), and also averaged 2.9 turnovers per contest. Some scouting reports question whether he’ll be able to guard more than one position in the NBA given his size. Boston seems like the athleticism, but knows he will take a good deal of polishing to be able to contribute in the league. “All you have to do is turn on a couple minutes of clips to see the upside”, said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens. Stevens also added Davidson is “very explosive”.
Here are the top 10 results from the Draft, with Duke University power forward Paolo Banchero becoming the fourth Blue Devil ever taken as a #1 pick:
1. Paolo Banchero- PF Duke- Orlando Magic
2. Chet Holmgren- C Gonzaga- OKC Thunder
3. Jabari Smith- PF Auburn- Houston Rockets
4. Keegan Murray- PF Iowa- Sacramento Kings
5. Jaden Ivey- SG Purdue- Detroit Pistons
6. Bennedict Mathurin- SG Arizona- Indiana Pacers
7. Shaedon Sharpe- SG Kentucky- Portland Trailblazers
8. Dyson Daniels- SG G-League- New Orleans Pelicans (from the LA Lakers)
9. Jeremy Sochran- PF Baylor- San Antonio Spurs
10. Johnny Davis- SF Wisconsin- Washington Wizards
