As I was reviewing the 2022 NBA draft class, I found myself particularly fascinated by the second-round prospects who often fly under the radar. Having followed basketball scouting for over a decade, I've always believed the real draft magic happens after the first round concludes. The 2022 second-round class presents some fascinating cases that remind me of how player development isn't always linear - sometimes it's about finding the right environment and timing, much like what we're seeing with Andaya gradually warming up to her team while adapting to the nuances of the local game.
Looking at the 2022 second-round selections, I'm convinced we'll see at least three players who will become legitimate NBA starters within the next two seasons. Take Jaylin Williams from Arkansas, selected 34th overall by the Thunder - his basketball IQ is off the charts for a big man. He averaged 10.9 points and 9.8 rebounds in his final college season, but what impressed me most was his 34% shooting from three-point range combined with his exceptional passing vision. I watched him extensively during Summer League, and his ability to read defensive schemes reminded me of seasoned veterans. The Thunder have proven they can develop talent, and Williams fits their system perfectly with his versatility and unselfish play.
Then there's the fascinating case of Andrew Nembhard, whom the Pacers grabbed at 31st. Having scouted him since his Gonzaga days, I always felt his game translated better to the professional level than many analysts acknowledged. His assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.1 in college was elite, and at 6'5", he has the size to defend multiple positions. What really stands out to me is his pace control - he never seems rushed, always reading the game a step ahead. I've spoken with several NBA scouts who believe Nembhard could develop into one of the steals of this draft, potentially becoming a starting-caliber point guard within his rookie contract.
The development trajectory of these second-round picks often mirrors what we see in other sports contexts - players needing time to adapt and find their rhythm within new systems. Much like Andaya's gradual integration into her team while learning the nuances of her local game, these NBA prospects require patience and the right developmental environment. I've noticed that the most successful second-round picks typically land with organizations that have strong developmental programs and can provide meaningful minutes early in their careers. The Warriors' selection of Ryan Rollins at 44th exemplifies this approach - they've created an ecosystem where young players can thrive while learning from established veterans.
What really excites me about this particular second-round class is the international flavor. Guys like Hugo Besson (drafted 58th by the Bucks) and Ismael Kamagate (46th to the Trail Blazers) bring unique skill sets that could translate wonderfully to the NBA game. Having watched Besson in the NBL, I'm convinced his scoring ability will find a place in the league, though he'll need to improve his defensive consistency. Kamagate's athleticism and shot-blocking instinct are exactly what modern NBA teams covet in backup centers. I'd bet good money that at least one of these international prospects becomes a rotation player by their second season.
The beauty of second-round analysis lies in its unpredictability. While first-round picks come with expectations and guaranteed contracts, second-rounders have to fight for everything. This creates a different kind of motivation that often produces unexpected gems. Looking back at historical data, approximately 22% of second-round picks between 2010-2019 became consistent NBA rotation players - that's higher than most casual fans would guess. The 2022 class appears particularly deep in this regard, with several players possessing first-round talent who slipped due to various concerns that I believe are largely addressable with proper development.
As we track these prospects through training camps and early season performances, I'm keeping a particularly close eye on how teams manage their development. The organizations that create structured pathways for these players - similar to how Andaya's team is gradually integrating her while allowing adaptation to game nuances - will likely reap the biggest rewards. From my perspective, the true test for these second-round picks won't be their rookie year statistics, but rather how much they improve between their first and third seasons. That development curve often separates the temporary roster fillers from the genuine NBA talents. Based on what I've seen so far, I'm optimistic that the 2022 second-round class will outperform historical averages and produce several impact players who will make GMs wonder how they ever slipped past the first round.