MIP 99: Final NBA Draft Ranking

With the hours slow ticking away, we take a look at the last and final ranking of our 2022 NBA Draft Class. The dust has seemed to settle from 1-99 and it looks like the draft, while top heavy, could provide solid rotation players all over the board.

If you are interested in taking a deeper dive into individual prospects, take a look at our scouting section here!

As we approach the first pick, and MIP 99 is set in stone, we wanted to highlight the work that was put in by the entire class that make up our ranking. All on different paths through college, the G-League, overseas or even other professional leagues in the United States all of these players have continued to improve their game and mark themselves as the future of the league. Every player is going to be a player to watch because of the looming dominoes in the league. Trade rumblings and minor movement already will have an impact on every pick.

Players to Watch:

Josh Minott: Minott was an extremely highly touted prospect that had a solid year at Memphis but not exactly what Penny Hardaway and company were expecting. After the year, Minott declared for the draft and has continued to improve his stock ever since. He is going to be a development player and has some major work to do on improving his game to match the NBA level but with his size and skillset getting him into an organization that has time to help him grow is something many teams won’t be able to pass up. While Minott is a second round pick in our mock, he could find himself called in the first round. MIP Rank: 34 (Original Rank 60, +26)

Justin Lewis: Lewis was headed back to Marquette until he wasn’t. A strong four with the potential to guard one through five, he could be the next 3 & D big to take the league by storm. While he may not be ready for high quality rotation minutes, time between the G-League and main roster should help Lewis make the jump permanently in year two. It is hard to pass up a player who could guard one through five and score the basketball. In the new NBA, versatility is key and it may land Lewis on a championship contender looking to grow their next piece organically. MIP Rank: 40 (Original Rank 45, +5)

Jalen Williams: Jalen Williams of Santa Clara is going to be a first round pick and many people, mostly the casual fan, will be surprised that their team selected a kid from Santa Clara. Usually the question goes, who do they even play? In college basketball however, it doesn’t matter who they play but how they play. In that group of thought, Williams has it and more. He has shot up draft boards and isn’t stopping. His strong performance at the combine and an offensive juggernaut has peaked the interest of teams around the league. A modern version of the NBA shooting guard his length and offensive potential have catapulted him into a potential lottery pick. While does have things to work on, Williams may just be worth the risk. MIP Rank: 16 (Original Rank 50, +34)

Ryan Rollins: A player from Toledo hasn’t been drafted since 1998 and Rollins looks to break that streak this year. A good sized guard he can score and rebound at an encouraging rate. Even though you probably have never heard of him, Rollins has played his way to a potential second round pick. He will need to improve his defensive effort and continue to improve his three point shooting in both volume and conversion rate but the foundation is there. Rollins has a real chance to succeed as an NBA bench guard. Expect to hear his name between picks 32-42. MIP Rank: 41 (Original Rank N/A, +49)