$DRFT Stock Market Price Updates
The Wolf of Ball Street looks upon mainstream big boards to set updated stock prices for the Top 30 of the 2022 NBA Draft Class.
Welcome to the first $DRFT stock price update of the 2022 NBA Draft cycle here at No Ceilings. Last month we set pre-season $DRFT IPO prices for the Top 30 prospects by looking at mainstream big board rankings and finding each prospect’s average stock price. This approach gives us a more clear big picture view of each prospect’s current draft stock, taking away any bias's a singular outlet may have.
The draft cycle is always evolving. A prospect’s draft stock is fluid, nothing is set in stone, and as you’ll soon see, we already have quite a bit of movement in the Top 30. We have a fun batch of newcomers that crashed the party, which means we also have some prospects that we’ll have to remember fondly. The draft as they say, is a fickle bitch; one tough month of play could be enough to tank a prospect’s draft stock. Remember the number one rule of Ball Street…
Nobody - and I don't care if you're Jonathan Givony or if you're Jimmy Buffet - nobody knows if a stock is going to go up, down, sideways or in circles!
1. PAOLO BANCEHRO, DUKE BLUE DEVILS
ESPN: 2 | BR: 2 | TANK: 1 | BNEWS: 1 | SI: 1 | NC: 1
$BANC avg. cost: 1.5
$BANC prev. cost: 1.6
Banchero opened the year as the number 2 prospect in our $DRFT rankings, but an impressive start to the season, which included dominant performances against Gonzaga and Kentucky helped secure the current top spot for the Duke blue chipper. Banchero answered early questions about the jumper and has wowed with his fluidity and versatility at 6’10” 250. At this point the top spot is Paolo’s to lose.
2. CHET HOLMGREN, GONZAGA BULLDOGS
ESPN: 1 | BR: 1 | TANK: 2 | BNEWS: 3 | SI: 3 | NC: 2
$CHET avg. cost: 2
$CHET prev. cost: 1.4
While Holmgren drops out of the top spot, he holds strong at number 2…for now. Holmgren hasn’t had the jaw dropping offensive performances that some expected from him just yet, but he’s been as impactful as advertised defensively, blocking 3.6 shots a game in just 25 minutes of play. Some will still question Chet’s body, but despite Holmgren’s frail frame, he’s managed to finish just about everything inside. It may not be as flashy as other top prospects but Chet still boasts a PER over 30 with a nearly 69% (nice) TS%.
3. JABARI SMITH JR, AUBURN TIGERS
ESPN: 3 | BR: 3 | TANK: 3 | BNEWS: 2 | SI: 1 | NC: 3
$SMITH avg. cost: 2.5
$SMITH prev. cost: 6.8
There’s been no prospect that has done better for themselves early on than Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr. Smith has cemented himself as a legit top 3 prospect and it’s hard to see anyone leap frogging him. Smith’s defensive versatility has left ball handlers of all shape and sizes in hell and his shooting from downtown would make Tim Kitzrow proud. The Smith buzz has already started and as he continues to push for the top spot, expect the noise to get louder and louder.
4. JADEN IVEY, PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
ESPN: 2 | BR: 2 | TANK: 1 | BNEWS: 1 | SI: 1 | NC: 1
$IVEY avg. cost: 4.2
$IVEY prev. cost: 14
Jaden Ivey started the year at 11 on the pre-season $DRFT rankings and has since steam rolled his way into the top 5. I had the opportunity to watch Ivey in person a few weeks ago and the hype is real folks. Ivey’s a legit NBA athlete that thrives getting down hill and running in transition, but he’s become more than that. Ivey’s biggest question mark coming into the year was his perimeter shooting and he answered it in a huge way, as the second year guard is now shooting 46% from three on nearly five attempts a game. There’s still time for some of the other guard prospects to make a run at it, but as of today, Jaden Ivey has been the best guard in the 2022 class.
5. JALEN DUREN, MEMPHIS TIGERS
ESPN: 4 | BR: 5 | TANK: 6 | BNEWS: 5 | SI: 14 | NC: 7
$DUREN avg. cost: 6.8
$DUREN prev. cost: 5
Some of my No Ceilings teammates are souring on the man child out of Memphis, but the consensus has been more forgiving. Duren has run hot and cold all year, but he offers a unique blend of size, physicality, and athleticism that you won’t find anywhere else in the class. Those tools and that potential may be enough to keep him in the top five conversation all year.
6. JADEN HARDY, G-LEAGUE IGNITE
ESPN: 6 | BR: 9 | TANK: 10 | BNEWS: 6 | SI: 12 | NC: 6
$HARD avg. cost: 8.2
$HARD prev. cost: 4.2
Jaden Hardy was a sleeper number 1 overall guy coming into the year but his slow transition to the pro-game has lead to a slight drop in his stock. If you scour the depths of draft twitter you may think his stock has tanked, but the truth is that Hardy is very much still in play to land in the top 5. Hardy has had his issues processing the game on both ends, but he’s getting better as the season goes along. Sometimes “it just takes time” with young prospects. Hardy may not have set the G-League on fire like Jalen Green did last year, but he’s still shown enough shot making potential to intrigue teams on his long term potential.
7. KENDALL BROWN, BAYLOR BEARS
ESPN: 19 | BR: 7 | TANK: 5 | BNEWS: 7 | SI: 6 | NC: 8
$BROWN avg. cost: 8.7
$BROWN prev. cost: 31.6
Kendall Brown has been the draft’s biggest riser. After coming into the season at 29 on the $DRFT IPO, he has firmly cemented himself as a top 10 prospect. Evaluators have bought into Brown’s elite athleticism, winning intangibles, and versatility on the wing. Brown hasn’t shown the on ball juice to vaunt himself into the top 3, but if he keeps up his early season production, the Baylor wing may see his stock continue to rise all the way into the top 5.
8. PATRICK BALDWIN JR., MILWAUKEE PANTHERS
ESPN: 7 | BR: 12 | TANK: 8 | BNEWS: 12 | SI: 9 | NC: 5
$PBJ avg. cost: 8.8
$PBJ prev. cost: 7.2
It hasn’t been pretty for Patrick Baldwin Jr. early on. PBJ has struggled against elite competition and some have questioned how much fire he brings on a game to game basis. Despite the struggles, Baldwin’s stock has remained largely stagnant through the first month of the season, as his position remains unchanged. Baldwin may not be a go to guy at the next level, but he’s shown enough shot making flashes at 6’10” to keep evaluators from shorting Baldwin stock.
9. KEEGAN MURRAY, IOWA HAWKEYES
ESPN: 13 | BR: 14 | TANK: 7 | BNEWS: 13 | SI: 7 | NC: 12
$KEEG avg. cost: 11
$KEEG prev. cost: 25
Similar to Kendall Brown, Keegan Murray has seen his stock price soar due to his strong play during the first month of the season. Murray is a big forward who does a little bit of everything and has been down right dominant at times. He’s looked more human the last two games against better competition, but the sophomore has shown enough improvements early on that he’ll likely fight for a lottery spot come June.
10. BENNEDICT MATHURIN, ARIZONA WILDCATS
ESPN: 15 | BR: 6 | TANK: 15 | BNEWS: 8 | SI: 11 | NC: 13
$MATH avg. cost: 11.3
$MATH prev. cost: 17.2
Look for the sophomore Arizona guard to be a mainstay in the top 10 from this point on. Mathurin flashed improved on ball juice during his FIBA u19 run with team Canada, and it’s translated in a big way for the Wildcats. Mathurin can shoot the shit out of the ball and has the size and wing skills that will interest any NBA franchise. Buy your Mathurin stock at a reasonable price while you still can.
11. JD DAVISON, ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
ESPN: 11 | BR: 11 | TANK: 17 | BNEWS: 9 | SI: 13 | NC: 21
$JDD avg. cost: 13.7
$JDD prev. cost: 18.2
Davison is a SPECIAL athlete. He had his fair share of detractors early on that thought that’s all that he was, but the freshman guard has had huge moments against major competition showing evaluators a more nuanced skillset. Davison is coming off the bench for the Crimson Tide and is doing pretty much whatever they need from him on any given night. There are still long term questions about the shot, but there’s no doubt that Davison has big time NBA potential.
12. JEAN MONTERO, OVERTIME ELITE
ESPN: 9 | BR: 13 | TANK: 12 | BNEWS: 18 | SI: 24 | NC: 11
$MONT avg. cost: 14.5
$MONT prev. cost: 14.2
Montero is a tough eval for draftniks as he isn’t playing the same high level competition that his contemporaries are playing every night. The Overtime Elite is very AAU; there’s a lot of sloppy up and down, unstructured play. Add on the worst announcing situation on the internet and it’s a tough watch. Still, Montero is a super charged offensive dynamo that can knock down tough shots off the bounce from everywhere on the court. Even with all the noise that surrounds the OTE, the talent jumps off the screen with Montero. Expect the Dominican guard to be a popular name in lottery conversations all season.
13. TYTY WASHINGTON, KENTUCKY WILDCATS
ESPN: 10 | BR: 10 | TANK: 20 | BNEWS: 11 | SI: 26 | NC: 17
$TYTY avg. cost: 15.6
$TYTY prev. cost: 18.4
After starting the season on the outside looking in, the Kentucky guard has entered the lottery conversation with some stellar play early on. Washington has a buttery smooth floater and some real off the bounce shot making ability. Washington has looked more and more comfortable with each game, playing with an impressive poise and pace. Those who staked a claim in TyTy stock early on are seeing positive returns on their investment.
14. CALEB HOUSTAN, MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
ESPN: 14 | BR: 19 | TANK: 24 | BNEWS: 15 | SI: 16 | NC: 9
$HSTN avg. cost: 16.1
$HSTN prev. cost: 6.8
Michigan’s Caleb Houstan really really struggled early on, leading to an eight spot drop in his draft stock. The shot has started to drop more as of late and the Canadian wing is up to nearly 37% from deep on nearly 5 attempts per game. If those percentages keep trending upward, expect the same for his draft stock, as NBA teams will always look for size and shooting from the wing.
15. KENNEDY CHANDLER, TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
ESPN: 21 | BR: 15 | TANK: 11 | BNEWS: 10 | SI: 33 | NC: 14
$KNDY avg. cost: 17.3
$KNDY prev. cost: 14.2
There may not be a prospect with more inconsistent draft stock than Tennessee’s Kennedy Chandler. The freshman point guard has been ranked in the top 10 and as far down as the second round. Personally, I’m buying the slight dip on Chandler. He plays at a masterful pace and may be the most point guardy point guard in the class. Chandler has a big game this week against a loaded Wildcats team and it may be a boom or bust moment for the direction of his draft stock.
16. TREVOR KEELS, DUKE BLUE DEVILS
ESPN: 8 | BR: 24 | TANK: 23 | BNEWS: 24 | SI: 10 | NC: 15
$KEEL avg. cost: 17.3
$KEEL prev. cost: Not Ranked
Trevor Keels is our first newcomer on the board. If you had any Keels stock before the season, well done, you’re draft rich. After showing his ass (word to PeeWeeDaPlug) on a highly anticipated national TV game vs Kentucky, Keels has been a mainstay in draft convos. Keels can be no better described as a bully on the court. The Blue Devil guard’s size and defensive prowess can be debilitating for opposing ball handlers. Keels has been an inconsistent shot maker so far, but the feel for the game and pace of play passes the eye test. If and when he starts knocking down shots…watch out.
17. OUSMANE DIENG, NEW ZEALAND BREAKERS
ESPN: 12 | BR: NR | TANK: 9 | BNEWS: 16 | SI: 15 | NC: 22
$DIENG avg. cost: 17.5
$DIENG prev. cost: 18.2
Despite Ousmane Dieng’s um…struggles early on, he’s largely maintained his positioning. There’s been a lid on the rim very early into the NBL season for Dieng, but it looks fluid and projectible. That’s what Dieng is right now…a project. But the flashes in the pick and roll along with the defensive flashes make him a worthy project. If you’re buying Dieng stock it’s a long term hold.
18. DYSON DANIELS, G-LEAGUE IGNITE
ESPN: 22 | BR: 25 | TANK: 13 | BNEWS: 22 | SI: 8 | NC: 26
$DYSN avg. cost: 18.2
$DYSN prev. cost: 18.2
Dyson Daniels may be the G-League Ignite’s most consistent player this season. The Aussie combo guard has flashed advanced vision and he’s a pest defensively. He doesn’t get a lot of press as he isn’t the high level prospect of a Scoot or even a Jaden, but he looks the part of a solid contributor that will be in the league for a long time contributing to winning baketball.
19. NIKOLA JOVIC, MEGA BASKET
ESPN: 28 | BR: 16 | TANK: 18 | BNEWS: 17 | SI: 19 | NC: 16
$JOVIC avg. cost: 19
$JOVIC prev. cost: 14.8
The Jovic stock was dipping early on this season but the Serbian has started to heat up as of late and is on the road back to the green. It’s easy to see the intrigue with Jovic. At 6’10”, the dude has some serious off the bounce shot making chops. When he gets it going, he has a deep bag with combo moves that are eye opening. If you’re looking to buy the Jovic dip, now is the time.
20. MARK WILLIAMS, DUKE BLUE DEVILS
ESPN: 16 | BR: 21 | TANK: 16 | BNEWS: 28 | SI: 18 | NC: 24
$MARK avg. cost: 20.5
$MARK prev. cost: 30
After a dominant game against Chet Holmgren and the Zags, Mark Williams gave everyone a glimpse of how impactful he can be on the floor. The Duke big man fits the mold of the prototypical rim running lob threat big that will do the dirty work and anchor your defense. You cant teach height and length, and Williams’ never ending wingspan is elite even by NBA standards. Williams offers some serious potential value at this stage of the draft.
21. JONATHAN DAVIS, WISCONSIN BADGERS
ESPN: 31 | BR: 8 | TANK: 25 | BNEWS: 26 | SI: 5 | NC: 28
$DAVIS avg. cost: 20.5
$DAVIS prev. cost: Not Ranked
Do not forget the name Jonathan Davis. Another newcomer to this month’s stock price update, Davis is HOOPING for the Badgers. Davis went back to school to improve his game and his stock and mission accomplished on both fronts. Averaging 21 points on the year, Davis can score with the best of them. Davis’ smooth pace of play allows him to get wherever he wants on the floor. When he’s at the rim he’s got the strength to finish through contact, he’s got the floater, he’s a killer in the midrange, and he’s shooting almost 40% from behind the arc. This is the cheapest you’ll find Davis’ draft stock. Buy it up.
22. AJ GRIFFIN, DUKE BLUE DEVILS
ESPN: 42 | BR: 22 | TANK: 14 | BNEWS: 14 | SI: 32 | NC: 10
$GRIF avg. cost: 22.3
$GRIF prev. cost: 6
Entering the season at number 5 overall on our pre-season $DRFT rankings, AJ Griffin has seen the biggest fall of any prospect. Griffin has failed to find consistent minutes and a consistent role on a loaded Duke roster. Still, when he’s gotten the opportunity he’s produced. Griffin may not regain the elite stock he entered the season with, but it’s still too early to jump the gun and completely abandon him as a prospect. NBA teams search high and wide for wings with his body and skillset. If you bought in on Griffin early you’re gonna need diamond hands throughout the process.
23. PEYTON WATSON, UCLA BRUINS
ESPN: 17 | BR: NR | TANK: 31 | BNEWS: 21 | SI: 27 | NC: 18
$WTSN avg. cost: 24.2
$WTSN prev. cost: 9.8
UCLA’s Peyton Watson is another blue chipper who has seen his stock nose dive over the last month. Watson has mostly looked lost on the floor in his limited minutes. The Bruins are looking to win a national championship and developing Watson’s raw skills won’t be a top priority. Watson has athleticism and talent that a team will bet on, but it’s going to require a bit of gambling with a high risk asset.
24. WENDELL MOORE, DUKE BLUE DEVILS
ESPN: 25 | BR: 18 | TANK: 29 | BNEWS: 35 | SI: 17 | NC: NR
$MOORE avg. cost: 25.8
$MOORE prev. cost: Not Ranked
Wendell Moore’s ascension as a junior is a bit of a surprise, but a welcome development that looks and feels legitimate. Moore has taken a massive leap in virtually every category and may be a guy who can play his way into the lottery conversation if he keeps it up.
25. YANNICK NZOSA, UNICAJA
ESPN: 20 | BR: NR | TANK: 19 | BNEWS: 30 | SI: 25 | NC: NR
$NZOSA avg. cost: 26
$NZOSA prev. cost: 7.4
A pre-season draft favorite, Yannick Nzosa’s stock is in a free fall. The big man from the Congo is struggling to find minutes and when he does has struggled to produce. The good news is that Nzosa is still very very young and he isn’t the first 18 year old to struggle with consistency on a professional team overseas. The defensive tools are still special, but the offense and strength have a ways to go.
26. OCHAI AGBAJI, KANSAS JAYHAWKS
ESPN: 24 | BR: 17 | TANK: 35 | BNEWS: 25 | SI: 34 | NC: 23
$OCHAI avg. cost: 26.3
$OCHAI prev. cost: Not Ranked
Agbaji is new to the $DRFT rankings but not to draft aficionados. The Kansas shooting guard has taken a huge leap during his senior campaign, showing off a more diverse scoring arsenal. The senior guard is shooting the lights out and will generate big time interest from win now teams that need help on the wing.
27. MAX CHRISTIE, MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
ESPN: 40 | BR: NR | TANK: 21 | BNEWS: 19 | SI: 29 | NC: 20
$MAX avg. cost: 26.6
$MAX prev. cost: 30.2
Although Christie has really struggled this season, he hasn’t seen a big dip in his draft stock. While he’s fallen a single spot in our $DRFT rankings, he’s actually boosted his average stock price. Christie looks the part on the floor but is a hypothetical more than anything right now. If he doesn’t get it going soon, he may benefit from another year in East Lansing.
28. MARJON BEAUCHAMP, G-LEAGUE IGNITE
ESPN: 26 | BR: NR | TANK: 28 | BNEWS: 29 | SI: 20 | NC: 27
$CHAMP avg. cost: 26.8
$CHAMP prev. cost: Not Ranked
MarJon Beauchamp is perhaps the biggest winner of this year’s G-League Ignite group of prospects. Largely unknown entering the 2022 cycle, Beauchamp has turned heads with his play. Beauchamp is a long athletic swing wing that runs the floor and can defend multiple positions. Beauchamp is playing and thriving in a pro system and teams are going to see major upside in a potential 3&D+ prospect that can fit any playstyle.
29. BRYCE MCGOWENS, NEBRASKA CORNHUSKERS
ESPN: 24 | BR: 17 | TANK: 35 | BNEWS: 25 | SI: 34 | NC: 23
$BRYCE avg. cost: 28.3
$BRYCE prev. cost: Not Ranked
Our final newcomer on the Draftdaq is Nebraska’s Bryce McGowens. McGowens is a 6’7” wing with a penchant for shot creation. He’s struggling with the consistency of scoring efficiently, but he’s made up for it some by getting to the FT line over six times a game. McGowen’s stay in the top 30 may be short lived if those shots don’t start dropping and those percentages don’t start rising.
30. ALLAN FLANNIGAN, AUBURN TIGERS
ESPN: 24 | BR: 17 | TANK: 35 | BNEWS: 25 | SI: 34 | NC: 23
$FLNGN avg. cost: 30.8
$FLNGN prev. cost: 27.8
Flanigan has started the season on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, but rumor has it that he’s nearing a return. When healthy, Flannigan is a strong, bouncy, left handed wing that’s good for at least one “holy shit” play a game. When he does debut it will be for an Auburn team that is rolling and has a roster full of players who should make for a seamless return.
Who’s Out?
Daimion Collins (20)
Roko Prkacin (21)
Matthew Cleveland (24)
Matthew Mayer (27)
Tristan Vukcevic (28)
Marcus Bagley (30)
First time reading your content. This format is very enjoyable. You've got yourself a new reader in me. Would love to hear what you think about the relatively unknown guard Taran Armstrong.
Excellent piece Corey, missed a number of games, obviously a few of my top10 are slipping. I think you have a sublime read on a number of prospects, that I find difficult to watch, thanks!!