The 2022 NBA Draft is just over two weeks away as the 2022 NBA Finals are in full swing. Former Tennessee point guard Kennedy Chandler is the only Vol projected to get selected in this year’s draft.
The Second Team All-SEC selection is the third one-and-done of the Rick Barnes era and is looking to follow Keon Johnson and Jaden Springer’s path by being selected in the first round.
Will a NBA franchise take a shot on the speedy point guard in the first round? Let’s take a look at where the most recent mock drafts have projected Chandler.
ESPN
No. 21 to Denver
“After a rocky start, Chandler emerged as one of the premier point guards in the college game in the second half of the season, showing blazing speed, dynamic ballhandling and passing ability, and an increasingly consistent pull-up jumper. His measurements (6-1, 172 pounds with a 6-5¼ wingspan) are what might keep him out of the lottery position his talent suggests, but didn’t prevent him from playing outstanding defense and leading the SEC in steals. The fact that he proved capable of playing off the ball in two- and three-guard lineups should be attractive as well.”
The Ringer
No. 24 to Milwaukee
“Why not bring in someone like Chandler who could alleviate some pressure? Though he’s undersized, meaning he’d likely be targeted on defense, the pros may outweigh the cons because of his facilitating. He limits turnovers and can shoot off the bounce. Pick-and-rolls with Chandler and Giannis Antetokounmpo could be lethal if he were to pan out.”
CBS Sports
Kyle Boone — No. 24 to Milwaukee
Gary Parrish — No. 22 to Memphis
David Cobb — No. 22 to Memphis
Colin Ward-Henninger — No. 29 to Memphis
Sports Illustrated
No. 39 to Cleveland (from San Antonio)
The Memphis native is projected to be a first rounder almost unanimously with Sports Illustrated not budging from its low draft grade of Chandler.
The 6-foot-1 point guard’s small stature is critics biggest knock of his NBA potential. The criticism seems relatively unfounded as Chandler shined on the defensive side of the ball the second half of his freshman season, even leading the SEC in steals.
Chandler averaged 13.8 points, 4.6 assists and 2.2 steals per game in his lone college season and the point guard played his best basketball as the year developed.
The 2022 NBA Draft is Thursday, June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. ESPN will broadcasting the event.
