2022 NBA Draft: Charlotte Hornets select Jalen Duren, Memphis forward

Memphis big man Jalen Duren is off the board in the 2022 NBA Draft. With the No. 13 pick of the first round, Duren was selected by the Charlotte Hornets.

Duren is a fascinating prospect among first round picks in this year’s NBA Draft. He is younger than any other projected pick, as he’s only 18 and a half years old. He didn’t become a legal adult until after he played his first collegiate basketball game — and then he wound up leading his team in scoring. So he’s a very raw player and person entering the NBA, but extremely talented.

NBA teams view his youth as a positive, though. The thinking goes…if he’s already this good at 18 and half, imagine how much he can improve just by the time he’s 20 or 21 years old — and still, at those ages, very young compared to the rest of the league.

Being young isn’t everything for Duren, though. He’s also a first round pick because of his explosive athleticism and elite defensive traits. With such a versatile body, the Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor believes Duren can develop into a defensive ace at the next level. Here’s what he wrote in his review of Duren’s game:

“Elite upside as a shot blocker. He’s unafraid to get physical and his 7-foot-5 wingspan and nimble feet make him a sentry defending the paint. He can also defend on the perimeter on an occasional switch or recovery to a shooter. He already does a great job of trailing ball handlers and using his length to block shots from behind, a trademark of the NBA’s best rim protectors.”

With that frame and his motor all at just 18 years old, Duren projects as a developmental pick who could be a contributor on defense right away. But even if not, he has a long leash for figuring everything out. Time is most certainly on his side and his development shouldn’t be rushed in the NBA.