SEC Basketball 2022 NBA Draft Preview: Tennessee PG Kennedy Chandler

One of SEC Basketball’s top point guards available in the 2022 NBA Draft, Kennedy Chandler came to Knoxville this past season as a highly-rated prospect, and certainly delivered on that billing in 2021-22 as a freshman.

Likely a first round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Chandler is an intriguing prospect to watch for between now and the draft, one who could potentially be selected in a wide-range of picks. So, will he go right after the lottery, or will Chandler be a potential draft steal in the late-first or early-second round?

SEC Basketball 2022 NBA Draft Preview: Tennessee PG Kennedy Chandler

A five-star prospect in the Class of 2021, Chandler came to Tennessee this past season as one of the highest-rated recruits in Volunteers program history.

Starting for Tennessee from day one at the point guard position, Chandler would become one of SEC Basketball’s most-exciting playmakers as a freshman. Averaging 13.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, and 2.2 SPG for the Volunteers, the former five-star would also receive honors at seasons end that included Second Team All-SEC, SEC All-Freshman, and the 2022 SEC Tournament MVP.

A player with an exciting skill-set, Chandler you could say has everything needed to be an impact point guard at the next level. Looking at that skill-set as well, what parts of Chandler’s game will likely translate to the professional game best?

Strengths

A true point guard, Chandler is a player with very few weaknesses in his game. Looking at the offense in particular, the former five-star can make almost any pass on the floor, along with the ability to get past defenders with quickness into the paint to create shots for both himself and others.

Chandler then has an ability to make those shots from anywhere on the floor, including an impressive 38.3% from three this past season at Tennessee. Defensively, Chandler is a strong defender at the guard position who averaged an eye-opening 2.2 steals per game this past season, and has the potential to be a solid defender on the perimeter.

How He Projects in NBA

Chandler will likely be a day one impact player at the point guard position as a rookie, and has the potential to grow into a starter at the position in the future. Not only does Chandler have the potential be a strong passer and quality scorer at the next level, but also a solid defender as well, however the former five-star could potentially be a bit limited defensively due to only being 6-foot.

Potential Draft Fits

There might not be a player from SEC Basketball in the 2022 NBA Draft with a larger range of potential draft selections. While unlikely to be a lottery pick, Chandler could go as early as the 15-20 range, with the latest the Tennessee point guard potentially falling would be to early in the second round where he could be a big draft steal.

Draft Prediction

Chandler will be selected in the mid-to-late first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, likely between picks 20-25.