8 players from the 2022 NBA Draft class who will outperform their selection

5. Picked 40th in the 2022 NBA Draft: Bryce McGowens

After the season he put together for Nebraska, it was shocking to see 6-foot-7 wing Bryce McGowens fall to the 40th pick on draft night. With the versatility to score at all three levels, McGowens averaged nearly 17 points per game en route to an All-Big Ten selection and a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team. He’s a silky ball-handler with huge shooting upside who plays at his own pace. Although that doesn’t always translate for some players, those who can operate within themselves and still impact the game are usually among the best in basketball.

McGowens has a shot to crack the Charlotte Hornets rotation in the 2022-23 season due to the mishaps of their offseason, though it may be what’s best for the franchise in the long run. He’s an exceptional player who went on to show much-improved playmaking during his Summer League run while hitting 42.9% of 5.6 triples per contest.

Whether he’s driving, shooting, stepping back, or cutting inside, McGowens can score. The biggest question will be whether he can compete on defense against other professionals, though in today’s league, getting buckets is enough to keep you on the floor. He’s one of the sneakier picks to make one of the NBA’s All-Rookie teams this season.