Ryan Rollins, the 44th pick Overall of the 2022 NBA Draft.

Getty Images

Traded during the draft for the rights to Tyrese Martin and two million in cash to the Golden State Warriors. Rollins was in consideration to be taken by the Warrior with their first-round pick at #30 but Baldwin Jr. became Myers' choice. But to the delight and surprise of the Warriors' draft room, Ryan Rollins was still available when the Atlanta Hawks were on the clock. Myers and Lacob moved quickly to secure his rights. Shortly after the draft, Rollins signed a three-year deal securing his future as a rostered player through the 2024 season.

Ryan Rollin will shake up Kerr’s rotation with his camp performance. This kid is legit and is ready to contribute now! Rollins will still see the G in short appearances, but by the break, he will command minutes in the second rotation. Wiseman and Rollin will be a factor by the season's end.

The 44th pick in the 2022 NBA draft has the potential to become the steal of this year's draft. The following is the most accurate evaluation available, authored by Dale Young-USA

TODAY Sports - Draft Evaluation By Bryant Baucom

Height 6'5"

Weight: 179 pounds

Wingspan: 6 feet, 9.75 inches

Strengths:

Scoring ability, rebounding for a guard

Rollins thrived as the floor general for the Rockets, finding scoring success in multiple facets. He excelled at scoring from the mid-range and through off-ball movement. Rollins showcased his ability to score off the dribble and in isolation, including post-ups and step backs.

Rollins can score off the pick-and-roll as a crafty ball-handler or create high-percentage scoring opportunities for teammates. The ability to knock down pull-up jump shots and get to the rim provides Rollins with a deadly offensive arsenal.

Rollins understands where to be on the floor and lets his athleticism and toughness outwork the big men down low. His 5.3 defensive rebounds per game were third in the MAC and first among guards in the conference. As a guard, Rollins ranked second in rebounding for Toledo, just behind big man JT Shumate.

Areas to Improve:

3-point shooting, defensive effort

Rollins can score at all three levels but lacks the consistency from beyond the arc. A career 31.7% 3-point shooter, Rollins doesn’t demand the outside defensive respect that could open up other scoring opportunities in his game.

His outside shot isn’t always the same, which he admitted was his biggest flaw. Rollins’ draft year numbers closely resemble George Hill, a former mid-major prospect who also shot 31% from deep. In an NBA environment, Hill improved his outside shot and has knocked down 38% of his 3-point attempts. While it is still a weakness for Rollins, at just 20 years old, he can turn one of his weaknesses into an impactful part of his game.

Although Rollins has a reputation for disturbing passing lanes and creating steals, his defensive effort has brought forth hesitations on film. Rollins leaves something to be desired as a defender as he lacks effort as an on-ball defender.

He often gambles on takeaway opportunities, which can put his team at a disadvantage on the defensive end. His 1.7 steals per game is an impressive stat until given context.

A silver lining for Rollins is that effort does not equate to ability. Although he’s not an elite athlete, he can play defense and contribute on both ends of the floor.

With a little more discipline and being inserted into a defensive system, Rollins can hone his defensive abilities. As he understands the lay of the land, Rollins will likely learn when to gamble for steals and how much his defensive play will impact his minutes.

Projected Draft Range: Late-first round to mid-second round

Rollins began the NBA Draft process as a probable second-round pick, a project but a potential steal as a 20-year-old rookie. Following the NBA Draft Combine, he has shot up draft boards and could hear his name called in the first round. Mock drafts have the playmaking guard going as high as No. 30 to the Nuggets and as low as No. 46 to the Pistons. Rollins will look to carve a role in the rotation as a rookie, bringing an innate scoring ability off the bench.