by The 2022 NBA Draft is just one week away. Take a look at the full two round mock draft and see who your team may walk away with by the end of the night.
Round 1
- Orlando – Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn, 6’10”
The top need for the Magic is a power forward. According to reports, Smith “wowed” during his pre-draft workout in Orlando. He translates best as a power forward in the league but is also athletic enough to play some small forward. His length and release make it hard to contest his jump shots. He is a better face up shooter than both Holmgren and Banchero. Smith will likely still be a scoring threat at the NBA level.
- Oklahoma City – Chet Holmgren, PF/C, Gonzaga, 7’1”
The Thunder need a lot of help across the board and taking Holmgren is at least one step in the right direction. He is long and lean yet puts the ball on the floor well for a big. Holmgren is more athletic than he appears and is a strong shot blocker. Holmgren will need to add more weight and muscle in order to handle the physicality on the low block in the NBA. He reminds me a bit of Kristaps Porzingis.
- Houston – Paolo Banchero, F, Duke, 6’10”
The top three in this draft is not really in much question. It is just a matter of who goes where. If Smith and Holmgren go off the board one and two as I expect, then Banchero should be a lock for pick three for the Rockets. He is a versatile forward that can play either small forward or power forward. Just like Smith and Holmgren, he has great length, but Banchero has the strongest frame of the three as well. He is active on the glass and a decent shooter. Banchero’s speed and athleticism coupled with his physical traits makes him an excellent double-double candidate regularly.
- Sacramento – Dyson Daniels, G, G League, 6’7”
The first surprise of the draft could easily come at this Kings selection. Jaden Ivey in my opinion is the most talented player in this class, but Daniels is a better fit with the Kings. Daniels is effective as a point guard or shooting guard and provides some nice length in the back court. He is not overly explosive as an athlete but is instead more of a controlled player. Daniels is an excellent passer and is best scoring as a catch and shoot guy. Daniels will be a key three and D player.
- Detroit – Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue, 6’4”
After selecting Cade Cunningham last year, the Pistons will be thrilled to also snag Ivey in this draft. Ivey has the skill to serve as a primary ball handler or even play off the ball. He is extremely explosive and makes electric plays every single game. Ivey’s sweet shooting stroke, passing ability to drop dimes and ability to read and jump passing lanes on defense could turn him into a star at the next level. The Pistons will be headed in the right direction with the youth of Ivey, Cunningham and Saddiq Bey.
- Indiana – A.J. Griffin, F, Duke, 6’6”
The Pacers have some decent guards and will be currently working extensively on building the front court. Griffin could be an ideal lottery pick for the squad. He has a very sturdy, strong build and despite being a true small forward, Griffin can play some power forward in a small ball lineup. As a scorer, he is best as a catch and shoot guy rather than off the dribble.
- Portland – Keegan Murray, F, Iowa, 6’8”
The Trail Blazers are in total rebuild mode and will simply need to select the best available. Murray will be that guy if he manages to make it to seven. He can certainly be a small forward, but I prefer him as a stretch four. At power forward, Murray will be able to be underneath the basket crashing the boards for second chance points a bit more while still stepping out and hitting mid range jumpers or threes. He was a bucket in college and has the potential to do much of the same in the league. Murray is not the most explosive which limits his ceiling.
- New Orleans (from Los Angeles Lakers) – Shaedon Sharpe, G, Kentucky, 6’6”
The Pelicans have many forwards but still need to revamp the backcourt around C.J. McCollum. Sharpe is a talented shooting guard with an excellent pull up jumper. From his high school film, Sharpe buries a bunch of threes. The problem with Sharpe is that despite not being injured, he still did not play at all at Kentucky. He will absolutely be a project but one with tremendous upside.
- San Antonio – Benedict Mathurin, G, Arizona, 6’6”
The Spurs are a team without a ton of star power yet have a bunch of depth. They also have the luxury of three first round selections in this draft which means they can become even deeper across the board. Adding a talented shooting guard like Mathurin will immediately improve the team. Mathurin is not a flashy player but flashes lots of potential. He is excellent at creating separation on his fade away like shots similar to Dion Waiters. In fact, his play greatly reminds me of Dion Waiters.
- Washington – Jalen Duren, C, Memphis, 6’11”
The Wizards were struck with injury issues last season and would have probably been a bit better if Porzingis, Kuzma and Beal had all been on the floor at the same time. Despite the need for a star point guard, I believe they look towards a physical center that can either backup Porzingis or even be on the floor with him at the same time. Duren is just that. He is aggressive on the boards, a defensive stopper, makes some big blocks, runs the floor well and throws down some big aggressive dunks. He probably won’t be a star but a key piece on the team he lands on.
- New York – Kai Sotto, C, Philippines, 7’2”
The Knicks need a talented backup center behind Mitchell Robinson. Sotto is a second round graded player with a bit of hype surrounding him. He is tall and long with plenty of upside. He did recently suffer an ankle injury during a pre-draft workout which could cause some concern. Every year the NBA draft brings us surprise first round selections and Sotto feels like he could be one of them.
- Oklahoma City (from LA Clippers) – Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin, 6’5”
The Thunder get their second pick in this year’s lottery and after selecting a big in Holmgren, they can turn towards a scoring guard. Davis is primarily a shooting guard but could also play some small forward. He snagged lots of rebounds for a guard during his time at Wisconsin and is a fairly good defender. His best asset is his lethal scoring ability. He can shoot off the dribble just as well as catching and pulling up.
- Charlotte – Mark Williams, C, Duke, 7’0”
The Hornets could use some additional size on the roster and had Williams in for a pre-draft workout. The fit would be excellent because he runs the floor well which would allow LaMelo Ball to push the pace and feed the big man. He is a presence down low on both the offensive and defensive ends. He alters a lot of shots and that defensive ability will result in an early impact.
- Cleveland – Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State, 6’5”
The Cavs have an excellent young core and when healthy have things really clicking. They are a fun team to watch but could still use a few additions to push them towards the top. Branham would be a major step that direction. He can play at either shooting guard or small forward. During his freshman year at Ohio State, he had a bit of a slow start adjusting to the college game during the non-conference schedule. Once conference play hit, the game slowed down and he lit up the Big Ten, earning B1G Freshman of the Year honors.
Branham has some star scorer potential. He is so smooth with the ball in his hands and plays with excellent pace and control. He takes his time getting to his spots and is nearly automatic from mid-range. I do wish he stayed at OSU one additional year as the true star of the team without the presence of E.J. Liddell. That being said he has continued to move up draft boards following the combine and pre-draft workouts.
Not only does Branham have some similarities in play style to DeMar DeRozen and Kris Middleton, but he also has the experience of playing high school ball at St. Vincent-St. Mary’s. The high ceiling of Branham and struggles of Caris LeVert should push the Cavs in this direction as they round out the lottery.
- Charlotte (from New Orleans) – Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee, 6’1”
After going big just two picks earlier, the Hornets can now get a backup point guard. Chandler is a pure point guard with deep range from three and flashy passing ability. He is shifty and quick which will add a different element compared to Ball.
- Atlanta – Tari Eason, F, LSU, 6’8”
Eason will best translate to power forward in the NBA due to his physicality and play in the paint. He has supposedly not been too great at some of his pre-draft workouts, but his play at LSU still warrants a first-round selection. He is a low volume three-point shooter and prefers to drive in the lane. He reminds me of a shorter, right-handed Lamar Odom. If he can play like that on the floor then he could make a big impact in Atlanta whether he starts at small forward or comes off the bench for John Collins.
- Houston (from Brooklyn) – MarJon Beauchamp, G, G League, 6’6”
The Rockets get their second pick of the first round and add some more guard depth. Beauchamp will likely translate best as a shooting guard but still has the length to play small forward. He is excellent at leaking out ahead in transition and also aggressively cuts towards the hoop. The Rockets had some success with selecting Jalen Green from Ignite in the G League, so perhaps Beauchamp might supply them the same quality.
- Chicago – Jeremy Sochan, PF/C, Baylor, 6’9”
The Bulls could use another big that has versatility enough to play power forward and center. Sochan would fit that role due to his athleticism. He finishes strong around the rim with some tough shots and also stretches the floor. Most of his time would probably be spent at the four, but that is the Bulls greatest position of need.
- Minnesota – E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio State, 6’7”
Liddell has been deemed NBA ready by several teams, including the Cavs this offseason. As in every draft there are always plenty of projects and Liddell is not one of them. His game is quite complete on both sides of the ball. Liddell will probably fit best as an undersized power forward due to his physicality and long wingspan. He can certainly play small forward in larger lineups due to his mobility.
During his time in high school and at Ohio State, Liddell was not only a scorer but also a block machine. Whether that was chasing someone down or meeting someone at the rim, I don’t remember a single game this past season that he didn’t swat a shot. With the Timberwolves Liddell would get to join fellow Buckeye D’Angelo Russell. Russell, Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and Liddell together could certainly make a little noise in the west. Liddell may not be the star but I could see him averaging 14 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. That would be an excellent contribution for a rookie.
- San Antonio (from Toronto) – TyTy Washington Jr., G, Kentucky, 6’3”
As the Spurs go back on the clock, they can submit the card addressing their biggest need on the roster – another point guard. Washington is a lean and long point guard for 6’3”. The best way to define him would be smooth not only as a passer but also as a shooter. If the Spurs can couple Washington and Mathurin with what they already have, then they can turn their focus to the front court later in the draft.
- Denver – Ochai Agbaji, G, Kansas, 6’6”
The Nuggets still have a talented roster but could use a spark after being quickly ousted by the Warriors this postseason. Agbaji would be an excellent addition as a shooting guard with small forward flexibility. Rather than being one of those freshmen or sophomores entering the draft early, Agbaji is leaving after his senior year as an experienced veteran. He is also proven from his time with Kansas. He is explosive above the rim, a strong three-point shooter and a scorer. I can’t think of a better fit for Agbaji than with Denver.
- Memphis (from Utah) – Jaylin Williams, PF/C, Arkansas, 6’10”
In Memphis Ja Morant is the star of the show. If they want to take things to the next level then they need to add some more star talent. Right now it is just nice pieces surrounding Morant but that should be enough to get them back to the playoffs. This pick won’t move the needle, but does provide some more depth behind Xavier Tillman and Jaren Jackson Jr. Williams has sufficient handles for a big and drives to the lane with the intention to throw down a dunk. The Razorbacks ran plays where he would clear the lane, allowing room for cutters and then Williams would feed them. He will not be much of a post-up player on the low block.
- Philadelphia – Andrew Nembhard, G, Gonzaga, 6’4”
In Nembhard’s time at Gonzaga, he was privileged enough to play with lots and lots of NBA talent. Although he can absolutely be the guy and score when needed, his ultimate job was to control the offense and feed his teammates. Nembhard is excellent at that. The 76ers need someone to facilitate the ball to Embiid and Harden. Nembhard would likely come off the bench behind Tyrese Maxey, but both Nembhard and Maxey could be on the floor at the same time if Harden is out.
- Milwaukee – Jalen Williams, G, Santa Clara, 6’6”
Williams is a sturdy guard with great scoring traits. The main need for the Bucks is just adding more depth across the board regardless of position. Williams would be a smart addition because he provides a different play style than Grayson Allen, Pat Connaughton and Wesley Matthews. The best comparison for him would probably be Kevin Porter Jr.
- San Antonio (from Boston) – Nikola Jovic, PF/C, KK Mega Bemax, 6’11”
No, the Spurs are not getting Nikola Jokic but they can add a big named Nikola Jovic. Like many overseas players, Jovic is a phenomenal passer. He is known as a sensation in Serbia because of the plethora of things that he can do. He is a nice shooter from deep and his height and length makes it impossible to contest his shots. If any overseas player becomes a star from this class, my best guess would be this guy. Jovic would be a feature on the Spurs for quite a long time.
- Dallas – Ousmane Dieng, F, NZ Breakers, 6’9”
The Mavericks are building around star Luka Doncic and adding Christian Wood will provide a strong second scoring option. The team has really been playing by committee at the forward spots and could use another option. Dieng is a long small forward with power forward versatility. Not only can he put the ball on the floor, but he moves well and has a nice shooting stroke from mid-range and three. He will be a project but one that the Mavs are in position to take on.
- Miami – Jabari Walker, F, Colorado, 6’9”
The Heat were so close to being in the Finals this year. In order for them to go the distance next season they will need some additional size up front. Walker is a physical power forward and a menace on defense. This will mean shooting guard Duncan Robinson will no longer need to be on the depth chart at power forward.
- Golden State – Walker Kessler, C, Auburn, 7’1”
The Warriors are one game away from winning the NBA Finals and they are doing this with a rather small lineup. Kevon Looney is truly the only big while Draymond Green and Otto Porter Jr. have been asked to fight above their weight class. James Wiseman has a ton of talent and was great at Memphis in college. So far his young NBA career has been riddled with injuries. The Warriors need another big and Kessler will fill the need. He is a threat in the paint offensively and can still step out and stretch the floor if needed. He operates best on the low block though. On defense, Kessler altered a bunch of shots during his time with Auburn. The Warriors really couldn’t go wrong with this selection whether Wiseman pans out or not.
- Memphis – Jaden Hardy, G, G League, 6’4”
I mentioned earlier that Memphis is a team with one star and a lot of pieces. Hardy could be a possible steal in this draft. He is a true shooting guard with a scorer’s mentality. Whether he is pulling up off the dribble, catching and shooting or driving, he wants to get buckets. If Hardy keeps this same mentality in the NBA then I would expect much of the same production he had in the G League. This could result in him becoming the number two guy behind Morant.
- Denver (from Oklahoma City from Phoenix) – Scottie Pippen Jr., G, Vanderbilt, 6’1”
Scottie Pippen Jr. is certainly a different body build and player compared to his father. That being said, he will be turning some heads not only due to his name but also because of his own ability. Pippen Jr. is a creative finisher at the rim and creates separation for a jumper. He was a high-volume scorer the last two seasons at Vanderbilt, averaging over 20 points per game both seasons. The Nuggets would be smart to take their shot here.
