The 2022 Draft is filled with a lot of talent. The top three have a lot of potential but this draft in my opinion has so many players that can make a difference in the league and contribute to wins. With that, Anthony Forrester gives you his 2022 NBA Mock Draft.
Round 1
1) Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero (Forward, Duke): Paolo Banchero is one of the best prospects in this draft. At 6’10” and 250 LBS Paolo has great positionless size with his skillset. The Orlando Magic are a team that needs scoring and Paolo will come into Orlando as a #1 option from day one. Not only will Paolo be a scoring option from day one he has a high basketball IQ and is a good playmaker. The Magic have a lot of young talent with players like Markelle Fultz, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, and Cole Anthony. Paolo fits how coach Mose loves to play with Space, Pace, and the pass so this fit would be perfect for the Magic.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder – Jabari Smith (Forward, Auburn): Jabari Smith has a great blend of offense and defense being a very good two way player. Jabari’s potential is through the roof and he has the potential to be a 20+ scorer in this league once he continues to develop. Oklahoma City is a team with a lot of 1st round draft picks over the next few years.Getting Jabari at the second pick is a win for the Thunder pairing him with talent like Shai Gilgeous- Alexander and Josh Giddey.
3) Houston Rockets – Chet Holmgren (Center, Gonzaga): Chet Holmgren has a skinny frame but do not let that fool he is a defensive anchor for any team. Chet shot blocking ability is one of the best we saw in college and I believe it will translate to the NBA. Chet moves like a guard with handles and the ability to hit the three pointer at a good clip. Chets ability to stretch the floor will help Houston offense from day one. Chet wasn’t asked to carry much of an offensive load at Gonzaga but in the league he will have opportunity with Houston as his running mates will be Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun. Chet has picked up the nickname Unicorn and he has the potential to be one in the league.
4) Sacramento Kings – Jaden Ivey (Guard, Purdue): Jaden Ivey is one of the most exciting players in the draft. It’s surprising he isn’t considered as a top three pick. Jaden Ivey plays with speed and is very explosive going downhill. Jaden Ivey can shoot the three very well and showed a clutch gene. Jaden Ivey and De’Aaron Fox would be one of the most electric backcourts in the NBA. Pairing them with Domantas Sabonis could be a good trio for the Kings. Jaden has the ability to win ROTY because he can make an impact immediately.
5) Detroit Pistons – Keegan Murray (Forward, Iowa): Keegan Murray was so productive at Iowa last season with his ability to score and rebound at a high level. Keegan is a great defender and has a nice frame that allows him to switch and guard multiple positions. Keegan Murray can stretch the floor and open up so much for others. Keegan would be a good fit with Detroit as this is a team that is rebuilding but has a franchise player in Cade Cunningham. Those two paired with Marvin Bagley III and Saddiq Bey can really be good for the Pistons.
6) Indiana Pacers – Bennedict Mathurin (Guard, Arizona): Bennedict Mathurin is a guard that can do a little bit of everything. Bennedict can defend at a high level and is a knockdown shooter. His ability to impact the game on both ends is going to benefit him in the league. Bennedict is a very bouncy prospect that excels in transition. Bennedict will fit well in Indiana as the team is in need of a wing to pair with Tyrese Haliburton.
7) Portland Trailblazers – Shaedon Sharpe (Guard, Kentucky): Shaedon Sharpe is the mystery in this year’s draft. He didn’t play at Kentucky but showed so much potential in high school and on the EYBL circuit. Shaedon has tremendous scoring ability and cam scores on all three levels. Shaedon plays with toughness on defense and has the potential to be a star in this league. Shaedon joining a Portland team with Dame and Ant could be something special.
8) New Orleans Pelicans – Dyson Daniels (Guard, Ignite): Dyson Daniels has good positional size for a guard and can defend multiple positions. Dyson’s ability to playmake will help him at the next level being able to get others involved and create offense. Dyson has shown signs of being able to hit a jumper consistently and that will only help his upside. Dyson would give Pelicans the size and playmaking they have been missing since Lonzo left.
9) San Antonio Spurs – Jalen Duren (Center, Memphis): Jalen Duren’s frame and size give me Ben Adebayo and young Dwight Howard vibes. Jalen Duren is an athletic big that is a lob threat at any moment and plays above the rim. Jalen’s presence in the paint and the way he contests shots will help him make an impact on defenses right away. Jalen would fit with San Antonio very well as they can use him to strengthen their frontcourt. Jalen is one of the youngest players in the draft and Spurs have a good reputation of developing guys.
10) Washington Wizards – AJ Griffin (Guard, Duke): AJ Griffin is one the best shooters in this draft. AJ has shown the ability to be a knockdown shooter and defend at a high level. AJ can come in day one and be a guy that can impact the roster. AJ would be a great fit for washington as the team is not sure what the future holds for Bradley beal but even so he could compliment him as well as the Wizards look to get back to the playoffs.
11) New York Knicks – Johnny Davis (Guard, Wisconsin)
Johnny Davis had a tremendous year at Wisconsin and is looking to carry that over to the league. Johnny’s ability to hit the midrange jumper consistently will help him in the league but he will need to extend his range to the three eventually but he makes up for it in other areas. Johnny’s ability to defend will help hold his own. Johnny Davis on the Knicks will help them fill a void they have at the guard spot and what they have been missing to help them with their future.
12) Oklahoma City Thunder – Ousmane Dieng (Forward, New Zealand): Ousmane Dieng is a 6’10” prospect with guard skills. Ousmane can create his own shot and is a willing passer which will be key for him as he continues to develop. Oklahoma City would be a good fit because it’s an organization that is rebuilding and with two lottery picks it’s a good bet for them because Ousmane can be one of this year’s hidden gems.
13) Charlotte Hornets – Ochai Agbaji (Guard, Kansas): Ochai Agbaji coming off a national championship at Kansas. Ochai is coming off a season where he shot 41% from three. Ochai can create for himself and is a smart decision maker on the floor. Ochai will fit well next to LaMelo being able to spread the floor and be a good running mate for a young Hornets team. Ochai can learn from a vet like Terry Rozier.
14) Cleveland Cavaliers – Jeremy Sochan (Forward, Baylor): Jeremy Sochan is a defensive anchor and will look to bring that to the league. Jeremy is a glue guy that can do it all and impacts the game in a variety of ways. Jeremy isn’t too much of an offensive threat yet but he has shown signs of being able to score off the dribble. Jeremy has shown signs of being a solid playmaker. The Cavs were a play-in team last year and Jeremy can come in and bring toughness.
15) Charlotte Hornets – Mark Williams (Center, Duke): Mark Williams was a beast at Duke with his ability to protect the rim and be a defensive force in the paint. Mark’s offensive game is excellent in the paint as he is a lob threat and dunks everything downlow. Mark has a soft touch and that allows him to hit short jumpers. Mark would be a great addition to the Hornets as the team is still missing its center of the future.
16) Atlanta Hawks – Jaden Hardy (Guard, Ignite): Jaden Hardy stock fell a little bit due to his G-League season but do not let that change how Jaden is viewed. The kid is an absolute bucket and I believe his game will translate better in NBA action. Jaden is a four level scorer that has shown signs of being a willing playmaker. This could be a steal for the Hawks. Jaden would help bring offense to the team and could be a future starter next to Trae Young.
17) Houston Rockets – Malaki Branham (Guard, Ohio State): Malaki Branham showed signs of his high scoring ability at Ohio State. Malaki is a player that with time could be a real solid NBA player he has the size to be an impactful combo guard. Malaki can play on or off the ball. The Houston Rockets could use all the young talent they can acquire and with their second pick in the first round Malaki is an upside pick with lots of potential.
18) Chicago Bulls – Tari Eason (Forward, LSU): Tari Eason is a defensive specialist and was one of the top in the SEC. Tari has the potential to be a plug in guy from day one to help any team on that side of the ball. Tari is a solid playmaker that tries his best to get everyone involved. Tari would be a good fit for Chicago as the team is in need of defensive presence.
19) Minnesota Timberwolves – E.J. Liddell (Forward, Ohio State): E.J. Liddell is coming out of Ohio State at 22 years old but he is a more NBA ready player then some of the other prospects. E.J. scoring ability and defense will be key for him as he adjusts to the NBA game. E.J. would fit with the Timberwolves because they need forward depth and I feel E.J. will fit their culture and be able to grow with Minnesota.
20) San Antonio Spurs – Nikola Jovic (Forward, Mega Basket): Nikola Jovic can shoot the ball very well. Nikola at 6’10” can handle pretty well and likes to create for others. Nikola is a player that can develop into something special. Nikola going to the Spurs would be a dream fit because he fits the mold of the type of players the Spurs like.
21) Denver Nuggets – TyTy Washington JR. (Guard, Kentucky): TyTy Washington is one of the best pick and roll guards in this class. TyTy ability to score and create his own offense makes him an intriguing prospect. TyTy would be a great addition for the Nuggets as they have some guards but you can’t pass on a player like TyTy that can help them immediately especially as Jamal Murray comes back from injury.
22) Memphis Grizzlies – Jalen Williams (Forward, Santa Clara): Jalen Williams is a selfless player that has led Santa Clara in assists over his last two seasons. Jalen plays well off the ball. He has good size and length. Jalen would be good for a young Memphis team as he is a playmaker and can help open some shots up for his teammates. Jalen would fit in Memphis culture.
23) Philadelphia 76ers – Blake Wesley (Guard, Notre Dame): Blake Wesley projects to be a two-way guard that can impact a lot for a team. Blake was a high volume scorer at Notre Dame. Blake has good size at this position and potential to develop into a more efficient scorer. The 76ers need help at the guard spot behind Maxey and Harden so Blake could be a guy that can come in and learn and be a key piece.
24) Milwaukee Bucks – Walker Kessler (Center, Auburn): Walker Kessler blocked the most shots in college and he looks to bring that energy to the league. Walker is a big that has potential to stretch his offensive game. Walker runs the floor in transition which will help him at his size and playing in the league at a faster pace. Walker will fit in with the Bucks and be able to flourish in their system.
25) San Antonio Spurs – Wendell Moore Jr. (Forward, Duke): Wendell Moore Jr. is a good shooter from three he hit 41% from that range. Wendell is a player that can stretch the floor and really open up a defense. Wendell is a smart player that knows his role and plays the game the right way. Wendell would be a good edition for the Spurs as he fits under a coach Pop system and has good length and size.
26) Houston Rockets – Kennedy Chandler (Guard, Tennessee): Kennedy Chandler is an explosive guard that has insane speed. Kennedy has good pace at the guard spot and can really shoot it from deep. Kennedy’s size hurts him a little but he has heart and that will show in the league. Kennedy would be a solid selection for Houston as they are a team that doesn’t have a true point guard but Kennedy can come in and contribute to this young Rockets team.
27) Miami Heat – Christian Koloko (Center, Arizona): Christian Koloko is one of the underrated bigs in this class. Christian is a tough big that finishes at the rim. Chrisitan is one of the best defensive bigs in this class he averaged 2.8 blocks a game. The Heat can use depth at the center spot. The team has Bam but he needs some help and I think Christian can help.
28) Golden State Warriors – Jake Laravia (Forward, Wake Forest): Jake Laravia is one of those guys that can come in and be a glue guy. Jake is a guy that can do a little bit of everything and plays well without the basketball. Jake would be a good fit with the Warriors. The way the Warriors play selfless basketball Jake would fit in and contribute to the defending champs.
29) Memphis Grizzlies – Dalen Terry (Guard, Arizona): Dalen Terry is a dynamic offensive weapon. Dalen is a 3-and-D wing that can do so much off the dribble. Dalen brings energy and grit and that is what is going to help him in the league. Dalen would be a wonderful fit with Memphis as he fits in their culture and would be a steal for them at this pick.
30) Denver Nuggets – Kendall Brown (Forward, Baylor): Kendall Brown has a nice frame at 6’8” with some potential to be a good player in the league. Kendall didn’t have a season like his college teammate Jeremy but he showed signs. Kendall can stretch the floor and defend very well. Kendall would be good for the Nuggets as he brings versatility and he can be a piece for their future.
Round 2
31) Indiana Pacers – Jaylin Williams (Forward, Arkansas)
32) Orlando Magic – Caleb Houstan (Forward, Michigan)
33) Toronto Raptors – Trevor Keels (Guard, Duke)
34) Oklahoma City Thunder – Christian Braun (Guard, Kansas)
35) Orlando Magic – Keon Ellis (Forward, Alabama)
36) Portland Trail Blazers – Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Forward, Milwaukee)
37) Sacramento Kings – Trevion Williams (Center, Purdue)
38) San Antonio Spurs – Marjon Beauchamp (Forward, Ignite)
39) Cleveland Cavaliers – David Roddy (Forward, Colorado State)
40) Minnesota Timberwolves – Andrew Nembhard (Guard, Gonzaga)
41) New Orleans Pelicans – Peyton Watson (Forward, UCLA)
42) New York Knicks – Bryce McGowens (Forward, Nebraska)
43) LA Clippers – Khalifa Diop (Center, Gran Canaria)
44) Atlanta Hawks – Ryan Rollins (Guard, Toledo)
45) Charlotte Hornets – Jean Montero (Guard, Overtime Elite)
46) Detroit Pistons – Jordan Hall (Forward, Saint Joseph’s)
47) Memphis Grizzlies – Orlando Robinson (Center, Fresno State)
48) Minnesota Timberwolves – Justin Lewis (Forward, Marquette)
49) Sacramento Kings – Josh Minott (Forward, Memphis)
50) Minnesota Timberwolves – Dom Barlow (Forward, Overtime Elite)
51) Golden State Warriors – Jabari Walker (Forward, Colorado)
52) New Orleans Pelicans – Johnny Juzang (Guard, UCLA)
53) Boston Celtics – Alondes Williams (Guard, Wake Forest)
54) Washington Wizards – JD Davison (Guard, Alabama)
55) Golden State Warriors – Lester Quinones (Guard, Memphis)
56) Cleveland Cavaliers – AJ Green (Guard, Northern Iowa)
57) Portland Trail Blazers – Kofi Cockburn (Center, Illinois)
58) Indiana Pacers – Donovan Williams (Forward, UNLV)
