In the second edition of our 2022 NBA Mock Draft, the Orlando Magic hopes to find its superstar, and the Jabari Smith hype continues to grow.
We’re in the thick of college basketball season with conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament (*fingers crossed*) just a couple of months away. The 2022 NBA Draft season is already beginning to pick up as we begin to get to know more and more about this year’s class.
There’s still plenty that has to be settled on that front, but there are already a few names that are beginning to separate themselves from the rest of the draft class.
There are also a few prospects that are starting to rise up draft boards and, unfortunately, a few that are beginning to fall down. Nothing is certain and there is still the latter portion of the college basketball season that needs to be played, but we explore the 2022 NBA Draft class with our Mock Draft 2.0.
1. Orlando Magic – Paolo Banchero, F, Duke
When it’s all said and done, I don’t anticipate that the Orlando Magic are going to do anything crazy should they land the No. 1 overall pick. There are some interesting options on the table but I don’t think they’ll be able to resist taking Paolo Banchero.
By the end of college basketball season, Banchero will have every opportunity to solidify the No. 1 overall spot in this year’s draft class as he potentially leads Duke to a National Championship.
And there’s plenty to like about Banchero. He’s currently averaging 17 points and eight rebounds per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 34 percent shooting from 3-point range. The big question revolves around whether or not he can be a franchise player at the next level.
2. Detroit Pistons – Jabari Smith, F, Auburn
Over the past few weeks, Jabari Smith‘s draft stock has continued to rise. And deservedly so. The 6-foot-10 freshman out of Georgia has impressed in nearly every aspect of his game. He’s ahead of where many thought he would be at this point in his freshman year with the Tigers.
He could be in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick and, at this point, seems like a lock to be selected in the top 5. Through the first half of the college basketball season, Smith is averaging 16 points and six rebounds on 46 percent shooting from the field and 46 percent shooting from 3-point range (5 attempts per game).
He’s supremely athletic and can score a myriad of ways on the floor. He looks the part, feels like the real deal, and has a high ceiling.
3. Houston Rockets – Chet Holmgren, F, Gonzaga
With the No. 3 pick, the Houston Rockets don’t get cute or try to overthink this much. Chet Holmgren should be a top 3 pick even though we don’t really know what type of player he’s going to translate to at the NBA level.
Especially with the uncertainty that revolves around Christian Wood moving forward, this selection could give the Rockets that much more flexibility heading into the offseason.
Holmgren has flashed a little bit of everything at 7-foot tall. He’s averaging 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and three blocks per game on 61 percent shooting from the field. He even has shown the ability to stretch the defense to the 3-point line.
He could be the next great unicorn in the NBA and it would be foolish for the Rockets to let him slip out of their grasp at No. 3.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder – Kendall Brown, F, Baylor
Looking to add to their already impressive core of Shai Gilgeious-Alexander and Josh Giddey, a well-rounded wing would be a great addition for the Oklahoma City Thunder with the No. 4 overall pick in the NBA Draft.
One potential option for the Thunder in the top 5 is Kendall Brown, who is helping fuel to top-ranked Baylor Bears as they look to repeat as NCAA Champions. Brown may not be putting up gaudy numbers but his potential is through the roof.
He’s one of the youngest players in the draft and has the potential to be a dynamic offensive player if he has time to develop. When it comes to Brown, who may need more time to hone his skills, the Thunder may be the ideal landing spot.
5. Indiana Pacers – Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
For a team that will likely be looking to revamp its roster during the offseason, the Indiana Pacers will likely be looking for the best player available should they pick in the top 5. For this team, at least for now, it won’t be about need or fit.
Jaden Ivey may fit the bill for the Pacers at No. 5. He’s a second-year guard that has improved greatly on nearly every front compared to his freshman season last year. So far this season, Ivey is averaging 16 points and three assists on 50 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range.
He’s not a pure point guard but is certainly one that could light up the scoreboard on any given night; he’s exactly what the Pacers will need to replace if they decide to trade Caris LeVert during the offseason or at the trade deadline.
6. New Orleans Pelicans – Patrick Baldwin Jr., F, UW Milwaukee
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that is almost impossible to predict. Especially when it comes to their approach heading into the offseason. Who knows what lies ahead for this team, especially considering that there’s no guarantee that Zion Williamson even plays at all this season.
That said, if everyone is on board and engaged, there’s a lot to like about this team’s long-term potential. Brandon Ingram has done his best to keep this team afloat in the West, but he simply doesn’t have enough help.
Patrick Baldwin would be an interesting selection even though he’s somewhat of an unknown out of UW Milwaukee. He’s averaging 13 points and seven rebounds per game so far this season for the Panthers.
7. Sacramento Kings – Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
The Sacramento Kings have some big questions to answer when it comes to their backcourt but there’s no question that this team could use some help in the frontcourt – especially if they decide to move on from Marvin Bagley at the trade deadline.
One potential option is Jalen Duren, a 6-foot-11 center out of Memphis. Duren is athletic and one of the best rim-protectors in college basketball – he’s averaging nearly three blocks per game so far this season.
He may take a bit of time to develop on the offensive end, but he’s absolutely a talent that should be taken in the top 10.
8. San Antonio Spurs – Bennedict Mathurin, F, Arizona
The San Antonio Spurs don’t necessarily have a big need heading into the 2022 NBA Draft and that will give them some flexibility during the offseason. Though, in the new NBA, it would make sense for the Spurs to target a wing.
Bennedict Mathurin is a potential fit as he could play both the guard and forward position. He’s a 6-foot-6 wing out of Arizona that is in his second season with the Wildcats. He’s averaging 19 points and seven rebounds per game on 51 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range.
It’d be interesting to see Mathurin in the Spurs’ development system, but it won’t have the same meaning without Gregg Popovich in it.
9. Portland Trail Blazers – Jaden Hardy, G, G League
The Portland Trail Blazers are an interesting team. They will likely have a top 10 pick and have Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, presumably, to continue to build around. After that, it wouldn’t be surprising for this team to explore trading for a big name – perhaps Ben Simmons.
Either way, it would be smart to try and secure a player with a high ceiling – Jaden Hardy fits the mold. He’s currently playing in the G League, though has left much to be desired so far. He isn’t jumping off the screen when you watch him play, but his potential is still through the roof.
This selection would fit right in line with the chances that the Blazers need to take. Though, with as much pressure as this front office could be in, it also wouldn’t be surprising for the Blazers to make a much safer selection.
10. Atlanta Hawks – Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin
Johnny Davis has risen up NBA Draft boards recently and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he continued to soar into the top 10 – he’s already getting love as a top 10 prospect from many draft heads. The Atlanta Hawks could be a fit for the 6-foot-5 guard.
Davis is averaging 22 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on 45 percent shooting from the field and 33 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s the type of player that could come into a system such as the Hawks and excel in spurts.
The Hawks don’t necessarily need help in the backcourt but having depth is never something that they wouldn’t covet should they land a top 10 pick in the NBA Draft.
11. Minnesota Timberwolves – Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee
The Minnesota Timberwolves have two building blocks on their roster in Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Adding to that core will be essential, especially if they land another top 10 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
One potential option to add to the backcourt is Kennedy Chandler, a 6-foot-1 guard out of Tennessee. He seems like he could translate to a good lead guard at the next level and is a better playmaker than his counting stats suggest.
Chandler is averaging 13 points and five assists per game on 44 percent shooting from the field so far this season for Tennessee.
12. New York Knicks – Keegan Murray, F, Iowa
If there’s anything that the New York Knicks have learned in what has seemed like the last year, it’s that perhaps Julius Randle isn’t the player that the team believed he can be. And that’s OK. But the Knicks need to find some help in the frontcourt.
Keegan Murray could be an interesting selection. Murray has made quite the jump from his freshman to sophomore season and is currently averaging 24 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game on 59 percent shooting from the field and 36 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Murray is a player that could add to the team’s depth in the event that the Knicks elect to move on from some of their frontcourt players at the NBA Trade Deadline or during the offseason.
13. Boston Celtics – Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
It’s safe to say that the Boston Celtics need to make some major roster changes during the offseason. For better or worse, it appears that this core has reached its ceiling. At the very least, there needs to be a shake-up when it comes to the supporting cast.
At the NBA Draft, you can almost bet that the Celtics will be looking to add some depth to their frontcourt. Jeremy Sochan not only is in the running for the best hair of the draft class, but he’s also a really good player that could find his way to the lottery.
Sochan is just scratching the surface on the player that he can be and has already flashed potential during his time at Baylor. He’s averaging eight points and six rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s also doing so in just 22 minutes per night.
14. Washington Wizards – TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky
With as much uncertainty that revolves around the Washington Wizards’ future as it pertains to Bradley Beal, it wouldn’t be surprising for them to target a guard that could potentially fill a void if needed.
TyTy Washington would be an intriguing fit based on how productive he’s been during his freshman season with the Wildcats. He’s averaging 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
In the right system and with the right environment around him, there’s a chance that Washington because a really good player for the Wizards should he land in the Nation’s capital.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) – Nikola Jovic, F, Serbia
Doesn’t this seem like an Oklahoma City Thunder pick? Adding a big would be a smart move for the Thunder as they continue to build around their young core. Nikola Jovic is one of the most interesting international players in this draft – and not just because his name is so closely similar to Nikola Jokic.
16. Memphis Grizzlies (via LAL) – Walker Kessler, C, Auburn
The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the big surprise teams in the Western Conference this season and Ja Morant is a big reason why. The team needs to continue to build around their young superstar and Walker Kessler could be a fit as a big.
Kessler is 7-foot-1 and has been pretty productive during his sophomore season with the Tigers (he transferred from North Carolina). He still has plenty to prove as an NBA prospect, but he could be a late first-round pick.
17. Denver Nuggets – Dyson Daniels, G, G League
The Denver Nuggets haven’t played their best basketball as of late are on the right track in terms of a team build. Adding depth is what this team should focus on heading into the NBA Draft. One potential fit is adding to the wing position in Dyson Daniels.
Daniels is a speedy guard that could translate to a good playmaker at the next level. He still must prove he is a consistent overall offensive scorer, however.
18. Toronto Raptors – AJ Griffin, F, Duke
The hope with AJ Griffin is that he’s a better pro than a college player. He’s not going to have the productivity that you’d hope to see from a high prospect, but the talent and potential will be too good to pass up in the first round.
19. New York Knicks (via Charlotte) – Jean Montero, G, G League
The New York Knicks are on the right path and need to continue to make smart selections in the NBA Draft. Jean Montero could finally be the point guard than answers the questions that this team has continued to have.
It didn’t work with Kemba Walker this season and that’s OK. Montero gives this team another young guard that they can groom.
20. Dallas Mavericks – JD Davison, G, Alabama
JD Davison could be another addition to this core that could potentially blossom in a few years. Luka Doncic needs help and if the front office can do it via the trade market or free agency, the draft is where they need to start hitting.
21. Cleveland Cavaliers – Ochai Agbaji, G, Kansas
The Cleveland Cavaliers have done a great job in putting together a team that can compete in the Eastern Conference. Now this team needs to continue to build around their dynamic duo – Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.
Ochai Agbaji’s sharpshooting could be a good fit for Cleveland as they continue to progress as a contender in the East.
22. Philadelphia 76ers – MarJon Beauchamp, G, G League
With as much uncertainty as surrounds this team’s backcourt future, it would be wise for this team to make a play for a guard during the 2022 NBA Draft. MarJon Beauchamp would be an intriguing selection late in the first round.
Beauchamp is an interesting story as he became the first junior college player to make the jump to the G League.
23. Milwaukee Bucks – Tari Eason, F, LSU
There aren’t many weaknesses on this Milwaukee Bucks roster, but they could use some added depth to the frontcourt. Adding a player such as Tari Eason could be intriguing for the team during the draft.
Eason is averaging 16 points and seven rebounds per game on 53 percent shooting from the field during his sophomore season.
24. Houston Rockets (via Miami) – Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
The Houston Rockets are hoping that it has found its next foundational player in Jalen Green, but that remains to be seen. Taking a chance on another guard such as Blake Wesley wouldn’t be a bad bargain.
Wesley is averaging 15 points per game t his season on 47 percent shooting from the field.
25. Miami Heat (via Brooklyn) – Trevor Keels, G, Duke
The Miami Heat generally trust their veterans but as of late have been more open to utilizing the draft. Adding another player that can flourish in their developmental system would be great for an already talented group.
Trevor Keels makes sense. As we all know, this team simply can’t quite the Duke prospects.
26. Memphis Grizzlies – Harrison Ingram, F, Stanford
The Memphis Grizzlies have been one of the most impressive teams in the Western Conference this season. Adding some wing depth could help this team keep the momentum going heading into next season.
Harrison Ingram could be a fit.
27. Memphis Grizzlies (via Utah) – Mark Williams, C, Duke
With a second first-round pick, the Grizzlies could get a bit creative here, especially with projected back-to-back picks.
There likely won’t be many bigs that are taken in the first round but Mark Williams could be one of the few. He’s 7-foot tall and is averaging nine points and six rebounds per game during his sophomore season at Duke.
28. Chicago Bulls – Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan
Caleb Houstan isn’t having nearly as productive of a season as perhaps many thought he would have during his freshman season at Michigan, but he has great size and length that should translate well to the NBA.
The Chicago Bulls should absolutely consider him late in the first round.
29. Golden State Warriors – Wendell Moore, F, Duke
The Golden State Warriors can operate from a place of luxury this offseason heading into the NBA Draft. One potential player they could target is Wendell Moore.
Moore seems like a player that has the potential to be a professional scorer and carve a role off the bench for a really good team. He has the veteran experience that many playoff teams will crave as well.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Phoenix) – Bryce McGowens, F, Nebraska
Again, rounding out the first round in an attempt to try and find another hidden gem. This time, the Thunder will take a chance on Bryce McGowens.
He has some concerns when it comes to his offensive efficiency, but McGowens has the potential to translate as a role scorer off the bench. Perhaps he can find a home in OKC.