In our NBA Mock Draft 3.0, the New York Knicks land a franchise star with the No. 1 pick, and the Portland Trail Blazers find some help for Damian Lillard.
We’re inching closer and closer toward the 2022 NBA Draft and prospects are getting more and more attention as the postseason for collegiate basketball quickly approaches. We’re roughly one month away from the NCAA Tournament, where some of the biggest prospects will get the biggest stage they’ve had thus far in their young careers.
There are a few certainties of the 2022 NBA Draft, but there are still a few players that could end up being taken first overall. It’s a relatively deep draft and we haven’t even started the true draft process.
In a random NBA Mock Lottery, the New York Knicks jumped up to No. 1 and the Detroit Pistons dropped four spaces. With added intrigue, let’s take a look at what would happen should something as crazy as this transpires at the lottery in our NBA Mock Draft 3.0.
1. New York Knicks – Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn
Even with Julius Randle still on the roster, the New York Knicks shouldn’t overthink their selection should they land the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Jabari Smith Jr. may not be the best overall player at the moment in college basketball, but coupled with his skill-set I believe he has the greatest ceiling.
During his freshman season at Auburn, Smith is averaging 15 points and seven rebounds per game on 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
I don’t want to sound mean or like a hater, but I feel like Smith has the potential to be everything that Randle wants to be or that the Knicks thought he would develop into this season. This is an easy one for New York, should they land the No. 1 pick.
2. Orlando Magic – Chet Holmgren, F/C, Gonzaga
If there’s one thing that the Orlando Magic love when it comes to NBA Draft prospects, it’s tall and long players. Over the past few years, they’ve drafted Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba, and Jonathan Isaac that fit that bill.
It wouldn’t be surprising if they continued down that recent trend and select Chet Holmgren with the No. 2 pick if he’s available. Holmgren is an interesting prospect and doesn’t have a clear NBA comp. That’s part of what makes him an intriguing but also somewhat of a risk.
That said, the ceiling on Holmgren is high if he can remain healthy and continue to develop as a player. That might not be something the rebuilding Magic are willing to not take a chance on.
3. Houston Rockets – Paolo Banchero, F, Duke
One of the most well-known prospects in this NBA Draft, mostly because he plays at Duke, it would be a massive surprise if Paolo Banchero is not selected in the top 3 – and there’s still a chance he could be taken No. 1, especially if he puts together a strong NCAA Tournament run.
Banchero is averaging 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists on 47 percent shooting from the field so far this season for the Blue Devils. He’s putting up professional numbers with professional offensive moves.
As the Rockets continue to compile talent toward a rebuild, Banchero would be an interesting fit next to Christian Wood, who the team elected not to move at the NBA Trade Deadline.
4. Indiana Pacers – Jalen Duren, F, Memphis
After trading Domantas Sabonis at the NBA Trade Deadline and with the potential of the team trading Myles Turner during the offseason still on the table, I’d be mildly surprised if the Indiana Pacers didn’t draft a young big with their first-round pick.
Jalen Duren could be a fit for the team as they look to retool their new-look roster. Duren is a physical beast and he’s going to rise up draft boards with strong pre-draft workouts. He has an NBA-ready body and should be able to play right away.
Duren is averaging 11 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks per game on 64 percent shooting from the field for Memphis during his freshman season. He’s absolutely in play to be selected in the top 5.
5. Detroit Pistons – Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
After falling down a few slots in the lottery, not all is lost for the Detroit Pistons. I believe that this team’s biggest need – which is kind of silly to say for a rebuilding team – is finding a backcourt mate for Cade Cunningham.
They could try to do that in the draft, free agency, or via trade. I tend to think they’ll try to do it with a top 5 pick. The offensive firecracker that is Jaden Ivey, who has made quite the jump from his freshman to sophomore season, could be that fit for the Pistons.
Ivey is averaging 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’d be an intriguing addition to an already talented Pistons core.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder – AJ Griffin, F, Duke
Over the past few weeks, there hasn’t been a prospect that has risen up NBA Draft boards more than AJ Griffin. And he has really come on for the Blue Devils over the last month of the season. If that continues into the NCAA Tournament, there’s no question he’s going to be in the conversation to be selected in the top 10.
Griffin has scored in double-figures in seven of his last nine games and is averaging 13 points and five rebounds over that span. Add his recent production to his size and measurements and it’s easy to see why he’s become a trendy prospect.
Griffin on the Thunder may not seem like the best pairing when it comes to team need, but this is a team that has never focused on that one aspect in drafting players. Griffin could be an intriguing addition to a team that continues to acquire talent in their rebuild.
7. Sacramento Kings – Shaedon Sharpe, G/F, Kentucky
For those that have read my content before, you know my stance on the Sacramento Kings. They’re impossible to predict and that was very much evident at the NBA Trade Deadline. Heading into the NBA Draft, that will remain true.
That said, I feel like Shaedon Sharpe is such a Kings pick. Sharpe is one of the biggest unknowns in the draft because he’s likely not going to play at all this season for Kentucky and he’ll have to be graded almost solely on pre-draft workouts.
The Kings will take the gamble based on his talent and will select him in the top 10. In fairness, if he is indeed in this draft class, will be a lottery pick. But he sure is going to be a huge gamble.
8. San Antonio Spurs – Dyson Daniels, G, G League
The San Antonio Spurs are in an interesting spot heading into the offseason and eventually into the NBA Draft. It’s not clear which direction this team is going in but there’s no question that this team needs to add some help to the backcourt.
Dyson Daniels makes some sense. He has great potential with some intangibles that need some fine-tuning. He hasn’t been over-the-top explosive so far this season but in an organization where he can develop, he could truly hit his ceiling.
The Spurs can be that support system for Daniels. He has good size, is quick, and has shown some scoring natural ability during his time in the G League.
9. Portland Trail Blazers (via NO) – Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin
With back-to-back picks in the top 10, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Portland Trail Blazers weighed the possibility of trading these two picks for a superstar. However, assuming that the Blazers make these two selections, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of these was for a guard.
And why not take the chance on one of the most offensive-gifted guards in this draft. Johnny Davis is exactly that as he’s averaging 21 points and eight rebounds on 44 percent shooting from the field during his sophomore season at Wisconsin.
As the Blazers attempt to retool around Damian Lillard, Davis would be an interesting pick. But it could bring more questions than answers.
10. Portland Trail Blazers – Tari Eason, F, LSU
Over the last few seasons, the Portland Trail Blazers have suffered from bad or mediocre defense. This selection would be an attempt to address that. Tari Eason is all about defense and would automatically carve out a role for the team on that end of the floor.
He’s an active wing that will be able to guard multiple positions at the next level. Eason has risen up draft boards in recent weeks and finds himself as a lottery possibility. What makes Eason intriguing is that he might be the best two-way player outside the top 3.
Eason is averaging 17 points and seven rebounds on 53 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range in what is his sophomore season at LSU.
11. Memphis Grizzlies (via LAL) – Bennedict Mathurin, F, Arizona
The Los Angeles Lakers lose their pick and it conveys to the Memphis Grizzlies which will give them an opportunity to continue to build around Ja Morant – or even move this pick for a veteran player that could help them take a more escalated step forward.
Looking to add some help on the wing, Bennedict Mathurin could be a fit. During his sophomore season, Mathurin is averaging 17 points and six rebounds per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Mathurin could benefit from playing and developing alongside Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. The Grizzlies are molding quite the core and if they hit again in the lottery, the future is going to be even brighter.
12. Washington Wizards – Jaden Hardy, G, G League
Depending on what the Washington Wizards elect to do during the offseason – and that likely all revolves around Bradley Beal – this team could be one of the biggest mysteries heading into the NBA Draft.
Either way, Jaden Hardy would be a quality selection for the team. His ceiling is high, mostly due to his offensive potential, but he’s likely going to need some time to develop. If the Wizards move on from Beal, this could be a good selection in the long run.
Even if Beal stays, his presence on the team could make developing easier for Hardy. Scouts are somewhat split on Hardy, but I can’t imagine where he isn’t a lottery pick.
13. Atlanta Hawks – TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky
TyTy Washington is one of the most polarizing prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft class and I have a feeling that is only going to be proven true in the next few months ahead of the actual draft. That said, I’d still be shocked if there wasn’t a team willing to take a chance on him in the lottery.
Perhaps the Atlanta Hawks would be open to taking the high-profile guard out of Kentucky. After somewhat of a disappointing season, there is a myriad of different ways that the Hawks could go.
Adding a lottery talent could go a long way in getting this team back into the discussion of the Eastern Conference. One thing is for sure, though, this has been one of the Hawks’ most disappointing seasons in recent history.
14. Charlotte Hornets – Walker Kessler, C, Auburn
The Charlotte Hornets need a big and even though they acquired Montrezl Harrell at the NBA Trade Deadline, I have a hard time believing that he’s going to be the big of the future for the team. That said, they could target one in the draft.
One option for the team is Walker Kessler, who is an intriguing 7-footer out of Auburn. During his sophomore season with the Tigers (a transfer from North Carolina), Kessler is averaging 12 points and eight rebounds on – get this – 4.7 blocks per game.
As Hassan Whiteside once said, “ain’t no one doing it with blocks.” No, no one is doing it in college basketball like Kessler is. And he’s doing it with blocks.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) – Keegan Murray, F, Iowa
After adding a wing earlier in the first round, I could see the Oklahoma City Thunder adding to their frontcourt once again with this second first-round pick. Keegan Murray could be an option, as he has impressed during his sophomore season at Iowa.
Murray is an offensive beast and is averaging 23 points and eight rebounds on 57 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. I’m not exactly sure how Murray is going to translate to the NBA, but he is surely talented.
If his offense translates, there’s no question that Murray could be in the conversation to be a borderline lottery selection.
16. Houston Rockets (via BK) – Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
After adding a big-name prospect in Paolo Banchero, the Houston Rockets could look to add to the backcourt with their second first-round pick. At this point in the draft, it’s pretty much anyone’s guess but Blake Wesley will likely be a mid-round pick.
Wesley has good size for a guard and has been fairly productive during his freshman season with the Irish. He’s averaging 14 points and four rebounds per game on 46 percent shooting from the field.
Most players taken outside the lottery will likely need time to develop. Being drafted by the Rockets, that probably wouldn’t be a problem for Wesley.
17. Minnesota Timberwolves – Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been one of the best stories so far this season in the Western Conference. They’ve taken a step forward in their development and there’s a good chance that they make the playoffs this season.
However, they could use some help on the defensive side of the floor. Selecting a defensive specialist with their first-round pick would be a solid move for the Wolves at the draft. Of the players that fit the mold, Jeremy Sochan would be a fit.
Sochan is only averaging eight points and six rebounds per game but is one of the most versatile defenders in college basketball. He’d be an interesting addition for the Wolves.
18. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) – Wendell Moore Jr., F, Duke
After addressing their backcourt need with their first pick in this draft, I’d look for the San Antonio Spurs to try and add some depth to their frontcourt. One potential fit for the team is Wendell Moore Jr.
Moore is one of the few juniors that is going to get first-round consideration in this year’s NBA Draft. He’s improved every season he’s been at Duke and it has paid dividends; he’s averaging 14 points, six rebounds, and five assists per game on 52 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Add his overall raw measurables to his production and mix it with one of the most stable organizations in the league, and Moore could find success in San Antonio.
19. Denver Nuggets – Kendall Brown, F, Baylor
The Denver Nuggets have been one of the more stable franchises in the league over the past few seasons and they’ve been exceptionally great when it comes to the NBA Draft as of late. They seem to find hidden gems everywhere.
With another late first-round pick, it’ll be interesting to see how they approach this year. One potential player that could be in play is Kendall Brown, a 6-foot-8 freshman forward out of Baylor.
Brown is a fundamental player that is good around the basket. He just fits and is the type of player that every successful team needs. Brown is averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game on 61 percent shooting from the field.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via BOS) – Patrick Baldwin Jr., G/F, UW Milwaukee
With a third pick in the first round, the San Antonio Spurs are going to have a strong chance to restock the asset cabinet heading into the offseason. One potential player that the Spurs could target at this point in the draft is Patrick Baldwin Jr.
When I compiled my first mock a couple of months ago, I had Baldwin as a top 10 prospect. However, over the last couple of months, he’s been trending in the wrong direction. The big question is, has he fallen enough where he won’t be a first-round selection?
Baldwin is averaging 12 points and six rebounds per game but is only shooting 34 percent shooting from the field overall and 27 percent shooting from 3-point range. He’s left much to be desired so far this season.
21. Dallas Mavericks – MarJon Beauchamp, F, G League
After the big move that the Dallas Mavericks made at the NBA Trade Deadline, it’s clear that this team needs to add some depth to the wing and the frontcourt. They have options in the backcourt and Luka Doncic makes all that decision-making a bit easier.
One option for the Mavs on the wing in the draft could be MarJon Beauchamp, who has been playing in the G League this season. At 6-foot-7, Beauchamp is an intriguing prospect that fills the modern-day versatile player.
The big question is whether or not he can be good enough on both ends of the floor on a consistent basis. That’s kind of what happens when a prospect elects to play in the G League and not on a bigger platform, such as college basketball.
22. Brooklyn Nets (via PHI) – Orlando Robinson, C, Fresno State
With a reworked roster, the expectation is that either the Brooklyn Nets are going to use this pick to add to the roster (in what they hope is their championship window) or they’re going to add to the frontcourt.
One interesting option for a team such as the Nets is Orlando Robinson, who is a 7-footer out of Fresno State. He’s a bit older than most of the other prospects, but he can be a useful big for the Nets.
Robinson is averaging 18 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 32 percent shooting from 3-point range. If the Nets want to go big, Robinson would be an interesting pick late in the first round.
23. Indiana Pacers (via CLE) – Harrison Ingram, F, Stanford
Heading into the offseason, the Indiana Pacers are one team to watch. They have the potential to be a surprise team next year.
Harrison Ingram is a player that could be in play for the Pacers late in the first round. During his freshman season at Stanford, Harrison is averaging 11 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game on 42 percent shooting from the field.
Adding some wing help could aid in this team’s build. They have made great moves since they elected to retool and this is a team that could be ready to make a jump next season.
24. Milwaukee Bucks – Nikola Jovic, F, International
There’s a chance that the Milwaukee Bucks could be selected much later than the No. 24 pick. They will have as good of a chance as anyone else to win the NBA title this season. Anyways, back to the draft.
Nikola Jovic might be the best international prospect in this year’s NBA Draft and would be a good risk for a team like the Bucks to take. They are a contender no matter what they do and could really use a lightning rod off the bench in the frontcourt.
I’m not sure how much development Jovic is going to need once he gets to the next level, but there’s no question that he’s worth a first-round pick. And there’s a chance he can jump into the top 20 too.
25. Memphis Grizzlies (via UTA) – E.J. Liddell, F, Ohio State
The Grizzlies have continued to make quite the progress this season and one more addition to the team could be E.J. Liddell. He just seems like a Grizzlies player – he just seems like a winning player that will be willing to do the dirty work at the next level.
As a junior, Liddell is averaging 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game on 52 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent shooting from 3-point range.
He’s not a player that’s going to drastically raise the ceiling for the Grizzlies but he’s certainly a talent that could make an impact in the NBA if he finds the right situation.
26. Miami Heat – Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas
If there will be one need for the Miami Heat heading into the offseason, it will be solidifying their frontcourt. Especially with the questions that they’ve had for much of the season (even if it came through injury).
Ochai Agbaji could be an option late in the first round for the Heat. Agbaji has made quite the progression from his freshman to senior season at Kansas; he’s now averaging 20 points and five rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range.
He’d be a veteran option in the draft for the Heat and could end up finding a nice role for a team that will be looking to be contending once again.
27. Chicago Bulls – Jean Montero, G, Overtime Elite
The Chicago Bulls have emerged as one of the deepest teams in the league this season. The big question surrounding their contender status revolves around their top 2 and not necessarily the rest of their roster.
However, late in the first round, they’ll have the opportunity to take a chance on a player with a potentially high ceiling. One player that could fit the mold is Jean Montero.
It seems like the draft community is somewhat split on Montero’s potential, but I think he has a chance, if he lands in the right spot, to be a good player at the next level.
28. Memphis Grizzlies – Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee
With another first-round pick in the NBA Draft, the Grizzlies will have the opportunity to get a bit creative with who they select. Why not take a chance on finding Ja Morant’s future backup. One option could be Kennedy Chandler.
As somewhat of an undersized guard, I believe Chandler would be able to work behind Morant. He can learn from arguably one of the fastest rising stars in the league and could give this team some depth off the bench.
Chandler is a player that could go in the top 20 or fall out of the first round. It will be interesting to see how his pre-draft process plays out.
29. Golden State Warriors – JD Davison, G, Alabama
The Golden State Warriors have big eyes on making a deep playoff run this season. But they’ve done well with the NBA Draft lately too. With another late first-round pick, JD Davison could be an option for the Warriors.
Davison could emerge as a potential fit as a backup point guard for the team and he could develop slowly on a really good team.
Davison will need time to develop at the next level but has already shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Alabama. Davison is averaging nine points, five rebounds, and four assists per game during his freshman season.
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHO) – Mark Williams, C Duke
It’s unlikely that we’ll see many true centers taken in the first round as the NBA Continues to move away and away from the traditional big man, but Mark Williams could be one that bucks the trend.
Williams is a 7-foot sophomore that is averaging 11 points and seven rebounds per game for Duke. In the last month, or so, he’s played much better and is gaining some traction up draft boards.
He’ll still need to prove that he can be a true player at the next level in pre-draft workouts, but there’s no question that the talent is there for Williams. It’ll be about showing it over the next couple of months.