2022 NBA Mock Draft 3
This is my final mock draft for the NBA Draft of 2022. The picks are determined as an aggregate of several mock drafts with fit taken into consideration; they are not who I would draft in each particular situation. While I previously focused on the fit of the player with the team, I am focusing more on player/pick movement in this post. Unlike the previous mocks, there is no commentary on second round picks. As a bonus, I also included my favorite players in this draft.
1: Orlando Magic –
Jabari Smith
Auburn, PF, Freshman, 19, 6’10, 210 lbs.
Comparison: Maybe
Rashard Lewis with better defense and some Jaren Jackson and Klay Thompson?
Previously Projected:
1
Orlando will more than likely draft Smith due to his size, defense,
shooting, and floor, though there is a chance they could draft Chet Holmgren.
2: Oklahoma City Thunder
– Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga, C/PF, Freshman, 20, 7’0, 195 lbs.
Comparison: Skinnier
Evan Mobley with a jumper or skinnier Pau Gasol with a higher defensive IQ
Previously Projected:
2
I expect OKC will draft whoever is remaining between
Holmgren and Smith but would prefer Smith due to their lack of a size in their
long-term plan and Holmgren’s shot-blocking ability.
3: Houston Rockets –
Paolo Banchero
Duke, PF, Freshman, 19, 6’10, 250 lbs.
Comparison: Something
between Jayson Tatum and Chris Webber (I think closer to early Tatum in style)
Previously Projected:
3
While it is possible that Houston selected Jaden Ivey here, I
think it would be a surprise if they don’t take Banchero due to his scoring
ability and offensive upside, especially after they traded Christian Wood.
4: Sacramento Kings –
Jaden Ivey
Purdue, SG, Sophomore, 20, 6’4, 200 lbs.
Comparison: Derrick
Rose
Previously Projected:
4
This is where the draft gets interesting. In most situations, Ivey would be easily the
most likely pick, but Sacramento just traded Tyrese Haliburton in part because
they already have De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell and it’s sounding like Ivey
doesn’t really want to go there (though neither stopped Sacramento from drafting
Mitchell last year). They are also
reportedly listening to trade offers on this pick, in which case I expect Ivey
would be traded; some teams that might be interested include New York,
Washington, and Oklahoma City. If
Sacramento keeps the pick and doesn’t make any trades, expect them to also eye
Keegan Murray, Bennedict Mathurin, Dyson Daniels, and Shaedon Sharpe.
5: Detroit Pistons –
Keegan Murray
Iowa, SF/PF, Sophomore, 21, 6’8, 215 lbs.
Comparison: Aaron
Gordon with a jumper
Previously Projected:
5
While there is an outside chance Detroit trades this pick, Murray
seems like the most likely selection, especially after Detroit just traded the
similar Jerami Grant. They could also
consider Bennedict Mathurin, Dyson Daniels, Shaedon Sharpe, and AJ Griffin
6: Indiana Pacers –
Dyson Daniels
G-League Ignite, SG/SF, 19, 6’8, 200 lbs.
Comparison: A more
athletic and aggressive scoring version of Kyle Anderson
Previously Projected:
8
This pick is far from a lock as I could also see them
considering Bennidict Mathurin, AJ Griffin, Shaedon Sharpe, Johnny Davis, Jalen
Duren, or Jeremy Sochan with this pick. While
Daniels is enticing due to his floor and basketball IQ, I think their dream
would be if Murray falls to them.
7: Portland Trail
Blazers – Bennedict Mathurin
Arizona, SG, Sophomore, 20, 6’7, 195 lbs.
Comparison: More
athletic and consistent Jordan Clarkson
Previously Projected:
7
I could see Portland loving Mathurin due to his upside as a
scorer and his athletic potential, but I also think there is a serious possibility
that they opt for Shaedon Sharpe. I also
could see them considering AJ Griffin, Jalen Duren, and Jeremy Sochan.
8: New Orleans
Pelicans – Shaedon Sharpe
Kentucky, SG/SF, Redshirt, 19, 6’6, 175 lbs.
Comparison: Jaylen
Brown as a more willing playmaker
Previously Projected:
6
Sharpe could wind up slipping until the late lottery if
teams aren’t sure about him, but he could also go here since New Orleans doesn’t
have as many needs as other lottery teams.
I expect New Orleans will also consider several others, including AJ
Griffin, Johnny Davis, Jeremy Sochan, Ousmane Dieng, and Malaki Branham.
9: San Antonio Spurs –
Jalen Duren
Memphis, C, Freshman, 18, 6’11, 250 lbs.
Comparison: DeAndre
Jordan who thinks he’s more like Robert Williams in terms of passing ability
Previously Projected:
11
While Duren fits their long-term plan position-wise, I think
San Antonio will opt for whomever they view as the best player remaining
here. In which case, I think they will
consider Jeremy Sochan, AJ Griffin, Ousmane Dieng, and Johnny Davis, among
others.
10: Washington
Wizards – Johnny Davis
Wisconsin, SG, Sophomore, 20, 6’5, 196 lbs.
Comparison: Less
athletic early Shaun Livingston
Previously Projected:
10
I think Washington will try to trade this pick unless they
know that Bradley Beal will resign and they don’t like the return on this
pick. Washington is targeting a guard
and while I think they will also see what they can do in free agency, Davis is
the best bet for that in this range.
That said, this is far from a lock.
11: New York Knicks –
AJ Griffin
Duke, SF, Freshman, 18, 6’6, 222 lbs.
Comparison: Luke
Kennard with Jimmy Butler shot selection inside the arc
Previously Projected:
9
Unless they get a committal from a superstar or have a trade
to get one, I expect New York will not trade this pick, but it is
possible. While Griffin has only fallen
slightly since the last mock draft, I could see him falling more due to recent
history with potential lottery picks. Still,
his shooting makes it realistic enough to select him here.
12: Oklahoma City Thunder
– Jeremy Sochan
Baylor, SF/PF, Freshman, 19, 6’9, 230 lbs.
Comparison: Raw Ben
Simmons
Previously Projected:
12
While it is possible this pick gets traded, I don’t think
OKC does after they traded the 30th pick. It will be interesting to see who they select
since the team could go with a player who is more NBA ready if they think they
will be competitive. If they don’t pick
Sochan, don’t be surprised if they select Ousmane Dieng.
13: Charlotte Hornets
– Ousmane Dieng
New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand), SF, 19, 6’10, 200 lbs.
Comparison: Somewhere
between raw Josh Giddy and very early Giannis Antetokounmpo
Previously Projected:
16
I expect Charlotte will try to trade one of their picks
(they also have pick 15), so those selections depend on which they retain. If they keep both, I expect a center will be
selected 15th and this pick will be used to pick either whomever
they think is best or an NBA ready player.
14: Cleveland
Cavaliers – Malaki Branham
Ohio State, SG, Freshman, 19, 6’5, 180 lbs.
Comparison: More
efficient Caris LeVert
Previously Projected:
15
Cleveland could opt to go for a more NBA-ready player (such
as Ochai Agbaji or Jalen Williams), but Branham is rising a bit on the draft
boards and makes sense to help them with wing depth.
15: Charlotte Hornets
– Mark Williams
Duke, C, Sophomore, 20, 7’0, 243 lbs.
Comparison: Robert
Williams
Previously Projected:
13
The only way this pick isn’t used to select a big man is if
this pick gets traded (highly possible), both Williams and Jalen Duren are
drafted (unlikely), or if they opt to draft one at 13 instead (highly
unlikely).
16: Atlanta Hawks –
Ochai Agbaji
Kansas, SG, Senior, 22, 6’5, 210 lbs.
Comparison: Jae
Crowder in an Aaron Afflalo body
Previously Projected:
14
Atlanta is a team to watch to make a move since they are actively
trying to trade John Collins, so I wonder if they also trade this pick to
sweeten the pot. If they don’t, there’s
several directions they can go with this pick.
17: Houston Rockets –
Tari Eason
LSU, PF, Sophomore, 21, 6’8, 215 lbs.
Comparison: More
reckless Miles Bridges
Previously Projected:
18
Now that the Rockets have 3 1st round picks, I
expect they will listen to trades regarding this one.
18: Chicago Bulls –
Jalen Williams
Santa Clara, SG/SF, Junior, 21, 6’6, 190 lbs. (not to be
confused with Jaylin Williams from Arkansas)
Comparison: Dorian
Finney-Smith in college Mikal Bridges’ body
Previously Projected:
21
There is an outside chance that this pick gets traded,
especially while looking for a Nikola Vucevic trade, but I think Chicago makes
the selection here. I could also see
them drafting E.J. Lidell here and I could also see Williams even sneaking into
the lottery.
19: Minnesota
Timberwolves – E.J. Lidell
Ohio State, PF, Junior, 21, 6’7, 240 lbs.
Comparison: Grant
Williams
Previously Projected:
19
While Lidell does fit here, there are also reports that
Minnesota is looking for a rim protector in the draft. I think the most realistic player at this
pick that fits the bill is Walker Kessler, so keep an eye out for him here.
20: San Antonio Spurs
– TyTy Washington
Kentucky, PG, Freshman, 19, 6’3, 197 lbs.
Comparison: Less
athletic Tyrese Maxey
Previously Projected:
17
San Antonio has 3 first round picks, so don’t be surprised
if they shop this one. Washington has been
falling a bit, but I’m not sure how much further he would fall than the
early-mid 20’s.
21: Denver Nuggets –
Nikola Jovic
Mega Basket (Serbia), SG/SF, 19, 6’10, 209 lbs.
Comparison: Franz
Wagner or Deni Avdija
Previously Projected:
19
I swear I did not intend for this to happen, but a Nikola
Jovic/Nikola Jokic pairing would be hysterical.
That said, Denver just acquired the 30th pick and could move
one or both.
22: Memphis Grizzlies
– Blake Wesley
Notre Dame, SG, Freshman, 19, 6’5, 185 lbs.
Comparison: A player
with glimpses of Rajon Rondo but a lot of tendencies of Jamal Crawford
Previously Projected:
23
Memphis has picks 22 and 29, so I could see at least one
being moved.
23: Philadelphia
76ers – Dalen Terry
Arizona, SG, Sophomore, 6’7, 195 lbs.
Comparison: Less
confident but bigger Derrick White
Previously Projected:
29
Philadelphia is shopping several deals, so don’t be
surprised if this pick ends up involved in a trade. I could also see Terry rising a bit more
since multiple teams seem excited about him.
24: Milwaukee Bucks –
Jaden Hardy
G-League Ignite, SG, 19, 6’4, 190 lbs.
Comparison: Shorter
Ziaire Williams
Previously Projected:
22
While I expect Milwaukee will make this pick, I’m not sure
what direction they will go with on this pick.
It wouldn’t surprise me if they opt for Walker Kessler if he’s still
available here though.
25: San Antonio Spurs
– MarJon Beauchamp
G-League Ignite, SG/SF, 21, 6’6, 199 lbs.
Comparison: Matt
Barnes
Previously Projected:
25
I expect San Antonio will either trade this pick, trade the 20th
pick, or draft an international player with this pick. There is some speculation that Beauchamp
could fall to the second round; while I’m not sure how true all of it is, keep
your eyes on him.
26: Houston Rockets –
Kennedy Chandler
Tennessee, PG, Freshman, 19, 6’0, 172 lbs.
Comparison: Smaller
De’Aaron Fox
Previously Projected:
27
I expect either this pick or the 17th pick to be
traded. There is a slight chance that Chandler
could slip into the second round, but I think a team with a late first will
select him.
27: Miami Heat – Walker
Kessler
Auburn, C, Sophomore, 20, 7’1, 245 lbs.
Comparison: Jakob
Poeltl
Previously Projected:
26
Miami is a team to watch in the offseason as a whole and
that will start with what decisions they make on draft night. If they keep this pick, I don’t think they
select Kessler, but it was tougher to have him falling further in the aggregate
draft.
28: Golden State
Warriors – Jake LaRavia
Wake Forest, SF/PF, Junior, 20, 6’9, 228 lbs.
Comparison: Maxi
Kleber as a more willing playmaker
Previously Projected:
39
While they could draft a raw player, the names I’ve most
heard linked to Golden State are LaRavia, Christian Bruan, Wendell Moore, and
Andrew Nembhard.
29: Memphis Grizzlies
– Wendell Moore
Duke, SF, Junior, 20, 6’5, 216 lbs.
Comparison: Josh Hart
Previously Projected:
32
I expect this pick will be traded since Memphis also has pick
22. Either way, I think Moore’s range
will be between the late 1st round and early 2nd round.
30: Denver Nuggets – Kendall
Brown
Baylor, SF/SG, Freshman, 19, 6’8, 205 lbs.
Comparison: Gerald
Green
Previously Projected:
26
I’m not sure if Denver will trade one pick or select at both
21 and 30. Brown is dropping pretty
rapidly and could slip into the 2nd round.
31: Indiana Pacers –
Christian Braun
Kansas, SG, Junior, 21, 6’6, 205 lbs.
Previously Projected:
31
32: Orlando Magic –
Patrick Baldwin
Milwaukee, SF/PF, Freshman, 19, 6’9, 220 lbs.
Previously Projected:
30
33: Toronto Raptors –
Bryce McGowen
Nebraska, SG, Freshman, 19, 6’7, 190 lbs.
Previously Projected:
33
34: Oklahoma City
Thunder – Trevor Keels
Duke, SG, Freshman, 18, 6’4, 221 lbs.
Previous Projected: 34
35: Orlando Magic –
Andrew Nembhard
Gonzaga, PG/SG, Senior, 22, 6’5, 193 lbs.
Previously Projected:
45
36: Detroit Pistons –
Ismael Kamagate
Paris Basketball (France), C, 21, 6’11, 220 lbs.
Previously Projected:
40
37: Sacramento Kings –
Christian Koloko
Arizona, C, Junior, 22, 7’1, 225 lbs.
Previously Projected:
38
38: San Antonio Spurs
– Caleb Houston
Michigan, SF/SG, Freshman, 19, 6’8, 205 lbs.
Previously Projected:
36
39: Cleveland
Cavaliers – Jaylin Williams
Arkansas, PF/C, Sophomore, 20, 6’10, 245 lbs. (not to be confused
with Jalen Williams from Santa Clara)
Previously Projected:
42
40: Minnesota
Timberwolves – Max Christie
Michigan State, SG, Freshman, 19, 6’6, 190 lbs.
Previously Projected:
37
41: New Orleans
Pelicans – Peyton Watson
UCLA, SF, Freshman, 19, 6’8, 200 lbs.
Previously Projected:
43
42: New York Knicks –
Ryan Rollins
Toledo, PG/SG, Sophomore, 20, 6’4, 180 lbs.
Previously Projected:
35
43: Los Angeles
Clippers – David Roddy
Colorado State, SF, Junior, 21, 6’5, 252 lbs.
Previously Projected:
40
44: Atlanta Hawks –
Justin Lewis
Marquette, SF/PF, Sophomore, 20, 6’7, 235 lbs.
Previously Projected:
46
45: Charlotte Hornets
– Josh Minott
Memphis, SG/SF, Freshman, 19, 6’8, 205 lbs.
Previously Projected:
44
46: Portland Trail
Blazers – Jean Montero
Overtime Elite, PG, 18, 6’3, 175 lbs.
Previously Projected:
39
47: Memphis Grizzlies
– JD Davison
Alabama, PG, Freshman, 19, 6’3, 195 lbs.
Previously Projected:
47
48: Minnesota Timberwolves
– Gabriele Procida
Fortituto Kontatto Bologna (Italy), SG, 20, 6’6, 191 lbs.
Previously Projected:
54
49: Sacramento Kings –
Khalifa Diop
Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain), C, 20, 6’11, 231 lbs.
Previously Projected:
52
50: Minnesota
Timberwolves – Hugo Besson
New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand), PG/SG, 21, 6’4, 196 lbs.
Previously Projected:
48
51: Golden State
Warriors – Michael Foster
G-League Ignite, PF, 19, 6’8, 250 lbs.
Previously Projected:
58
52: New Orleans
Pelicans – Dominick Barlow
Overtime Elite, PF/C, 19, 6’9, 214 lbs.
Previously Projected:
50
53: Boston Celtics –
John Butler
Florida State, PF, Freshman, 19, 7’1, 190 lbs.
Previously Projected:
NR
54: Washington Wizards
– Dereon Seabron
North Carolina State, SG, Redshirt Sophomore, 22, 6’7, 180
lbs.
Previously Projected:
56
55: Golden State
Warriors – Jabari Walker
Colorado, SF/PF, Sophomore, 19, 6’8, 200 lbs.
Previously Projected:
58
56: Cleveland
Cavaliers – Yannick Nzoa
Unicaja (Spain), Center, 18, 7’0, 174 lbs.
Previously Projected:
55
57: Portland Trail
Blazers – Keon Ellis
Alabama, SG, Senior, 22, 6’6, 170 lbs.
Previously Projected:
NR
58: Indiana Pacers – Alondes
Williams
Wake Forest, SG/PG, Redshirt Senior, 23, 6’5, 201 lbs.
Previously Projected:
43
Previously drafted players who are not drafted in this
mock
41: Leonard Miller, Fort
Erie International Academy (Canada), SF, High School Senior
As a note, Miller withdrew from the draft and will be
playing for G-League Ignite.
53: Trevion Williams,
Purdue, PF/C, Senior
Biggest Risers (by % Change, minimum 3 spots changed)
1. Andrew Nembhard (45 to 35, 10 spots, 22.22%)
2. Dalen Terry (29 to 23, 6 spots, 20.69%)
3. Ousmane Dieng (16 to 13, 3 spots, 18.75%)
4. Jalen Williams (21 to 18, 3 spots, 14.29%)
5. David Roddy (49 to 43, 6 spots, 12.24%)
Biggest Fallers (by % Change, minimum 3 spots changed)
1. Ryan Rollins (35 to 42, 7 spots, -20%)
2. Jean Montero (39 to 46, 7 spots, -17.95%)
3. TyTy Washington (17 to 20, 3 spots, -17.65%)
4. Alondes Williams (51 to 58, 7 spots, -13.73%)
5. Walker Kessler (24 to 27, 3 spots, -12.50%)
Honorable Mentions (the next 10):
· Trevion Williams, Purdue, PF, Sr
· Ron Harper Jr., SF/PF, Rutgers, Sr
· Moussa Diabate, PF, Michigan, Fr
· Orlando Robinson, C, Fresno State, Jr
· Karlo Matkovic, PF/C, Mega Basket (Serbia), 21
· Aminu Mohammad, SG, Georgetown, Fr
· Julian Champagnie, SF, St. John’s, Jr
· Matteo Spagnola, PG/SG, Vanoli Cremona (Italy), 19
· Jamaree Bouyee, PG, San Francisco, Sr
· Tyrese Martin, SG/SF, UConn, Sr
Top-15 International Players
There are several international players who end up being drafted despite not being projected due to teams not wanting to fill a draft spot immediately. Below are the top international players based on where my aggregate currently has them listed. As a note, not all of these players are expected to be draft-and-stash type players. Also, this is not including international players who played in college or another American-based league (such as G-League or Overtime Elite) last season.
· Ousmane Dieng, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand), SF, 19 (13)
· Nikola Jovic, Mega Basket (Serbia), SG/SF, 19 (21)
· Ismael Kamagate, Paris Basketball (France), C, 21 (36)
· Gabriele Procida, Fortituto Kontatto Bologna (Italy), SG, 20 (48)
· Khalifa Diop, Herbalife Gran Canaria (Spain), C, 20 (49)
· Hugo Besson, New Zealand Breakers (New Zealand), PG/SG, 21 (50)
· Yannick Nzosa, Unicaja (Spain), Center, 18, (56)
· Karlo Matkovic, Mega Basket (Serbia), PF/C, 21 (63)
· Matteo Spagnola, Vanoli Cremona (Italy), SG, 19 (66)
· Ziga Samar, Fuenlabrada (Spain), PG, 21 (79)
· Gui Santos, Minas (Brazil), SF, 20 (83)
· Ibou Dianko Bandji, Forca Lleida CE (Spain), C, 19 (85)
· Kai Sotto, Adelaide (Australia), C, 20 (93)
· Giordano Bortolani, Universo Treviso (Italy), SG, 21 (96)
· Luke Travers, Perth (Australia), SG/SF, 20 (102)
Bonus: My favorite players in the draft
Every year, I naturally gravitate towards certain players who I find fun to watch and enjoy. While I have teased my favorite players in past drafts, I haven’t actually shared an official list in the past. I have had much success with my favorites (as some that were in my top-5 any given year include Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Michael Porter Jr., and De’Aaron Fox), though I also have my fair share of ones I regret (my most infamous one would probably be Mo Bamba, who was my second favorite in 2018, only behind Doncic). These are not who I think will be the best in the draft but are just the players I like the most.
1. Jabari Smith, Auburn, PF, Freshman
2. AJ Griffin, Duke, SF, Freshman
3. Keegan Murray, Iowa, SF/PF, Sophomore
4. Ochai Agbaji, Kansas, SG, Senior
5. Jalen Duren, Memphis, C, Freshman
6. Jaden Ivey, Purdue, SG, Sophomore
7. Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga, C/PF, Freshman
8. Jeremy Sochan, Baylor, SF/PF, Freshman
9. E.J. Lidell, Ohio State, PF, Junior
10. Dyson Daniels, G-League Ignite, SG/SF, 19
Who excites you in this draft so far? Any picks you disagree with? Any potential trades you’re watching? Let me know in the comments!
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