Paul’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft

We’re just one week away from the 2022 NBA Draft which will kick off on the night of June 23, and all eyes are on the Magic and who they will be choosing at number one. Even behind Orlando, the depth in this year’s class is one of the best we’ve seen in a while – with seven potential studs, in my opinion, as well as a ton of other solid role players and 2nd round talent. The Spurs and the Timberwolves lead the way with four overall picks, as the Thunder fall to three after sending the 30th pick to Denver. Brooklyn, LA Lakers, Phoenix, and Utah are the four without a pick, and they’ll likely be looking to grab some on draft day trades. There’s a lot of hidden steals all throughout the draft, and in my opinion we’re going to see some crazy trades and draft day picks. So gear up and help get yourself excited for the 2022 NBA Draft with my annual mock draft, jam packed with write-ups on each first round pick, 2nd round picks and depth comparisons for their picking team, and the top undrafted players. Since December, a lot of work has been done accumulating big boards, watching tons of college hoops, and reading scouting reports to compile this list. Hope you enjoy!

*This mock draft is completely my own opinion and is not influenced by any other analyst’s mock drafts. Players rankings are based on deep research of NBA scouts’ impressions on players through the combine, and my own thoughts through watching tape and performances in college, as well as team needs, and my evaluation of their NBA potential since the beginning of the season.

1st Round

The number one pick will certainly be up in the air this year with three legitimate choices in Smith, Banchero, and Holmgren. With former High School teammate and friend Jalen Suggs already on the roster, many believe Chet Holmgren is a shoeing to be first – but I am not too sure. Smith in my eyes is the best all-around prospect in the draft, with great shot making skills and legitimate size to be a star in the NBA.

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This could be a little bit of a bolder pick, but Banchero seems to be a perfect fit in Oklahoma City. Sure, when you have the second pick it’s usually best available, but Paolo fits the mold of what the team needs the most, a stretch four that is an incredible shot creator. I mean then again, there’s a lot that the team could use, but playing alongside talented passing guards like Gilgeous-Alexander and Giddey could call for success.

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With the third pick, the Rockets are going to be left with the rejected choice out of the three top prospects, but that’s the furthest from a bad thing. Banchero seems likely to wind up in Houston but Holmgren could be a great piece to add to a young core of Green and Porter.

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After breaking out in his sophomore campaign, Murray has catapulted himself into one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft. The Kings definitely don’t need another guard with Davion Mitchell and De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt so Keegan could be the perfect duo to match up with Fox.

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The Pistons have accumulated a ton of top picks during their rebuild and at five they’ll be looking to create a running mate with Cade Cunningham. If Shaedon Sharpe had played this year, he would have been in the discussion for the first overall pick. He has insane athleticism, scoring potential, and could create one of the next best duos in the league alongside Cade.

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The Pacers could be in the best case scenario at number six, with the Kings and Pistons unlikely to be looking for backcourt help at four and five. Ivey is the fourth best prospect in this year’s draft, and although they have a plethora of backcourt help in Brogdon, Haliburton, and Hield, Jaden would be too good to pass up at six. Trading Brogdon could lead way for an Ivey/Haliburton backcourt.

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The Blazers are in a bit of a one foot in, one foot out, rebuilding situation with Damian Lillard slated to come back fully healthy next year. There’s a lot of ways they can go at seven, and that includes potentially trading the pick for impactful veterans which they are already shopping to do. Daniels is a lengthy combo guard that has great potential on both ends of the court and can be a great complimentary piece behind Lillard and Simons.

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The Pelicans made some hay in the second half by sneaking into the playoffs and giving the one-seeded Suns a fit in the first round. With C.J. McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas, and the return of Zion pending next year, PG seems to be the biggest position of need for NOLA. In steps TyTy – who is an intriguing young prospect with solid playmaking skills and a good scoring acumen.

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I’m not too sure what it is but Griffin and the Spurs just seem like a match made in heaven. Not trying to toot my own horn but I predicted the Derrick White-Spurs marriage to do wonders years ago, and I can see A.J. being very similar. He may be the most efficient three point shooter in the draft, and has the size to be a plus defender.

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The Wizards could go a variety of different ways at number ten as PG may seem like the biggest issue at hand. With a frontcourt filled with Porzingis, Kuzma, Gafford, Hachimura, and Avdija, there may not be room for another big, but if Duren falls to them I can’t see them passing up the opportunity. Jalen is a beast on the boards and has incredible pick and roll potential to be dominant in the league.

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The Knicks can use a lot and it seems like once again PG may be their biggest need as it has been for the past six years. Only problem, the PG market may not be very stacked at 11 but there will still be plenty of viable options. Davis has the potential to become a combo guard in the league and can hit the three ball which New York needs badly.

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With their second of two lottery picks, OKC will be able to come away with one of the top 3 choices as well as another big time option. Mathurin has a ton of potential on both the offensive and defensive end with great size and strength. If he falls to 12 it would be tough to see the Thunder pass up on another backcourt piece.

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The Hornets came a long way in 2022 and look to have a true franchise cornerstone in LaMelo Ball. A couple of key front court pieces will become free agents this summer in Miles Bridges and Montrezl Harrell, and they could look to upgrade at 13. Williams was a stud in the combine, after measuring in at a whopping 7’2 while being listed at 7’0 in college. He’s a top notch rim protector and can become a pick-and-roll nightmare with LaMelo.

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Cleveland was another surprisingly successful team this past year as Darius Garland emerged as a stud. The mix of a young core and veteran leadership with Kevin Love proved to do wonders and give Cleveland some hope for the first time in the post-Lebron era. Branham is one of the surest things in the draft, as a knockdown three-point shooter and solid defender he’s going to become a solid pro.

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With both 13 and 15, the Hornets can definitely make some maneuvers to help beef up their roster with young pieces. Just like how Mark Williams can help replace their expiring big men contracts, Ousmane Dieng could be a perfect stretch forward to replace Miles Bridges if he can’t be re-signed. He’s lengthy and has the potential to be a quality big.

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The Hawks have stock-piled a ton of young talent over the last several drafts, but after acquiring the 16th pick from the Knicks for Cam Reddish, they may look for another young big. Eason bursted onto the scene after transferring from Cincinnati and has a great motor to be a plus defender and two-way talent in the league. He could matchup well as a bench piece behind John Collins and De’Andre Hunter.

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The Rockets need a lot, and they’ll have a chance to snag one of the top three prospects of the draft which will undoubtedly be big. With John Wall likely to opt into his contract, Jalen Green becoming the franchise cornerstone, and Kevin Porter Jr. emerging, it wouldn’t shock me to see Houston take another big at 17. Sochan rose up draft boards after a great second half at Baylor, showing potential to be a valuable bench piece especially as a defensive specialist.

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Chicago shocked a lot of people in ’21-’22 after the signing of DeMar DeRozan proved to be a franchise changing move. Zach LaVine will hit the free agent market and there will be plenty of uncertainty on his return, but I think a big man is still the biggest need for the Bulls. Kessler was the nations best shot blocker for the Tigers, and a low post rim protecting big could be great to match up with Nikola Vucevic and potentially replace him.

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After being able to sneak into the playoffs for just the second time in almost two decades, Minnesota struggled to find consistent scoring outside of Towns and Edwards all year. D’Angelo Russell’s inconsistencies could open the door for another young guard to join the team. Beauchamp was a Community College star who shined in the G-League, making him an intriguing prospect to match up with Edwards, Russell, and Beasley in the backcourt.

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For the first time in possibly my entire lifetime, the Spurs have three first round picks in this years draft. Popovich has a special way of throwing some curveballs on draft day (ergo Josh Primo last year), so it may be tough to predict what they will do in the late first. They don’t really have a true small forward, and Liddell fits the mold of the Pop way – a guy who can defend, score, and do all of the dirty work with the best of them.

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The Nuggets are loaded with bigs and only have three true guards on their roster heading into next year. If at 21 Agbaji is still available this would be a no brainer for Denver who may be able to find a starter right off the bat with this pick. Ochai was one of the nation’s best players and his improved three-point ball in his senior year has made scouts salivate over his potential as a two-way SG.

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My biggest anticipation is that Memphis will use the 22nd pick as a bargaining piece to try to attract some veteran talent to help them in ’22-’23. But if they do decide to keep it, a true stretch forward could be the way to go with an expiring Kyle Anderson contract. Jovic has the skill to be a point forward and can create off of the dribble very well as a near 7-footer.

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The Sixers have created a pretty solid winning culture that just hasn’t seemed to get over the edge. With James Harden and Joel Embiid as the star core, Philly won’t look for much more than a rotation piece at 23. Hardy was one of the top prospects in the country but his inconsistent play in the G-League made him fall. He’s still a great first round product that can have incredible upside.

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The Bucks are going to look to bring in some solid controllable depth at 24, and Williams couldn’t be a better fit if he falls as far as 24. More seen as 15-20 range guy, Jalen has an incredible wingspan and great two-way potential that has made him fly up draft charts at the combine.

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With the third pick in the first round for San Antonio, it’s all going to vary on what route they choose for the first two. Of course there is a great likelihood that they could trade back and maybe accumulate more picks. If they were able to add a couple of wings in Griffin and Liddell, a big man would be next on their needs and Trevion Williams fits the mold. He’s one of my most underrated players in the draft, with crafty low post skills and a high motor on defense.

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Chandler was once presumed to be a lottery pick and arguably the best pure PG in the draft, but inconsistency on offense has made him slide a bit. Still, he may be the best defensive guard in the entire draft and Houston can use a true (young) Point Guard with KPJ currently running the 1 as more of a shooting guard.

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The Heat are right on the cusp of getting over the edge and at 27 they’ll more than likely look for a young bench piece that can give solid minutes off of the bat. With a bit of a lacking frontcourt and questions around the return of P.J. Tucker, Brown could be the perfect choice. He’s a great defender with a high motor and skillset to become a point forward in the league. A younger, savvyer Tucker if you will.

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It seems like the reign of the Warriors won’t be coming to an end any time soon, and they have a solid chance at 28 to add to their already great young depth. This year they’d most likely look big man, maybe someone who can become an heir to Kevon Looney and is more reliable than James Wiseman health-wise. Koloko was one of the best rim protectors in the nation and can become a pick-and-roll nightmare if all goes as planned.

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The Grizzlies own both the 22nd and 29th picks and they’ll look to bring in some young talent to fill out their bench. With both Tyus Jones and Jarrett Culver set to hit the market, Wesley could be a very good backup option in the backcourt behind Morant and Bane. Again, I would not be shocked if these two firsts are used more for trade bait to attract a veteran, but for now we’ll ponder who they may add.

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The Nuggets acquired the 30th pick from the Thunder in exchange for JaMychal Green and a haul of other picks going each way. This first hand shows how deep the Nuggets think this draft is, and with many contracts coming off of the books it makes sense to look to upgrade the bench. Houstan was one of the nation’s top prospects and can be a valuable two-way wing for a contender.

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2nd Round

’22-’23 IND Frontcourt Depth:
C Myles Turner, C Goga Bitadze, PF Isaiah Jackson, SF Oshae Brissett (TO)

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’22-’23 ORL Backcourt Depth:
PG Markelle Fultz, G R.J. Hampton, PG Cole Anthony, SG Jalen Suggs, SG Terrence Ross, PG Devin Cannady (NG)

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’22-’23 TOR Frontcourt Depth
PF Pascal Siakam, PF/C Precious Achiuwa, C Khem Birch, SF Scottie Barnes, SF OG Anunoby

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’22-’23 OKC Frontcourt Depth:
C Derrick Favors, F Darius Bazley, PF Aleksej Pokusevski, PF Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, SF Isaiah Roby (NG), SF Kenrich Williams (TO), PF Mike Muscala (TO)

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’22-’23 ORL Frontcourt Depth:
C Wendell Carter Jr., PF Jonathan Isaac, SF Franz Wagner, C Moritz Wagner

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’21-’22 POR Frontcourt Depth:
PF/C Greg Brown, SF Nassir Little, SF Justise Winslow, SF Trendon Watford

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’22-’23 SAC Backcourt Depth:
PG De’Aaron Fox, PG Davion Mitchell, SG Terence Davis

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’22-’23 SA Frontcourt Depth:
C Zach Collins, C Jakob Poeltl, SF Doug McDermott, SF Keita Bates-Diop (NG), C Jock Landale (NG)

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’22-’23 CLE Backcourt Depth:
PG Darius Garland, SG Caris LeVert, SG Isaac Okoro, SG Dylan Windler

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’22-’23 MIN Backcourt Depth:
PG D’Angelo Russell, SG Anthony Edwards, SG Malik Beasley, PG Patrick Beverley, SG Leandro Bolmaro, PG Jordan McLaughlin, SG Jaylen Nowell (TO)

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’22-’23 NO Backcourt Depth:
PG Devonte’ Graham, SG C.J. McCollum, SG Garrett Temple, PG Kira Lewis Jr., SG Trey Murphy III, PG Jose Alvarado

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’22-’23 NY Frontcourt Depth:
C Nerlens Noel, PF Julius Randle, SF R.J. Barrett, SF Cam Reddish, PF Obi Toppin, PF Taj Gibson (NG)

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’22-’23 LAC Backcourt Depth:
PG Reggie Jackson, SG Paul George, SG Norman Powell, SG Luke Kennard, SG Terance Mann, SG Brandon Boston Jr., PG Jason Preston

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’22-’23 ATL Frontcourt Depth:
C Clint Capela, PF John Collins, SF Danilo Gallinari, SF De’Andre Hunter, PF Onyeka Okongwu, F Jalen Johnson

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’22-’23 CHA Backcourt Depth:
PG LaMelo Ball, PG Terry Rozier, SG James Bouknight

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’22-’23 DET Backcourt Depth:
PG Cade Cunningham, PG Killian Hayes, PG Saben Lee, SG Hamidou Diallo (TO), PG Frank Jackson (TO), PG Carsen Edwards (TO), PG Cory Joseph (PO)

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’22-’23 MEM Frontcourt Depth:
C Steven Adams, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., F Brandon Clarke, PF Santi Aldams, PF Killian Tillie, PF Xavier Tillman

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’22-’23 MIN Backcourt Depth:
PG D’Angelo Russell, SG Anthony Edwards, SG Malik Beasley, PG Patrick Beverley, SG Leandro Bolmaro, PG Jordan McLaughlin, SG Jaylen Nowell (TO)

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’22-’23 SAC Frontcourt Depth:
C Richaun Holmes, PF Domantas Sabonis, SF Harrison Barnes, SF Justin Holiday, SF Moe Harkless, C Alex Len, PF Trey Lyles (TO), PF Chimezie Metu (NG)

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’22-’23 MIN Backcourt Depth:
PG D’Angelo Russell, SG Anthony Edwards, SG Malik Beasley, PG Patrick Beverley, SG Leandro Bolmaro, PG Jordan McLaughlin, SG Jaylen Nowell (TO)

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’22-’23 GS Backcourt Depth:
PG Stephen Curry, SG Klay Thompson, SG Jordan Poole, SG Moses Moody

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’22-’23 NO Frontcourt Depth:
C Jonas Valanciunas, PF Zion Williamson, SF Brandon Ingram, F Larry Nance Jr., SF Herbert Jones, C Jaxson Hayes, C Willy Hernangomez, SF Naji Marshall

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’22-’23 BOS Frontcourt Depth:
C Al Horford, C Robert Williams III, F Jayson Tatum, SF Grant Williams, C Daniel Theis, SF Aaron Nesmith, F Juwan Morgan (TO), PF Malik Fitts (NG), SF Sam Hauser (TO)

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’22-’23 WAS Backcourt Depth:
SG Bradley Beal (PO), SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, PG Ish Smith

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’22-’23 GS Frontcourt Depth:
C James Wiseman, PF Draymond Green, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Jonathan Kuminga

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’22-’23 CLE Backcourt Depth:
PG Darius Garland, SG Caris LeVert, SG Isaac Okoro, SG Dylan Windler

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’21-’22 POR Frontcourt Depth:
PF/C Greg Brown, SF Nassir Little, SF Justise Winslow, SF Trendon Watford

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’22-’23 IND Frontcourt Depth:
C Myles Turner, C Goga Bitadze, PF Isaiah Jackson, SF Oshae Brissett (TO)

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Notable Undrafted Players