The NBA Draft is a few days away at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. This 2022 Draft Class is full of a lot of talent that can help teams push to get back into the playoffs. Last year on the night of the NBA Draft we saw the Detroit Pistons select Cade Cunningham with the 1st pick. Another surprise that happened the draft night was Russell Westbrook getting traded to the LA Lakers. This season we could be in store for more movement but this year it could be actual picks in the draft.

There’s no clear-cut number 1 in this draft as every player in the first four picks can truly impact a team. After those picks are when it can get challenging as the majority of the players in the top five players will be picked for team needs. We will be focusing on the 1st round in this mock draft and breakdown each pick we see coming this Thursday. Last year’s NBA Draft Mock was crazy as we were only able to predict the Top 3 picks. This year we will try again as we are doing the Mock assuming that this is the order come draft night.

 

 

Let’s get to it….

 

 

1. Orlando Magic (Finished 2021-22 Season 22-60, 15th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 1st pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select…Jabari Smith, PF, Auburn. –  Looking at the Orlando Magic roster as it’s constructed they need a true power forward. Jabari Smith is exactly what the doctor ordered in this perfect situation for Smith. The Magic have some great pieces in the front court with Carter Jr, Bamba, and Okeke. Adding Smith would give them some excitement as he can electrify a crowd with a dunk and just as much with his post moves. On the season in Auburn, he averaged 16.9 PPG and 7.4 RPG. The Tigers leaned on Jabari Smith as that emotional leader and he was able to set the tone for them in every game.

 

He can beat you inside with his athleticism and outside with his 3-point shot. His determination on and off the court was on full display during the season. Jabari won almost every award you can imagine in the SEC and was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Coach Mosley will have to be able to use Smith at the SF/PF position in order to make sure Orlando is successful. This pick would be huge for the Magic as they try to set themselves up to at least make a play-in game or playoffs this upcoming season. With the Magic’s guard play at full strength look for Suggs, Anthony, and Fultz to get the ball to Smith in that fast break as well. Jabari Smith is the right pick and perfect fit with a youthful Magic team that wants to get back to their early 2010s ways.

 

 

2. Oklahoma City Thunder (Finished 2021-22 Season 24-58, 14th in Western Conference)

With the 2nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select…Chet Holmgren,C, Gonzaga. The Oklahoma City Thunder have one of the youngest teams in the NBA on the rise. Over the last couple of seasons the Thunder have been building up their core and the only thing missing is the center position. Selecting Chet with the 2nd pick in the NBA Draft is the most ideal situation as both need each other. Chet averaged 14. PPG and 9.9 RPG in college at Gonzaga while not even being able to showcase his true potential. His height and length will be a huge help to the Thunder starting lineup as he will be able to play alongside Bazley in the paint.

 

Out of 32 games played during the regular season Holmgren had 19 games with at least 4 blocks or more. His presence in the paint will be a huge help to the Thunder and he can run & gun with SGA/Giddey in the fast break game. Chet has a smooth game with nice handles and he’s very efficient on the offensive end. This pick won’t solve every problem for the Thunder but it makes them a true interior threat on the defensive end now. Chet Holmgren has the confidence that a player needs coming into the NBA and OKC’s amazing at grooming their talent in the system. This will be a perfect match as OKC won’t put pressure on him to help ASAP as they allow you to get comfortable knowing this will be a process. The sky’s the limit for the Thunder as they have a boat load of draft picks coming in the next few years. This pick with Holmgren will be another great pick following the Josh Giddey pick last NBA Draft.

 

 

3. Houston Rockets (Finished 2021-22 Season 20-62, 15th in Western Conference)

 

 

With the 3rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select…Paolo Banchero, F/C, Duke. – Paolo is one of the most talented players in this upcoming draft and could have easily gone 1 through 3. The Houston Rockets need someone that can come in and impact the game instantly with their recent departure of Christain Wood. Paolo has played in some big pressure games and during the March Madness run, he stepped his game up to another level. At Duke, this season Paolo averaged 17.2 PPG and 7.8 RPG in his freshman year. He will be able to bring his smooth game to Houston and help that young core continue to grow.

 

Paolo has been coached by Coach K at Duke and with the run & gun style of Stephen Silas should be able to fit right in. During his freshmen year at Duke, he was able to score 20 points or more in 16 games. His game will transfer to the NBA with ease as he’s 6-10 but also can create his own shot in the mid-range or paint. Paolo will create some opportunity/space for Kevin Porter Jr. and Jalen Green as they look to continue to grow as a duo. Paolo’s game will only get better with time and he’s able to hopefully go to a situation in Houston that will allow him to make mistakes while growing.

 

 

4. Sacramento Kings (Finished 2021-22 Season 30-52, 12th in Western Conference)

   

With the 4th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select…Jaden Ivey, PG/SG, Purdue. – Jaden has been one of the players on the rise in the NBA Draft rumors as of late. A lot of teams love the improvement in his game from his freshman and sophomore seasons at Purdue. He jumped up from 11.1 PPG to 17.3 PPG this season while showcasing his ballhandling skills and scoring ability. This would be the perfect situation for the Kings as Ivey can be the Haliburton replacement after trading for Sabonis. When the Kings moved Haliburton everyone was stunned and shocked in the NBA world. The Kings can make up for that a little bit by picking Ivey as he can play with the ball in his hands and without the ball as well.

 

The Kings have Fox/Mitchell running the point but adding Ivey can create more chances for them to score as well now with adding another scoring threat. At Purdue, this season Ivey scored a season-high 27 points but was able to score 20 or more 14 times. Ivey will get some good coaching under new head coach Mike Brown as he will be able to continue to elevate his game. Jaden has some good ball handling but heading to Sacramento will help improve his shot-making because of the playmakers around him. The Kings should select Ivey and make sure to keep him because he can be that 3rd piece they needed to make a play-in game this season.

 

 

5. Detroit Pistons (Finished 2021-22 Season 23-59, 14th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 5th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select…Keegan Murray, SF/PF, Iowa. – The Pistons didn’t have the year they wanted last year but things could look bright with this pick. In the 2021 NBA Draft, Detroit selected Cade Cunningham who turned out to be a true success. Troy Weaver can hit again with the pick of Keegan with the 5th pick. The Pistons need someone that can create their own shot and a big shot maker. Keegan has shown that he can be that and more in college at Iowa. If the Pistons can add the 4th highest scorer in college this season it can be a huge help to Cade and Killian as they continue to grow as playmakers.

 

During the season at Iowa, Keegan Murray averaged 23.5 PPG and 8.7 RPG as he showed he can get it done by scoring and rebounding. Murray is probably the purest shooter in the Draft this year as he shot 55.4% from the field at Iowa as well. The Pistons had issues with scoring at times during the season and this will be a great fit, especially under the tutelage of Coach Casey. It’s not all about scoring with Keegan as he has a cool, calm, and collected poise about him. The confidence that he plays with can help this team as they have a young core ready to make a splash in the Eastern Conference. If Detroit takes Murray it will be a huge help on the offensive end and will make things easier moving forward. Not too many players have the experience and the scoring ability in this draft and the Pistons will get a steal with him at the #5 pick in the NBA Draft this year.

 

 

6. Indiana Pacers (Finished 2021-22 Season 25-57, 13th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 6th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select…Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF, Arizona. – The Pacers should have their eyes on Mathurin with the 6th pick in the NBA Draft. A lot of questions have surrounded TJ Warren and his injury issues over the years. If the Pacers can get the Pac 12 Player of the Year here you can plug him right in to help Haliburton/Brogdon. The ability to play Mathurin at the 2 or the 3 helps open up the offensive opportunities in Indiana. During the season at Arizona Bennedict was able to average 17.7 PPG and 5.6 RPG. He can be that swiss army knife type of player that the Pacers have been looking for. He’s someone that can score those hard baskets but also doesn’t mind getting in the paint to clean up as well.

 

Bennedict was able to put the Pac 12 on notice this season and his maturity in his game will be an easy transition to the NBA game. The Pacers are looking to run and defend so that plays right into the playing style of Mathurin. It should also be noted that Bennedict didn’t miss a game in this past college season and was there for his team every step of the way. His stability on the court is something that is needed just in case you need to plug him in for a guard or for a small forward. He scored his season high 30 points twice and once he sees that shot go in it could be a long night for opposing defenses.

 

 

 

7. Portland Trailblazers (Finished 2021-22 Season 27-55, 13th in Western Conference)

 

With the 7th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select…Shaedon Sharpe, SG, Kentucky. – Mr.Sharpe will be walking into the perfect spot for him to be drafted. The Portland Trail Blazers traded CJ McCollum to the Pelicans and they need someone that can come right in and help ASAP. Shaedon was ranked the #1 point guard in the country and he can come right in and help Lillard/Simons with the offensive load. Sharpe has one of the smoothest jumpers in this whole draft and he’s able to get to his spot whenever he wants on the court. The crossover handles that he has creates so much space for his jump shot. Coach Billups will be able to use him in a small lineup as well if he wanted to throw him there with Lillard/Simons as well.

 

It’s not every day you find a player that has the explosiveness on a crossover and with hops. Sharpe has both of those in his bag with his jumper and can take some pressure off of Lillard this upcoming season. He will have some growing pains but the great thing about being drafted by Portland is the fact that he will be able to learn. When you walk into a situation with no pressure it’s a lot easier to adjust. I look forward to him going to Portland as they hope he can be that steal that CJ when they drafted him. You can’t pass up on raw talent and following in Damian Lillard’s footsteps will be a huge boost to his game and confidence overall.

 

 

 

8. New Orleans Pelicans (Finished 2021-22 Season 36-46, 8th in Western Conference)

With the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select…AJ Griffin, SF, Duke. – AJ Griffin will be a great pick right here for a New Orleans team that made a splash in the postseason. The Pelicans are missing a small forward that can help them with scoring but also be a glue guy that they can trust behind Brandon Ingram. Griffin was coached by Coach K and has shown that he can get you a tough basket and he can defend at a high level. The Pelicans have Zion Williamson coming back this season and the acquisition of CJ McCollum showed to be huge, especially with their playoff push. The presence of a couple of Duke guys it will make this transition for Griffin very smooth. At Duke AJ Griffin only averaged 10.4 PPG but he showed that he was one of the best freshmen in the ACC.

 

Griffin’s season high was 27 points at Duke so don’t expect a crazy scoring outburst. He’s one of the smoothest shooters in the whole NBA Draft but he needs the chance to be great at the NBA level. What you can expect is someone that’s going to be consistent on a nightly basis and he is able to give New Orleans a defensive presence on the perimeter alongside Josh Hart. With AJ being 6-6 he will be able to use his height and length to help the Pelicans on both ends of the ball. This pick will be a chemistry pick and someone that has the upside to make a splash with more opportunity on the offensive end. College gameplans are different from NBA gameplans so look for AJ to use his defense to create his offense in New Orleans.

 

9. San Antonio Spurs (Finished 2021-22 Season 34-48, 10th in Western Conference)

   

With the 9th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…Ochai Agbaji, SG, Kansas. – The Spurs need someone who can run with their All-Star Dejounte Murray. Picking Ochai will be the perfect scenario for San Antonio especially with him coming off winning the NCAA Championship, Big 12 POY, and the NCAA Tournament MVP. Ochai’s a slasher and someone that can knock down the shot when he’s given the chance too as we’ve seen. Ochai can be that spark that the Spurs need and I think under Coach Pop he can truly take that next step on the defensive end as well. On the season with Kansas, he averaged 18.8 PPG and 5.1 RPG as well.

 

Ochai Agbaji had an amazing March Madness on the offensive end and he will be a great addition to the Spurs. Murray needs a running mate that can actually be able to put some numbers up alongside him. Look for Agbaji to learn from Murray/Walker as he can help bring some youth and more maturity to this backcourt in San Antonio. The best part about this pick is the fact that Agbaji has been in all the pressure moments you can be in for a college player so he will be poised in the NBA. He showed a lot of glimpses of being great during his time at Kansas and he can show that same thing in the NBA with the Spurs.

 

10. Washington Wizards (Finished 2021-22 Season 35-47, 12th in Eastern Conference)

With the 10th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select…Dyson Daniels, SG/SF, G-League Ignite. – The Washington Wizards should select Dyson because he can compliment Bradley Beal in DC. Daniels has been getting some reps in the NBA G-League and has shown that he can “Ignite” any time he gets the chance. The Wizards are trying to keep Beal happy but this is a pick in the right direction. During the G-League season, Dyson Daniels averaged 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, and 5.1 APG. Dyson’s one of the prospects that can create his own shot, create offense for his teammates, and start a break off a rebound.

 

The Wizards need some help at the small forward spot and this will be an upgrade for sure. The Wizards need a little jolt of youth in the lineup and this could be a huge help to their offense. You can have Dyson added to a lineup that already has Beal, Kuzma, and Porzingis. It will be interesting to see how much Dyson can learn in the NBA but him going to the G-League does give him a headstart for sure. Playing alongside Bradley Beal could bring his game to another level if he’s ready for the spotlight. Daniels has the ability to grow in this offense and he has a chance to continue getting his impressive putback dunks with people focused on KP. Dyson has a great motor and he can help the Wizards in a special way if given the chance to play alongside the vets.

 

11. New York Knicks (Finished 2021-22 Season 37-45, 11th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 11th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select…Malaki Branham, SG, Ohio State. – Malaki put the Big 10 on notice right away as he finished the Big 10 ROY. The Knicks have all the right pieces in place to make another deep playoff run and adding Branham can help. Evan Fournier is a good shooting guard but he has moments where he’s MIA or he’s banged up. Alec Burks has been a great vet that comes in for them at shooting guard for offense but drafting Branham could be what New Yorkers need. Branham had a good season at Ohio State and was able to score and defend at a high level as a freshman.

 

During his season at Ohio State, he averaged 13.7 PPG and he had 8 games with over 20 points. The Knicks need some youth and stability at the shooting guard spot. Malaki will be able to give Quickly someone that can play with him and they can grow together. When the Knicks added Walker it slowed down the progress for IQ but bringing in a young shooting guard that plays hard will help that journey. Malaki loves attacking the basket and he enjoys hitting that jumper if you give it to him. The defense he plays on the perimeter will help Randle/Mitchell as well when it comes to people trying to attack the paint.

 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (Finished 2021-22 Season 24-58, 14th in Western Conference)

 

With the 12th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select…Johnny Davis, SG, Wisconsin. – The Thunder are in a position where they need to stack up shooting. If they pick Chet Holmgren with the 2nd pick this will be a great second pick in the draft. Johnny Davis is a bonafide sniper and can get hot at any moment during a game. If Johnny gets the opportunity to play alongside SGA/Giddey they will open up the floor so he can knock down that open jumper. Davis was named the Big 10 POY and he put the pressure on the rest of his conference when it came to it. The Thunder could use a knock-down shooter that can create his own shot and another great thing about Davis is the fact he can rebound.

 

Johnny is the ultimate teammate and showed a lot of leadership in Wisconsin so look for that to carry over for the OKC Thunder. During his time at Wisconsin, he averaged 19.7 PPG and 8.2 RPG. Out of 31 games that Johnny Davis played in this season he was in double digits for points 30 times. That type of scoring is special and that’s something that OKC would be able to cherish especially with the growth that OKC allows for its players. Sam Presti has been very smart with his picks and adding a shooter like Davis would be another great steal for Presti’s draft career. Johnny has confidence that will be noticed as soon as he touches down in OKC and it makes perfect sense while we’re in a shooting era in the NBA.

 

13. Charlotte Hornets (Finished 2021-22 Season 43-39, 10th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 13th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets select…Jeremy Sochan, PF, Baylor. – This pick will be based on the fact we don’t know what will happen with Miles Bridges. The Hornets had a chance to give him the extension but Miles felt short-changed. Bridges did nothing but ball out this season averaging 20.2 PPG and 7 RPG. So if the Hornets can’t bring back the rising star they will need to look for some help and that could be Jeremy Sochan. It will be tough trying to make up some of the offense if they lost Bridges but PJ Washington will have to step up as well. If they keep Bridges then this will be a great fit as well because Sochan can learn from them.

 

Sochan played his role at Baylor as the 6th man and was able to flourish in the paint. The Hornets need Sochan for insurance but also they need him for growth in that position. The NBA is becoming positionless and Jeremy can switch from the 3 to the 5. During the season at Baylor, Jeremy Sochan was able to average 9.2 PPG and 6.4 RPG. The numbers don’t pop off the screen but he has a lot of potentials and that’s exactly what the draft is about. The Hornets are still without a head coach as Kenny Atkinson decided to stay with the Warriors so it will be interesting to see the direction they go in moving forward. Sochan will be a great fit with LaMelo and he will be able to get putbacks and alley-oops all season long.

 

14. Cleveland Cavaliers (Finished 2021-22 Season 44-38, 9th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 14th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame. –  This is a great safe pick for the Cavs who were right on the edge of the playoffs. If the Cavs can’t get a healthy Collin Sexton to start the season why not go with Wesley. This would be a great pick as he can play alongside Garland and if Sexton’s there he can come off the bench. Either way, I would love this because he can learn from both those guards and can come in right away and make an impact. Wesley isn’t scared to be aggressive and will never turn down a shot that’s given to him at any time.

 

Blake has one of the best fakes and can create his own shot with that space with ease. That is the confidence and the swag that this Cleveland team needs to add to the mix. The NBA has slowly shifted to small ball and when it comes to getting a bucket Wesley is one of the best in the draft. During his season at Notre Dame, Blake averaged 14.4 PPG and was able to get All ACC accolades as well. Blake would make an instant impact on the offensive end and he can definitely help the Cavs when they need some points in tough spots. Look for Wesley to continue to grow in the offense and he will need to get a little better on the defensive end.

 

 

15. Charlotte Hornets (Finished 2021-22 Season 43-39, 10th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 15th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets select…Mark Williams, C, Duke. – The Hornets should take care of things with the power forward spot in the draft. Moving forward in the draft they can now focus on the center position. The Hornets need some true help at the center position and Mark Williams staying in his backyard of North Carolina. Williams will bring some toughness and edge to the Hornet’s frontcourt with Bridges/Washington. Williams can make an impact with his height and length especially being 7-1.

 

The Hornets need Mark Williams and this can be a great fit depending on the direction of the new coach. He’s young and he can play with the young core as well when it comes to running. During the season at Duke, Mark Williams averaged 11.2 PPG and 7.4 RPG. In the NBA with his stature, he can make the opposing offense think about coming into the paint when he’s in there. Mark Williams won the ACC Defensive Player of the Year for a reason and he was swatting anything that came to him in the paint. Mark Williams will need to develop a couple of moves in the paint for go-to purposes. If he develops that then it could lead to a lot of success for the Hornets this upcoming season.

 

16. Atlanta Hawks (Finished 2021-22 Season 43-39, 8th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 16th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select…Tari Eason, SF/PF, LSU. – The Hawks need to address that small forward position. They’ve had some ups and downs with DeAndre Hunter but adding another young small forward wouldn’t hurt at all. The Hawks need to pick Tari Eason as he can come in and make an impact if he’s starting or if he’s coming off the bench. Eason was the SEC 6th Man of the Year and he made an impact in every game. The fact that he can score in the paint and he can defend consistently is a huge deal in the NBA. The Hawks need that just in case Hunter gets banged up again and Eason can make that jump because he loves to learn.

 

Tari was putting in that work at LSU and was able to make the best of the minutes he was given. During his time at LSU, he averaged 16.9 PPG and 6.6 RPG making it look easy in the SEC. Tari will be able to excel playing with someone like Trae Young who looks for you and looks for that lob threat. This could be a steal pick in the draft when it comes to small forward picks in this whole draft. Tari Eason just needs the opportunity and with Coach McMillian, he should be able to get exactly what he needs.

 

 

17. Houston Rockets (Finished 2021-22 Season 20-62, 15th in Western Conference)

 

With the 17th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select…Jalen Duren, PF/C, Memphis. – The Rockets are still trying to fill the void of losing Christian Wood. If the Rocket picked Paolo Banchero as we predicted earlier in this mock draft then adding Duren to this mix would be perfect. The Rockets still have Alperen Şengün who made some strides in the 2nd half of the season. Adding Jalen Duren to this frontcourt will get the Rockets back on track when it comes to rim protection. Jalen has a great motor and he’s been able to add some great offensive moves to his bag in the paint. The heart that Jalen Duren plays with has been unmatched and he took over the whole AAC. On the season he even had a 22-point and 19 rebound game which will let you know this man is a beast.

 

He ran through the AAC conference as he won pretty much every award you can win as a freshman. During his time at Memphis under Coach Penny Hardaway, he averaged 12 PPG and 8.1 RPG. The Rockets can use a lot of his strength and defensive presence in the paint this upcoming season. The Rockets have great playmakers at the guard positions in Kevin Porter Jr and Jalen Green so they will help Paolo & Jalen in the transition game as they outrun people.

 

18. Chicago Bulls (Finished 2021-22 Season 46-36, 6th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 18th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select…Jalen Williams, SF/SG, Santa Clara. – This could be a great pick for the Bulls who have Zach LaVine heading into free agency. If the Bulls lose LaVine then this would be a nice insurance piece to help put a band-aid on the situation. Jalen Williams has a smooth jumper and he can excel under good tutelage with Billy Donovan. Jalen Williams will be able to watch and learn from DeMar DeRozan. It will be a good spot for Jalen to fall to the Bulls at the 18th pick. Williams has the ability to heat up real quick and he can make opposing defenses look silly with his handles.

 

The only issue that people will have is the fact that he’s playing for Santa Clara a team that didn’t get much nationwide recognition. During his time at Santa Clara, he averaged 18 PPG, 4.4 RPG, and 4.2 APG. Jalen Williams could be the steal of the draft with the place he could be drafted and Chicago is the place for him. The sky’s the limit for Williams as he scored in double digits in 31 of the 33 games. That is the type of scoring that the Bulls will need and with a healthy Lonzo Ball coming back this could be special for the Bulls in that backcourt.

 

19. Minnesota Timberwolves (Finished 2021-22 Season 46-36, 7th in Western Conference)

 

With the 19th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select…Jaden Hardy, SG, G-League. – The NBA is all about scoring in the regular season and the defense heightens in the postseason. Jaden Hardy is exactly what the Minnesota Timberwolves need to add to their team. The Timberwolves’ offense fizzled out in the postseason against the Grizzlies but if you add Hardy’s 17.7 PPG that he had in the G-League that can help. Jaden Hardy is one of the many few players in the NBA Draft that can create their own offense but having a player like D’Angelo Russell alongside him will be a huge help. Hardy loves to attack and he’s an aggressive ball handler that can get by you with his first step with ease.

 

The Timberwolves were so close to beating Memphis and another offensive piece being added to the mix can be special. Jaden Hardy attacks the paint and puts pressure on the referees to make a call and that can come in huge ASAP in the NBA. The G-League experience helps big time as he already has some NBA-type access and tools to speed up the learning process. The Timberwolves have the front-court depth it’s time to add those shooters to help Edwards/Beasley.

 

20. San Antonio Spurs (Finished 2021-22 Season 34-48, 10th in Western Conference)

With the 20th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…Nikola Jovic, SF/PF, Serbia. –  The Spurs need some length and finesse. Nikola Jovic can be that and more especially under the coaching of Pop. The Spurs have always been a great organization when it comes to international players and grooming young talent. Nikola Jovic can run the floor with the best of them and Dejounte Murray will find him. Jovic played overseas and he was able to showcase his talents nightly. His came will transition to the NBA smoothly as he can beat you off the dribble and get to the basket for someone 6″11.

 

The Spurs have a young core and they need skilled talent to balance out all the rare talent they have in the front court. During his time on Mega Soccerbet, Nikola Jovic averaged 11.8 PPG only playing in 4 games while playing 25 minutes per game. If you give him more opportunities like he will get with the Spurs that average will be a thing of the past. He will have some bumps in the road and he might not make an instant impact but Jovic has shown promise. The Spurs will be hoping to find the next Joker in Jovic as both are from Serbia so they will have their fingers crossed.

 

21. Denver Nuggets (Finished 2021-22 Season 48-34, 6th in Western Conference)

 

With the 21st pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select…Ousmane Dieng, SG/SF, New Zealand. – This New Zealand 19-year-old can ball out. This will be a great spot for Ousmane to be drafted as the Nuggets have a mix of international players that can help his game translate quickly. One thing I noticed about Ousmane’s game is that he can knock down the wide-open shot and he can attack the paint with a nice floater as well. With Will Barton getting older and being injury prone recently this is a great fit. If Barton is healthy then having Ousmane coming off the bench will be a great help as well.

 

While playing for the New Zealand Breakers Ousmane averaged 8.9 PPG in limited minutes. If he can get the chance to go to a team like the Nuggets who have been patient with young talent then it can be special. The Joker can use all the help he can get and with the length of Dieng added to the mix whether it’s an instant impact or a stash, this could be a nice pickup. The NBA is heading in the direction of offense and a lot of international players have been making cases as being the best. Maybe we can add Ousmane to the convo down the line or maybe not we will have to find out.

22. Memphis Grizzlies (Finished 2021-22 Season 56-26, 2nd in Western Conference)

 

With the 22nd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select…MarJon Beauchamp, SG/SF, G-League. – The Memphis Grizzlies are stacked where ever you look on this roster. Adding another wing player that can add to what Desmond Bane was able to do this season is where I would go here. The front court and the point guard positions are stacked but it wouldn’t hurt to add someone to the mix in MarJon. During his stint in the G-League MarJon averaged 15.1 PPG and 7.3 RPG. The Grizzlies are all about “Grit & Grind” why not add someone from the G-League who’s been grinding his whole life for this moment in MarJon.

 

Memphis adding MarJon would be great as they can have another perimeter defender that can help stop opposing players. I think adding MarJon to the mix with Bane/Williams can work big for them as that gives one of them a chance to rest without losing much talent in return. MarJon has a quick first step and he’s a high riser that glides to the rim with ease. The aggressive style is just the perfect fit for the Grizzlies and Ja Morant will make MarJon’s game better over time if added to the mix in Memphis.

 

23. Philadelphia 76ers (Finished 2021-22 Season 51-31, 4th in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select…Max Christie, SG, Michigan State. – Max Christie can come right in and make a huge impact on this 76ers team. This pick would be perfect because Philly needed more scorers in the playoffs. James Harden didn’t look like himself in the playoffs that much but with a full season coming up under Doc Rivers he will be back on track. Drafting a player like Max could be special because he will learn from Harden about his offensive game and scoring ability. Max Christie will bring another scorer to the mix as he can run with Maxey in that backcourt when Harden is getting a breather too.

 

Max Christie only averaged 9.3 PPG at Michigan State but with the IQ he plays with he can affect the game in many ways. Christie will be able to grow in Philly but how much we will never know because with that fanbase they want to win right now. Max Christie has to improve on the defensive end if he wants to excel on the next level. The 76ers needed someone else to pick up the load off the bench and getting Max could be a lift to help them with depth when it comes to playing teams like Boston/Milwaukee for sure.  Max Christies highest scoring total in a game this season was only 21 points and with the minutes he could see here we can expect a couple of those nights.

 

24. Milwaukee Bucks (Finished 2021-22 Season 51-31, 3rd in Eastern Conference)

 

With the 24th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select…TyTy Washington, PG, Kentucky. – The Milwaukee Bucks lost to the Boston Celtics in the playoffs. One of the things that they needed to improve on was ball handling. Jrue Holiday did a great job but he’s truly a shooting guard. The backup is George Hill who is getting up there in age. So the right thing for the Bucks to do is draft TyTy Washington as their point guard or back up because they can use his ability. The Bucks want to get the ball out of Giannis’ hands all the time and TyTy can help out in a big way. TyTy can learn from Holiday/Hill to gain that knowledge and he played for Kentucky so he’s used to the big games already.

 

During his year at Kentucky TyTy averaged 12.5 PPG and 3.9 APG. He’s a true playmaker that can help others around him get better while he’s looking for his shot as well. Just being able to add another ball handler to the mix will be great as they continue to watch Giannis take over the NBA. TyTy will be able to be a steal at 24 and he falls into a situation where he’s truly needed as teams ahead of Milwaukee didn’t really need a point guard. There’s a reason why TyTy was ALL SEC Freshman and he will showcase that for the Bucks if selected here.

 

 

25. San Antonio Spurs (Finished 2021-22 Season 34-48, 10th in Western Conference)

 

With the 25th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…Walker Kessler, C, Auburn. – The Spurs would be addressing the wing player, power forward, and now the center position. San Antonio loves Jakob Poeltl but they need to also have a backup that can help him out. Adding the 7″1 Kessler could be exactly what the Spurs need if Jakob had an injury or something. Walker was the Naismith & SEC Defensive Player of the Year in college basketball. If you already have that defensive motor before making it to the NBA all you have to do is add a little offense.

 

Defense gets you paid in the NBA and Kessler can make a huge impact for the Spurs who need that defensive presence to make opponents scared. This can be a great fit and with Coach Pop teaching this could be huge in his young career. Just imagine a lineup with Poeltl & Kessler as the new twin towers that would be epic. During his time at Auburn, he averaged 11.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, and 4.1 BPG. With a beast in the paint like that San Antonio would be in great shape if they select Walker.

 

26. Houston Rockets via Dallas Mavericks (Finished 2021-22 Season 20-62, 15th in Western Conference)

 

With the 26th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select…Caleb Houstan, SG/SF, Michigan. – The Rockets would already be addressing the paint in this draft with previous picks. If the Rockets were to select Caleb it would help them with the bench scoring just in case Eric Gordon is resting again. Caleb Houstan is a true scorer and he doesn’t mind launching some 3-pointers. Caleb will be a great addition to this Rockets team that continues to look at scoring from the 2nd unit. Caleb is a great 3-point threat but also showed that he can find his teammates in transition as well with beautiful passes. During the season at Michigan, Caleb averaged 10.1 PPG and made the best of the minutes he was on the floor. He brings a type of swagger to the Rockets bench that they need and he’s not afraid of the big moment. If the Rockets pick him look for some instant offense as they will need it all, especially if they want to improve their record in the 2022-2023 season.

 

 

27. Miami Heat (Finished 2021-22 Season 53-29, 1st in Eastern Conference)

    

With the 27th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat select…Kennedy Chandler, PG, Tennessee. – The Miami Heat have Kyle Lowry who’s been amazing when on the court. This is a security pick right here with Kennedy because Miami needs some youth at the point guard position if Lowry isn’t available. Kennedy is a great pick here at 27 and he can impact the Heat right away. Kennedy can help get the ball to Herro/Butler/Bam as the Miami Heat look to be right back in the mix next season after their loss to the Celtics.

 

During his season at Tennesse, Kennedy averaged 13.9 PPG and 4.7 APG. Kennedy was selected as an ALL SEC Freshman this year and was able to impact the game at every phase. Kennedy brought it on the offensive end and the defensive end when it was needed. It could be a great experience for Kennedy to learn behind Lowry and be able to get that knowledge from a true professional. This would be a pick that can excel in the future and Miami would be happy with this pick overall.

 

 

28. Golden State Warriors (Finished 2021-22 Season 53-29, 3rd in Western Conference)

 

With the 28th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Golden State Warriors select…Jaylin Williams, PF/C, Arkansas. – The Warriors really don’t need any pick in the draft after coming off beating Boston for the championship. While saying that it was clear that they did need a presence in the paint and going with Jaylin was a clear-cut option here with the 28th pick. Jaylin was a big part of the success with Arkansas this season and his dominance in the paint would help the Warriors.

 

During the season at Arkansas, Jaylin Warriors averaged 10.9 PPG and 9.8 RPG. If you can just imagine a front court of Green/Looney/Wiseman/Williams this could be a very scary team that does nothing but continue to get better every single year. Look for the Warriors to add some length to their front court as they will improve on the one flaw they had on the season and that was the paint presence.

 

 

29. Memphis Grizzlies (Finished 2021-22 Season 56-26, 2nd in Western Conference)

 

With the 29th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select…Ryan Rollins, G, Toledo. – Memphis has Ja Morant and Tyus Jones at the point guard positions. If one of them were to get banged up Ryan Rollins can be that hybrid guard that can come in with instant offense and playmaking ability. Rollins may not have played for a big conference but neither did Morant when Memphis took a chance on him. The scoring and ball handling from Rollins would be clutch if they need someone needs to come in to save the day in Memphis given an opportunity. During the season at Toledo, Ryan Rollins averaged 18.9 PPG, 6 RPG, and 3.6 APG. It will be exciting to see Rollins with this offense as the Grizzlies have a chance to make the best of this pick late in the 1st round.

 

30. Denver Nuggets (Finished 2021-22 Season 48-34, 6th in Western Conference)

 

With the 30th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select…John Butler, C, Florida St. – The Nuggets need some depth at the Center position just in case something were to happen to Jokic. Butler would be a great pick right here as he’s young, raw, and ready to learn. It will be interesting to see if they play him alongside Jokic or if they have him come in off the bench. During the season at Florida St, John Butler only averaged 5.9 PPG and 3.2 RPG in limited minutes. So if they can get him some minutes those averages would definitely increase for sure.

 

 

 

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