2022 NBA Draft: First KJG Mock of year for the first round

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Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee Volunteers. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

Picks 11-15

#11. Atlanta Hawks: Jaden Hardy, Guard, G-League Ignite

Not many prospects have trended downwards as much as Jaden Hardy recently. The former number two overall player in the ESPN class of 2021, is playing his basketball this season in the G-League. He’s decided to take his game to the G-League Ignite this season, just like Jalen Green did last year. Even still, he’s received mixed reviews.

He has trouble finishing at the rim at times, and has had trouble adjusting to bigger bodies in the G-League. On the plus side, the man can shoot out of the gym. He is likely the best shooter in this class, and if he were to fall to 11th to the offensive-minded Hawks, they will surely grab him up.

#12. New York Knicks: TyTy Washington, Guard, Kentucky

I’ve become a big fan of Washington this season. He’s performed very well switching between point guard and shooting guard. On top of that all of his stats are among the top in the nation. His offensive arsenal is incredible, differing between finishing at the rim, and launching a floater from the foul line.

He’s shooting over 41 percent from three this season, to go along with 72.2 percent shooting at the rim and even shooting 47.8 percent on floaters. The Knicks need a young lead guard with Derrick Rose aging. Overall Washington should play very well on both ends in the NBA.

#13. Toronto Raptors: Kennedy Chandler, PG, Tennessee

The Raptors got their 2021 draft right in drafting Scottie Barnes to team up with Fred VanFleet, OG Anunoby, and Pascal Siakam. However, while VanFleet is good at the point position, they could use a real point guard to elevate the team. Chandler has been outstanding for Tennessee early in the season.

There are two point guards at this point in the draft that teams will be arguing over. One is Chandler, and the other is Jean Montero, who played in the Overtime Elite League. Chandler is more of a natural facilitator than Montero. With Anunoby, Barnes, and VanFleet surrounding him in the starting lineup, Chandler could take the Raptors over the top.

#14. Boston Celtics: Jean Montero, PG, Overtime Elite

Well, Montero’s slide didn’t last long. The extremely athletic and explosive guard is a great addition to the Celtics squad, that kind of lacks a real point guard.

Montero is a bit bigger than Chandler, standing at 6-foot-3. On top of that he’s more explosive and more offense-oriented. He’s not as good of a defender as Chandler, yet, but he has defensive potential. Along with that, Montero’s shot-making is crazy, and the Celtics would love to have a floor general like him leading the break with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

#15. Memphis Grizzlies: Christian Braun, Wing, Kansas

Braun has all the traits of your regular mid-season riser. He’s averaged over 20 points in Kansas’ last six games. He’s a bit of a gamble as his three-point shooting (34 percent) is not great at the moment. But, he has an NBA-ready frame, standing at 6-foot-7 and weighing in at 218 pounds. And even with the inconsistencies, he is making over one three a game, and is shooting fantastically from the foul line.

Braun reminds me of Hawks guard Kevin Huerter. His shooting will need to improve, but he’s worth the risk for the Grizzlies, as they have a very young and deep roster.