Even with it not being such a huge topic of discussion for most Cleveland Cavaliers fans right now, it’s hard to believe that the 2022 NBA Draft is only about six-and-a-half months away on July 29. However, this year unlike last, we are seeing a couple of players vying to be the top pick in the July draft.
Paulo Banchero from Duke is an extremely talented forward/wing who can light it up from anywhere on the court, and his defensive effort shows promise in that department. Along with Banchero, Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren could very well be the first overall pick. The only real questions surrounding the 7-footer is that he needs to add more muscle and put on weight to be able to be physical in the the low post. Finally, the biggest riser on my draft board, Jabari Smith, is another player who will likely go either first, second or third in this summer’s draft.
While the top spot will more than likely be one of the three players I just mentioned, it’s also time to look to see how deep this class really is and of course look at their scouting report.
Following the big three in the draft are a lot of talented players, who just haven’t reached their max potential quite yet. Jaden Ivey out of Purdue pretty much does it all for the Boilermakers. The only thing he needed to improve upon coming into the season was his three-point shooting. Well, he clearly listened as this year he’s shooting nearly 44 percent from beyond the arc.
Other guys like Jalen Duren, Jaden Hardy, and even Patrick Baldwin Jr. are players that look to have high ceilings as well.
So while there are a lot of familiar names that should be taken in next year’s draft, the big three at the top are almost certainly going to be top three picks. Let’s take a look at my first edition of the 2022 NBA Mock Draft, with the first round being our focus here.
2022 NBA Mock Draft 1.0, for the first round
(Draft Order based on results through Jan. 10, for reference)
Picks 1-5
#1. Detroit Pistons: Paulo Banchero, Forward, Duke
As I mentioned earlier, Banchero is among three players favored to go in the top three. But, at this point in the season, Banchero has been the most consistent. He has an NBA-ready body, and can play forward or a big wing position. On top of that, among Holmgren, Smith, and Banchero, the ladder has a game that projects to the NBA a bit better than that of Smith. This pick will likely flip-flop nearly every week until draft day.
Although, for right now Banchero is your best bet if you’re the Pistons. Pairing him with Cade Cunningham gives the Pistons an explosive young duo that will be in Detroit for a long time.
#2. Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith, Forward, Auburn
Smith has sky-rocketed up big boards from Auburn’s first game. By drafting Smith, the Magic will be able to pair him with current rookie Franz Wagner, who has been excellent thus far. Smith has a high shot release that makes his shot incredibly tough to defend. On top of that he’s shooting 43 percent from deep on the year, which is great for such a young player. You may not know this, but Smith is a full year younger than Gonzaga’s Holmgren.
There are some questions surrounding Smith, including his two-point percentage (46 percent) and his finishing around the rim. However, those are easy to look past when watching Smith.
#3. Houston Rockets: Chet Holmgren, Center, Gonzaga
And the last man standing among the top three is Holmgren, who was viewed as the sure fire top pick up until this season. He’s fallen behind Smith and Banchero because of his skinny frame, and lack of superstar minutes. Holmgren is a key part of the Bulldogs team, but he’s nowhere near as important to his team as Smith is to his. Still, Holmgren has a lot to offer as a top three pick.
He’s shooting an absurd 75 percent from inside the arc, and blocking over three shots per game. He’s doing this while only playing 25 minutes per game. Yes there is some concern surrounding Holmgren, but the Rockets will still have an easy decision on draft night.
#4. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis
This is an unfortunate spot to be in if you are Oklahoma City. They barely miss out on one of the top three prospects in the draft. With that being said, I expect the Oklahoma City front office to be on the phone lines right now looking for a way to trade into the top three. However, if they do stay at four, Duren gives them an incredible defensive presence. He is shooting over 65 percent from the field, and blocking over two shots a game.
While Jaden Ivey, Jaden Hardy, and Johnny Davis are all still on the board, Duren offers them a lot. He will immediately be a lob partner with Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and on top of that he will lock down the inside on defense. Like I said, there are some other wings that are available, but the Thunder need a real dominating post presence, and Duren brings that. On top of that, he’s one of the youngest players in the draft at age 18.
#5. New Orleans Pelicans: Jaden Ivey, Guard, Purdue
Ivey is having an incredible season this year for Purdue. Coming into this season, there were major question marks surrounding his shooting. He’s an excellent athlete, with a high motor, but he needed to work on his shot.
Well, work on his shot he did, and now he’s one of the top five players available in the draft. He’s also improved his passing this season, totaling over three assists per game. The best part though, is that he is shooting over 40 percent from three, while taking nearly five per game. That’s something scouts will love.
With the future of Zion Williamson seemingly hanging in the balance, the Pelicans need to go get a guy who can contribute immediately, and Ivey can do that.
Picks 6-10
#6. Portland Trail Blazers: Johnny Davis, Guard/Wing, Wisconsin
We just got done talking about a Big Ten player going in the top five, well it’s possible they have two, with the way Davis has been playing of late. I am absolutely buying Davis at the next level. He’s taken a huge leap in his game, and can score now from all over. His three-point shooting is still a work in progress, but it can be good at times. Overall, Davis looks like an NBA player.
He has the 6-foot-5 frame to go along with his sharp ball-handling, and tough shot-making. If anything, Davis will give Blazers fans a lot to be happy about with the futures of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum in the balance.
#7. Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, Guard/Wing, Arizona
Last year the Pacers looked to the Pac-12 to find their 2021 draft pick, Chris Duarte. Duarte is an offensive weapon but his age and defensive ability are causes for concern. Well, the Pacers head back to the Pac-12 to grab another NBA-ready player in Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin. The sophomore has five games this year of 25 points or more, so he can definitely fill it up. On top of that his game will translate very well to the NBA.
His off-ball movement, ball-handling, and overall athleticism are easily translated to the NBA. He needs to improve on his pull-up game and mid-range shooting. If he can improve those two traits, the Pacers will be getting a steal at 7.
#8. San Antonio Spurs: AJ Griffin, Wing, Duke
We haven’t really gotten to see Griffin a ton this season. After suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for his entire junior season in high school, he hasn’t played much full court basketball. However, he’s still a lottery talent, even if we don’t see him a lot for the rest of the year. Currently he’s playing 15 minutes per game for the Blue Devils.
His shooting is looking great early, connecting on over 53 percent of his field goals, including 44 percent from three. His 6-foot-6 frame and athleticism will translate well to the NBA, and the Spurs could use a wing threat to go with Dejounte Murray, Derrick White, Lonnie Walker Jr. and last year’s first round pick, Josh Primo. The Spurs are building a formidable young backcourt, and Griffin would be a great plug-and-play at the wing position.
#9. Sacramento Kings: Kendall Brown, Wing, Baylor
Brown is a hard player to evaluate. He’s a key cog in Baylor’s recently undefeated team, but he’s hit or miss offensively. The Kings should be looking to better their defense, and that will start with selecting Brown.
He has an NBA-ready body and frame, and his athleticism is the best in the class. On offense he can score from all over when he’s on, but his explosiveness is what has scouts drooling. He’s made 27 dunks in just 13 games. How’s that for exciting?
#10. Minnesota Timberwolves: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Wing/Forward, UW-Milwaukee
If you haven’t heard of Baldwin Jr. yet, I don’t really blame you. The elite 6-foot-9 wing shooter is playing his college ball this season in the Horizon League for his dad, who’s the head coach at UW-Milwaukee. The team is struggling this season thus far, but Baldwin is the real deal.
He has had a rough patch to start the season, averaging only 13 points per game, and shooting miserably from three (31 percent). But, if you just watch the young man play, his shooting will translate. If you add Baldwin Jr. to a starting lineup with Karl Anthony-Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and Anthony Edwards, you have a playoff-contending team in the Western Conference.
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.
Picks 16-20
#16. Washington Wizards: JD Davison, PG, Alabama
#17. Dallas Mavericks: Trevor Keels, Guard/Wing, Duke
#18. Charlotte Hornets: Tari Eason, PF, LSU
19. Oklahoma City Thunder: MarJon Beauchamp, Guard/Wing, G-League Ignite
#20. Denver Nuggets: Wendell Moore Jr., Guard/Wing, Duke
Recap:
- The Wizards add JD Davison to a roster that badly needs ball-handlers. Spencer Dinwiddie is the main floor general for the Wizards, but by the time the 2022 NBA Draft rolls around he will be nearly 30, and it’s logical for them to prioritize having a young playmaker behind him. Davison should be able to help the Wizards lower Dinwiddie’s usage, and on top of that, he’s a good perimeter defender that can greatly help their defense when he’s in there.
- The Thunder have a lot of draft picks coming up in the next few years and the foreseeable future, so this upcoming draft, I have them taking a chance on MarJon Beauchamp. He’s easily the second-most talented player on the G League Ignite roster behind the aforementioned Hardy, a big-time shooter, as we expressed. His frame is ready for the NBA, as he stands at 6-foot-6 and nearly 200 pounds currently. He can be utilized on both ends of the floor and has explosive potential, which is something the Thunder should be valuing highly going forward. Beauchamp is definitely worth the risk for the Thunder at this point in their rebuild, where they should be looking to take swings on ceiling for a while.
Picks 21-25
#21. Philadelphia 76ers: Harrison Ingram, Wing, Stanford
#22. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jeremy Sochan, Wing, Baylor
#23. Houston Rockets: Dyson Daniels, Guard, G-League Ignite
#24. Memphis Grizzlies: Nikola Jovic, Wing, Mega Leks
#25. Milwaukee Bucks: Ochai Agbaji, Guard, Kansas
Recap
- The Cavaliers pick up another young wing to add to the roster in the 2022 NBA Draft. There are a lot of question marks with Sochan, but he plays for the best team in the country, and is one of the most versatile prospects. Last weekend against Iowa State, his whole arsenal was on display. He bagged 12 points, seven rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. His defense is in the upper tier in this draft, and his shooting stroke looks promising, considering he’s already a career 35 percent shooter from three. This is a bit of a gamble for the Cavs, but if this season has taught us anything, it’s that to get wings, you have to draft them.
- From there, Agbaji is the kind of player who will fit in easily with the defending champs. He’s having a monster senior season averaging over 20 points per game, to go along with four rebounds and two assists. He shoots a solid 53 percent from the field and is hitting his threes at a 44 percent clip this season. He may be older than a lot of prospects, but his style and body will naturally transition to the NBA. On top of everything, he’s a leader and veteran on Kansas. The Bucks love drafting those types of guys.
Picks 26-30
#26. Miami Heat: Dereon Seabron, Wing/Forward, North Carolina State
#27. Chicago Bulls: Blake Wesley, Guard, Notre Dame
#28. Memphis Grizzlies: Walker Kessler, Forward, Auburn
#29. Oklahoma City Thunder: Mark Williams, Center, Duke
#30. Golden State Warriors: Aminu Mohammed, Guard, Georgetown
Recap
- The Miami Heat roster is full of ball-handlers that can score well, and in a multitude of ways for head coach Erik Spoelstra and company. You have veteran stars in Kyle Lowry and Jimmy Butler, and even Tyler Herro has found his game again as feasibly the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year right now. Sebron will fit seamlessly into the rotation in Miami. The 6-foot-7 wing player averages over 20 points per game, and also grabs nearly 10 rebounds per night, which is no small feat. He needs to improve his three-point shooting, but his athleticism will help the Heat the most in coming years.
- From there, Kessler has been tied to being a second-rounder for most of the year thus far. However, after seeing him a little bit at North Carolina last year, I think he moves into the first round by the end of the year the way things have been progressing. He has a solid shooting stroke overall, and his defense on the interior and rebounding make him a formidable foe. Although, he needs to be more consistent and put on some weight before we lock him into the first round for certain from here.
So that wraps up this first KJG Mock for the first round. It’ll be interesting to see what changes the next go-round.