Final mock featuring selections in the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery
Picks 1-3
- Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith, Forward, Auburn (6’11”, 249 LBS)
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Center, Gonzaga (7’0″, 194 LBS)
- Houston Rockets: Paolo Banchero, Forward, Duke (6’10”, 250 LBS)
It’s pretty much a sure thing that these three will be the first three players taken in the 2022 NBA Draft, in any order. With just over a day before the draft, it still looks like the Magic will take Smith with the first overall pick. He’s probably the most NBA-ready prospect we’ve seen since Zion Williamson, and he’s a full-year younger than Holmgren. His shooting for his height is great, and his potential on defense will intrigue the Magic. With young players like Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner at the core of the team, adding in Smith might take them over the top to playoff contention.
The Thunder will likely select Smith or Holmgren depending on who the Magic take. In this mock Smith is off the board, so they take the most intriguing prospect in the draft. A true 7-footer with guard-like skills, his frame scares a lot of teams, but Evan Mobley proved last season that a small frame isn’t the worst thing in the NBA. With his rim-protecting skills, and his versatility, Holmgren will fit in smoothly with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.
Banchero falls to the Rockets, which might be who they prefer anyways. They reportedly hosted him in Houston and also were in attendance for a private workout in Memphis. On top of that, the Rockets just traded away a starting big in Christian Wood.
Banchero’s ability to create shots for himself, and for teammates means he will mesh well with the number two overall pick last year, Jalen Green. The Rockets are definitely building an exciting, fast-paced team.