NBA Mock Draft 2022: Jabari Smith Tops The List

On Friday, June 17, all the buzz and heat of NBA games fall down with the conclusion of the NBA finals 2022. The Golden State Warriors emerged as the winners of the season and now own a tag of seven-time champions. But things are heated up once again in the NBA universe. The NBA draft 2022 is around the corner. As the curiosity is rising, various NBA mock draft 2022 is flocking our feed.  

The first round of the NBA draft will commence at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday evening. As teams concentrate on their options, Thursday night seems busy with trades and other activities. Teams and talents are wrapping up their preparations after extensive processes, including multiple sessions and discussions. Teams are preparing to see who they will add to their roster in hopes of improving their squad for the 2022-23 season. Curiosity and speculations are also boiling up in the NBA universe. 

What to expect from the NBA Mock Draft 2022?

This year’s NBA draft will decide the fate of 58 players. Due to league rules violations, the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks have lost a second-round pick. Throughout the year, a bunch of potential have risen in popularity. But as per the trends and analysis, Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, and Jaden Ivey are touted as contenders for a spot in the top four.

NBA Mock Draft 2022

According to trends and several NBA mock drafts, the most recent projections are below for the first round of the NBA 2022 drafts. More news and updates on the NBA mock draft 2022 will follow in the coming days. 

1. Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn

Class: Freshman         Height: 6-10

From various NBA mock drafts for 2022, Jabar appears as the number one pick. He provides a wide range of attacking skills that he can immediately integrate into this Magic club. He possesses the reach and athleticism to defend spots 1-4, and he is the best shooting big man in this draft pick, averaging 42 percent from three-point range, something the Magic badly need after shooting 33 percent last season.

Jabari Smith Tops The List

Holmgren’s intention to fall to the Thunder at No. 2 could perhaps play a role on draft night. Holmgren spoke to the Magic in Orlando for two days last week. The Magic are also set to meet with Paolo Banchero. 

2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

Class: Freshman         Height: 7-0

Given the roster fit and potential playing time in the frontcourt, Holmgren and his agent, Bill Duffy, are said to desire to join the Thunder. Holmgren looks like a terrific fit for the Thunder; therefore, many NBA mock drafts for 2022 consider him for the No. 2 spot. His under 200-pound physique raises problems. Despite this, how Holmgren contributes to a team and what he can do on the floor with his outstanding ball-handling and footwork is extraordinary. On defense, he’s a great shot blocker.

The Thunder are leaving all viable options open at No. 2 and could use this choice to target Ivey or try to trade their 12th-round pick.

3. Houston Rockets: Paolo Banchero, Duke

Class: Freshman         Height: 6-10

Houston gets a top-three draft pick for the second year in a row. Rockets lack size in the lane, which Banchero will provide. The ACC Rookie of the Year is a grab-and-go guy. Paolo’s lone known workout prior to the draft was with the Rockets. So, Houston Rockets may sign him when Smith and Holmgren are gone. Many anticipate Banchero will be selected due to Christian Wood’s trade to the Dallas Mavericks last week. 

4. Sacramento Kings: Jaden Ivey, Purdue

Class: Sophomore         Height: 6-4

The NBA mock drafts 2022 predict Ivey is the best prospect at No. 4. Sacramento Kings are allegedly negotiating with the Pistons, Pacers, Wizards, and Knicks about trading down. Sacramento’s backcourt could be intriguing if they keep the pick. Ivey’s reliable outside jump shot can be a valuable addition to Sacramento. However, this pick could also be the first to cause a stir on draft night.

5. Detroit Pistons: Keegan Murray, Iowa

Class: Sophomore         Height: 6-8

Murray ranked on the top of the stat sheet, and he was the only player in the last season to record to have at least 800 points, 60 blocked shots, 300 rebounds, and 50 assists. Pistons are allegedly one of the teams interested in moving up to get Ivey, but they should be content with Murray if they end up with him. He is a complete player in the NBA draft 2022. 

6. Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona

Class: Sophomore        Height: 6-6

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Jeremy Sochan, Baylor

Class: Freshman         Height: 6-9

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from LA Lakers): Dyson Daniels, NBA G League Ignite

Class: N/A                   Height: 6-7

9. San Antonio Spurs: Shaedon Sharpe, Kentucky

Class: Freshman         Height: 6-5

10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, Wisconsin

    Class: Sophomore         Height: 6-5

11. New York Knicks: Malaki Branham, Ohio State

    Class: Freshman         Height: 6-5

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from LA Clippers): AJ Griffin, Duke

   Class: Freshman         Height: 6-5

13. Charlotte Hornets: Jalen Duren, Memphis

    Class: Freshman         Height: 6-11

14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

    Class: Senior              Height: 6-5

15. Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans): Ousmane Dieng, NZ Breakers (NBL)

    Class: N/A                  Height: 6-9

16. Atlanta Hawks: Tari Eason, LSU

    Class: Sophomore        Height: 6-8

17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn): Jalen Williams, Santa Clara

   Class: Junior                    Height: 6-5

18. Chicago Bulls: Mark Williams, Duke

    Class: Sophomore          Height: 7-2

19. Minnesota Timberwolves: E.J. Liddell, Ohio State

    Class: Junior                    Height: 6-7

20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto): Walker Kessler, Auburn

    Class: Sophomore          Height: 7-1

21. Denver Nuggets: TyTy Washington, Kentucky

    Class: Freshman         Height: 6-3

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Blake Wesley, Notre Dame

    Class: Freshman         Height: 6-4

23. Philadelphia 76ers: Jaden Hardy, NBA G League

    Class: N/A        Height: 6-4

24. Milwaukee Bucks: Nikola Jovic, KK Mega Basket

    Class: N/A         Height: 6-11

25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston): MarJon Beauchamp, NBA G League Ignite

    Class: N/A            Height: 6-10

26. Houston Rockets (via Dallas): Caleb Houston, Michigan

    Class: Freshman         Height: 6-8

27. Miami Heat: Christian Braun, Kansas

    Class: Junior                Height: 6-7

28. Golden State Warriors: Jake LaRavia, Wake Forest

    Class: Junior                Height: 6-8

29. Memphis Grizzlies: Dalen Terry, Arizona

   Class: Sophomore         Height: 6-7

30. Denver Nuggets (via Oklahoma City): Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee

    Class: Freshman         Height: 6-0

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