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.
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.
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