2022 NBA Mock Draft: Full Two Round Picks & Predictions

Since the publishing of my last mock draft, we’ve been pushed into the second major benchmark of the NBA draft season. Withdrawal day for some NBA candidates has passed and several high-level prospects have decided to return to the college ranks including Terquavion Smith, Drew Timme, Rasir Bolton, and Julian Strawther, each projected to be selected in the 2022 NBA Draft.

Some viewed Smith, an ACC All-Rookie Team member, as a bit of a surprise to return to college after the recent buzz of his first-round status. However, fellow standouts Drew Timme, Julian Strawther, and Rasir Bolton all announced they would be returning to Gonzaga together. Many scouts and people were left wondering what exactly were some thinking, but regardless, we will likely see each in next year’s draft.

With that said, we now have further ideas on which players teams like as we continue to dive into workouts, drills, combines, media sessions, and one-on-ones between players and teams. Below, you can find my second mock draft of the offseason, which includes all 58 NBA selections. (Milwaukee and Miami had to forfeit their second-round picks due to free agency tampering rules violations).

1. Orlando Magic – Jabari Smith (PF – Auburn)

It’s been all but guaranteed that the Magic are locked between Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith, but the rumors and odds market continue to have Smith as the first selection. With Mo Bamba headed to the open market and Wendell Carter flashing some serious upside in 2022, the Magic may elect to go smaller in the frontcourt pairing Carter and Smith. This 6’10” phenom can not only hit the glass but can help take the pressure off young guards Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Chet Holmgren (C – Gonzaga)

The most polarizing prospect in the NBA draft is Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren. A true 7-footer that can dribble, block shots, and knock down the trey. However, the community is split on him as he weighs in at 190 pounds and his most recent tape in the NCAA Tournament saw him getting exposed on both sides of the floor. Despite that, Holmgren has the clear highest superstar upside in this draft, and judging on past history, the Thunder have no problem taking skinny, athletic bigs (Aleksej Pokusevski).

3. Houston Rockets – Paolo Banchero (SF – Duke)

In my humble opinion, he’s the best player in the draft. Banchero is a disruptive defender, post playmaker, and capable distributor. With the backcourt jammed with Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., the Rockets would be ecstatic to not only get the best player in this draft but also get some help for Christian Wood in the frontcourt.

4. Sacramento Kings – Jaden Ivey (SG – Purdue)

This selection certainly wouldn’t be a consolation prize for the Kings. Ivey is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in league circles after dominating several draft workouts. Despite having two guards the Kings deem to be “the future” in De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell, grabbing what’s viewed as the next best prospect of the “big 4” would be great value for Sacramento.

5. Detroit Pistons – Keegan Murray (SF – Iowa)

It’s no secret that the Pistons are in need of a guard after striking out on the likes of Killian Hayes, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Luke Kennard in recent history, but with Jaden Ivey selected at No. 4, Murray is the next best option. His fit with franchise building block Cade Cunningham is like peanut butter and jelly: They just work. Murray’s a smart defensive anchor for a big man that should help Cunningham on the offensive side of the ball with his floor-stretching abilities.

6. Indiana Pacers – Shaedon Sharpe (SG – Kentucky)

Despite a loaded backcourt, many believe the Pacers still are interested in adding a shooter to the room. After grabbing Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield at the deadline last season, we saw the Pacers start to quickly see their future unfolding. With Malcolm Brogdon being dangled to teams for a potential big man, the Pacers will look to add a three-and-D specialist like Sharpe to the mix. This kid is considered to be one of the biggest wildcards in this year’s draft.

7. Portland Trail Blazers – Dyson Daniels (PG – G League Ignite)

After the trade of longtime stalwart C.J. McCollum, the Blazers were quickly sent into rebuild mode. Despite this, the team’s management and ownership have continued to press the notion that they will be building around Damian Lillard. With 2022 standout Anfernee Simons headed to restricted free agency this summer, hedging their bets with a high-upside but raw prospect like Daniels would fit their timeline.

8. New Orleans Pelicans – Bennedict Mathurin (SG – Arizona)

Thanks to the Lakers, the Pelicans can continue to load up with their current group of McCollum, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram. Adding Bennedict Mathurin would do just that. A 45% shooter from the floor and 36.9% from 3-point range, this crafty guard averaged 17.7 points per game in college on his way to a PAC-12 Player of the Year honor. He makes for the perfect win-now player that pairs nicely with their current weapons and would allow the Pelicans to play less of Devonte’ Graham.

9. San Antonio Spurs – Jalen Duren (C – Memphis)

The Spurs continue to be loaded in the backcourt with Devin Vassell, Josh Primo, Lonnie Walker, Keldon Johnson, and Dejounte Murray, but for some reason, they seem content on shedding Jakob Poeltl this offseason, the team’s only real big. Putting the pieces together, pairing Duren, an 18-year-old physically imposing big man, to the mix would make a ton of sense. With Dejounte Murray at the helm, the pick and roll between these two would help open up the floor spacing for shooters such as Lonnie Walker and Josh Primo.

10. Washington Wizards – Johnny Davis (SG – Wisconsin)

The impending free agency of star guard Bradley Beal is looming large for the Washington Wizards. With such large pressures on the team, they will likely focus on adding to a thin backcourt that got torched at times last season, ranking 25th in points allowed per game. Pairing Davis, who averaged 19.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.7 blocks, and 1.2 3-pointers per game this past season with potentially Beal would help bolster those numbers on each end of the floor.

11. New York Knicks – A.J. Griffin (SF – Duke)

A lackluster season and a big slide in the draft for Griffin, who checked in at No. 6 in my mock draft two weeks ago. Outside of trading this selection to move up or acquire a guard, Griffin would make a ton of sense for the Knicks’ brass. He’s one of the best shooters in this draft class, knocking down 45% of his 3-pointers last season. His 7-foot wingspan, solid athleticism, and great shooting would fit in nicely and take pressure off of R.J. Barrett.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Ousmane Dieng (SF – New Zealand)

If the Thunder were to stay on brand, selecting Dieng would be just that. A high-upside, intriguing prospect out of New Zealand. This young forward stands at 6’9″ and has the position versatility to guard nearly every player on the court. He’s a bit raw, but he flashed at several points last season including busting out NBA range and playmaking ability. With the Thunder in no rush to get better, swinging for the fences on a prospect like Dieng makes sense.

13. Charlotte Hornets – Mark Williams (C – Duke)

Williams remains in the same spot for me yet again. It’s cut and dry — the Hornets need rim protection and a lob threat to pair with superstar LaMelo Ball. Last season, the frontcourt was manned by Mason Plumlee and Montrezl Harrell, leading the Hornets to a 15th overall ranking in rebounds per game. That’s simply not good enough. With Williams having shades of Robert Williams in Boston, the Hornets might be giddy seeing what their Eastern Conference rivals are doing.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers – Malaki Branham (SG – Ohio State)

The offense continues to be a point of need for the Cavaliers this offseason after taking a nose dive post-Ricky Rubio injury. Branham’s slick ability to knock down shots pairs nicely with newfound superstar Darius Garland. The 19-year-old SG will likely start right away for the Cavs, providing excellent defense and floor spacing, and could also help expedite the development of Collin Sexton.

15. Charlotte Hornets – Ochai Agbaji (G – Kansas)

The team needs stretch far from just the frontcourt; forwards are a position of need as well. Being rounded out by often injured and struggling players such as Kelly Oubre Jr. and Gordan Hayward, the Hornets may elect to grab a stretch forward that is labeled as one of the highest-floor, three-and-D players in the draft.

16. Atlanta Hawks – Tari Eason (SF – LSU)

With a frontcourt that has had issues with John Collins in both his availability and trade request demands, the Hawks may elect to draft his potential replacement and move on from the veteran. Eason could step in and immediately help a defense that ranked 19th in points allowed last season. His dynamic first step and ability to guard every position on the floor would pair excellently alongside the shooters the Hawks have.

17. Houston Rockets – Jeremy Sochan (PF – Baylor)

We’ve known Houston as a lights-out shooting team for a while, even without James Harden; they ranked seventh in threes per game last season. Sochan’s solid shooting pairs nicely with his more impressive athletic prowess that could help a young deep rotation of potentially Paolo Banchero, Jalen Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. get out and push the tempo on slower NBA teams, like their conference-rival L.A. Lakers.

18. Chicago Bulls – E.J. Liddell (PF – Ohio State)

After bringing in Liddell for a workout this week, the team came away super impressed. It’s also no secret that the team is in desperate need of a big man. Liddell’s outstanding 2.6 blocks per game should help ease the pressure off of big man Nikola Vucevic, and his 37.4% from three on nearly four attempts per game should have the Bulls giddy to add this unique playmaker.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves – Tyty Washington (PG – Kentucky)

D’Angelo Russell continues to show season after season that he is not the answer, but when is the Timberwolves’ management going to learn? With free agency looming large for DLO just a year away, grabbing a suitable replacement to pair with two superstars in karl Anthony-Towns and Anthony Edwards would make sense. Washington’s playmaking and shot-creating ability would feel like a one-for-one slide on a cheaper salary for the T-Wolves.

20. San Antonio Spurs – Nikola Jovic (G – Serbia)

Name a more iconic duo than young raw international prospects and Greg Popovich. I’ll wait. Jovic is a classic Spurs guy: smart, scrappy, has room for upside, and is a dynamic off-ball shooter. With Lonnie Walker not being exactly what the team hoped for in a small forward, Jovic can be all that and more.

21. Denver Nuggets – Jalen Williams (G/F – Santa Clara)

One of the biggest winners of the NBA Draft Combine, Williams showed excellent on-court play and measurables. During his college days, he showed great scoring and shooting ability to the tune of 18.0 points and 4.2 assists per game. With both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. still working back from injury, adding a nice high-ceiling player and guard like Williams can ease the pressure off the return of both players.

22. Memphis Grizzlies – Walker Kessler (C – Auburn)

One of college basketball’s most feared rim protectors this past season was Walker Kessler of Auburn. He’s got a raw game and very little upside as an offensive threat, but he is a menacing paint defender with shades of Myles Turner in his game. Pairing this elite defensive candidate with Jaren Jackson Jr. would cause major problems for opposing offenses.

23. Philadelphia 76ers (Nets have deferred option to swap to 2023) – Jake LaRavia (F – Wake Forest)

In recent interviews, 76ers GM Elton Brand talked about the team trying to add more depth and defensive players this offseason. The Nets deferring this pick would allow the 76ers to get LaRavia — who has been one of the most talked-about names at the combine — and that’d be considered an absolute steal for the 76ers. He’s a versatile big man that has a fundamentally sound game and pairs for a great fit alongside Embiid.

24. Milwaukee Bucks – Dalen Terry (G – Arizona)

It wasn’t too long ago that Terry was drawing praise as a potential high lottery selection. After an offseason and a few bumps in the road, he may find himself in a nice situation in Milwaukee. His ability to play off the ball and create offense paired with his switching ability on defense compares similarly to Marcus Smart‘s game. If the Bucks can add a player like this, things are looking up for 2022-2023.

25. San Antonio Spurs – MarJon Beauchamp (F – G League Ignite)

Adding another gritty forward to the mix would work wonders for the Spurs. Beauchamp is an excellent and versatile defender and possesses the ability to move around and score the ball at will. He’s arguably one of the most pro-ready prospects and should start from Day 1.

26. Dallas Mavericks – Bryce McGowens (SG – Nebraska)

With Jalen Brunson scheduled to hit free agency this offseason, rumor has it that he’s as good as gone. With little scoring and playmakers left on the team outside of Luka Doncic, adding a guy like McGowens makes a ton of sense. He’s a long, versatile defender, has smooth bounce, and has great upside in his ability to create.

27. Miami Heat – Kennedy Chandler (G – Tennessee)

We saw Miami get exposed in the half-court offense during this last playoff series with the Celtics. The lack of a true ball-moving point guard in a half-court setting really hurt them and adding Chandler could really help improve it. Chandler led the Volunteers to an SEC title this past season, averaging 13.9 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 3-pointers in nearly 31 minutes per game. He’s a 38% shooter from three, which the team loves, and has the ability to help create and ease the pressure off an aging Kyle Lowry.

28. Golden State Warriors – Christian Braun (SG – Kansas)

Pro-ready players are what Golden State should be targeting in the draft. Braun makes for an instant impact player from Day 1. His ability to create offense, have smooth transition passing, and shoot the three is everything and more Golden State should be looking for.

29. Memphis Grizzlies – Trevor Keels (SF – Duke)

With nothing at the guard position behind Morant, who missed a large portion of the season, adding talent and depth is a must. Keels is an excellent, young, tough draft prospect that has a great feel for the game. Pairing a gritty guy like him alongside a superstar in Morant would make a ton of sense.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder – Blake Wesley (SG – Notre Dame)

This is a trendy pick amongst the NBA community. This 19-year-old is a fantastic hunter on offense with the ability to create shots and facilitate. He’s a raw prospect, but pairing him and his upside with a low-pressure environment may help him get to his full potential.

Second Round

31. Indiana Pacers – Caleb Houston (SF – Michigan)

32. Orlando Magic – Jaden Hardy (G – G League Ignite)

33. Toronto Raptors – Kendall Brown (SF – Baylor)

34. Oklahoma City Thunder – Wendell Moore Jr. (SF – Duke)

35. Orlando Magic – Andrew Nembhard (G – Gonzaga)

36. Portland Trail Blazers – Patrick Baldwin Jr. (SF – Milwaukee)

37. Sacramento Kings – Peyton Watson (SF – UCLA)

38. San Antonio Spurs – John Butler (F – Florida State)

39. Cleveland Cavaliers – Hugo Besson (PG – New Zealand)

40. Minnesota Timberwolves – Ryan Rollins (G – Toledo)

41. New Orleans Pelicans – Jaylin Williams (PF – Arkansas)

42. New York Knicks – Christian Koloko (C – Arizona)

43. Los Angeles Clippers – Justin Lewis (SF – Marquette)

44. Atlanta Hawks – Max Christie (G/F – Michigan State)

45. Charlotte Hornets – Leonard Miller (SF – Fort Erie Academy)

46. Detroit Pistons – Harrison Ingram (SF – Stanford)

47. Memphis Grizzlies – Gabriele Procida (SF – Italy)

48. Sacramento Kings – Josh Minott (PF – Memphis)

49. Minnesota Timberwolves – Moussa Diabate (PF – Michigan)

50. Golden State Warriors – Alondez Williams (G – Wake Forest)

51. Minnesota Timberwolves – Michael Foster (F – G League Ignite)

52. New Orleans Pelicans – Trevion Williams (C – Purdue)

53. Boston Celtics – Aminu Mohammed (SG – Georgetown)

54. Washington Wizards – Dominick Barlow (F – Overtime Elite)

55. Golden State Warriors – David Roddy (SF – Colorado State)

56. Cleveland Cavaliers – Zvonimir Ivisic (C – Croatia)

57. Portland Trailblazers – JD Davison (PG – Alabama)

58. Indiana Pacers – Jabari Walker (PF – Colorado)

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