Fien's Final 2022 NBA Mock Draft

It’s here! It’s finally draft night! This is my final 2022 NBA Mock Draft, complete with all 30 picks and some trades! This draft is shaping up to be a chaotic one after the top three, but I took my best guess at what I think is going to happen! As always, check out my other articles on the draft (including the fan favorite NBA player comparisons) for some more prospect analysis and be sure to follow me on Twitter @zachefiene for live thoughts and reactions during the draft! Enjoy!

1. Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith, Big (Auburn)

It seems as of today that Jabari Smith is the overwhelming favorite to be the #1 pick, and while It’s not what I would do, I think that it makes sense for what the Magic need. With some solid young building blocks at guard and solid center play last year from Wendell Carter and free agent to be Mo Bamba, Jabari Smith would give them a potential versatile scorer in the front court. He struggled with shot creation a bit in his one season at Auburn, but the potential to develop into a go to mismatch nightmare is definitely there. Defensively he’s ready to contribute right away, with great lateral quickness and good shot blocking instincts. Both Smith and Holmgren make a ton of sense and fit well in their own ways. Orlando really can’t go wrong with this pick.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Big (Gonzaga)

Oklahoma City is in the easiest spot, maybe in draft history, on Thursday night. Whoever doesn’t go #1, is a slam dunk pick and great fit for them at #2. In the case of Holmgren, he provides the defensive anchor and rim protector needed to finally transform this young group of exciting offensive players into a formidable defensive team as well. He’ll fit in nicely on the offensive end too, adding some elite length that makes for easy finishes around the rim that I’m sure SGA and Giddey will love, as well as some floor much needed floor spacing. Chet is already plenty strong (despite popular opinion), but give him a few years to add some muscle and he can be very dangerous.

3. Houston Rockets: Paolo Banchero, Forward (Duke)

Paolo Banchero is a really good basketball player. His biggest asset is his mental feel for the game. He’s a smart passer, mover off the ball, and rotational defender. He also possesses some shot creation ability and has the potential to develop into a 20 point per game scorer pretty quickly. The fit here with Houston is a bit weird, but the Rockets are so bad that fit doesn’t really matter. Their young players are going to need to learn to share the shot attempts eventually anyway, so they might as well start now. Jalen Green and Banchero are a really fun duo and easy to build around for the future.

4. Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, Forward (Iowa)

Ultimately I think Sacramento would love to trade this pick for a very impactful player, but I just don’t think that type of deal presents itself in the next few hours. If the Kings really want to win now like the higher ups have been saying all offseason, Keegan Murray is the safest bet to be a good fitting and impactful #3 option right away. His size, defensively versatility, and shot making ability really complement Fox and Sabonis well. Murray can be used in a lot of different ways, even as a small ball 5. There is also a real possibility of a trade down here, but I just don’t see a certain team picking in the lottery having the assets to make it happen.

5. Detroit Piston: Jaden Ivey, Guard (Purdue)

This may seem like a weird fit on paper, considering the Pistons have used the #7 and #1 overall pick in back to back years on guards, but I actually love this fit for both Ivey and Detroit. Pairing Ivey with Cade Cunningham is a match made in heaven. Cade is more of a typical point guard in terms of being a floor general and getting everyone involved, while Ivey is the “put your head down and get a bucket” type of guard. Ivey had some defensive effort issues in his one season at Purdue, but I like the potential of him and Cade together defensively as well. Overall, the Pistons need good basketball players, and Jaden Ivey is a very good basketball player.

6. Indiana Pacers: Benedict Mauthurin, Wing (Arizona)

The Pacers did a good thing last year and finally committed to a direction, trading Domntas Sabonis for Tyrese Halliburton. The Pacers are finally young and rebuilding. They’re also currently shopping Malcolm Brogdan and Myles Turner pretty aggressively, so they could acquire even more picks in this draft. With the 6th pick, this really came down to 2 players for me- Mathurin and Shaedon Sharpe. Ultimately I’m predicting Mathurin. From everything we’ve seen/heard, he’s had some good workouts with the team and his shooting ability and baseline to baseline speed pairs really nicely with Haliburton.

7. *TRADE* Oklahoma City Thunder: Jeremy Sohan, Forward (Baylor)

This trade is really simple. Oklahoma City sends Portland #12, Lu Dort, and a 2025 protected 1st round pick for the 7th pick. Oklahoma City has all the draft picks in the world, so this is a no brainer for them to move up and get a difference maker in Sohan, considering they could probably replace Dort’s production rather easily. For Portland, they get to add a really nice complementary player in Dort, while also still being able to draft another impactful player at 12. Sohan gives OKC a really nice 4 or small ball 5 that excels as a passer and on the defensive end. He’s incredibly selfless and super intelligent, and will be another very nice piece to an already impressive young core.

8. New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, Guard (G-League)

The Pelicans continue with their recent draft philosophy of drafting tough defenders, and select G-League product Dyson Daniels. Daniels would also add a much needed primary ball handler to a young team who has a few really nice score first guys, but not that classic table setter you really need to maximize everyone else’s abilities. At the very minimum, Daniels is a rotational lockdown defender and offensive initiator for the 2nd unit. He’s got potential to be much more obviously, given his good size and lengthy frame, defensive grit, and overall great feel for the game.

9. San Antonio Spurs: Shaedon Sharpe, Wing (Kentucky)

The Spurs swing for the fences here and stop the fall of the former #1 HS player in the country, Shaedon Sharpe. Putting (Kentucky) next to his name feels disingenuous, considering he never played a minute there. Sharpe hasn’t played any basketball passed the high school level, so it’s a real concern that it’ll probably take him a while to adjust to the NBA. He was the #1 HS player in the country for a reason. He’s an elite athlete with elite size and length, and showed that he can get buckets from all 3 levels with ease. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Paul George (by me), this pick could really pay off for the Spurs. They have some nice young pieces, but really lack a go to scorer. They’re hoping Sharpe fills that need for them.

10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, Guard (Wisconsin)

Washington’s immediate future remains in limbo while we all patiently await Bradley Beal’s free agency decision, but that really shouldn’t matter much here with this pick. Johnny Davis is a good 2 way player who showed some really nice flashes of initiating offense for himself and for others. He fits well with Beal and if Beal decides to go elsewhere, he’ll have more freedom to expand his offensive game to become a more potent scorer. He’s ready to contribute right away but also has plenty of room to grow his game.

11. New York Knicks- AJ Griffin, Wing (Duke)

The Knicks are in a tough spot here, as they have to decide likely between Griffin and Memphis’s Jalen Duren. Recent reports are indicating that they’re gonna try to extend Mitchell Robinson, so in that case their choice is pretty easy. Griffin’s biggest strength is his 3 point shooting and overall potential as a complimentary 3 level scorer. He showed some good defensive fundamentals at Duke, but his effort level wasn’t always consistent. Thibs could coach him up into a legit 2 way difference maker. Griffin also has a long list of prior injuries and any team is gonna have to be comfortable with whatever comes back in the medical report to take him this high.

12. *TRADE* Toronto Raptors: Jalen Duren, Big (Memphis)

Another Trailblazers trade! What’s going to Portland you ask? OG Anunoby! The Blazers make ANOTHER splash after acquiring Jerami Grant and add the last missing piece of the startling lineup. The Raptors do this trade because they have a log jam at forward, and a glaring hole at center. They’ve tried guys like Boucher and Achuiwa, but nothing has stuck yet. Duren would give them an inside lob threat and energetic defense that they just haven’t had in the last few years. Both teams get more well rounded after this trade and both have to be walking away from draft night ecstatic with their new players.

13. Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams, Big (Duke)

The Hornets and their fans have got to be devastated at the Raptors last minute swoop in and theft of Jalen Duren, but they’ll have to “settle” for Duke’s Mark Williams to fill their giant hole at center. He’s not the athlete Duren is, but he’s more fundamentally sound and is the better rebounder at this point. He’s not a bad athlete, and with an insane 7’7” wingspan, he’s still be the best lob threat LaMelo has played with so far. He’s a smart defender as well, and should instantly improve one of the league’s worsts interior defenses.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ousmane Dieng, Forward (New Zealand)

The Cavs don’t have any glaring holes on the roster, so in this situation I would always shoot for the best upside. At this point in the draft, I think it’s French prospect Ousmane Dieng. He’s 6’10” and dribbles like a guard. He’s got a smooth looking jumpshot and well rounded offensive game. He’s definitely a negative defensively at this point and he also wasn’t super efficient as a shooter last year either. He’s a project for sure, but with the right teaching he could be something special.

For the rest of the first round, my write ups will be a bit more concise for the sake of time.

15. Charlotte Hornets: Malaki Braham, Wing (Ohio State)

The Hornets are rumored to be looking to dump some future tied up money (Hayward or Rozier) in order to free up cap space for a big Miles Bridges extension to kick in next year. Branham would be a good replacement wing should either of those guys be traded, as he’s a smart shot creator with a knack for getting buckets.

16. Atlanta Hawks: Tari Eason, Forward (LSU)

The Hawks add a versatile defender around Trae Young, and a potential replacement at the 4 if they do end up trading John Collins. Eason is a high energy defensive first guy who showed some ability to shoot the 3 (36% on 2.4 attempts per game) last season. He also averaged almost 17 points a game due to his timely cuts, fluid transition game, and high draw foul rate.

17. Houston Rockets: Blake Wesley, Guard (Notre Dame)

The Rockets get a shot creating guard with more point skills than Kevin Porter Jr, allowing him to move off the ball and focus more on his scoring. Wesley can run the 2nd unit in the event they keep John Wall also. He’s a tough defender and reliable playmaker in addition to being an offense initiator.

18. *TRADE* Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jovic, Forward (Serbia)

The Nuggets trade #21 and #30 for #18 and a future 2nd in order to move up and secure their top target, Serbian prospect Nikola Jovic. Other than the obvious fit for the memes, Jovic is a very good basketball fit next to two time MVP Nikola Jokic. He’s a high IQ player with a knack for creating offense for himself and others. If he can develop his catch and shoot game, it’s gonna be hard to keep him off the floor.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kennedy Chandler, Guard (Tennessee)

I think Minnesota lacks a playmaker. I think they’re actually at their best with Russell at the 2 and Edwards at the 3. Chandler is a reliable pass first playmaker who competes hard every possession on the defensive end as well.

20. San Antonio Spurs: Ochai Agbaji, Wing (Kansas)

Agbadi falls a bit further than expected due to age, but the Spurs end his fall here at 20. He’ll provide some steady shooting and perimeter defense to a team that was 26th in 3 pointers made and 23rd in opponents points per game last season

21. *via previous trade* Chicago Bulls: Jaden Hardy, Wing (G-League)

I think Zach Lavine is on his way out. To replace him, the Bulls draft G-League product Jaden Hardy. Hardy is a crafty bucket getter who excels in the mid range area, but also was good as a catch and shoot threat from 3. I also think he’s an upgrade defensively over Lavine in the long run.

22. Memphis Grizzlies: Daley Terry, Guard (Arizona)

Dalen Terry checks a lot of boxes for Memphis. He can run the point for the 2nd unit, he can play alongside Ja Morant as a wing, and he’s got the size and length they’ve coveted in recent drafts. At 6’7”, he’s a unique project player that also has some value as a 3 and D player right away.

23. *TRADE* Houston Rockets: Jalen Williams, Forward (Santa Clara)

The 76ers trade the 23rd pick and Danny Green (likely to be waived after), to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Eric Gordon and two future 2nd round picks. Philly upgrades Green to a more dynamic and younger Gordon, and Houston gets another pick for a guy getting squeezed out of their rotation anyway. With the pick, Houston selects the versatile Jalen Williams. He’s a tough shot maker that can score at all 3 levels that also projects as a multi position stopper.

24. Milwaukee Bucks: Walker Kessler, Big (Auburn)

Brook Lopez is 34 and Bobby Portis is a free agent. Milwaukee needs to sure up the front court depth for the future, and Walker Kessler is an excellent fit to do so. He’s an elite shot blocker and should learn a ton from Brook Lopez. The Bucks turned Lopez into an elite shooter for the position, so it’s not crazy to think they could do the same for Kessler.

25. *TRADE* Indiana Pacers: EJ Liddell, Forward (Ohio State)

The Spurs trade out of this spot, getting back pick #31 and PG TJ McConnell. With Haliburton, Brogdan, and Rubio all on the roster, Indy unloads a piece they didn’t have much use for to get back into the 1st round and draft a really nice complementary 4 to pair with Myles Turner. The Spurs didn’t need 3 first round picks, and now acquire a backup PG that fits their culture well.

26. * TRADE* Oklahoma City Thunder: Wendell Moore Jr, Wing (Duke)

The Thunder move back up into the 1st round, giving #34 and a future 2nd to do so. After taking Holmgren and Sohan in the top 7, here they add a playmaking wing who also provides some good catch and shoot ability as well as some defensive potential.

27. Miami Heat: Justin Lewis, Wing (Marquette)

Something about the Miami Heat and Marquette guys. Lewis is an elite athlete who has a ton of potential as a multi position defender. He also shot 35% from 3 last year on over 5 attempts per game, a huge improvement on his abysmal freshman year. He projects as a solid 3 and D role player and could be a nice fit on the wing or at the 4 next to Bam Adebayo.

28. *TRADE* New York Knicks: TyTy Washington, Guard (Kentucky)

The Warriors are in a tough financial spot, so it makes a ton of sense for them to trade back into the 2nd (for the lower financial compensation to the draftee) and also pick up some cash considerations along the way. The Knicks trade back into the 1st and add a dynamic player in Kentucky’s TyTy Washington. Washington is a solid playmaker and fundamentally sound defender that should be utilized off the bench running a 2nd unit.

29. *TRADE* Detroit Pistons: Patrick Baldwin, Forward (Milwaukee)

Memphis acquires pick #46, a future 2nd and cash considerations in order to move up back into the first to take a shot on one of the draft’s biggest question marks, Patrick Baldwin. Baldwin has all the physical tools you’re looking for in a first round pick, but he struggled mightily in a weak conference this past season. It makes sense for the Pistons to swing for the fences and try to bring him along slowly to ultimately add another dynamic player to their young core.

30. *via previous trade* Chicago Bulls: Jake Laravia, Forward (Wake Forest)

Jake Laravia is the ultimate role player. He’s super smart, incredibly selfish, moves well off the ball, and plays excellent on ball defense. He’s nothing special offensively or athletically, but he’s type of player Chicago needs if they want to be serious contenders.

Cover Picture Attribution: Alexander Jonesi, Jaden Ivey 2022, CC BY-SA 2.0