2022 FINAL NBA MOCK DRAFT

UPSYDE SPORTS PRESENTS:

FINAL MOCK DRAFT:

Atypical for me, I was unable to get out any of the mock drafts with trades, but I wanted to get out a final mock.

This mock does not feature any trades but I'll give some ideas within the analysis of some possible options for teams with each pick.

1. ORLANDO MAGIC - Jabari Smith Jr - After waffling back and forth with this selection, I think the Magic ultimately land on Jabari Smith Jr. He has the highest ceiling, is NBA-ready, does not really have any major weaknesses, fits their team's largest need, and is the youngest of the major early draft selections. The Magic will likely try to consolidate some of their assets to move up in the draft to bring in another first round selection. The Magic will still likely be very bad this year, but will see improvement as their roster starts solidifying their core.

2. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Chet Holgrem - These two players seem like they were likely interchangeable in just about every mock draft, and the Thunder have a positional need for a center. Unless something happens over the next few days to where Shai is no longer on the team, I do not see Jaden Ivey being a top priority. Paolo Banchero would not be an awful selection for them, as Blazley might not have done enough to lock down a starting role. Chet would probably be a day one starter and he could make for an interesting frontcourt if the Thunder opts to pair him with Pokusevski.

3. HOUSTON ROCKETS - Paolo Banchero - If I was Houston, I would trade out of this pick. There are a lot of teams you could have incredible trades with that will want to move up to get Ivey or Banchero. If Houston does not love him at 3, they should get out of this spot. Even the Pistons, who just moved off of Jerami Grant, might see value in Banchero over Murray. The Kings might want to move up to get someone to pair with Sabonis. There is a lot of interesting scenarios for the Rockets here at 3 that make this not a lock. That being said, Banchero does fit their team well if he is selected. An underrated passer, solid shooter, incredible hops, great size. Everything you want in a power forward he gives you. Houston will have some decisions to make for sure.

4. SACRAMENTO KINGS - Jaden Ivey - Ivey was not preferable to come here and I don't blame him. Aside from the off-court poor management of the franchise, the low attendance, the make-up of the team, and the lack of pedigree - his role is not really secure here. They already have a decent guard rotation of Fox, Davis, DiVincenzo, and Mitchell. Obviously things can change, but that's not really a situation a guy drafted this high wants to see. He could play the 3, but then this team looks incredibly small with Barnes at the 4. There could be some movement on this team over the next few days so it's definitely a situation to monitor.

5. DETROIT PISTONS - Dyson Daniels - Even with the departure of Jerami Grant, I do not think the Pistons will ultimately select Keegan Murray. I think Murray has a good chance of sliding, much in the same way as Toppin did a couple of years ago. The Pistons can bring back Marvin Bagley, who showed spurts with the team last year, and Daniels fixes their need at a legitimate backcourt pairing with Cade. Yes, they have Saben Lee. Yes, they have Killian Hayes. Lee can play the 2, and Hayes can soak up Cory Joseph's minutes. The Pistons already have key scorers in Cade and Bey, and Daniels would be the best fit for who is still left available.

6. INDIANA PACERS - Shaedon Sharpe - The Pacers have very low attendance and Sharpe could be the guy that gets the asses to the seats. He has limited tape based on him sitting out last season, but what he have seen with him so far is a projected complete player. With the rumors of Brogdon likely being traded over the next few days, he could immediately pair with Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers have several players that they could play at the 4 right now - Jalen Smith, Oshae Brissett, and Isaiah Jackson. Adding an older player to a team unlikely to compete next year does not seem like the best option for them. If they go with Murray, it'll just be the safe choice to appease Carlisle.

7. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS - Keegan Murray - Portland probably won't keep this pick. They were tied to OG Anunoby, but with them acquiring Grant, I don't know if that materializes. Murray gives them an option at the 4, and would likely move Grant over the to the 3. Murray is a bucket getter from the front court and assuming they bring back Simons and Nurkic, their squad starts looking like a playoff team again. If Murray is not available at 7, it probably increases their chances of either moving down this draft or moving off of this pick all together. They have two large non-guaranteed contracts in Bledsoe or Hart to try to attract a young team wanting to move up or into the early part of the draft.

8. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS - Johnny Davis - The Pelicans are not scared of a player that underperformed as a shooter in college. They can turn him around like they did Lonzo Ball. Davis is one of the more pro-ready guards in this class and he has prototype 2-guard features. He can score at all 3 levels, can create his own shot, is an excellent rebounder, and can defend well. Mathurin might be better today, but Davis is probably the higher ceiling guard.

9. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Ousmane Dieng - The Spurs like to get young, no-name guys with tremendous upside. Dieng is one of the more interesting prospects in this draft and seems to have moved from a low-lottery to upper-teens selection, to being as high as a top-7 selection. His numbers don't do him justice - you have to see him play. He put up respectable numbers as an 18 year old playing professional ball overseas. He has a smooth shooting stroke, can defend, and is essentially a 6'10" wing with guard skills. I think the rebuilding Spurs are the perfect destinations for him.

10. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Bennedict Mathurin - With Beal opting out, I think they try to give themselves a little bit of insurance. Mathurin was incredible in the tournament and looks ready to make an impact on a rebuilding team. He is not an elite defender, but his offense is world class. He is a solid 3-point shooter, gets to the line frequently, rebounds well for a 2-guard, and is underrated as a passer. Many of connected the Wizards to Sochan, but I feel like this team is already pretty loaded at the forward. Mathurin is incredibly dynamic and could give them options to trade out of this position if they don't like the fit or bring back Beal.

11. NEW YORK KNICKS - AJ Griffin - There is more for me to believe they are bringing back Mitchell Robinson than drafting Jalen Duren or Mark Williams here. It seems to me that the Knicks are going to consolidate players to get one of the expensive guards up for grabs. With them likely not being super competitive this season, they will likely move on from some combination of Fournier, Burks, and Rose - all of which would create an easier path for AJ Griffin to get minutes. With Barrett and Reddish, the Duke connection is already there, and you add one of the best 3-point shooters in this draft. AJ Griffin also happens to be one of the youngest players in this draft and I think would make a larger impact to this team than a traditional center with an overlapping skillset.

12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Jeremy Sochan - If the Thunder draft Chet, I think Sochan could be a complimentary piece for them. His value comes in his defense and his motor, both of which would be huge advantages to this team. He has the quickness to play the 3 and the strength to play the 4. He rebounds well for his size and has quick hands. Additionally, he is one of the younger prospects in this draft, so he fits their timeline. This pick just makes sense for them.

13. CHARLOTTE HORNETS - Jalen Duren - Unless the Hornets consolidate or trade one or more of their picks, Duren would be a top choice here. Mark Williams could probably still be available at 15 if there was a must-have pick here, but ultimately, Duren makes sense. In the previous mocks I had mentioned Gobert as a perfect spot and they have the assets to get him, but it might be imminent that he's headed to Chicago. The Hornets have also been targeted to Myles Turner, but I feel like he doesn't really help them get much younger - so moving Hayward to get Turner seems to just be a lateral trade. They are a team that has a lot of different routes and options they can explore.

14. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - Jalen Williams - A few months ago, I had not even known about him, now I'm putting him in the lottery. He has all the attributes you'd need in a starting caliber wing. He shoots 40% from the arc, he can pass very well, is highly efficient with his field goal and free throw percentages, and the Cavs might seem themselves as a win-now team. Allen and Mobley are thriving together, Garland is an All-Star caliber guard, Kevin Love found the Fountain of Youth, and Sexton likely returns on a qualifying offer. This will be an interesting season for Cleveland, as they will have to make some roster decisions, but Williams is an excellent fit here for them.

15. CHARLOTTE HORNETS - Tari Eason - Charlotte likely gets some Miles Bridges insurance here. Eason is an elite two-way forward. He dominated at LSU as both a scorer and premier defender. He averaged almost 2 steals in only 24 minutes per game. He just disrupts the game. Eason also had one of the highest defensive ratings in this class. With the inevitable departure of Hayward at some point, Eason should be integrated into this rotation and be a major contributor. The Hornets might even draft him at #13 and probably still be able to get a center.

16. ATLANTA HAWKS - EJ Liddell - Based on reports over the last year or so, it seems at some point this team is going to move on from John Collins. Liddell gives you a lot of the same skill set, but probably more defensive-minded. Liddell is not a young prospect, so he comes into the league with a level of maturity that a Hawks team ready to make waves in the playoffs. Liddell is not a tall forward, but he has almost a 7-foot wingspan, leading to his insane 2.6 blocks per game. Unlike many of the elite blockers in this draft, he was a reliable scorer and projects as a reliable 3-point shooter at the pro level.

17. HOUSTON ROCKETS - TyTy Washington - The Rockets inevitably need a point guard with Dennis Schroder's contract up, John Wall on an expiring deal, and the Rockets not seeming super committal to Kevin Porter Jr as their long-term plan. Washington gives you solid size, playmaking, and scoring. He had a limited role in his lone year at Kentucky, but Kentucky guards typically have a solid track record. Despite his 6'8" wingspan, it did not translate to an elite defensive player, but he was disruptive enough to swipe 1.3 times per game in only 29 minutes per game. He'll need to play more aggressively at the pro-level, but he'll have solid veteran leadership until Wall gets moved.

18. CHICAGO BULLS - Nikola Jovic - It seems probably that this pick will likely end up going to Utah if a Gobert trade does materialize. Acquiring Gobert would give Chicago a lot more ammunition to sign LaVine, but also makes his departure more tenable in a worst case scenario. Nikola Jovic looks like he could be a unique prospect in his ability to pass and shoot 3's from the 4. He is not an elite rebounder, but he's drawn comparisons to a Draymond Green type role. The Serbian league has produced quality NBA products including similarly spelled Nikola Jokic. He'd be a great prospect for a Bulls team that might have to give up Patrick Williams as the final piece in the deal.

19. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - Mark Williams - I think if the draft goes this way, it seems more likely that they trade Russell for front court help and draft a guard or wing. That being said, Mark Williams is a specimen. He is an absolute freak athlete and despite his lack of range, he's so good it doesn't matter. We have seen a "Twin-Tower" line-up before and this move could be a better move long-term for Towns. The Wolves can move Williams into the paint as the banger and create 3 deep threats in Russell, Towns, and Edwards on the perimeter. I think they probably still will need to find an elite playmaker to finish out their roster, so they might be making some moves in the shadows.

20. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Malaki Branham - It's possible he gets drafted earlier, but I think the Spurs add another high-ceiling prospect here. They draft again in a few spots, but I think they are drafting for the next 3-5 years in this draft, not for this season. That being said, Branham could potentially contribute right away. Unlike a lot of their previous picks, he didn't just perform well at the combine, but proved his value at the collegiate level. While efficient, the 3-point shot was not his primary weapon. He gets to the line a lot and hits his shots. He had good size and a 6'10" wingspan. If you're creating a list of everything you want in your off-guard, he checks every box.

21. DENVER NUGGETS - Ochai Agbaji - With Will Barton nearing the end of his contract, I think they go with a red hot shooter in this draft. Agbaji was the best player on a Championship team, and should come in with poise and experience on day 1. The Nuggets might make some additional roster moves to shed some salary, so he could be in for additional run. The Nuggets have a second first round pick, so they could either consolidate and move up, or use their flexible contracts and draft capital to land a whale. The Nuggets always seems like a team to beat in the summer, so they will want to continue to improve.

22. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Walker Kessler - Steven Adams looked noticeably bad in this past playoffs. With so many teams vying for a veteran center, Adams might have more value on another team. Kessler can come in and fill that void. Kessler has historically efficient blocking metrics, projects as more rangy center, and has cheat code level per-minute stats. He's had some dud games in his sophomore year at Auburn, but he also led the NCAA in triple-doubles, having 2 double-digit blocking games. If he can expand his game to do more than rebound and block, he could end up being another Memphis draft steal.

23. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS - Jake LaRavia - The 76ers are trying to build a win-now team. They've made several previously unavailable players available, and they need depth at the wing. LaRavia had an excellent combine, is a solid passer for a wing, shot 38% from beyond the arc, and provided great two-way metrics. He creates contact in the paint and hits his free throws. LaRavia is an older prospect and could fit their timeline if they decide to keep this pick.

24. MILWAUKEE BUCKS - Wendell Moore - If you look at where the Bucks failed in the playoffs last season, they didn't shoot the 3-ball well, they were not an effective passing team, and they didn't cause enough turnovers. Moore's skillset essentially corrects all of those issues. Moore was a junior at Duke, so he might not need a long learning cover to get ramped up into their system and he is probably an upgrade over Grayson Allen.

25. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - Dalen Terry - Terry measures well but it's hard to place him positionally. He has guard skills with his passing, he has wing size, shoots the 3-ball well, rebounds efficiently, but had a limited role at Arizona. His combine performance really boosted his value and I think he could even go in the upper teens or low 20s depending on team needs. The Spurs taking him gives their roster a ton of flexibility, as they have several guys currently playing out of positions.

26. HOUSTON ROCKETS - Kendall Brown - Once one of the top prospects in the nation, he underwhelmed at Baylor. He did not show much there to impress, but salvaged a lot at the combine. His 3-point shooting could end up being his bread and butter, but his almost 7-foot wingspan might make him a legit 3-and-D value pick at #26. The Rockets have someone in mind at #26, as they traded away Christian Wood to make up for him.

27. MIAMI HEAT - Patrick Baldwin Jr - With PJ Tucker possibly already having worn a Heat uniform his last time, they need some size in their front court. There were a lot of red flags with Patrick Baldwin, but he measured well at the combine, made a bunch of shots, only to throw up more red flags with a weak vertical. His age and off-court issues might have him continue to slide in this draft, but if the Heat draft for the long-term, PBJ could be a great choice here.

28. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Trevor Keels - Keels could very well just be a draft and stash for the Warriors. He was a 5-star recruit going into last season and put up ungodly numbers his senior year of high school. It's possible that Duke was probably not the right fit for him, but he's built like Marcus Smart and projects better than what we've seen so far. I had him barely in the draft in my last mock, but the consensus around the league is he will land within 5-10 picks of this spot.

29. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Kennedy Chandler - With a lot of uncertainty regarding the return of Tyus Jones, Chandler could be exactly what the Grizzlies bench needs. He's not a large guard, but he plays larger than himself. He defends, hits 3's, and fits the run and gun style of ball. Chandler is a younger player so he will get even better as he gets more playing time at the pro level.

30. DENVER NUGGETS - Christian Braun - He fits well positionally and culturally. After drafting Agbaji, they get the other elite Kansas product in this draft. They bring the championship mentality into a team ready to win. Braun gives the options at the wing if they move on from either Barton or Porter Jr and could be an efficient 3-and-D shooter of their bench. 

SECOND ROUND:

31. INDIANA PACERS - Gabriele Procida - A solid 3-and-D prospect that gained some combine attention with his speed and agility. He was efficient overseas and his pace could be a solid fit for a team centered around Tyrese Haliburton.

32. ORLANDO MAGIC - MarJon Beauchamp - Beauchamp gives them an upside option at the 2-guard. He played well in the G-League and is a steal if he slides to the second round. A lot of guards around this time in the draft, so we'll see if the Magic consolidate.

33. TORONTO RAPTORS - Christian Koloko - He's been up and down draft boards, but based on what the recent trade offers have looked for with regard to big man, really damper their value in the draft. Koloko, if he starts, would allow Siakam to move back to the 4.

34. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER - Jaden Hardy - At this point in the draft, Hardy would be a luxury addition and upside pick. He has shown a bunch of promise and could be drafted as high as the lottery. His inconsistent season make it difficult to place him but I think he'll be a solid NBA player.

35. ORLANDO MAGIC - David Roddy - I like both Roddy and Lewis here. I'm not super high on Caleb Houstan, as I feel he should've returned for one more year, but a 3-and-D wing is what the Magic will look for with Terrance Ross on the block.

36. DETROIT PISTONS - Ismael Kamagate - The Pistons have every reason to swing for the fences. They got this pick swap as a throw in for a salary dump. Kamagate has 1st round upside but is unproven. He moves incredibly well for a big and can shoot the 3. He's a more versatile long-term option than Stewart.

37. SACRAMENTO KINGS - Justin Lewis - Between his wingspan, his combine leaping and agility, and his solid sophomore performance, he might slot in well for the Kings. Barnes is in his final year of his contract and the way wings have been flying off the shelves lately, he could start by year's end.

38. SAN ANTONIO SPURS - John Butler - Entering the combine as a forward, he was the tallest and has the third widest wingspan. As a 39% 3-point shooter with elite blocking per-minute, he's sort of a poor man's Chet. He's a young big man, so the Spurs could see him as a solid draft and stash.

39. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - Ryan Rollins - He could be another win-now piece for the Cavs. He was a great college scorer, efficient rebounder for a small guard, has a long wingspan, passes well for an off-guard, and had solid advanced analytics.

40. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - Andrew Nembhard - A lightning fast point guard that can shoot the 3-ball well, is a lock at the free throw line, and an above average defender. He's an older prospect, so he fits their timeline as well. He could get drafted higher but this is a guard-heavy draft.

41. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS - Jaylin Williams - His game reminds me of John Collins. Is not specifically elite at one thing, but does a lot of things really well. Passes well for a big man, doesn't kill you with turnovers, high rebound rate, and projects as a stretch big. High ceiling.

42. NEW YORK KNICKS - Jean Montero - In case things don't materialize with a point guard, the Knicks try to get a value play. Montero played professionally for the overtime elite and showed his motor and athleticism. He is a younger guard, so him and Griffin will help this team over time.

43. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS - Caleb Houston - With Batum opting out and Hood on an expiring deal, I think the Clippers use this pick for a long-term wing prospect. The vibe is they will target PJ Tucker this summer, but I think they should go all-in to get Kyrie and complete their big-3.

44. ATLANTA HAWKS - Bryce McGowens - He's a big 2-guard that likes to score the ball. With the Hawks experiencing a lot of expiring contracts, I think they shore up their guard depth. He might be in and out of the G-League his rookie year but he's a name to watch.

45. CHARLOTTE HORNETS - Khalifa Diop - With Montrezll likely not returning, Diop gives them emergency depth at center. Diop will likely develop into a reliable big man at some point, but his game is still raw.

46. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS - Peyton Watson - With them moving down almost a dozen slots, I think this pick is their upside pick. A 5-star recruit with a limited role at UCLA. His trajectory reminds me of their pick from last year, Greg Brown, who ended up with decent per-minute numbers.

47. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES - Max Christie - Another guy that slid in the draft due to an unfortunate college role. He was a monster his senior year in high school and was considered a top-20 prospect. His unique skill set for a guard could be value to this team within the next couple of years.

48. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - Michael Foster Jr - A modern forward for the G-League, this move would help bolster their front court even more. Foster is can stretch the floor more than Vanderbilt, while still being able to rebound and block efficiently.

49. SACRAMENTO KINGS - Dominik Barlow - Another of the Overtime Elite players, Barlow is very athletic and showed a bunch of promise as a scorer and defender. He has one of the widest wingspan among the forwards.

50. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES - Hugo Besson - Projects as a solid bench shooter. His passing needs some help and his defense doesn't exist. He does have solid height for his position but some projects in the first round make no sense to me.

51. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Jabari Walker - A tweener forward that's a rebounder and scorer. We see a lot of these type of players from Colorado at this point in the draft, but they are hit or miss. Walker has gotten better at every stage in his career and can grow at his own pace in this situation.

52. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS - Kenneth Lofton Jr - If there is a perfect fit with a player with his body type, it would be New Orleans. Lofton was fringe dominant at Louisiana Tech and is only going to get better.

53. BOSTON CELTICS - Yannick Nzosa - He is an upside prospect that could eventually be valuable to this team once Al Horford leaves. He is explosive to the rim but his game overall is not fully developed. It's possible he signs overseas as well.

54. NO PICK

55. NO PICK

56. WASHINGTON WIZARDS - Collin Gillespie - He's not an elite prospect, but if the Wizards are desperate for a point guard, he could be an option. He is an okay defender, 42% 3-point shooter, and 91% free throw shooter. Not an elite passer but could find a role.

57. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS - Ron Harper Jr - Obviously not all of Golden State's picks will be hits, but Harper looks like it might. He has NBA size and could be a legit wing shooter. Hopefully his over 7'1" wingspan translates to be defensive numbers at the next level.

58. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS - JD Davison - They need a little bit of guard help and while Davison's numbers don't blow you away, he could help them bolster that spot. They cannot rely on Rubio or Rondo, so Davidson could be an emergency depth play or a draft and stash.

59. PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS - Orlando Robinson - He impressed at the combine but has been up and down people's draft boards. He's close to 7-foot, has a 7'4" wingspan, is very athletic, and is agile for his size.

60. INDIANA PACERS - Trevion Williams - I could see him going higher with his solid per-minute numbers. He's got great size for a forward and played with one of the top 5 players in this draft. Comes with some experience as an older prospect. 

- Adam Safianow - NBA Analyst - Upsyde Sports [Copyright 2022]