The 2022 NBA Mock Draft season is finally over as 58 players will hear their names called on Thursday night.
After months of scouting, GMs and NBA personnel can rest in hopes that they made the right decision. Today, CBB Review predicts what the draft will look like, with stats, team needs, and other options on all first round picks, as well as general predictions on the second-round players. Read below to get insight on the final NBA Mock Draft of the 2022 cycle.
To read a previous mock, click here.
1) Orlando Magic- Paolo Banchero: PF (Duke)
Stats: 17.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 47.8 FG%, 33.8 3P%, 72.9 FT%
Team Needs: Points (29th), Steals (28th), Turnovers (25th), Offensive Rating (29th), Backup Center
Other Options: Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren
In a shocking turn of events, Banchero is now the favorite to be the top pick in the draft. It’s still a toss up between him and Jabari Smith, but given the recent trends it’s looking that way. Banchero is most of the NBA Draft expert’s top player, so this pick isn’t a reach by any means thanks to his elite shot creation and playmaking ability at his size.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder- Chet Holmgren: C (Gonzaga)
Stats: 14.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.9 RPG, 0.8 SPG, 3.7 BPG, 60.7 FG%, 39 3P%, 71.7 FT%
Team Needs: Points (30th), Assists (28th), Offensive Rating (30th), Small Forward, Power Forward, Center, Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith
The top center goes off the board here, and many Thunder fans couldn’t be happier. The shot blocking, the energy, and the ability to create transition are all the reasons why Holmgren could be a star in the NBA. The Thunder are looking for just that, so this fit just makes sense.
3) Houston Rockets- Jabari Smith: PF (Auburn)
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 42.9 FG%, 42.0 3P%, 79.9 FT%
Team Needs: Rebounding (30th), Turnovers (30th), FT% (30th), Offensive Rating (26th), Defensive Rating (30th), Small Forward, Power Forward, Backup Point Guard, Backup Small Forward, Backup Power Forward
Other Options: Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren
Smith sees himself fall a little, but being a top 3 pick is nothing to be ashamed of. Smith can shoot the ball at a high level and does exactly what you need a modern day big to do. The Rockets will be a lot of fun next year with a Jalen Green-Smith duo.
4) Sacramento Kings- Jaden Ivey: SG (Purdue)
Stats: 17.3 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.1 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 46 FG%, 35.8 3P%, 74.4 FT%
Team Needs: Rebounding (26th), Defensive Rating (27th), Small Forward, Center, Backup Point Guard- Center
Other Options: Keegan Murray, Shaedon Sharpe
Now here’s where the draft gets interesting. Ivey is the clear best player available, but with the traffic jam of guards in their rotation, the Kings might go fit or even make a trade which is looking like a real possibility. If they decide to go with Ivey, they get an electric guard with phenomenal driving ability and with potential to be a superstar.
5) Detroit Pistons- Keegan Murray: PF (Iowa)
Stats: 23.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 55.4 FG%, 39.8 3P%, 74.7 FT%
Team Needs: Points (28th), Rebounding (25th), 3P (25th), Offensive Rating (28th), Shooting Guard, Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Jaden Ivey, Benedict Mathurin, Dyson Daniels
Pistons fans all have to be disappointed with not getting Ivey here, but Murray isn’t a bad backup option. He showed this year in the college basketball cycle how good he is and how important he can be to the success of a team and that’s exactly what the Pistons want in a top 5 pick, especially after trading away their previous power forward Jerami Grant.
6) Indiana Pacers- Bennedict Mathurin: SG (Arizona)
Stats: 17.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 45.0 FG%, 36.9 3P%, 76.4 FT%
Team Needs: Steals (25th), Defensive Rating (28th), Power Forward, Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Keegan Murray, Shaedon Sharpe, Dyson Daniels
It looks like Malcolm Brogdon will be traded by the time the draft is over, meaning the Pacers are open for a guard spot. Mathurin fits that mold, with his high energy and athleticism, and someone who could play well with Tyrese Haliburton playmaking for him.
7) Portland Trail Blazers- Dyson Daniels: PG/SG (G-League Ignite)
Stats: 11.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 44.9 FG%, 25.5 3P%, 73.7 FT%
Team Needs: Points (27th), Rebounding (27th), Assists (26th), Offensive Rating (27th), Defensive Rating (29th), Everything but Point Guard
Other Options: Shaedon Sharpe, AJ Griffin, Bennedict Mathurin
Daniels has strong appeal as a potential top-of-the-notch defender one day, and can also facilitate. The Trail Blazers are in a weird spot, and while Daniels might not be the solution, he at least helps them get there.
8) New Orleans Pelicans- Shaedon Sharpe: SG (Kentucky)
Stats: N/A
Team Needs: Blocks (26th), 3P (28th)
Other Options: Dyson Daniels, Ousmane Dieng, Jeremy Sochan
The Pelicans have such a logjam of talent on their team that really really don’t have room for any picks, which is why some assume that this pick could be traded. If it doesn’t it allows Sharpe to develop without the NBA pressure and hopefully live up to his potential.
9) San Antonio Spurs- Jalen Duren: C (Memphis)
Stats: 12.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.8 SPG, 2.1 BPG, 59.7 FG%, 0.0 3P%, 62.5 FT%
Team Needs: 3P (27th), FT% (25th), Center, Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Jeremy Sochan, AJ Griffin, Shaedon Sharpe
It seems like the Spurs are invested in taking a traditional big, and Duren is the best one you can get. Duren is difficult to guard thanks to his body and his touch in the post, in addition to his ability to guard the paint. Spurs like their defensive centers, and get a good one here.
10) Washington Wizards- Johnny Davis: SG (Wisconsin)
Stats: 19.7 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 42.7 FG%, 30.6 3P%, 79.1 FT%
Team Needs: Steals (30th), 3 point (30th), Defensive Rating (25th), Point Guard, Backup Guard, Backup Center
Other Options: AJ Griffin
It’s a match made in heaven, and perfect for Davis. While Davis was a great #1 option in college, having a guy like Beal relieve some of that stress is perfect. The Wizards are also in desperate need for a guard, so Davis being here just makes so much sense.
11) New York Knicks- Ousmane Dieng: SF (New Zealand)
Stats: 8.9 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 39.8 FG%, 27.1 3P%, 66.7 FT
Team Needs: Points (26th), Assists (30th), Steals (27th), FT% (26th), Point Guard, Shooting Guard, Center, Backup Guard, Backup Center
Other Options: AJ Griffin, Jalen Duren, Johnny Davis
Knicks surprise their own fans and take the less known Dieng here. Dieng has great size at 6’9, and towards the end of the season showed major flashes of potential. Knicks are just looking for pieces right now, and this could be one worth taking.
12) Oklahoma City Thunder- Jeremy Sochan: PF (Baylor)
Stats: 9.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 47.4 FG%, 29.6 3P%, 58.9 FT%
Other Options: AJ Griffin, Ousmane Dieng, Johnny Davis
The Thunder have their guards taken care of, so now they’re just going to keep drafting forwards until one hits. Sochan has All-NBA defense potential, but his offensive game needs work. He’ll need time to develop but there’s no doubt the finished product could be excellent.
13) Charlotte Hornets- Mark Williams: C (Duke)
Stats: 11.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.8 BPG, 72.1 FG%, 0 3P%, 72.7 FT
Team Needs: FT% (27th), Center, Backup Center, Backup Shooting Guard
Other Options: AJ Griffin, Tari Eason, Jalen Duren
The Hornets could technically take Williams with the 15th pick, but the risk of a team trading to the 14th and taking Williams doesn’t seem worth the risk. Williams could be an immediate impact player for the Hornets thanks to his physical structure and give the Hornets the center they’ve been trying to find for years.
14) Cleveland Cavaliers- AJ Griffin: SF (Duke)
Stats: 10.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 49.3 FG%, 44.7 3P%, 79.2 FT%
Team Needs: Points (25th), Steals (26th),Backup Guard-Center
Other Options: Ochai Agbaji, Malaki Branham
I don’t think the Cavaliers expected to take Griffin this late, but they can’t pass up on a guy this late into the draft. Griffin is arguably the best 3 point shooter in the draft, and when he’s on he’s on. Cavs could use that kind of tool as they look to push their way into the playoffs.
15) Charlotte Hornets- Malaki Branham: SG (Ohio State)
Stats: 13.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 49.8 FG%, 41.6 3P%, 83.3 FT%
Other Options: Tari Eason, Ochai Agbaji
Branham is a great scorer who can provide help off the bench initially before transitioning into a leader for the Hornets. Hornets can take anyone here, so splitting guard and center with the 13th and 15th pick seems like a reasonable thing to do.
16) Atlanta Hawks- Ochai Agbaji: SG (Kansas)
Stats: 18.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 47.5 FG%, 40.7 3P%, 74.3 FT%
Team Needs: Defensive Rating (26th), Backup Guard
Other Options: Tari Eason, Jalen Williams, Tyty Washington
After a disappointing year the previous season, the Hawks need to look for guys who can help them win now, and Agbaji does just that. The national champion will benefit from the passing of Trae Young and can help improve that defensive rating as well.
17) Houston Rockets- Jalen Williams: SF (Santa Clara)
Stats: 18 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 51.3 FG%, 39.6 3P%, 80.9 FT%
Other Options: Ochai Agbaji, Tari Eason, Walker Kessler
Williams is the biggest draft riser for a reason, and he can really be a high level NBA player after what we saw in the combine. He can shoot, he’s athletic, and he’s productive, everything you want in a player. Rockets should be happy with a Banchero-Williams draft duo.
18) Chicago Bulls- Tari Eason: PF (LSU)
Stats: 16.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.9 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 52.1 FG%, 35.9 3P%, 80.3 FT%
Team Needs: Rebounding (28th), Blocks (25th), 3P (29th), Backup Forward-Center
Other Options: Malaki Branham, Blake Wesley, Walker Kessler
You can say that Tari Eason is a Patrick Williams lite, but that’s not a bad thing at all for the Bulls. The Bulls need frontcourt help, and if Williams unfortunately can’t make a full recovery, Eason can come in and contribute defensively.
19) Minnesota Timberwolves- Dalen Terry: SG (Arizona)
Stats: 8.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.3 BPG, 50.2 FG%, 36.4 3P%, 73.6 FT%
Team Needs: Point Guard, Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Walker Kessler, Blake Wesley, Jaden Hardy
Terry is another big time draft riser, and for a good reason. At 6’7, Terry is a tall guard who can do a little but of everything and can play a role without the ball. Terry will serve as a nice guard option behind Anthony Edwards.
20) San Antonio Spurs- Nikola Jovic: SF (Mega Basket)
Stats: 12 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 41.4 FG%, 31.5 3P%, 71.8 FT%
Other Options: Tyty Washington, Blake Wesley, Marjon Beachamp
Spurs take a forward here with firstround pick 2 of 3 in Jovic. Jovic is a solid catch and shoot three point shooter and at 6’11 has size to defend. It’s unlikely the Spurs take three rookies, but if they do neither of the two are bad options.
21) Denver Nuggets- E.J Liddell: PF (Ohio State)
Stats: 19.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.9 BPG, 49 FG%, 37.4 3P%, 76.5 FT%
Team Needs: Blocks (29th), Turnovers (26th), Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Dalen Terry, Jake LaRavia, Nikola Jovic
Liddell is exactly what modern day stretch 4’s can be. He can score from all three levels and despite being 6’7 sent back three shots a game. Nuggets could really use the depth, and they get a guy who can make an impact from the jump here.
22) Memphis Grizzlies- Jake LaRavia: SF (Wake Forest)
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 55.9 FG%, 38.4 3P%, 77.7 FT%
Team Needs: FT% (28th)
Other Options: Tyty Washington, Jaden Hardy, Blake Wesley
LaRavia is a knockdown shooter that doesn’t really know his own potential as a player yet. With the right development, which the Grizzlies have, he can be a really quality piece on this roster.
23) Philadelphia 76ers- Patrick Baldwin Jr.: SF/PF (Milwaukee)
Stats: 12.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 34.4 FG%, 26.6 3P%, 74.3 FT%
Team Needs: Rebounding (29th), Backup Point Guard-Center
Other Options: Nikola Jovic, EJ Liddell, Wendell Moore
To put it lightly, Baldwin sucked last year. But the former Top 10 recruit could outplay his draft position if all goes right, and the 76ers will allow him to develop and hopefully become what people thought he could be and make this pick the biggest steal in the draft.
24) Milwaukee Bucks- Walker Kessler: C (Auburn)
Stats: 11.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 4.6 BPG, 60.8 FG%, 20.0 3P%, 59.6 FT%
Team Needs: Blocks (27th), Backup Point Guard-Small Forward, Backup Center
Other Options: MarJon Beauchamp, Blake Wesley, EJ Liddell
Kessler is a professional shot blocker, and NBA teams love that. Brook Lopez is getting up there in age, so adding Kessler will be a younger and cheaper option for the Bucks.
25) San Antonio Spurs- Blake Wesley: SG (Notre Dame)
Stats: 14.4 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.1 BPG, 40.4 FG%, 30.3 3P%, 65.7 FT%
Other Options: Jake LaRavia, Kennedy Chandler, MarJon Beauchamp
The Spurs take a guy who probably should have gone higher here in Wesley. People are calling him Tyrese Maxey 2.0, and that should mean something. Once again, it’s assumed Spurs will trade at least one of these picks, but if not this was a very well rounded draft.
26) Houston Rockets- MarJon Beauchamp: SF (G-League Ignite)
Stats: 15.1 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.6 APG, 57.1 FG%, 24.2 3P%, 65.0 FT%
Other Options: Wendell Moore, Kendell Brown
Beachamp looked great in the G-League, and he’ll learn a thing or two from fellow G-Leaguer Jalen Green. Rockets will be young, but a lot of fun next year.
27) Miami Heat- Tyty Washington: PG (Kentucky)
Stats: 12.5 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 45.1 FG%, 35.0 3P%, 75.0 FT%
Team Needs: Blocks (30th), Turnovers (28th), Backup Power Forward, Backup Center
Other Options: Kennedy Chandler, Jaden Hardy
Players are going to slide in the draft, and Tyty could be one of them due to lack of production and injury concerns. Kyle Lowry only has a few years left, so Washington can have time to develop and be part of a winning DNA.
28) Golden State Warriors- Kendall Brown: SF (Baylor)
Stats: 9.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 58.4 FG%, 34.1 3P%, 68.9 FT%
Team Needs: Turnovers (29th), Center, Backup Point Guard, Backup Small Forward-Center
Other Options: Jake LaRavia, Wendell Moore
The Warriors have more pieces than they need, but adding a forward never seems to hurt in today’s NBA. Brown was another 5 star who struggled this year, so letting him develop on his own will only help his long term NBA path.
29) Memphis Grizzlies- Kennedy Chandler: PG (Tennessee)
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 2.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG, 46.4 FG%, 38.3 3P%, 60.6 FT%
Other Options: Kendall Brown, Jaden Hardy
The Grizzlies go with the hometown guy here in Chandler. Chandler is extremely talented, with the only thing holding him back is something he can’t control, his 6’0 frame. He can serve as a quality backup guard for the Grizzlies.
30) Denver Nuggets- Christian Braun: SG (Kansas)
Stats: 14.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 49.5 FG%, 38.6 3P%, 73.3 FT%
Other Options: Jaden Hardy, Andrew Nembhard, Jean Montero
With the long term injuries of Murray and Porter, the Nuggets are just looking for anyone who can contribute so they don’t waste the prime of their two time MVP Nikola Jokic. Braun can do it on both sides of the floor and become a valuable piece for the Nuggets.
31) Indiana Pacers- Peyton Watson: SF (UCLA)
32) Orlando Magic- Jaden Hardy: SG (G-League Ignite)
33) Toronto Raptors- Josh Minnott: PF (Memphis)
34) Oklahoma City Thunder- Trevor Keels: SG (Duke)
35) Orlando Magic- Christian Koloko: C (Arizona)
36) Portland Trail Blazers- Wendell Moore: SF (Duke)
37) Sacramento Kings- Jaylin Williams: PF (Arkansas)
38) San Antonio Spurs- Andrew Nembhard: PG (Gonzaga)
39) Cleveland Cavaliers- Bryce McGowens : SG (Nebraska)
40) Minnesota Timberwolves- Khalifa Diop: C (Gran Kanaria)
41) New Orleans Pelicans- Ismael Kamagate: C (Paris)
42) New York Knicks- Max Christie: SG (Michigan State)
43) Los Angeles Clippers- David Roddy: PF (Colorado State)
44) Atlanta Hawks- Ryan Rollins: SG (Toledo)
45) Charlotte Hornets- Caleb Houstan: SF (Michigan)
46) Detroit Pistons- Justin Lewis: PF (Marquette)
47) Memphis Grizzlies- Dereon Seabron: SG (NC State)
48) Minnesota Timberwolves-Gabriele Procida SG/SF (Fortitudo Bologna)
49) Sacramento Kings- Jean Montero: PG/SG (G-League Ignite)
50) Minnesota Timberwolves- Dominick Barlow: PF (Overtime Elite)
51) Golden State Warriors- Jabari Walker: SF (Colorado)
52) New Orleans Pelicans- Yannick Nzosa: PF (MÃ laga)
53) Boston Celtics- JD Davison: PG (Alabama)
*Note: Picks 54 and 55 were forfeited by the Bucks and Heat