While the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics nears its conclusion, gearing up for the 2022 NBA Draft with mock drafts is still very much in full swing. As we prepare for the offseason, with the draft spearheading the action on June 23, teams should be looking forward to what will be an eventful series of events.
There are many intriguing prospects in this deep pool of players that are eligible to hear their names called on an evening that will turn dreams into reality. In this mock, trades will not be considered, even though there will most certainly be movement on draft night, as always. Talent, potential, team needs, and organizational fit will strongly be considered for each hypothetical pick.
As we inch closer to the 2022 NBA Draft on June 23, we dive into a full first-round mock draft with predictions, expected risers, and potential fallers.
Jabari Smith Jr.
Power Forward, Orlando Magic
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 1. Jabari Smith Jr., Orlando Magic
School: Auburn
Height: 6’10”
Jabari Smith’s stellar upside on both ends of the floor as an efficient three-level scorer and versatile defender should make him the first-overall pick this year. Smith can offer the Orlando Magic much-needed shooting and strong defensive mechanics with massive room for growth at both forward positions. The 19-year-old would be a perfect fit within Orlando’s young core.
Chet Holmgren
Power Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 2. Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
School: Gonzaga
Height: 7’0″
Chet Holmgren is one of the most unique prospects as a tall, lengthy, skinny-framed forward who projects to be an elite interior defender and crafty scorer with insane versatility. It will take time for Holmgren to develop physically, but his timeline is ideal for an Oklahoma City Thunder team that’s clearly prioritizing their long-term future. Holmgren could be a two-way star in a couple of years.
Paolo Banchero
Power Forward, Houston Rockets
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 3. Paolo Banchero, Houston Rockets
School: Duke
Height: 6’10”
Paolo Banchero has the chance to become the best player to come out of this draft with his superior scoring ability at all three levels, superb strength and lateral quickness for his position on the defensive end, and a high motor with a winning mentality. Banchero would be the ideal forward to build around alongside promising guard Jalen Green for the Houston Rockets.
Jaden Ivey
Point Guard, Sacramento Kings
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 4. Jaden Ivey, Sacramento Kings
School: Purdue
Height: 6’4″
As an explosive guard with incredible athleticism, violent speed, scoring prowess, and attractive playmaking abilities, Jaden Ivey has superstar potential in this league. The fit with the Sacramento Kings could be a bit awkward since the Kings are already heavily invested in guards De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell, so it would not be a surprise if another team traded up to this spot to select the promising 20-year-old point guard. However, if the Kings keep the pick, the expectation would be for Sacramento to pick the best player available, which is Jaden Ivey.
Keegan Murray
Power Forward, Detroit Pistons
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 5. Keegan Murray, Detroit Pistons
School: Iowa
Height: 6’8″
Keegan Murray is the ideal stretch four for the modern NBA as an efficient shooter with coveted versatility on the defensive end. The Detroit Pistons are reportedly expected to offload the expiring contract of forward Jerami Grant this offseason, so replacing him with a talented young stud like Murray would make complete sense. Detroit should feel optimistic about a young core of Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart, Keegan Murray, and more future assets moving forward.