1st 2022 NBA Mock Draft.
- Orlando Magic: Chet Holmgren
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Jabari Smith
- Houston Rockets: Paolo Banchero
- Sacramento Kings: Shaedon Sharpe
- Detroit Pistons: Jalen Duren
Notes: Although I don’t think he’s the best player in this draft, I believe the close relationship between Jalen Suggs & Chet Holmgren looks like an early deciding factor for the Magic at #1. It happened last year with Moe Wagner when they drafted his brother Franz at #8. Jabari Smith at #2 seems like a no brainer for OKC, as Smith has been getting comparisons to former Thunder star Kevin Durant. Houston drafting Paolo Banchero & his professional scoring ability with the 3rd pick should make the Rockets very happy as well. 2022’s best high school player Shaedon Sharpe could develop into a starting wing scorer for Sacramento’s future after Harrison Barnes at #4 . And for the Pistons at #5, I think you gotta go with Jalen Duren based on the need for a real true big that can take the pressure off the undersized Isaiah Stewart.
- Indiana Pacers: Jaden Ivey
- Portland Trail Blazers: Keegan Murray
- New Orleans Pelicans: Jeremy Sochan
- San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Jovic
- Washington Wizards: Bennedict Mathurin
Notes: Another no brainer at #6 with Jaden Ivey going to play in his home state of Indiana. Keegan Murray going #7 to the Portland Trail Blazers should fit the slow down style that Damian Lillard & Anfernee Simons like to play. Jeremy Sochan at #8 gives the Pelicans more young energy on defense to go along with Herb Jones, Jose Alvarado, & Trey Murphy III. The Spurs’ international draft history makes me convinced they’ll select top overseas prospect Nikola Jovic at #9. And for the 10th pick, I believe Bennedict Mathurin’s extra year at Arizona will help him jump right into being the Wizards’ starting point guard.
- New York Knicks: Dyson Daniels
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Mark Williams
- Charlotte Hornets: AJ Griffin
- Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaden Hardy
Notes: New York’s Tom Thibodeau loves defensive minded guards and Dyson Daniels is just that at #11 to the Knicks. Oklahoma City selecting Mark Williams 12th gives the Thunder rim protection that they desperately need. AJ Griffin playing his college basketball at Duke and a talent like him falling to 13th makes sense right now for Charlotte. And with Jaden Hardy going to the Cavs at #14, it gives him a great opportunity to help learn how to be a more consistent scorer from Darius Garland, Collin Sexton, & Caris LeVert.
