2022 NBA Draft tracker: Grading each pick and trade

Follow Us
By 
·Updated:

Jun 23, 2022; Brooklyn, NY, USA; The 2022 NBA draft class poses for a photo with commissioner Adam Silver before the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2022 NBA Draft tracker: Check out this page throughout the annuel event in Brooklyn Thursday evening. We’ll update each pick as they come in with grades for every selection and trade made in the first round.

Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith are considered the top-two prospects in the draft. Former former Duke star Paolo Banchero isn’t too far behind as the third-best prospect according to most experts.

As for the teams, the Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder will kick things off with the Thunder boasting a second lottery pick after another down season. Below, check out our NBA Draft tracker with grades, analysis and a lot more.

Also Read:
NBA Power Rankings: Warriors and Bucks lead the charge heading into free agency

1. Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, forward, Duke

In what has to be considered one of the biggest surprises atop the NBA Draft in some time, the Magic have gone with this former Duke standout at No. 1 overall. Jabari Smith was the odds-on favorite in the months leading up to the draft. That changed mere minutes before Orlando was on the clock.

This isn’t necessarily a bad selection. The 6-foot-10 Banchero displayed flashes of brilliance en route to leading Duke to the Final 4 as a freshman. The Washington native averaged 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists. He also shot 48% from the field and looked darn smooth in his mid-range game. This pick adds to a core group that includes 2021 lottery selections Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner in Orlando.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, forward/center, Gonzaga

From an overall skill standpoint, the dude can be an absolute force out of the gate. He averaged 14.1 points and 9.9 rebounds on 61% shooting as a freshman. That included a 39% mark from distance. You don’t see that type of ability to stretch the court from someone Holmgren’s size.

This type of performance made Holmgren a generational-type product leading up to the draft and OKC pounced big time. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey now have another young running mate — one that’s styling. This is a great young core three.

Also Read:
2022 NBA Draft prospects: Jabari Smith and top-50 prospects

3. Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith, forward, Auburn

At 6-foot-10, it’s pretty sensational that Smith can shoot so well from the outside. In today’s NBA, that’s a point of emphasis for teams. That is to say, bigs who can stretch the floor.

Jabari Smith stats (2021-22): 16.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 43% shooting, 42% three-point

Houston now adds another core piece to go with 2021 lottery pick Jalen Green as the team looks to expedite its rebuild. As the No. 1 player on our big board, Smith was a home run of a selection.

4. Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, forward, Iowa

We had Murray heading to Sacramento in our final mock draft. That’s primarily due to rumors coming out of California’s capital city that he would be the selection. It’s also important to note that the Kings have two starting guards and Jaden Ivey didn’t necessarily want to head to the organization.

Keegan Murray stats (2021-22): 23.5 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 55% shooting, 40% three-point

How good was Murray this past season? He dropped north of 20 points in all but 10 of his 35 games. Sure a bad performance in a loss to Richmond in the NCAA Tournament leaves a bad taste in his mouth. However, this is a tad of a reach.

5. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, guard, Purdue

This could not have worked out better for Detroit. There was even talk that Detroit might look up to the fourth pick and select this two-way guard. Instead, he falls on the team’s lap with the fifth pick and will team up with 2021 No. 1 pick Cade Cunningham to form an elite young backcourt.

Electric. Quick. These are two things that came to define Ivey’s two-year career with the Boilermakers. It showed during his sophomore season with the South Bend native averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists.

6. Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, guard/forward, Arizona

Our No. 6 prospect heading into the NBA Draft, Bennedict Mathurin lands at that exact spot. He will now join a perimeter-heavy Pacers squad that includes fellow youngsters Chris Duarte and Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt.

The 6-foot-7 wing can play three different perimeter positions. Last season alone for Arizona, he averaged 17.7 points to go with 5.6 rebounds on 45% shooting. Mathurin was also a career 38% three-point shooter at Arizona. He’s a great fit in Indiana.

Also Read:
NBA games today: Full offseason schedule, including NBA Draft

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, guard, Kentucky

One of the more-intriguing prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, Sharpe didn’t suit up for a single game for Kentucky. But the upside is absolutely unlimited here. We’re talking an electric guard with some solid shooting ability and elite talent.

It’s an interesting fit in Portland. The Blazers just recently traded for Jerami Grant to team up with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons. Is Sharpe flipped for a more pro-ready asset? We’re not sure.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Lakers): Dyson Daniels, guard/forward, G-League Ignite

Dyson Daniels becomes the latest player to come out of the G-League and land in the first round. At 6-foot-8, Daniels plays both guard and forward. He may have a raw offensive skillset for now, but Daniels does a bit of everything on the court, and averaged 12.1 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, and two steals per game with the Ignite.

Daniels has explosive athleticism and can handle the rock, but his shooting skills could stand to improve. After shooting 44.9% from the floor, it’s an area Daniels will continue to work on as a pro.

9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, forward, Baylor

Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan becomes Gregg Popovich’s latest project. Landing with the San Antonio Spurs, Sochan joins a team with a strong history of developing draft picks. As is, Sochan is a strong defender with a long 7-foot-5 wingspan. He already has a strong basketball IQ and is a willing rebounder, coach Pop can help him with the finer points of the game.

At 6-foot-8, Sochan can guard multiple positions, but shot just 29.6% from distance in his lone year at Baylor. Still, if he can continue to defend and rebound, skills that usually translate well, Sochan can be a difference-maker as a rookie.

10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin

The Washington Wizards took a scoring guard? This appears to be an odd fit with Bradley Beal as their shooting guard. Though, general manager Tommy Sheppard did indicate a willingness to allow Beal to play point, which Davis likely can’t, it’s a surprising pick.

But, as far as Johnny Davis the player, he has the potential to have a bright future. Davis is a big-time gamer who plays his best when the pressure is on. He may not have long-range distance, but make no mistake, Davis is a bucket-getter, whose best trait is his ability to score.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Knicks): Ousmane Dieng, guard/forward, France

A 6-foot-10 Frenchman with great length who can play guard or forward, Ousmane Dieng becomes the latest fascinating project the Oklahoma City Thunder have hitched their cart to, joining Chet Holmgren and others. Dieng can handle the rock, he can dish it, but his scoring ability will have to continue to be refined.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Clippers): Jalen Williams, guard, Santa Clara

The Oklahoma City Thunder are starting to cash in some of their draft picks. Joining Chet Holmgren and Ousmane Dieng will be Jalen Williams out of Santa Clara. He’s an extremely lengthy guard at 6-foot-6 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, that clearly possesses some eventual defensive upside. But for now, his offensive game is what’s gotten him selected at No. 12. We could look back years from now and see this pick as a true steal.

13. Detroit Pistons (via Charlotte): Jalen Duren, center, Memphis

The Charlotte Hornets originally held this pick, but evidently the Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks got involved with a three-team trade, which ultimately lands Jalen Duren in Detroit. It’s an interesting fit, as they also have Isaiah Stewart, who’s also a defensive big, but Duren has much more length, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan. After averaging 2.1 blocks per game serving as an intimidating paint presence, Duren will now look to do the same in the NBA, joining Jaden Ivey.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, guard, Kansas

The Cleveland Cavaliers continue to add players who can fill multiple roles. In this case, Ochai Agbaji serves as a 3-and-D specialist who can take over as the eventual shooting guard once Collin Sexton’s future becomes clear. After helping lead Kansas to the Final Four, look for Agbaji to have an immediate role with the Cavs as a rook.

Related: Top-50 prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft

NBA Draft tracker: Non-lottery picks

15. Charlotte Hornets (from Pelicans): Mark Williams, center, Duke

Despite the Charlotte Hornets passing on the opportunity to select Jalen Duren, they’ve still managed to land an elite shot-blocker with Duke’s Mark Williams just outside the lottery. Williams is a paint protector in the truest sense, swatting 2.8 shots per game his sophomore year and now the 20-year-old big will join LaMelo Ball in Charlotte.

16. Atlanta Hawks: A.J. Griffin, forward, Duke:

The Atlanta Hawks have just added yet another lethal knockdown shooter with A.J. Griffin, joining forces with Trae Young. Some might even call Griffin the best shooter in the draft class, but at 6-foot-6, he can continue helping stretch the floor for the Hawks, taking more pressure off Ice Trae.

17. Houston Rockets (from Nets): Tari Eason, forward, LSU

Even at 6-foot-8, Tari Eason has earned a reputation for being one of the best defenders in college basketball at LSU. His even longer 7-foot-2 wingspan allowed Eason to guard all five positions, making this a good pick no matter where he plays.

18. Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, guard, Arizona

The Chicago Bulls are adding a high IQ versatile defender, who made the all-defensive team in the Pac-12 last season. Terry may have only averaged 8 points per game as a sophomore but he adds other aspects, such as being a wise decision-maker who can also make effective cuts to get some easy buckets.

19. Memphis Grizzlies (from Timberwolves): Jake LaRavia, forward, Wake Forest

Jake LaRavia had an interesting pre-draft process, with several sources listing him as two years older than he actually is. LaRavia is 20 years old, and at 6-foot-9, possesses a versatile skillset, with the ability to distribute, hit the open three, and defend.

20. San Antonio Spurs (from Raptors): Malaki Branham, guard, Ohio State

A player who many had projected to go in the lottery portion, the San Antonio Spurs landed an intriguing talent with Malaki Branham at 20. Branham’s three-point ability should easily translate to the NBA, but he also has a crafty scoring knack near the rim.

21. Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, guard, Kansas

The Denver Nuggets have a lot of depth, but Monte Morris could be on the way out. What they’re getting with Christian Brown is a solid two-way player, who isn’t afraid to work the glass. Needs to refine his game, but he can see the floor as he develops.

22. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Grizzlies via Jazz): Walker Kessler, center, Auburn

With the Minnesota Timberwolves searching for a center to pair with Karl-Anthony Towns, some might say they found the best shot-blocker in the draft with Walker Kessler. Averaging 4.6 blocks per game at Auburn, Kessler will certainly be an intimidating presence in the paint.

23. Memphis Grizzlies (from Philadelphia): David Roddy, guard/forward, Colorado State

The Grizzlies traded De’Anthony Melton to land this selection, but in doing so, they’re taking a chance on David Roddy, in the hopes that his all-around game translates at least a few of the same traits to the NBA. For now, Roddy improved greatly as a shooter in his junior season, but he also added both a steal and block per game at Colorado State in his final season. He’s an intriguing prospect for any team.

24. Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, guard/forward, G League Ignite

As the second player from the G League Ignite to be selected in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft, MarJon Beauchamp now joins a perennial contender with the Milwaukee Bucks. A long-armed defender, Beauchamp can also attack the glass, gobbling up rebounds or driving the lane for the easy bucket.

25. San Antonio Spurs (from Celtics): Blake Wesley, guard, Notre Dame

A shot creator that needs to improve his range, Blake Wesley can be a microwave scorer off the bench. He can get to the hoop in a flash, whether it’s his raw quickness or impressive ball-handling ability. Walker doesn’t find the open man often, but his athleticism will take him a long way.

26. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Rockets): Wendell Moore, wing, Duke

This is just brilliant pick for a Timberwolves team that has already added a ton of talent in the draft with Auburn center Walker Kessler. Moore averaged 13.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 41% from three-point range for Duke last season.

27. Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, forward, Serbia

Jovic might end up being one of the best picks in the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 Serbian is as versatile as they come and can do multiple things on the court. That includes playing strong defense, plus-level passing ability and point-forward skills. Miami got a steal with our 17th-ranked player on our board.

28. Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin Jr., forward, Wisconsin-Milwaukee

One of the most-intriguing NBA Draft prospects of 2022, Baldwin Jr. stands at 6-foot-9. He can play all three perimeter positions and performed well in limited action as a freshman (12.1 PPG, 5.8 RPG). However, there’s some concern over shooting (34% from the field in 2021-22). The Warriors get a high-upside player who was a projected top-10 pick heading into the college basketball season.

29. Houston Rockets (from Timberwolves): TyTy Washington, guard, Kentucky

This Arizona native was great for Kentucky as a freshman — averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists on 45% shooting. He’s also a capable three-point shooter (35%). Rockets general manager Rafael Stone continues to do work in this draft with another high-value selection.

30. Denver Nuggets (from Thunder): Peyton Watson, wing, UCLA

This is a questionable pick. Denver selected a former top recruit of the UCLA Bruins in Watson. A McDonald’s All-American out of high school, Watson shot 32% from the field while averaging 3.3 points per game. Sure the upside is here. But the productivity wasn’t there in college.

NBA Draft tracker: Second-round picks

31. Indiana Pacers: Andrew Nembhard, guard, Gonzaga

32. Orlando Magic: Caleb Houstan, wing, Michigan

33. Toronto Raptors: Christian Koloko, forward/center, Arizona

34. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaylin Williams, forward, Arkansas

35. Los Angeles Lakers: Max Christie, guard, Michigan State

36. Detroit Pistons: Gabriele Procida, guard, Italy

37. Dallas Mavericks: Jaden Hardy, guard, G League Ignite

38. Memphis Grizzlies: Kennedy Chandler, guard, Tennessee

39. Cleveland Cavaliers: Khalifa Diop, center, Senegal

40. Charlotte Hornets: Bryce McGowens, guard, Nebraska

41. New Orleans Pelicans: E.J. Liddell, forward, Ohio State

42. New York Knicks: Trevor Keels, forward, Duke

43. Los Angeles Clippers: Moussa Diabate, forward, Michigan

44. Golden State Warriors: Ryan Rollins, guard, Toledo

45. Minnesota Timberwolves: Josh Minott, forward, Memphis

46. Denver Nuggets: Ismael Kamagate, center, France

47. Memphis Grizzlies: Vince Willams Jr., wing, VCU

48. Indiana Pacers: Kendall Brown, forward, Baylor

49. Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaiah Mobley, forward, USC

50. Minnesota Timberwolves: Matteo Spagnolo, guard, Italy

51. Atlanta Hawks: Tyrese Martin, forward, Connecticut

52. New Orleans Pelicans: Karlo Matkovic, forward/center, Serbia

53. Boston Celtics: JD Davison, guard, Alabama

54. Washington Wizards: Yannick Nzosa, center, Congo

55. Golden State Warriors: Gui Santos, forward, Brazil

56. Cleveland Cavaliers: Luke Travers, guard, Australia

57. Portland Trail Blazers: Jabari Walker, forward, Colorado

58. Milwaukee Bucks: Hugo Besson, guard, France

Related: Early 2023 NBA mock draft: All eyes already on Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson

Exit mobile version