The 2022 NBA Draft projects to be one of the best in recent history. The class is headlined by three-generational forward talents that could thrive if put into the right situation at the next level. Now that the NBA Draft Lottery has been decided we can finally project each player to teams without it seeming like hopeful thinking. Each of these picks is my opinion of what I would do if I were in charge. I repeat these picks are not predictions. If you enjoy my NBA Mock Draft please share this with someone. Without further ado, let's begin.
1st Pick - The Orlando Magic select Paolo Banchero
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 250lbs
College: Duke
PPG: 17.2
APG: 3.2
TRPG: 7.8
BPG: 0.9
FG%: 47.8%
3P%: 33.8%
FT%: 72.9%
eFG%: 52.0%
Paolo Banchero is one of the most intriguing prospects in this entire draft class. He is a relentless scoring forward with the potential to continue his gift for putting the ball in the hoop at the next level. Paolo is one of my favorite players in the class for his sheer potential and potential impact on an NBA Franchise. In my evaluation, Paolo Banchero has the most potential to be the number one option for an NBA team over Jabari and Chet. Don't get me wrong, I do believe Jabari will be better in year one and I do believe that Chet has more all-around potential, but in terms of pure scoring, I would have to go with Paolo. Like I said before this guy has a knack for scoring the basketball. He isn't perfect though, shooting below 35% from the 3-pt line, Paolo will have to prove to me that he can be more consistent. Unlike the 3, I believe Paolo can be most deadly from the mid-range. He has a pure stroke from the mid-range and although it has become the "least valuable" shot in the NBA, Paolo brings some new life to the shot as he was extremely effective with it. Besides the 3-pt shooting, Paolo has concerns with his defense. At times he truly lacked effort for that side of the ball which he must develop in the NBA to be truly great. All in all, I love Paolo Banchero's ability to score and I believe this is what the Magic needs most. A go-to guy who stands out from the rest with legitimate superstar upside.
2nd Pick - The Oklahoma City Thunder select Jabari Smith Jr
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 220lbs
College: Auburn
PPG: 16.9
APG: 1.9
TRPG: 7.4
BPG: 1.0
FG%: 42.9%
3P%: 42.0%
FT%: 79.9%
eFG%: 52.1%
Jabari Smith Jr. is in my top-5 favorite players in this draft class. Jabari can guard four positions in the NBA with the potential to guard all five. Jabari impressively shot the air out of the ball from three in college. Jabari has the tools to be a number one for an NBA team just like Chet Holmgren. There's no doubt Jabari is a generational prospect that projects to have a similar impact to Jaren Jackson Jr. who is a key contributor to the Grizzles. Jabari Smith was an efficient shot maker with upside as a playmaker and defender. With this pick, the OKC Thunder are one-step closer to the end of their rebuild. The potential of this trio of Jabari, Shai, and Giddey could be genuinely great. The Thunder are in a fantastic spot for their rebuild. Jabari is a great fit with OKC and is my favorite in the class.
3rd Pick - The Houston Rockets select Chet Holmgren
Height: 7'0"
Weight: 195lbs
College: Gonzaga
PPG: 14.1
APG: 1.9
TRPG: 9.9
BPG: 3.7
FG%: 60.7%
3P%: 39.0%
FT%: 71.7%
eFG%: 68.0%
Chet Holmgren is a generational prospect who projects as the next great NBA unicorn. Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7-foot 6-inch wingspan. Chet stood at shot-blocking and post-defense during his time with Gonzaga. Averaging almost 4 blocks per game, Chet showed legitimate potential to be an All-NBA defender. Chet showed flashes in the pick n' roll game as well as the ability to be a great floor spacer at the next level. With all of this potential, Chet has still shown weakness in perimeter defense. He could struggle against stronger bigs at the next level if he doesn't put on adequate weight to keep up at the net level. Despite the upside on offense, Chet didn't produce flashy numbers on offense with Gonzaga. Despite these concerns, Chet stills had tremendous upside at the next level. Chet has a bright future if he is developed properly and is not rushed into things in Houston if drafted.
4th Pick - The Sacramento Kings select AJ Griffin
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 222lbs
College: Duke
PPG: 10.4
APG: 1.0
TRPG: 3.9
BPG: 0.6
FG%: 49.3%
3P%: 44.7%
FT%: 79.2%
eFG%: 61.3%
AJ Griffin has the best combination of 3-D in this entire draft class. AJ Griffin shot over 40% from the 3-pt line this past season at Duke and it was no fluke. AJ took a variety of shots whether they be catch and shoot, off-balance, or off the dribble. AJ Griffin has a legit stroke from beyond the arc and if that translates to the league, he has serious 2-way potential at the next level. AJ is already a great defender to couple with his 3-pt shooting. One of the biggest risks involving AJ is injury history. This past season he was diagnosed with a sprained knee injury which would cause a slow start to the season. It wasn't until his fifth game of the season that he had 18 points, 2 steals, and 2 rebounds. He also went 7/10 from the field and 4/6 from the 3-pt line. If AJ Griffin can stay healthy and continue to develop his game, he will prove why he's my favorite prospect in this entire class. The reason why I chose the Kings to select him is that the Kings need to take players who don't need to develop quickly to be effective at the next level. AJ Griffin provides 3-pt shooting and great defense which is key to any team hoping to make the playoffs. I liked the idea of Shaedon Sharpe and Jaden Ivey but there was too much risk in fit and whether Sharpe could be effective early on for the Kings.
5th Pick - The Detroit Pistons select Shaedon Sharpe
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 200lbs
College: Kentucky
PPG: --
APG: --
TRPG: --
BPG: --
FG%: --
3P%: --
FT%: --
eFG%: --
Here is where my mock gets spicy! I have the Pistons taking Shaedon Sharpe over Jaden Ivey at 5. I really like both of these guards and their ability to score at the next level but what stood out to me was Shaedon Sharpe's potential to be better than Jaden Ivey. Sharpe stands at 6'6" and 200lbs and provides both offensive and defensive ability which propelled him to number one pick status in next year's NBA Draft. His potential to be a dynamic 2-way guard at the next level is tempting and is why I chose him over Ivey. The Pistons aren't forced to compete now like the Kings, which is why Shaedon wasn't an ideal pick for them. But, the Pistons have the luxury of waiting a couple of seasons if Shaedon requires time to adjust to the speed of the NBA coming basically out of High School Basketball. There's a lot to like about both guards but ultimately I believe that Sharpe was the best pick for the Pistons here!
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Philippians 4:13
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