The 2022 NBA draft is just over a week away, but the wheeling and dealing has already begun. The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder completed a trade on Monday that included a 2022 first-round pick headed to Denver, and trade chatter is certain to intensify throughout the rest of the league in the coming days. Multiple teams currently holding 2022 NBA lottery picks are believed to be willing to deal, and a significant group of current NBA players are also potentially on offer via draft deals.
The makeup of ESPN's latest 2022 mock draft has also gone through some significant changes. While the Big Three of Auburn's Jabari Smith, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren and Duke's Paolo Banchero have remained consistent, the order in which those three players are selected remains less than locked in as private workouts continue. New names have also moved up into the lottery zone in recent days, with players including Arizona's Bennedict Mathurin creeping near the top five.
How will the dominoes fall on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn (8 p.m. ET, ESPN and ESPN App)? Here's our latest projection:
Jabari Smith
Auburn
SF/PF
Age: 19.0
The Magic brought Smith in for a light workout and interview this week but continue to cast a wide net, scheduling additional visits with the likes of Paolo Banchero, Keegan Murray, Shaedon Sharpe and others. NBA executives overwhelmingly expect the Magic to select Smith, but they'll perform their due diligence to ensure they make the right choice. Drafting arguably the most dynamic shooter in the class in Smith -- who made 42% of his 3-pointers and stands 6-foot-10 -- makes sense. Running off screens, pulling up in transition, making iso stepbacks and hitting impossible fadeaways out of the post ... seemingly no shot appears to be too difficult for Smith thanks to his high release point and soft touch. The intensity level and versatility Smith brings defensively will be attractive as well, along with the fact that he just turned 19 years old and checks every box the franchise looks for from a character and competitiveness standpoint.
Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga
PF
Age: 20.1
The Thunder will conduct workouts with all of the top prospects in the class, including Smith, Holmgren, Banchero, Sharpe, Jaden Ivey and others. The franchise's rebuild is viewed with increasing favor, as a strong coaching staff, player-development infrastructure, organizational culture and trove of players assembled should allow OKC to quickly pivot toward respectability. Adding a 7-footer with a 7-6 wingspan to that core, one who projects as a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate with the mobility, timing and competitiveness Holmgren offers, makes perfect sense. He'll give the Thunder offense, which ranked last in the NBA in 3-point percentage, much-needed spacing with his ability to shoot, push off the defensive glass, create for others and finish emphatically around the basket, and should fit in very well with their existing pieces thanks to the two-way versatility and excellent feel for the game he brings.
Paolo Banchero
Duke
PF/C
Age: 19.5
After watching him work out at his home base in Memphis and bringing him on an individual visit to Houston, the Rockets seem high on the talent, skill and fit of Banchero. He had an outstanding freshman season at Duke, showcasing all of his offensive versatility in a season that culminated in a Final Four run. Banchero is a 6-10, polished and aggressive scorer who can carry a significant load with his ability to handle, pass and shoot, and his ability to create off the dribble both for himself and teammates should pair well with the explosive transition scoring and shot-making prowess Jalen Green offers. Banchero should compete for Rookie of the Year honors and has considerable upside to grow into as the Rockets surround him and Green with the requisite defensive pieces and floor spacers to return to playoff contention.
Jaden Ivey
Purdue
PG/SG
Age: 20.3
The Kings aren't Ivey's preferred destination but have proved willing to take players without the benefit of workouts and medical information in the past, doing so as recently as a year ago when selecting Davion Mitchell. Many around the NBA feel that this pick is available for a team looking to swap picks and move up the draft for Ivey. Detroit, Indiana and Oklahoma City are among those that could potentially exchange an asset to help the Kings' chances of contending for a playoff spot, with the likes of Jerami Grant, Myles Turner and Lu Dort a few potential options that rival teams point to. In the event that the Kings elect to hold on to this pick and prefer to avoid the drama associated with picking a player against his camp's will, the candidacy of Keegan Murray might be gaining steam with head coach-to-be Mike Brown. Owner Vivek Ranadive is also said to be a proponent of selecting him.
5. Detroit Pistons
Keegan Murray
Iowa
PF/C
Age: 21.8
While the Pistons likely will be disappointed to see Ivey off the board in this scenario, Murray's fit here looks strong, especially with the amount of trade chatter surrounding power forward Jerami Grant. The incumbent is widely expected to be on the move this summer, as he's entering the final year of his contract and doesn't look to be on the same timetable as the rest of the Pistons' roster. Murray's cerebral approach and steady demeanor should fit in well with franchise building block Cade Cunningham, with his dynamic shooting ability, how he ignites the break off the defensive glass and the versatility he brings defensively. Sharpe is also said to be a real candidate here but couldn't separate himself in a competitive 3-on-3 workout he conducted last week alongside the likes of Bennedict Mathurin, Dyson Daniels and others.
Bennedict Mathurin
Arizona
SG/SF
Age: 19.9
Mathurin is drawing strong reviews on the private workout trail, excelling in competitive action, individual drills and interview sessions everywhere he's visited thus far. An All-American who excels coming off screens and operating in the open court, Mathurin can play either wing spot and has plenty of upside to grow into at just 19 years old. He would give the Pacers a strong backcourt rotation with Malcolm Brogdon, Tyrese Haliburton and Chris Duarte. Many teams are kicking the tires on what it would take to acquire Brogdon or Myles Turner in a trade, but the asking price for both is said to be high.
Dyson Daniels
G League Ignite
PG/SG
Age: 19.2
The Blazers are early in their rebuilding process and can afford to swing for the fences for a prospect like Daniels, who possesses significant upside but will need time to fill out his frame and become a more dynamic scorer. Daniels would be an excellent understudy for Damian Lillard while still having the length and defensive versatility to operate in the same backcourt with him and Anfernee Simons. Daniels doesn't need the ball to make his presence felt, as he's an excellent decision-maker, passer, cutter and rebounder and a rapidly improving shooter. He defends everyone from the point of attack to bigger wing-forwards and makes quite a few plays off the ball.
Shaedon Sharpe
Kentucky
SG
Age: 19.0
The Pelicans have less of a major need at any particular position than other lottery teams. New Orleans has four surefire starters in the fold and a plethora of young talent at every position that gives it tremendous depth and role players to plug virtually any hole. Drafting Sharpe and allowing him to come along slowly would make plenty of sense. Sharpe possesses elite physical tools with his exceptional frame, length and explosiveness to go along with dynamic perimeter-shooting ability and the potential to reap huge dividends down the road. There was a reason Sharpe was the No. 1-ranked player in his high school class, as he has the kind of scoring instincts many teams look for in a top offensive option and plays a position where every franchise seeks talent.
Jalen Duren
Memphis
C
Age: 18.5
Duren offers a natural succession plan for Jakob Poeltl, who is entering the final year of his contract. He's arguably the most physically gifted big man in the draft, at 6-10, 250 pounds with a 7-5 wingspan, and has a ready-made role from day one as a lob-catching shot-blocker with the huge catch radius he displays, the excellent timing he shows as a rim-protector and the way he uses verticality to his advantage. Duren also has significant room for growth in terms of skill level as the game slows down for him entering his 20s.
Johnny Davis
Wisconsin
PG/SG
Age: 20.2
The Wizards need to improve their backcourt after cycling through a cascade of guards this past season. An All-American last season, Davis should be able to play an immediate role with his defensive versatility, unselfishness and scoring ability, while also bringing many winning intangibles to which the Wizards will be attracted. He would fit well alongside the ball-dominant Bradley Beal and has plenty of upside to tap into as well at just 20 years old. This pick is widely assumed to be available in trade talks, in exchange for a proven backcourt player.
AJ Griffin
Duke
SF/PF
Age: 18.7
Coming off a disappointing season, the Knicks desperately need to upgrade at point guard but lack great options there. Trading this pick for an immediate contributor could be attractive, but there aren't many great apparent options on the table at the moment. If they decide to keep the pick, drafting a player such as Griffin, who is arguably the best shooter in the class after making 45% of his 3-pointers, could make sense. His 7-foot wingspan gives him significant potential defensively, he's one of the youngest players in the draft, and he plays one of the most coveted positions in the modern NBA.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)
Ousmane Dieng
NZ Breakers
SF/PF
Age: 19.0
The Thunder are said to be aggressively pursuing trade conversations for this pick, seeking to package it with future assets or existing OKC players in order to move into the mid-lottery, with players including Jaden Ivey and Shaedon Sharpe believed to be among the potential prospects they covet. If they elect to stand pat, picking one of the draft's most talented wing forwards in Dieng could make a lot of sense, as there are minutes to be had and quite a bit of potential left to tap. A fluid wing with ample size to slide to the power forward position as his frame fills out, Dieng hit his stride as the Australian NBL season progressed, flashing impressive shot-making prowess, the ability to create for teammates out of the pick-and-roll and the length and off-ball instincts to defend multiple positions.
Jeremy Sochan
Baylor
PF
Age: 19.0
Rival teams don't expect the Hornets to hold on to both of their mid first-round picks -- adding two rookies in need of minutes and patience might not be the most attractive proposition for a team that just fired its head coach after failing to advance past the play-in game. Regardless of who is making this pick, Sochan is likely to come off the board right in this range as most teams have him graded as a late lottery-level talent, with some even having him firmly in the top 10. Sochan brings several different dimensions with his ability to defend all over the floor, pass the ball effectively and slide up or down positions depending on the matchup, while also possessing plenty of upside to grow into having just turned 19. His feel for the game, versatility and competitiveness gives him a very high floor as well.
Ochai Agbaji
Kansas
SF
Age: 22.1
The Cavs will be looking to add size and perimeter shooting on the wing this offseason, both in free agency and in the draft. Agbaji, one of the best shooters in the draft with a 6-10 wingspan and chiseled frame, projects as a plug-and-play, 3-and-D prospect who should be ready to contribute immediately after winning All-America honors and coming off a national championship in which he won the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player for Kansas. Ousmane Dieng is another prospect rival teams point to as someone the Cavs are very high on, but is already off the board in this scenario.
15. Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans)
Mark Williams
Duke
C
Age: 20.4
The Hornets can be strategic with their two first-rounders that sandwich Cleveland's pick, knowing it is highly unlikely the Cavs will take a center with two outstanding big men already in place. The Hornets have been seeking a legitimate rim-protecting, lob-catching center to pair with LaMelo Ball from the moment they drafted him, and could very well be attracted to Williams, with whom they'll be familiar from down the road in Durham. Williams led college basketball in dunks last season, won ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors and made considerable progress as a sophomore. He's an absolute game-changer on both ends of the floor with his combination of size (7-1), length (7-8 wingspan) and non-stop energy, providing a steady offensive presence with his excellent hands and finishing ability and putting a lid on the rim defensively thanks to his mobility, timing and reach.
Malaki Branham
Ohio State
SG
Age: 19.0
The Hawks, perpetually one of the most active front offices in the NBA, are said to be exploring a host of options to strengthen their defense and better position themselves to make a playoff run next season. John Collins could be a catalyst for a major draft-day trade. Should the Hawks still be picking at this spot when the dust settles, a player like Branham could make a lot of sense, as he has a strong case to be considered the most talented prospect on the board. Branham's combination of size, frame, length, scoring instincts and shot-making prowess off the dribble (44% FG%) and with his feet set (43%) look seamlessly translatable to what the NBA is looking for at his position. He plays with a unique combination of aggressiveness and poise for a player who just turned 19, and the fact that he made such impressive strides as the season moved on, facilitating more for others and showing competitiveness defensively one-on-one, gives him a high ceiling as a prospect.
17. Houston Rockets
Tari Eason
LSU
PF
Age: 21.0
The Rockets are early in their rebuilding and will likely be looking to take swings on talent and upside, as they don't appear to be particularly close to contention. Eason is one of the most explosive and productive players in the draft, putting consistent pressure on opposing defenses with his quick first step, physicality and insatiable intensity, characteristics that allow him to live at the free throw line. These same traits helped make him one of the most versatile defenders in the college game, a magnet for steals, blocks and rebounds who flew all over the floor in LSU's suffocating press while rotating from guarding point guards to big men.
Jalen Williams
Santa Clara
SF
Age: 21.1
Rival teams say the Bulls aren't in love with their options here, and they are open to trading the pick, potentially in a package with combo guard Coby White. If they stand pat, the versatility offered by Williams could be attractive here, as Williams has the length to defend power forwards with his 7-2 wingspan, but also possesses the court vision, playmaking and shooting to be utilized at point guard in college, which should provide him with the versatility to slide all over the floor for a team that had to plug holes last season in an injury-plagued campaign.
Walker Kessler
Auburn
C
Age: 20.8
Twin-tower lineups are becoming more in vogue these days with the success teams like Boston and Cleveland had with bigger lineups this season. For a Minnesota team looking to take the next step defensively, drafting the NCAA's Defensive Player of the Year could make some sense, even if that means playing Kessler alongside a super-skilled 7-footer in Karl-Anthony Towns. Kessler is a force as a rim protector but also brings strong pick-and-roll finishing ability and even some potential as a perimeter shooter. Kessler is a steady offensive presence with his ability to catch difficult passes, hammer home lobs, finish with touch around the basket and make good decisions out of short rolls, which should make him a good fit in Minnesota's offense.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)
Blake Wesley
Notre Dame
SG
Age: 19.2
With three picks in the first round, the Spurs can afford to take a swing on the player with the biggest upside possible, as adding star power to the roster is a major priority for the team. Wesley is one of the most physically gifted guards in this draft, capable of getting into the paint at will with his strong frame and explosive first step. He made strides as the season moved on both defensively and with his ability to create for teammates, and if he can continue to evolve as a shooter, he has the potential to be a real mismatch with the ball in his hands.
TyTy Washington Jr.
Kentucky
PG/SG
Age: 20.5
Having drafted well, and forced to play their young players fairly extensively due to injury, the team has also developed some solid depth, giving the Nuggets good flexibility heading into the draft. Adding quality depth in the backcourt could be attractive for the Nuggets, especially a steady-handed guard like Washington who can play with or without the ball, excels in pick-and-roll and is a strong perimeter shooter. Washington has the size and length to play in many different lineup configurations for a team like Denver, giving him nice positional versatility to go along with his strong feel for the game.
Kennedy Chandler
Tennessee
PG
Age: 19.7
With the impending free agency of backup point guard Tyus Jones, who is in line for a raise after an excellent season, adding depth in the backcourt could make a lot of sense, especially with a local product like Chandler. He was one of the most talented point guards in college, blessed with incredible speed and burst, terrific ballhandling ability and creativity as a finisher and passer, and flashes of real shot-making ability. Despite being on the smaller side, Chandler's quickness, basketball instincts and length made him a significant asset defensively last season, allowing him to make a living getting in passing lanes while also being a real pest on the ball.
23. Philadelphia 76ers (Nets deferred pick to 2023)
Jaden Hardy
G League Ignite
SG
Age: 19.9
With James Harden turning 33 in August and on the downside of his career from a physical standpoint, adding more talent in the backcourt could very well be a major priority for the Sixers, if only to protect Harden's health and ensure he's at his best entering the playoffs. Hardy still has plenty of upside to tap into as a shot-making, instinctual scorer who is only 19. Adding more shooting alongside Joel Embiid should be an attractive proposition for the Sixers, and Hardy has the type of scoring talent that could allow him to anchor a bench unit down the road if he continues to progress with his frame and decision-making.
Nikola Jovic
Mega Mozzart
SF
Age: 19.0
While the Bucks are clearly in need of a big man capable of playing starting-caliber minutes, other team needs caused a half-dozen players capable of playing center to already be selected at this point in the draft, making the next-best true big man somewhat of a reach at this pick. That said, Jovic has excellent size at 6-11, a strong feel for the game and could slide nicely between Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Possessing an interesting blend of youth, talent and confidence, Jovic is a skilled forward with the tools to fill a role a la Danilo Gallinari or Nemanja Bjelica down the line. Jake LaRavia and Andrew Nembhard are two other players who have drawn some interest at this spot.
25. San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics)
E.J. Liddell
Ohio State
PF
Age: 21.4
The Spurs could be attracted to the versatility, off-court intangibles and productivity offered by Liddell. At 6-7, Liddell is undersized for an NBA power forward, but makes up for that with a near 7-foot wingspan and chiseled 243-pound frame. He brings a strong defensive versatility with a much improved shooting stroke that made him a force from beyond the 3-point line.
MarJon Beauchamp
G League Ignite
SG/SF
Age: 21.6
With confidence brewing regarding the Mavericks' ability to retain Jalen Brunson, adding quality wing depth to surround Luka Doncic and Co. looks like a priority. Beauchamp is the type of rim-running, elite-cutting, hard-playing wing who doesn't need plays called for him and can find his own offense alongside Doncic just by virtue of his energy. Beauchamp could emerge as a starting-quality player if his jumper and ballhandling continues to improve, but his defensive versatility as a long-armed wing who can check point guards through power forwards will be useful in the meantime along with his ability to score off his hustle and instincts.
Dalen Terry
Arizona
PG/SG
Age: 19.9
Terry has been one of the big winners of the pre-draft process, impressing teams with his character on and off the court while dropping glimpses of significant versatility and upside he can grow into at just 19. His length, unselfishness, feel for the game and ability to defend multiple positions could make him a viable NBA rotational player as his jumper continues to improve, something that would make for an interesting roll of the dice for the Heat, who boast one of the best player development infrastructures in the NBA.
Jake LaRavia
Wake Forest
PF
Age: 20.6
The Warriors could be in the market for a versatile wing-forward who can play off others, make shots from the perimeter and defend multiple positions. LaRavia, who shot 38% from 3 last season and 78% at the free throw line, brings a strong feel for the game and intriguing playmaking ability defensively. The fact that he's only 20 years old gives him some additional upside he can still tap into as he continues to improve his frame, maximize his athleticism and become a more assertive perimeter shooter.
29. Memphis Grizzlies
Caleb Houstan
Michigan
SF
Age: 19.4
One of the big mysteries of the 2022 NBA draft is where Houstan, once a projected top-10 pick, ends up. Houstan declined his invite to the NBA combine, indicating there might be something to the rumors of a first-round promise, or that Houstan has a landing spot with which he's comfortable in the form of a "soft promise," which would only prevent him from working out for teams outside a certain range. Houstan's positional size, defensive awareness and perimeter shooting gives him a high floor as a prospect, despite his disappointing freshman season at Michigan.
30. Denver Nuggets
David Roddy
Colorado St
PF
Age: 21.2
The Nuggets received this pick in a trade with Oklahoma City this week that also provided them with financial flexibility this summer. Roddy, who played down the street at Colorado State, could be an attractive option. Roddy rebounded from an underwhelming showing at the NBA Combine with a slew of strong private workouts, showcasing why he was one of the most uniquely versatile players in the college game. At 6-foot-6, he sees quite a few minutes at center -- where he can thrive thanks to his 260-pound frame -- but is also a creative ballhandler and passer who converted 44% of his 3-pointers, making him a huge mismatch.
Second round
31. Pacers (via Rockets)
Andrew Nembhard | Gonzaga | PG | Age: 22.4
32. Magic
Christian Braun | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 21.1
33. Raptors (via Pistons)
Peyton Watson | UCLA | SF/PF | Age: 19.7
34. Thunder
Jaylin Williams | Arkansas | C | Age: 19.9
35. Magic (via Pacers)
Trevor Keels | Duke | PG/SG | Age: 18.7
36. Trail Blazers
Wendell Moore Jr. | Duke | SF | Age: 20.7
37. Kings
Christian Koloko | Arizona | C | Age: 21.9
38. Spurs (via Lakers)
Khalifa Diop | Gran Canaria | C | Age: 20.4
39. Cavaliers (via Spurs)
Bryce McGowens | Nebraska | SF | Age: 19.5
40. Timberwolves (via Wizards)
Kendall Brown | Baylor | SF | Age: 19.0
41. Pelicans
Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Milwaukee | SF/PF | Age: 19.5
42. Knicks
Hugo Besson | NZ Breakers | PG/SG | Age: 21.1
43. Clippers
Ismael Kamagate | Paris | C | Age: 21.4
44. Hawks
Ryan Rollins | Toledo | SG | Age: 19.9
45. Hornets
Justin Lewis | Marquette | SF/PF | Age: 20.1
46. Pistons (via Nets)
Max Christie | Michigan State | SG | Age: 19.3
47. Grizzlies (via Cavaliers)
JD Davison | Alabama | PG | Age: 19.6
48. Timberwolves
Josh Minott | Memphis | PF | Age: 19.5
49. Kings (from Bulls)
Jean Montero | Overtime Elite | PG/SG | Age: 18.9
50. Timberwolves (from Nuggets)
Dominick Barlow | Overtime Elite | PF/C | Age: 19.0
51. Warriors
Michael Foster | G League Ignite | PF | Age: 19.4
52. Pelicans (via Jazz)
Gabriele Procida | Fortitudo Bologna | SG | Age: 20.0
53. Celtics
Dereon Seabron | NC State | SG | Age: 22.0
54. Wizards (via Mavericks)
Yannick Nzosa | Unicaja Malaga | C | Age: 18.5
55. Warriors
Ron Harper Jr. | Rutgers | SF/PF | Age: 22.1
56. Cavaliers (via Heat)
Karlo Matkovic | Mega Mozzart | C | Age: 22.9
57. Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies)
Matteo Spagnolo | Cremona | PG | Age: 19.4
58. Pacers (via Suns)
Ziga Samar | Fuenlabrada | PG | Age: 21.3
Note: The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat each lost a second-round draft pick after an NBA investigation revealed premature discussions into the free agency of guards Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and International teams.
2022 NBA mock draft -- First-round changes include lottery movement - ESPN
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