2022 NBA Mock Draft: Final projections for all 58 picks

See who is expected to land where in Heat Check CBB’s final projections for all 58 picks in our final 2022 NBA Mock Draft.

Welcome to our final 2022 NBA Mock Draft!

With the real draft just a few hours away, our final projections reflect the latest intel I’ve received on prospects teams like and who/what they may be targeting in a current scenario.

Of course, draft day trades could completely uproot everything, and there are some teams are working on. Sacramento and Portland are both looking to use their top-10 picks to acquire players that are more likely to help them win now. Other teams like Oklahoma City and Atlanta may be looking to move up – for the right price. We also need to keep an eye on teams with multiple first round picks outside the lottery (Houston, San Antonio, Denver, and Memphis fall into this category) looking to package those picks to move up.

We’ve already seen some movement in this regard since our last mock draft was published. The Rockets acquired the No. 26 overall pick from Dallas as part of a trade that sent Christian Wood to the Mavs, while the Thunder sent the final pick in the first round to Denver as part of the JaMychal Green deal.

Assuming everyone stays put, where will the draft’s top prospects end up? Here’s a look at our projections for all 58 picks in the 2022 NBA Draft:

—Biggest sleepers in the 2022 NBA Draft
—NBA Draft Mailbag
—PODCAST: Hope & Rauf’s 2022 NBA Draft Preview

FIRST ROUND

1) Orlando Magic

Jabari Smith, SF/PF, Auburn – 6-foot-10, 220 lbs.
16.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 42.9 FG%, 42.0 3P%

Smith has both produced at a high clip in college and flashed obvious signs of untapped potential. His size and athleticism should make him an elite defender at the next level, and his 3-point shooting is spectacular. Smith will need to work on his ball-handling and shot creation skills, but there’s a lot to work with here. Orlando thinks Smith’s 3-point shot is a differentiator between him and Holmgren and that he can turn into a two-way star sooner than later.

2) Oklahoma City Thunder

Chet Holmgren, PF/C, Gonzaga – 7-foot, 195 lbs.
14.1 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 3.7 bpg, 60.7 FG%, 39.0 3P%

Holmgren is one of the truly unique prospects in NBA Draft history. He’s an elite rim protector who is also a dynamic weapon with 3-point range and the ball-handling and creation skills of a guard. The only downside, though, is that he’s rail thin. Questions about his durability in the NBA are legitimate, but there’s no one else who can do all the things he can do on the court. Oklahoma City would give him plenty of time and opportunity to develop his body.

3) Houston Rockets

Paolo Banchero, PF, Duke – 6-foot-10, 250 lbs.
17.2 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 3.2 apg, 47.8 FG%, 33.8 3P%

Banchero is the most lethal and polished scorer in this draft and should have the biggest immediate impact. His versatility and ability to create for himself at 6-foot-10 is incredibly appealing. There are some concerns about the 19-year-old’s defense, but his offensive production and upside far outweighs those drawbacks. He and Jalen Green would form a lethal offensive duo.

4) Sacramento Kings

Keegan Murray, PF, Iowa – 6-foot-8, 215 lbs.
23.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 55.4 FG%, 39.8 3P%

Sacramento wants to trade this pick to add a player more equipped to help them win now. If they’re unable to, Murray is the prospect most ready to do that at this point in the draft. He scores with ease at all three levels with the versatility, length and track record of being able to guard multiple positions on the defensive end. The Iowa product may not be a go-to superstar in the NBA, but it’s easy to envision him being the kind of secondary star all winning teams need.

5) Detroit Pistons

Jaden Ivey, SG, Purdue – 6-foot-4, 200 lbs.
17.3 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.1 apg, 46.0 FG%, 35.8 3P%

There’s a chance Ivey goes in the top three but with his refusal to either work out for or interview with Sacramento, it’s unlikely he is selected by the Kings. This is just fine with Detroit, which is high on Ivey’s upside. Elite athleticism and speed make him a menace in the open court, and he has tremendous defensive upside when he’s locked in on that end. His 3-point shot is still inconsistent, though it’s vastly improved from his freshman season, so there’s hope of continued progression in that area. He can also play some point guard if he becomes more consistent as a playmaker. But with Cade Cunningham already in the fold, that doesn’t become as much of a concern.

6) Indiana Pacers

AJ Griffin, SF/PF, Duke – 6-foot-6, 222 lbs.
10.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 49.3 FG%, 44.7 3P%

Griffin did not have as large of a role at Duke as his talent warranted because of early injuries and other talented players on Duke’s roster. But he’s an elite 3-point shooter who showed the strength and toughness to play inside, too. The Pacers put Griffin through an extremely extensive workout and think he can fill a need on the wing — especially with TJ Warren entering free agency.

7) Portland Trail Blazers

Shaedon Sharpe, SG, Kentucky – 6-foot-6, 200 lbs.
Did not play in 2021-22

Portland would prefer to trade this pick for a veteran who can help them build around Damian Lillard and win now. They’ve been heavily linked to Atlanta’s John Collins, and maybe a trade between the two happens on draft night. If the Blazers keep the pick, though, they may go in the other direction and take a swing on Sharpe — who Lillard is high on. He was the top prospect in the 2022 high school recruiting class before reclassifying and enrolling at Kentucky in January, only to sit out the remainder of the season to protect his draft stock. He might be the guard with the most upside in this class thanks to his size, elite athleticism (NBA-record 49-inch vertical), and ability to score at all three levels.

8) New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers)

Bennedict Mathurin, SG/SF, Arizona – 6-foot-7, 195 lbs.
17.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 2.5 apg, 45.0 FG%, 36.9 3P%

Mathurin already plays like a pro. There isn’t anything he can’t do offensively, and he’s shown the willingness to take – and make – big shots in clutch moments. There’s a shortage of wings who can create offense for themselves in today’s NBA, which is why Mathurin is a valuable prospect. New Orleans holds a belief he can play next to CJ McCollum and Brandon Ingram, too, or anchor their bench unit.

9) San Antonio Spurs

Jalen Duren, C, Memphis – 6-foot-11, 250 lbs.
12.0 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 59.7 FG%

Duren is a true throwback center in the sense that he doesn’t have much of a perimeter shot, but he’s a beast down low with his strength, impressive athleticism, relentless motor, and shot-blocking ability. We don’t see many true centers anymore because they can be liabilities defensively in today’s NBA, yet Duren has shown the lateral quickness necessary to at least be serviceable when guarding on the perimeter. San Antonio needs long-term help on the interior, making this a good fit.

10) Washington Wizards

Dyson Daniels, PG, G League Ignite – 6-foot-6, 199 lbs.
11.9 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 5.1 apg, 2.1 spg, 45.7 FG%, 33.3 3P%

Daniels is a fantastic playmaker at 6-foot-6 with the kind of unselfish, all-around game that could allow him to develop into an ideal point guard in today’s NBA. The biggest question with his game is his shooting. The Wizards need backcourt help and Daniels has the potential to develop into a very good one, particularly on the defensive end, where he’s thought of as perhaps the draft’s best perimeter defender.

11) New York Knicks

TyTy Washington, PG, Kentucky – 6-foot-3, 197 lbs.
12.5 ppg, 3.9 apg, 3.5 rpg, 45.1 FG%, 35.0 3P%

The Knicks need shooting and are in the market for both a point guard and center in this draft. I have them going for the former given the lack to quality point guards available, especially one who can play either with or without the ball and has a reliable 3-point shot. That description fits Washington, who slides in well with RJ Barrett in New York’s backcourt.

12) Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)

Ousmane Dieng, SF/PF, New Zealand Breakers – 6-foot-10, 216 lbs.
8.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 39.8 FG%, 27.1 3P%

The Thunder are in this rebuild for the long haul, and they realize their position. That will allow Sam Presti & Co. to take a swing on Dieng, a smooth 6-foot-10 scorer who needs to get stronger and could use time to turn his flashes of brilliance into consistent production. He’ll get that opportunity in Oklahoma City.

13) Charlotte Hornets

Jeremy Sochan, PF, Baylor – 6-foot-9, 230 lbs.
9.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 47.4 FG%, 29.6 3P%

Sochan is an investment into potential and upside. He’s an elite athlete for someone his size and should be an impact player defensively and on the glass right away. His offensive skills and shooting are still raw, but that defense gives him a solid floor in today’s NBA. The Hornets have interest in him because of his defensive versatility and athleticism, both of which they need in the frontcourt.

14) Cleveland Cavaliers

Johnny Davis, SG, Wisconsin – 6-foot-5, 196 lbs.
19.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, 42.7 FG%, 30.6 3P%

Cleveland was most effective with a third playmaker on the roster with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Sexton is also a restricted free agent and there are some questions about his future with the Cavs. The Big Ten Player of the Year carried Wisconsin with dominant two-way play. Along with being a great scorer, Davis showed the kind of defense that is very appealing to NBA teams like Cleveland. He doesn’t have consistent 3-point range yet, but Davis’ slashing ability and two-way potential make him a good fit here.

15) Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans)

Mark Williams, C, Duke – 7-foot, 243 lbs.
11.2 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg, 72.3 FG%

Charlotte has needed a center for a while and Williams feels like the perfect fit. He provides elite rim protection and is unstoppable around the rim. His length and athleticism should make him a lethal lob-catcher in pick-and-rolls with LaMelo Ball.

16) Atlanta Hawks

Tari Eason, SF/PF, LSU – 6-foot-8, 215 lbs.
16.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.9 spg, 52.1 FG%, 35.9 3P%

Atlanta is targeting help on the wing, particularly players who can be reliable defensively. New general manager Landry Fields has said that’s their priority. How does the leading scorer and best defender on one of the nation’s best defensive teams sound? Eason has great size and athleticism that allows him to defend just about every position and be effective as a slasher creating plays off the bounce.

17) Houston Rockets (via Nets)

Ochai Agbaji, SF, Kansas – 6-foot-5, 210 lbs.
18.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 47.5 FG%, 40.7 3P%

We have Houston going with a big man earlier in his mock draft, so now they’ll look to add needed depth and explosiveness on the wing. Enter this season’s Final Four MOP in Agbaji, who checks all those boxes. He’ll be able to contribute right away as a shooter and defender, playing the 3-and-D role next to Jalen Green.

18) Chicago Bulls

Malaki Branham, SG, Ohio State – 6-foot-5, 180 lbs.
13.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.0 apg, 49.8 FG%, 41.6 3P%

The Bulls have placed a premium on adding shooting this offseason, so adding another wing with a reliable 3-point shot seems like a no-brainer. Branham emerged during his freshman season at Ohio State as a quality scorer from all three levels who was effective both with and without the ball. His playmaking improved as the season went along, too, but it’s the fact he’s one of the best shooters in this draft that makes him a good fit here.

19) Minnesota Timberwolves

Kennedy Chandler, PG, Tennessee – 6-foot, 172 lbs.
13.9 ppg, 4.7 apg, 3.2 rpg, 46.4 FG%, 38.3 3P%

Minnesota needs defense and guard help, especially considering new questions about D’Angelo Russell’s future. Chandler showed great prowess and promise on the defensive end while producing enough offensively, particularly as a playmaker. He should immediately step in and be a quality backup behind Patrick Beverley, who has one year left on his contract.

20) San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)

Jalen Williams, SG, Santa Clara – 6-foot-6, 190 lbs.
18.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 4.2 apg, 51.3 FG%, 39.6 3P%

San Antonio has three first-round picks in this draft and — assuming they don’t put together a package to move up — they could use one to take a gamble. I have the Spurs doing that here (somewhat) with Williams. He measured a 7-foot-2 wingspan at the combine, but it was his efficient play on both ends of the court at the combine that made headlines. He already had plenty of fans in scouting circles but proving his combination of defensive upside and offensive efficiency may have secured him a sport in the top 20.

21) Denver Nuggets

Dalen Terry, SG/PG, Arizona – 6-foot-7, 195 lbs.
8.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.9 apg, 50.2 FG%, 36.4 3P%

Denver doesn’t have many needs this offseason or holes in their rotation so I wouldn’t be surprised if they took a swing here. Terry showed flashes of stardom with his size, athleticism, and all-round game that had him playing like Arizona’s second-best player (behind Bennedict Mathurin) by the end of the season. He also has shown an understanding and willingness to operate in whatever role a team needs of him, which plays well in Denver next to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.

22) Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz)

Nikola Jovic, SF, Mega Basket – 6-foot-10, 209 lbs.
12.0 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.6 apg, 41.4 FG%, 31.5 3P%

Memphis doesn’t have any obvious holes so, with the first of its two first-round picks, I have it gambling on Jovic. He has guard skills in a 6-foot-10 frame and excels at creating shots for himself off the bounce. However, he needs to get stronger and improve defensively, which is why this is something of a developmental pick.

23) Philadelphia 76ers

Jake LaRavia, SF/SG, Wake Forest – 6-foot-8, 228 lbs.
14.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 55.9 FG%, 38.4 3P%

Brooklyn opted to defer the acquisition of a first-round pick from Philadelphia to 2023, putting this selection back in the hands of the 76ers. LaRavia likely became a first-round lock at the combine, where he showcased a smooth shooting stroke — winning the combine’s 3-point drill — and underrated athleticism. At 6-foot-8 in shoes, the Wake Forest product finished top 3 at the combine in both the lane agility and shuttle run drills. That athleticism, along with his size, shooting and high basketball IQ, makes him a perfect fit for a Philadelphia team that places a premium on shooting.

24) Milwaukee Bucks

Walker Kessler, C, Auburn – 7-foot-1, 245 lbs.
11.4 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 4.6 bpg, 60.8 FG%, 20.0 3P%

The Bucks are another team without many needs but do need a long-term solution in the middle with an aging Brook Lopez. Kessler was perhaps the nation’s best and most feared shot-blocker last season and could step into that role relatively soon in the NBA. There is some upside with him as a 3-point shooter, too. Think of this pick as Milwaukee finding its Brook-Lopez-In-Training.

25) San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics)

EJ Liddell, PF, Ohio State – 6-foot-7, 240 lbs.
19.4 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 49.0 FG%, 37.4 3P%

Another versatile, positionless player going to the Spurs … sensing a theme here? Liddell’s shooting ability makes him an appealing stretch-4 and he showed he can play defense both inside and on the perimeter at a high level. The Ohio State junior is an older prospect but could provide some impact right away.

26) Houston Rockets (via Mavericks)

MarJon Beauchamp, SG/SF, G League Ignite – 6-foot-6, 199 lbs.
15.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 45.8 FG%, 28.6 3P%

Beauchamp is not a good shooter at this point in his career, but he’s an efficient scorer inside the arc with his slashing ability and is a very good wing defender and rebounder. The Rockets have added scoring in this draft scenario already, so I think they will turn to the defensive end and snag Beauchamp in this scenario.

27) Miami Heat

Caleb Houstan, SG, Michigan – 6-foot-8, 205 lbs.
10.1 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 38.4 FG%, 35.5 3P%

Houstan reportedly received a promise that he will be drafted in the first round. Could it be from the team that Houstan’s college coach Juwan Howard was with for a decade before going to Michigan? The former top-10 recruit wasn’t as dominant as a freshman as the Wolverines would’ve hoped, but he showed promise. In Miami’s player development system, the Heat could tap into the abundance of talent and turn him into a late-round gem.

28) Golden State Warriors

David Roddy, PF, Colorado State – 6-foot-5, 252 lbs.
19.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.9 apg, 57.1 FG%, 43.8 3P%

Roddy is a unique player in that he’s an undersized forward who can play all five positions on either end of the court. Golden State already has an offense that utilizes the playmaking skills of an undersized forward (Draymond Green) and values both the 3-point shot and positional versatility. There are a handful of prospects the Warriors are considering at this point, but Roddy is among those at the top.

29) Memphis Grizzlies

Jaden Hardy, SG, G League Ignite – 6-foot-4, 198 lbs.
21.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3.9 apg, 39.7 FG%, 32.9 3P%

The Grizzlies take another gamble here if they keep both picks. Hardy was a top-5 prospect in the 2021 recruiting class for that reason. His draft stock has dropped because of his inefficiency and poor shot selection in the G League, but the ability to score from anywhere on the offensive end is still there. Memphis may take a chance on him in hopes he can bolster the offense of their bench unit.

30) Denver Nuggets (via Thunder)

Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF/PF, Milwaukee – 6-foot-9, 220 lbs.
12.1 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 34.4 FG%, 26.6 3P%

Baldwin, a top-10 recruit in the 2021 recruiting class, had a disappointing freshman season at Milwaukee largely due to an ankle injury. When he was healthy at the very start of the season, though, he played at the level of a top-10 prospect. With three first-round picks this year, Denver can gamble on the long-term upside because of Baldwin’s versatility, shooting ability and high basketball IQ. The Nuggets have gambled on high-upside prospects in the past with questions, too.

SECOND ROUND

31) Indiana Pacers (via Rockets)

Jaylin Williams, C, Arkansas

32) Orlando Magic

Blake Wesley, SG, Notre Dame

33) Toronto Raptors (via Pistons)

Christian Braun, SG, Kansas

34) Oklahoma City Thunder

Peyton Watson, SF/PF, UCLA

35) Orlando Magic (via Pacers)

Wendell Moore Jr., SF, Duke

41) New Orleans Pelicans

Josh Minott, PF/SF, Memphis

42) New York Knicks

Khalifa Diop, C, Gran Canaria

43) LA Clippers

Jean Montero, PG/SG, Overtime Elite

44) Atlanta Hawks

Ryan Rollins, SG, Toledo

45) Charlotte Hornets

Justin Lewis, SF/PF, Marquette

46) Detroit Pistons (via Nets)

Max Christie, SG, Michigan State

47) Memphis Grizzlies (via Cavaliers)

Ismael Kamagate, C, Paris Basket

48) Minnesota Timberwolves

Hugo Besson, PG/SG, NZ Breakers

49) Sacramento Kings (via Bulls)

JD Davison, PG, Alabama

50) Minnesota Timberwolves (via Nuggets)

Dereon Seabron, SG, NC State

51) Golden State Warriors (via Raptors)

Michael Foster Jr., PF, G League Ignite

52) New Orleans Pelicans (via Jazz)

John Butler, PF/SF, Florida State

53) Boston Celtics

Dominick Barlow, PF/C, Overtime Elite

54) Washington Wizards (via Mavericks)

Tyrese Martin, SG/SF, UConn

55) Golden State Warriors

Ron Harper Jr., SF/PF, Rutgers

56) Cleveland Cavaliers (via Heat)

Karlo Matkovic, SF/PF, Mega Basket

57) Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies)

Gabriele Procida, SG/SF, Fortitudo Bologna

58) Indiana Pacers (via Suns)

Matteo Spagnolo, G, Vanoli Cremona