2022 NBA Mock Draft 7.0: Predicting all 58 picks based on latest intel, rumors, and workouts

Gonzaga Bulldogs: Big, Freshman, 7-0

As I wrote earlier this week, despite recent reporting, it’s not a lock that the Magic select Auburn’s Jabari Smith.

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor recently reported that his sources are “not sold” on the rumors that Orlando has made up its mind, and I still believe Holmgren fits the mold of what the Magic tend to like from prospects.

Holmgren, who looks massive even when standing next to NBA legends like David Robinson and Dirk Nowitzki, is a fascinating prospect and I think he will hear his name called with the first pick in the draft.

Auburn Tigers: Wing, Freshman, 6-10

It’s not hard to see the pitch for Smith, who is 6-foot-10 and 18 years old but already has shown legitimate potential as a shot creator. Every team in the league always needs more shooting, but the Thunder are down horrendous. They had the worst 3-point percentage in the NBA in 2021-22, and Smith would immediately help their spacing concerns next season.

Duke Blue Devils: Wing, Freshman, 6-10

Remember when the Celtics said they would have selected Jayson Tatum at No. 1 overall even though they got him with the third pick? I predict we will hear the same thing from the Rockets if they land Duke’s Paolo Banchero.

Although there are some evaluators who prefer Holmgren or Smith, others have long had Banchero atop their big board due to his advanced processing, feel for the game, and self-creation.

“He is going to become a better 3-point shooter,” one NBA scout, who believes Banchero is the best player in the class, told For The Win. “He has that aggressiveness and playmaking, he can make plays for his teammates.”

Purdue Boilermakers: Guard, Sophomore, 6-4

While comparisons to Ja Morant are a bit unfair, because Morant is a far better playmaker, Purdue’s Jaden Ivey is the best backcourt prospect in this class — by a wide margin. Based on his insane athleticism and ability to just destroy the basket, I’d be surprised if he went any lower than No. 4 overall.

I’m not convinced the Kings keep the pick, however, and I think they could get solid value if they want to trade for a veteran.

One team who would be interested in moving up to select Ivey, per reports, is the Knicks. He has the star power to electrify Madison Square Garden, even if he isn’t a true point guard who can make plays for his teammates.

Kentucky Wildcats: Wing, Freshman, 6-6

Recent reports suggest folks around the league aren’t convinced about Sharpe, but that’s far from the unanimous opinion.

“What do we know, historically, about the number one player in high school? They’re NBA players,” one scout told For The Win. “I just want to make sure when he shoots, he’s not shooting air balls. So do you want to know what he does at the beginning of the workout? Between the legs dunk. I’m sold.”

Many talent evaluators would be willing to take the gamble on the prospect, even though he didn’t play a minute of college basketball.  There are plenty of opportunities to evaluate footage of Sharpe, including his time competing on the AAU circuit. Sharpe averaged 31.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per 40 minutes playing against EYBL competition, via Cerebro Sports.

The Pistons were reportedly wowed by the “stellar workout” from Jalen Green last season, and I think they’ll be similarly enamored with Sharpe this year.

I caught up with Keegan Murray, one of the top prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft. Murray is the only college basketball player on record to make at least 60 dunks and 3-pointers in the same season. 🤯🤯🤯

FULL INTERVIEW: https://t.co/UUTLEu3NwK@keegan3murray | @IowaHoops pic.twitter.com/4KadZ0WxbU

— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) June 7, 2022

Iowa Hawkeyes: Big, Sophomore, 6-8

Murray recently spoke to For The Win, and he told us about the impact that he will make at the next level:

“I don’t care what my role is, I just want to win games. If I have to grab ten rebounds per game and shoot two shots, I’ll do that. If I have to guard the best guy on the court but I won’t get a shot for ten possessions, I’ll do that. I’ll listen to my coaches and I’m going to do whatever my coaches ask me to do.”

As the Pacers look to rebuild after trading away Domantas Sabonis, they can add a valuable contributor to their rotation by selecting Murray.

Jeremy Sochan is the most versatile and disruptive prospect in the NBA draft class. I got to know Sochan, who told me about how he plan to bring “positive energy” to whatever team he plays for in the pros.

Our full interview: https://t.co/uKaTSINUqK @SochanJeremy @BaylorMBB pic.twitter.com/g8AGhAUsWd

— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) June 3, 2022

Baylor Bears: Wing, Freshman, 6-9

Most folks who I talk to who are familiar with Portland’s thinking do not believe the Blazers keep this pick. If they do, however, I think they would take a serious look at Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan.

During a recent conversation with For The Win, Sochan spoke about his defensive mentality and what he will bring with him to the pros:

“I’m trying to be that disruptive player like Draymond Green, Patrick Beverley, and Jae Crowder. They all have one thing in common and it’s being irritating. Being long and athletic and disruptive, that’s what I try to show in my game and my defense. It helps to get some players off rhythm. I just try to execute that as well.”

Sochan, who has experience as the youngest player to ever suit up for the Polish national team, is exactly the kind of player that the Blazers need to put next to Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons — especially considering both limitations on the defensive side of the floor.

Ignite: Guard, G League, 6-7

Australia’s Dyson Daniels has done very well for himself during the pre-draft process thus far, and I think he could go as high as No. 5 overall on June 23.

Daniels recently compared himself to Lonzo Ball, who is someone that the Pelicans desperately missed after sending him to the Bulls. As a change-of-pace ball-handler with good size and defensive upside, there is so much to like about Daniels’ potential fit in New Orleans.

The organization may feel similarly, too, as the Pelicans recently hosted Daniels for a pre-draft workout.

Wisconsin Badgers: Guard, Sophomore, 6-5

After starting off the season as one of the best players in college basketball, injuries eventually slowed Johnny Davis’ productivity at Wisconsin.

When asked about potentially suiting up for San Antonio next season, the Wisconsin standout guard had this to say:

“Playing under coach Popovich, the most famous coach in NBA history, would be something I would really want to happen.”

Davis reportedly met with the Spurs for a pre-draft workout, and if he is available when San Antonio is on the clock, it’s a marriage that would make a lot of sense.

Memphis Tigers: Big, Freshman, 6-11

I think big man Jalen Duren will start getting looks as early as No. 5 overall, and I’d be shocked if he fell out of the lottery. Although the center position isn’t exactly an area of need for the Wizards, they are at a place where they simply need to draft the best player available. Duren has a massive physical profile, and at a certain point, it’ll be hard to pass on him.

Duke Blue Devils: Wing, Freshman, 6-6

Duke’s AJ Griffin had a historically impressive year as a 3-point shooter last season, which will warrant looks in the lottery. He has legitimate shooting versatility — he had an efficient dribble jumper and shot well using off-ball screens.

But with concerns about his ability to stay healthy, falling outside of the top-10 still feels like a fair range for him.

Griffin was a high school star at Archbishop Stepinac, near New York City. He was also a standout on the AAU circuit for the PSA Cardinals, one of the top programs in NYC. It’s unlikely the Knicks pass on Griffin, who is a CAA client, if he is available.

SKYCITY New Zealand Breakers: Wing, International, 6-9

Ousmane Dieng made significant strides to improve his game as the season progressed in Australia’s NBL, and now I’m fully on board with the idea of selecting him in the lottery.

Dieng, a jumbo initiator, is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in this class. But he’s an undeniably worthwhile gamble for a rebuilding team like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who would love to add another lengthy ball-handler — especially as he seems to be ascending on his development curve.

Arizona Wildcats: Wing, Sophomore, 6-6

Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin was one of my favorite prospects during his freshman year at Arizona, and playing for Tommy Lloyd, he got even better during his sophomore season.

I wrote about some of my defensive concerns for Mathurin in the previous edition of my mock draft, which you can read here. However, with his ideal NBA frame and his excellent offensive productivity, he would be a good pick as a secondary shot creator for the Hornets.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Wing, Freshman, 6-5

The Cavs will reportedly host former St. Vincent-St. Mary’s (yes, that is where LeBron James went to high school) star Malaki Branham for a workout. Although the Ohio State freshman wasn’t expected to be a one-and-done player in college, Branham played his way into lottery consideration.

Duke Blue Devils: Big, Sophomore, 7-0

I’m not an advocate of drafting for need, but the Hornets desperately need to improve their frontcourt, and they could do that by selecting Duke’s Mark Williams.

The big man managed to drastically improve his draft stock during the NCAA tournament, and he had some of the best measurements while at the NBA Draft Combine as well. Williams has a larger standing reach than NBA centers like Rudy Gobert and Mo Bamba.

LSU Tigers: Wing, Sophomore, 6-8

LSU’s Tari Eason had an early pre-draft workout with the Hawks, and for me, this is one of the most logical fits in the draft. Atlanta’s defense needs a lot of work, and Eason was one of the most productive defensive playmakers in all of college basketball. He wreaks havoc on the defensive end of the floor, and that’s going to help him stay on the floor in the NBA.

Leonard Miller is considered one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2022 NBA draft. Our @BryanKalbrosky recently spoke with the 6-foot-11, left-handed ball handler to discuss his role at the next level.https://t.co/ZCF0gpdg4K pic.twitter.com/QqC9nnxNZz

— For The Win (@ForTheWin) May 9, 2022

Canada: Guard, High School, 6-11

Last month, we wrote a long feature on Canada’s Leonard Miller, which you can read here. Miller could still withdraw from the NBA draft to play for the G League Ignite. But if he stays in, he would be the youngest (and arguably most fascinating) prospect in this class.

While he didn’t look ready for pro minutes during recent 5-on-5 scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine, I’m still a believer in Miller’s long-term potential because he has so many interesting development pathways. Houston also has a surplus of draft picks over the next few years, and with his unique profile, I predict they take a home run swing here.

Kansas Jayhawks: Wing, Senior, 6-5

After winning a national title, Kansas wing Ochai Agbaji is one of the only upperclassmen I have with a first-round grade in this mock draft. While I have always loved his athleticism, he took a huge step forward with his on-ball skills and his shooting on all three levels in 2021-22.

He’ll get looks in the lottery, and while I’m not quite there with him yet, I do think the Bulls would be a good fit as a plug-and-play option due to his rim pressure and shooting volume.

“Williams is just 6’4.5″ without shoes, but his max vertical reach of 12’0.5″ is ahead of vertical athletes like Aaron Gordon and John Collins as well as rim protectors like Rudy Gobert,” @BryanKalbrosky on Jalen Williams.

GOOD GOD. https://t.co/pucN7kYuBt

— Michael Sykes, II (@MikeDSykes) May 20, 2022

Santa Clara Broncos: Wing, Junior, 6-6

No one did more to improve their draft stock during the pre-draft process than Santa Clara’s Jalen Williams. There are valid concerns about some of his statistical shortcomings while in college, and it’s fair to raise your eyebrows about late stock risers.

Williams, however, had an other-worldly performance at the NBA Draft Combine. With his wingspan and vertical pop, any teams that thought they could get him as a second-round sleeper are now out of luck.

Williams is now a projected top-20 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and if you told me he heard his name called in the lottery, I also wouldn’t be surprised.

The San Antonio Spurs will host Jake LaRavia for a pre-draft workout, per source. The 20-year-old Wake Forest star is a 6-foot-8 combo forward who averaged 14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.

Spurs are on the clock at 9, 20, 25, and 38. Interesting fit for both. pic.twitter.com/jr3UKtpmKL

— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) June 8, 2022

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: Wing, Junior, 6-8

20-year-old forward Jake LaRavia is one of my favorite do-it-all prospects in this draft class, an ideal modern-day four.

After performing well during his athletic testing at the NBA Draft Combine, the 6-foot-8 prospect decided to opt-out of the 5-on-5 scrimmages because he was reportedly comfortable with his projected range on draft night.

The Spurs will soon host LaRavia for a pre-draft workout, For The Win has learned. LaRavia is the type of player who would do well in San Antonio’s development system. Plus, the last time the Spurs used a first-round pick on an upperclassman from Wake Forest, it turned out well.

The player who has improved his NBA draft stock the most of late is G League Ignite wing MarJon Beauchamp.

My thoughts on @Marjon32: https://t.co/aaTDMzlmOa

— Bryan Kalbrosky (@BryanKalbrosky) November 12, 2021

G League Ignite: Wing, G League, 6-7

After a unique path brought him to the G League Ignite, MarJon Beauchamp played his way into first-round consideration in 2021-22. Beauchamp is a good fit for the modern NBA, and he projects as a potential 3-and-D wing who can potentially fill a valuable role in the pros.

Ohio State Buckeyes: Big, Junior, 6-7

The Grizzlies have done a fantastic job identifying draft prospects (e.g. Dillon Brooks, Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Xavier Tillman, etc.) outside of the lottery who manage to stick around as positive contributors once they turn pro.

One guy who I think best fits that description in this class is Ohio State forward EJ Liddell. He has a well-rounded game with very few obvious weaknesses. His bounciness will give him an edge on both ends of the floor, but there may be a “jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none” with Liddell.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Guard, Freshman, 6-5

The Brooklyn Nets opted to defer the option to use the No. 23 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and will instead inherit Philly’s pick next season. That’s a similar range to where the Sixers were able to land Tyrese Maxey (No. 21 overall) in the 2020 NBA Draft.

These guys aren’t the same player, so bear with me for a second, but I think drafting Notre Dame’s Blake Wesley would be a similar type of pick. Much like it was with Maxey, this would be a gamble on Wesley’s development once in their system. If it works out, like it did with Maxey, it would be outstanding for Philadelphia.

Wesley, who only recently turned 19 years old, still needs to improve his efficiency. But his abilities as a shot creator at the rim and on the perimeter make him an enticing project.

Mega Soccerbet: Wing, International, 6-10

For whatever reason, we don’t have a particularly deep international draft this year. But one of the biggest prizes is Serbia’s Nikola Jovic, who was recently named the Adriatic League Top Prospect. The 6-foot-10 prospect, who turned 19 years old today, is a promising dribble-pass-shoot wing who just measured with a 7-foot wingspan at the NBA Draft Combine.

Michigan State Spartans: Wing, Freshman, 6-6

He didn’t have the most impressive freshman season. But Michigan State’s Max Christie, who was the fastest sprinter at the combine, has shown some promise.

Just read this quote about Christie during his time with Team USA (via The Athletic):

“Always the first to show up in the gym. The first to ask the question in the team meetings. Always, literally, pushing himself as like ‘I’m going to be the voice; I’m going to be the leader,’ in a good way. He was always, like the team would be quiet, he would be the one to say something. He’s the extrovert when it comes to things like that. And he was a great teammate. And he played great. We had Max three times before we actually picked the team, in three camps, and he was that way from the first camp. Always, we go through drills at the first camp. The second camp, he was going to be first in line to make sure everybody knew, saw the way the drill was supposed to go. The guy who’d say ‘Hey, fellas, let’s make sure we pick up the trash in the cafeteria.’ He was that guy. For jerks, he was probably like ‘Why is this dude telling me what to do?’ But for the guys we wanted around, they would definitely feed off of that type of leadership.”

Yeah, that’s someone the Spurs are going to absolutely fall in love with.

Kentucky Wildcats: Guard, Freshman, 6-3

Like many others, I believe Kentucky’s TyTy Washington played out of position last season, as he looked much more comfortable as a point guard. Washington has found ways to add value as a low-usage ball-handler with a high assist-to-turnover ratio.

He had a rough end to his collegiate career in the tournament, but I don’t think that’s anything to worry about. Washington would provide depth in the backcourt for Dallas, which would be helpful, especially if Mavericks guard Jalen Brunson leaves in free agency.

Arizona Wildcats: Guard, Sophomore, 6-7

When it comes to glue guys and all-around connectors, Arizona’s Dalen Terry may be the best we have in this class. He still needs to improve as a shooter, but he’s a high-energy guy who is going to make his mark on the game.

“I love him,” an NBA scout told For The Win. “You talk about understanding your role? He nailed it.”

Among high-major u