Who Is Going #1 Overall? Lottery Mock Draft 1.0
With the NBA Draft Lottery behind us, it’s time to make my first mock draft of the year. Note: I am far from an expert on drafting
A few days ago, some ping-pong balls decided the futures of some teams. That fateful day meant that draft season was officially upon us. As a draft expert myself, it’s now time for my first mock draft of 2022. In case you were wondering, these have been some of my best takes;
- Called Tyrese Haliburton the steal of the draft (2020)
- Gave Jalen Smith a ‘D’ (2020)
- Was on the Mobley bandwagon from the start (2021)
- Loved Davion Mitchell (2021)
Anyway, let’s get drafting!
#1 – Orlando Magic (Jabari Smith / Auburn)
Position: Big
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 210 lbs
Age: 19.1
Strengths: Perimeter Shooting / On-Ball Defense / Athleticism / Intangibles
Weaknesses: Ball-Handling / Interior Defense
I went back and forth on this a lot before settling on Smith. Orlando still has a long way to go until they’re competitive. But, their frontcourt outside of Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner isn’t weak. And Jonathan Isaac’s future with the team is up in the air. Enter Jabari Smith.
Smith can really do it all. He’s lethal as a 3-PT shooter, knocking down 42% of his 5.5 attempts at Auburn. He’s shown shades of Kevin Durant with his ability to hit jumpers over defenders. His ball-handling isn’t bad, either.
Smith’s defensive drive and energy are second to none. He has the potential to guard all five positions. Guys like Smith don’t grow on trees. The All-Defensive potential is there.
Jabari Smith is the best player in this draft. And I don’t think it’s close. Orlando’s #1 picks have all panned out pretty well in the past. Jabari Smith should follow a similar road.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Harrison Barnes & Michael Porter Jr
#2 – Oklahoma City Thunder (Paolo Banchero / Duke)
Position: Big
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 250 lbs
Age: 19.6
Strengths: Interior Scoring / Playmaking / Ball-Handling / Defense
Weaknesses: Effort / Off-Hand Scoring / Shot Selection
Sam Presti’s haul of draft picks finally gets some star power potential. OKC has a whopping five picks in the top 34 this season, which is nuts. Outside of Giddey and SGA, this team has a lot of questions. Paolo Banchero, the star forward from Duke, looks to give them some clarity in the trenches.
Banchero is a powerhouse in the paint. He can feast in the post – lurks around the rim for cut and lob opportunities. But, Banchero is agile, too agile for most space eaters down low. Excellent offensive rebounder (1.7 per game) who isn’t afraid of contact.
His background as a guard still shows in his game. He’s a creative passer who loves to attack going left. His jump shot needs some work, but the idea of having him play at the elbow is salivating.
Defensively, he’s the new modern small ball five. He can guard all five positions and switch out onto the perimeter. I don’t know if he has the versatility that Smith does, but he’s not far behind.
OKC’s first top draft picks nets them a do-it-all forward. Not too shabby.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Chris Webber & Julius Randle
#3 – Houston Rockets (Chet Holmgren / Gonzaga)
Position: Big
Height: 7’0″
Weight: 195 lbs
Age: 20.2
Strengths: Shot Blocking / Off-Ball Defense / Perimeter Shooting
Weaknesses: Size / Finishing Through Contact
The last time the Rockets had a chance to take a generational center prospect, they passed on him. This year, they won’t have much of a choice. At this spot, it’s guaranteed that Houston will get either Banchero, Smith, or Holmgren. In this mock draft, they’re getting the latter.
I may not like Holmgren as much as others, but there’s no denying his talent. His impact starts on the defensive end, where he is an elite shot blocker. Holmgren’s 7-6 wingspan is unreal. That, and his combination of timing and leaping ability doesn’t hurt, either. And, just for fun, he can stay with guards on the perimeter.
Able to bring the ball up the floor and rise up for jump shots. Smart player who has a great feel for the game. While he’s lean, he’s also a very quick jumper who can finish with either hand down low.
Now, his lean frame is a problem. He can get pushed around on both sides of the ball. Like Evan Mobley from last season, bulking up will be necessary to unlock his full potential. But, for a Houston defense that was dead last in the NBA last year, Holmgren will be much-needed help.
(Note: Forget everything I just said. The Rockets want to trade the third overall pick. WHY!!!)
NBA Comparison: Shades of Rudy Gobert w/ Offense & Kristaps Porzingis
#4 – Sacramento Kings (Keegan Murray / Iowa)
Position: Forward
Height: 6’8″
Weight: 215 lbs
Age: 21.8
Strengths: Hustle / On-Ball Defense / Intangibles / In-and-Out Game / Versatility
Weaknesses: Shooting / Competition / Age
I still haven’t gotten over the Kings trading Tyrese Haliburton. I don’t think I ever will. But, they got gifted the fourth overall pick – easily one of the biggest jumps in the lottery. While they won’t be able to get a generational big, they can take the next closest thing. Say hello to Keegan Murray.
Murray is the ideal build for a small-ball five in the NBA. He can stay with wings and bigs alike – giving the Kings some much needed defensive help.
Offensively, he’s an anomaly. At times, you see him picking and popping for threes. Then, you see him glide to the rim for scores at the basket. And, he has a nasty step back in his arsenal because why the hell not? He also has an array of most moves in his arsenal.
Murray’s feel for the game is unmatched, too. He knows when the give it up – almost as important as knowing when to attack. He’s a rim-runner and a timely cutter, which should mesh well with Domantas Sabonis.
Now, you may say that Murray is nearly 22 years old. My counter to that is that the Kings have taken rookies in back-to-back drafts that weren’t freshman. I don’t think age scares them off like it would for other teams. That, along with Murray versatile skill set, means he’s perfect for the Kings.
With that being said, the Kings will take another guard like Jaden Ivey at this spot. Why? Because Kings. That’s why.
NBA Comparison: Shades of a Quicker Al Horford & Pascal Siakam
#5 – Detroit Pistons (Jaden Ivey / Purdue)
Position: Guard
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 195 lbs
Age: 20.3
Strengths: Athleticism / Perimeter Shooting / Ball-Handling / Interior Scoring
Weaknesses: Defensive Energy / Playmaking
The Pistons completed the first and hardest step of their rebuild. Finding their magnum opus. Now, it’s time to build a team around Cade. While Killian Hayes was billed as Cade’s backcourt mate, I think that ship has sailed. Meet Jaden Ivey, Cade’s new running mate.
Ivey is perhaps the most dynamic shot-creating guard in this draft. His lightning-quick first step is akin to Ja Morant. Shooting 33% on off-the-dribble three’s is pretty impressive, too.
Hard to stop when he gets downhill. At 6-4, he’s not going to get swallowed up down low. Able to finish with either hand. Floaters and fadeaways act as giant killers. Purdue used him a lot off-ball, as well. Think of that as a slingshot to get him going towards the rim.
Now, Ivey’s defense is a question mark. A 6-9 wingspan suggests he can defend, but the results weren’t always there. Tends to lose track of his man – appearing to be apathetic. And, he doesn’t have the playmaking to play point guard in the NBA.
That last point isn’t really a problem in Detroit. Cade Cunningham is their lead playmaker. I envision Ivey playing a role similar to that of Jalen Brunson. Take the pressure off the lead guard, attack the basket, and make timely shots.
I think it’s a roll that fits Ivey perfectly. And, I’m excited for a Cade/Ivey backcourt. Iveyham? Caden? We’ll have to work on the name.
NBA Comparison: Shades of a Bigger Darius Garland & Donovan Mitchell
#6 – Indiana Pacers (Shaedon Sharpe / Kentucky)
Position: Wing
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 175 lbs
Age: 19.0
Strengths: Perimeter Shooting / Ball-Handling / On-Ball Defense / Athleticism
Weaknesses: Experience / Shot Selection
The Indiana Pacers stole Tyrese Haliburton from Sacramento. With him in tow, it’s time to reset. The sixth pick gives them a prime opportunity to add another young stud. “Kentucky” wing Shaedon Sharpe isn’t a bad idea.
Sharpe is an above-the-rim player who houses electric athleticism. If you pair that with his ball-handling and knack for drawing fouls? You’ve got yourself the best wing scorer in this draft.
Being in one-on-one situations doesn’t faze Sharpe. Does the little things well on offense – a coach’s dream. But, there are some concerns with Sharpe that are worth mentioning. For one, he never played in college.
He sat out the season to better prepare for the draft. While I’m sure he worked hard, you can’t replace game minutes. We saw James Wiseman struggle immensely as a rookie after only playing three games in college. Similar physical and mental challenges will await Sharpe.
Doesn’t get all the way to the rim sometimes. Similar to teammate Tyrese Haliburton – settles for awkward floaters instead.
The talent is there with Sharpe. He could turn into a perfect scoring option alongside Haliburton for the future. He’ll just have to prove some people wrong to do that.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Jalen Green & a Taller Bradley Beal
#7 – Portland Trail Blazers (Jalen Duren / Memphis)
Position: Big
Height: 6’10”
Weight: 230 lbs
Age: 18.6
Strengths: Athleticism / Interior Scoring / Shot Blocking / Off-Ball Defense
Weaknesses: Decision Making / Discipline
Thanks to the Pelicans, my Blazers will only be getting one lottery pick this season. Oh well. While most of our offseason will be centered around free agency, hitting on this draft pick will be vital. Snagging a versatile, defensive-minded center in Jalen Duren isn’t the worst idea in the world.
One of the best all-around defenders in the draft. His 7-5 wingspan allows him to command the paint. Duren averaged 2.2 blocks at Memphis for a reason. His agility also allows him to switch onto the perimeter.
When he gets the ball near the rim, put two points on the board. Soft hands – doesn’t lose composure amongst the trees. Great offensive rebounder. Showed potential as a passer.
Duren suffers from Jaren Jackson Jr. Syndrome. Sometimes, he takes himself out of games with silly fouls. He predetermines what he’s going to do on offense sometimes. Led to risky passes out of the post. At just 18 years old, he has a lot of developing to do.
But the Blazers need a center. Jusuf Nurkic is a free agent this summer, and his future is unclear. Even if he does come back, injuries have always been a concern. Getting Duren gives Portland an athletic specimen they can develop over the next few seasons. He’s Nassir Little 2.0.
In Cronin We Trust
NBA Comparison: Shades of Timelord & DeAndre Jordan
#8 – New Orleans Pelicans (Johnny Davis / Wisconsin)
Position: Guard
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 194 lbs
Age 20.3
Strengths: Defense / Mid-Range Shooting / Post Play
Weaknesses: Athleticism / Efficiency / Finishing
Even without Zion Williamson, the Pelicans showed that they’re here to stay. They were aggressive at the deadline, and now they’re ready to compete. If Zion can remain healthy, the sky’s the limit. But New Orleans still needs some more perimeter creators on offense. Wisconsin’s Johnny Davis (weird spelling) could help them out there.
Davis, like CJ McCollum, is a master of the mid-range. An array of moves help him navigate defenses despite not being that big. Not a bad passer, either. Could serve as a secondary creator for New Orleans, something they need.
Chauncey Billups-esque with his ability to back down smaller guards in the post. So, not only can he get to the rim, he can bully you in the post. A mismatch creator.
A spirited defender who uses his strong frame to his advantage. While he’s not all that athletic, he’s a gritty defender. The only flaw in his game is a 3-PT shot, but other than that, he projects well with New Orleans.
With Kira Lewis and Devonte’ Graham being ok at best, Davis has a chance to step in off the bench and add some firepower. A defensive backcourt of Alvarado and him sounds fun, too.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Khris Middleton & Shaun Livingston
#9 – San Antonio Spurs (Dyson Daniels / G-League)
Position: Guard
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 199 lbs
Age: 19.2
Strengths: On-Ball Defense / Playmaking / Intangibles
Weaknesses: Shooting / Ball-Handling
The San Antonio Spurs should be rebuilding. I suppose they’re just waiting for Gregg Popovich to retire? Anyway, the Spurs’ drafting decisions in recent seasons have been puzzling. However, in need of a backcourt partner for All-Star Dejounte Murray, Dyson Daniels seems like the ideal selection.
Dyson Daniels just feels like a Spur. He’s a savvy cutter and offensive rebounder. His size allows him to back down smaller guards. And, like most Spurs players nowadays, he can’t really shoot. I’m sure the Spurs want to draft him already.
Daniels’ playmaking is also very appealing. The threat of his floater in pick-and-roll presents easy opportunities for his big man counterpart. He can make every pass in the book. Plays angles well – doesn’t get sped up by defenders.
His size and length give him versatility on defense. I think he can guard 1-3 in the NBA. He plays hard and smart at the same time. It’s hard not to like Dyson Daniels. Going to the Spurs will allow him to polish up his game.
Keeping talent around Dejounte Murray is important. Daniels would be a nice add to their backcourt.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Kyle Anderson & Derrick White
#10 – Washington Wizards (Bennedict Mathurin / Arizona)
Position: Wing
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 210 lbs
Age: 20.0
Strengths: Perimeter Shooting / Athleticism / Flashiness
Weaknesses: Undisciplined on Defense / Turnovers / Interior Finishing
The Washington Wizards aren’t very good. They’re in a constant cycle of mediocrity, refusing to blow things up. They have a lot of needs on both sides of the ball. But, with no more Dinwiddie and Bradley Beal’s future up in the air, they need someone to score. That’s where Ben Mathurin comes in.
Mathurin can score. That’s the best way to describe him. He can score from anywhere on the floor. He shot a ridiculous 38% from three during college – elite off the catch. A powerful downhill driver who attacks defenses. One of the most polished scorers in the draft.
While he’s not a prolific playmaker, Mathurin can whip passes to his teammates. He doubled his assist numbers from his freshman to sophomore campaigns.
Defensively, he has the physical tools to succeed. Great lateral quickness. Doesn’t get pushed around on drives to the rim. Looks like an NFL cornerback with his long arms – intercepting errant passes. His energy and discipline on defense need some work, but I think the Wizards would be gunning to have someone like Mathurin.
Not only will he get fans in the seats, he could very well be one of the futures of the franchise. Given that Washington has no idea what they’re doing, an explosive scorer like Mathurin is bound to fix some of their problems.
NBA Comparison: Shades of TJ Warren & Caris Levert
#11 – New York Knicks (AJ Griffin / Duke)
Position: Wing
Height: 6’6″
Weight: 222 lbs
Age: 18.8
Strengths: Perimeter Shooting / Ball-Handling / Space Makers / Defensive Potential
Weaknesses: Injuries (HS) / Shooting Mechanics
The Knicks’ 2021 season was a mirage of effort and a Covid shortened season. 2022 opened our eyes to the horrors. It looks like a rebuild is imminent (again), so this pick holds a lot of weight. With it, I have them taking Duke’s AJ Griffin.
Loves going left – either with his step-back jumper or pull-ups. Griffin has a lot of different moves to get defenders off balance. Shades of Jimmy Butler in the mid-range with his ability to seek out contact.
Unlike Butler, he’s a knockdown 3-PT shooter who shot nearly 50% with Duke. However, his shooting mechanics are very rigid. It’s almost like a set shot. Those results won’t carry over in the NBA unless he speeds up his release.
Griffin also has the potential to be a standout defender. His 7-0 wingspan comes in handy on that end. Not too many wings have his physical tools.
But unfortunately, we have to talk about his injury history. He lost two years with knee and ankle issues. Not only is he 18 years old, but he also doesn’t have five years of high school + college under his belt. The jump to the NBA will be difficult.
If Griffin can stay on the floor, the Knicks, or any team who takes him, will likely get a steal. But, it’s easy to see a world where Griffin falls because of his injury concerns.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Jaylen Brown & Jimmy Butler
#12 – Oklahoma City Thunder (Jeremy Sochan / Baylor)
Position: Wing
Height: 6’9″
Weight: 230 lbs
Age: 19.1
Strengths: Defense / Playmaking / Intangibles
Weaknesses: Shooting / Post-Up Game
You’d better get used to seeing the Thunder on draft boards. It’s just what they do. Anyway, the Thunder are picking again – and I have an interesting pick for them. It’s one of those ‘who?’ selections that OKC has mastered over the years. Jeremy Sochan may not be the flashiest prospect, but I think he’s one of the sleeper’s picks in the first round.
Sochan’s production doesn’t jump off the charts. It’s his abilities that are easy to fall in love with. His size gives him the potential to guard all five positions in the NBA. With more switching-oriented defenses in the NBA, Sochan would fit with any team. There’s nothing he can’t do defensively. Great rebounder.
Sochan is a matchup nightmare for opposing players. He’s quick enough to drive by bigs and big enough to bully smaller wings in the post. Fluid ball-handler. Finishes everything down low with either hand. If he played on a team with tons of shooting, he would thrive on all the short-rolls. Think Kevon Looney with the Warriors.
Sure, he can’t shoot. Yes, he averaged just under 9 points at Baylor this past season. But, if I’m OKC, you’re looking at a prospect that won’t come around again. It’s rare to see someone this talented and physically gifted. Sochan could prove to be the swiss army knife so many teams covet nowadays.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Draymond Green & Ben Simmons
#13 – Charlotte Hornets (Mark Williams / Duke)
Position: Big
Height: 7’0″
Weight: 242 lbs
Age: 20.5
Strengths: Athleticism / Defense / Interior Scoring
Weaknesses: Lateral Quickness / Playmaking
The Charlotte Hornets are a run and gun team that needs some defense. While they’re looking for a coach, a center may be their most pressing need. Mason Plumlee wasn’t the answer last year, so it’s time for a long term answer. Why not the incredibly athletic Mark Williams? Sounds good to me.
Williams is a freak athlete. He was an elite shot-blocker in college, and that should continue in the NBA. It’s hard to find a big guy as athletic and fluid as Williams is. He’s the vertical threat in the pick-and-roll. But, he has the soft hands to catch passes in traffic.
While he’s not as versatile on the perimeter, he should be a fantastic interior force in the NBA. Doesn’t commit stupid fouls often. Well-rounded is the best way to describe Williams. The Hornets desperately need someone like Williams to anchor them down low.
At any and all costs, expect the Hornets to have their eyes set on this kid. He could be the reason they take the next step next season.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Hassan Whiteside & Timelord
#14 – Cleveland Cavaliers (Malaki Branham / Ohio State)
Position: Guard
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 195
Age: 19.1
Strengths: Perimeter Shooting / On-Ball Defense / Hustle
Weaknesses: Playmaking / Dynamism
The Cavaliers’ massive lineups have mastered the defensive side of the ball. But they need help on offense. Desperately. That’s where Malaki Branham, an in-state product, comes into the equation.
Branham can put the ball in the basket as well as anyone. He breaks down his defenders easily in one-on-one situations. Excels at shooting off the dribble. A sturdy frame helps him power through defenders. Solid ball-handler, slithery at getting to the rim.
Brings great effort defensively. Long arms allow him to cover both wings and guards. Branham’s only concerns are playmaking and sample size. He shot 43% from beyond the arc in college, but the results before then were shaky. Can he continue his newfound success in the NBA?
And he’s a score-first player who doesn’t look too much for his teammates. In Cleveland, Darius Garland is the lead playmaker. But the Cavs need more guys who can share the rock. Can Branham develop into that sort of player?
Cleveland has a lot of options when it comes to strengthening their offense. If Branham continues his college production in the NBA, I think he’s worth the pick.
NBA Comparison: Shades of Caris Levert & Spencer Dinwiddie
What Are Your Thoughts On This Mock Draft? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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