The 2022 NBA Draft Script (NBA Mock Draft 5.0)
By Jim James
Hello all, and welcome back to the blog. This is why I’ve gone missing all month and why Bob has been carrying this blog. I just did the lottery last month, but a lot of things have already changed, like my no. 1 pick?
I can’t say for sure, and I don’t know how long this post will be, but I’m up for it! In this post I will essentially be doing a mockery of Draft Night, on Thursday, June 23, 15 days from when I’m writing this. I’m sure it will be just 9-10 days from when this actually goes up, but who knows.
As I said, this will be a mockery, the “script”, if you will, for the 23rd’s events. The picks, the trades, the comparisons, this post has it all. All 58 (Yes, 58) draft picks including trades. Don’t worry, we’ll also get deeper into those before the 23rd.
Notes:
- Potential is a mix between Ceiling and Floor, hence why both are included.
- My Ranking is where I THINK they should go, but the actual ranking is where I think they will go.
- Overall Rating is their Rating compared to College Players, while NBA rating is their rating compared to NBA Players (In my opinion), NBA Readiness, if you will.
- Movement is since their last mock draft appearance, not just 4.0.
- All Player comparisons are of their 2022 Versions unless it is a former player or otherwise noted in the comparison
- Player Comparisons are on overall skill and ability alone and not skillset.
With the First Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select…
#1 (Magic): Jabari Smith Jr.
Auburn, Freshman
PF, 6’10”, 221 lbs
Off. Rating: 87
Def. Rating: 94
Overall Rating: 93
NBA Rating: 78
Potential: 95
Ceiling: Small Jokic
Floor: Bogdan Bogdanovic
Jim’s ranking: #2
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #2, 3.0
Movement: +2 (#3 -> #1)
What? No. Surely not. For the first and only, but most important time, Chet Holmgren does not start us off. We’ll get to that a little later, but after a long time of debating, I have decided to put JSJ as the front man in this draft. There was little separating the two juggernauts, but the rumour that Jabari Smith Jr was going to be picked first and my desire to be right and look big brain when we look back at this one bests my stubbornness.
Actually, though, this is a great selection for Orlando. He turned 19 just last month, and did very well for Auburn, putting them top as underdogs in a very difficult SEC Conference, featuring Kentucky, Tennessee, Texas A&M, LSU, and more. The real jack-of-all-trades, Jabari Smith Jr led the team in scoring with 16.9 PPG while also finishing 2nd in rebounds with 7.4, 3rd in assists with 2.0, 3rd in steals with 1.1, and 3rd in blocks with 1 per game. He also shoots 42.9% from the field and 42% from 3. The Magic will not regret taking him 1st here.
With the Second Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select…
#2 (Thunder): Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga, Freshman
C, 7’0”, 195 lbs
Off. Rating: 85
Def. Rating: 98
Overall Ability: 94
NBA Rating: 78
Potential: 93
Ceiling: Rudy Gobert ++
Floor: Mo Bamba
Jim’s Ranking: #1
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #1 (1.0-4.0)
Movement: -1 (#1 -> #2)
Again, the reason I dropped Chet to #2 was because of that rumour and I’m willing to swallow up my pride in order to be right. However, this isn’t dumping on Chet. Noooo way is this dumping on Chet. He is #1 in my ranking and is absolutely amazing. Even though the #1 pick seems to be more clear now than ever before, it is still certainly not as clear cut as it is usually, in what is pretty much the most debatable draft since 2013.
Chet is still an absolute legend, even though he is skin and bones and isn’t a scorer, he is a great player in pretty much all other attributes. Almost 10 rebounds per game, 2 assists, almost a steal, great for a 7-footer, and 3.7 blocks per game. WOW. 60% FG%, 71% FT%, and 39% 3P%, again good for a 7-footer, this guy has all the tools to become a great player in this league, but also needs to improve on a few more things to become truly great.
With the Third pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select
#3: Paolo Banchero
Duke, Freshman
PF 6’10”, 220 lbs
Off. Rating: 88
Def. Rating: 87
Overall Rating: 91
NBA Rating: 75
Potential: 93
Ceiling: Jayson Tatum+
Floor: Kyle Kuzma
Jim’s Ranking: 3rd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 2nd (1.0, 3.0)
Movement: +0 (#3 -> #3)
You CANNOT convince me that Paolo Banchero is going anywhere but 3rd. In a draft where the #1 Pick race is so close, even with just 2 competitors now, the rest of the pick questions have been neglected. However, this one in my opinion, is nowhere near a question. However, this is going to be the only pick in the entirety of the Draft Script that I can say with 100% certainty.
Perhaps Banchero is the dark horse to be the best player in this draft, already showing to be by a Margin the best player in a team with 5 Draft candidates. He is Top 3 in his team in every major statistical category excluding shot %s. He is also well adjusted to the new style of basketball, something we’ll see more and more over the coming years as players have more time to adjust to positionless basketball. Banchero as an example, he was 13 in Steph’s breakout 14-15 season, and for the last 7 years will have been able to develop that aspect of his game as it is now important. The trend however, will cap at the end of the decade as the positionless basketball craze will be all those players have been used to for their entire developing cycle, but we’re off track. I am CERTAIN he will be drafted 3rd.
We have a trade to announce:
Kings receive: OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa
Raptors receive: Harrison Barnes, 4th Pick, 56th Pick
The first trade of the night is a pretty good one. I know as a Raptors fan this seems pretty biased, but we are one of the most heavily rumoured teams to trade up in this draft with a solidary 2nd round pick. The Kings are also now quite plainly looking to win now, and the 4th pick for them is a Dollar-sign-in-the-eyes for SacMo, no secret online, and in articles explaining potential trades, Toronto does keep coming up. A player commonly featured? OG Anunoby. I think this is reasonable, this one, and it gives the Kings 2 solid players to give their franchise a boost. Is it the best business from them? The jury’s out, there, but I see them pulling the trigger on a move like this. I also think that Masai will see last season as an indicator that this franchise isn’t too capable anymore of winning a ring, and be bad for 1-2 seasons, get a couple good or great young players to put alongside Scottie and try again near 2024-2025.
And with the 4th Pick in the NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select…
#4: Keegan Murray
Iowa, Sophomore
PF, 6’8”, 215 lbs
Off. Rating: 94
Def. Rating: 85
Overall Rating: 91
NBA Rating: 75
Potential: 93
Ceiling: Giannis Lite
Floor: Darius Bazley
Jim’s Ranking: 5
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #6 (4.0)
Movement: +2 (#6 -> #4)
This is Toronto’s Scottie-esque pick from last year, this year. There would be some gasps in the crowd if this was to happen, but I think it’s the right move. If there’s competition of Paolo Banchero’s title of Dark Horse to be the best player of the draft, Keegan Murray’s it.
He’s gone under the radar in terms of his contributions, being 4th in the entirety of college in terms of PPG, even in one of the best Divisions in the Country. He also leads the team in most major attributes, with only Assists and Free Throws being his failings. Overall a VERY solid selection at 4.
With the 5th Pick in the NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select…
#5: AJ Griffin
Duke, Freshman
SF, 6’6”, 200lbs
Off. Rating: 81
Def. Rating: 88
Overall Rating: 85
NBA Rating: 71
Potential: 90
Ceiling: Prime Carmelo Anthony
Floor: Small Nic Batum
Jim’s Ranking: 6
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #7 (4.0)
Movement: +2 (#7 -> #5)
I know that we still aren’t at the guy who you’d think would be here, but Detroit already have Killian Hayes and Cade Cunningham, so why get ANOTHER young small guy? No, they will draft AJ Griffin, who fills up the SF position, a position that Detroit are really lacking on right now. Griffin is also used to playing 2nd fiddle to another young player, at Duke with Paolo Banchero. This could also be a shortcoming of him, as to really be successful, it seems he may not be cut out to be the leader, which is okay, but it cuts down his options in the league.
Although he’s not top 3 in any big stats for his team except shooting numbers, He’s up there in all of them and is a well rounded player, but likes the defense more than the offence. And, his dad, Adrian Griffin Sr., is an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptors, so make of that what you will…
With the 6th Pick in the NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select…
#6: Jaden Ivey
Purdue Boilermakers, Sophomore
PG, 6’4”, 200 lbs
Off. Rating: 90
Def. Rating: 82
Overall Rating: 89
NBA Rating: 73
Potential: 92
Ceiling: Cavs Kyrie/Trae Young
Floor: Cam Payne
Jim’s Ranking: 4
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 4th (3.0-4.0)
Movement: -2 (#4 -> #6)
We finally do get to him. I know we were all expecting him to go 4th, and if Toronto doesn’t trade for the Kings’ pick I fully expect him to go fourth, but for me he is the guy most susceptible to fall in this draft. He is a very risky prospect, something I elaborated more in 4.0, if you want the whole thing go to that article, but for now, I’ll summarize. He is a player who CAN play positions 1-3, but isn’t necessarily a good fit for any of them, lacking the 3-point shooting and speed really needed by a small guy in this league.
On the flip side however, he has been a great fit for Purdue and lead them to the Sweet 16, an overachieving performance for Purdue and the 10 seed. That leadership ability may well be enough to give him success in this league, but I still see him as the man with the most bust potential.
With the 7th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select…
#7: Johnny Davis
Wisconsin, Sophomore
SG, 6’5”, 195 lbs
Off. Rating: 89
Def. Rating: 87
Overall Rating: 89
NBA Rating: 74
Potential: 90
Ceiling: Devin Booker
Floor: John Konchar
Jim’s Ranking: 8
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 10th (4.0)
Movement: +3 (10th -> 7th)
Portland will not be trading Damian Lillard on draft night, and Johnny Davis could be a big reason why. His scoring ability in the Big Ten conference was 2nd to none while leading Wisconsin to #1 in the division, and he got the 25th most PPG in the entire country as well.
The only trouble though is that he isn’t great at everything else. And he has an entire team focused around him. That will not be the case in the NBA, especially Portland. Still a very good selection, maybe if Lillard does eventually leave he could be the new focal point of this team.
With the 8th pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select…
#8: Tari Eason
LSU, Sophomore
SF, 6’8”, 217 lbs
Off. Rating: 83
Def. Rating: 87
Overall Rating: 87
NBA Rating: 72
Potential: 86
Ceiling: Jaylen Brown
Floor: Trey Murphy III
Jim’s Ranking: 9th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 13th (4.0)
Movement: +5 (#13 -> #8)
He looks like the Obi Toppin of this draft. That’s what he screams to me. He’s a pretty good scorer for a PF, and one of the best defenders in the division. Despite going out in the first round of March Madness, he looks like a good team leader.
The Pelicans could use him well as a Zion backup (he’d be starting more often than Zion, let’s be honest), or as a dominant Small Forward because he has both in his locker as a versatile player. A very good pick here at #8.
With the 9th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…
#9: Benedict Matthurin
Arizona Wildcats, Sophomore
SG, 6’6”, 210 lbs
Off. Rating: 87
Def. Rating: 87
Overall Rating: 88
NBA Rating: 73
Potential: 88
Ceiling: Donovan Mitchell
Floor: Hamidou Diallo
Jim’s Ranking: 7
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #5 (2.0)
Movement: +0 (#9 -> #9)
I just see Bennedict Matthurin in San Antonio. The Canadian has been with us since 1.0 and seems a good fit to be mentored by Pop in his last few seasons. Under him he could become maybe not the focal point but an integral part of the Spurs’ future.
He was the main piece of the best team in PAC-12 this year with 17 points per game this season on 45% shooting. He is a one-dimensional player however and needs work on his muscle and defensive ability.
We have a trade to announce…
Wizards receive: Christian Wood
Rockets receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, 10th Pick, 56th Pick, 2024 WAS Top 5 Protected Pick
By no means a game-changer of a trade, but it’s still a good one in my opinion by Washington. They’re in their final few seasons of the Bradley Beal experiment, and Christian Wood would be a good piece to spur them on to perhaps the playoffs.
For Houston the situation is different. They are nowhere near contention with their current squad and has a tradeable piece in Christian Wood, and now that they have Paolo Banchero, they can trade him for good value, which is the #10 pick. I see this as a very good trade for both sides.
And with the #10 Pick, the Houston Rockets select…
#10: TyTy Washington
Kentucky, Freshman
PG,6’3”, 180 lbs
Off. Rating: 82
Def. Rating: 85
Overall Rating: 85
NBA Rating: 71
Potential: 88
Ceiling: Ja Morant
Floor: Dalano Banton
Jim’s Ranking: #11
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #6 (3.0)
Movement: +2 (#12 -> #10)
Again, I love TyTy Washington’s skillset, he has the base skills of a really good Point Guard. Elite Speed, Great Shooting, and if the Rockets got him, he could really be amazing. He is also a glove, with 1.3 steals per game. While he and Kentucky were beat up near the end of the season, losing as the 2 seed to 15 seed St Peters, it shouldn’t diminish him as a player. Houston should be taking this pick all day.
With the #11 Pick, the New York Knicks select…
#11: Jalen Duren
Memphis, Freshman
C,6’11”, 250 lbs
Off. Rating: 80
Def. Rating: 82
Overall Rating: 83
NBA Rating: 69
Potential: 84
Ceiling: Clint Capela ++
Floor: Isaiah Hartenstein
Jim’s Ranking: 14
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #6 (2.0)
Movement: -3 (#8 -> #11)
A solid center, Jalen Duren is the typical package in my opinion. Pretty good scoring with above average defending. His best trait is Blocking, with 2.1 per game. He’s a solid rebound, and didn’t make a three pointer this year, or he took a thousand threes this year and made one. I’d say no threes made is more likely. Anyway, a solid center, but the only concern would be his tradition center-like qualities in a new league. The traditional centers have struggled recently, so I’d be surprised if he does all that well. I hope he does well, though, for the Knicks’ sake.
With the 12th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder select…
#12: Ochai Agbaji
Kansas, Senior
SG ,6’5”, 217 lbs
Off. Rating: 88
Def. Rating: 84
Overall Rating: 86
NBA Rating: 72
Potential: 84
Ceiling: Anthony Edwards
Floor: Garrett Temple
Jim’s Ranking: 12
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #12)
CAMPEONE. CAMPEONE. OLE OLE OLE. The only March Madness winner in the lottery, Ochai Agbaji’s stock will be rising after that because everyone loves a winner. Not too much of a winner, but you know what I mean. For the Thunder, a winner would be needed with their situation. Him paired with Chet Holmgren could be one heck of a duo.
We have a trade to announce…
Hornets receive: Rudy Gobert
Jazz receive: Gordon Hayward, Montrezl Harrell (Sign and Trade), 13th Pick, 15th Pick, 45th Pick
WOW. This is a deal. Gordon Hayward goes BACK to Utah, where it all began and the only team where he had any success. They get the upcoming 13th pick as well as the 15th pick and 45th pick as well as Montezl Harrell on a sign-and-trade for Rudy Gobert, who may be leaving now that Quin Snyder has resigned. What a deal.
And with the 13th Pick, the Utah Jazz select…
#13: Dyson Daniels
G-League Ignite Squad, 19 Years Old
SG,6’7”, 195 lbs
Off. Rating: 82
Def. Rating: 84
Overall Rating: 84
NBA Rating: 70
Potential: 87
Ceiling: DeMar DeRozan
Floor: Damion Lee
Jim’s Ranking: 16th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 14th (4.0)
Movement: +1 (#14 -> #13)
Our first G-League Ignite player, he Dyson Daniels is jumping up rather than down, which goes against everything I’ve said about those athletes I know, but it just seems right. Utah want a SG and like the look of Dyson. He has a high ceiling and while enigmatic could pay dividends.
With the 14th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…
#14: Jalen Williams
Santa Clara Broncos, Junior
SG,6’5”, 209 lbs
Off. Rating: 83
Def. Rating: 77
Overall Rating: 82
NBA Rating: 69
Potential: 81
Ceiling: Dejounte Murray lite
Floor: Nik Stauskas
Jim’s Ranking: 15th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #14)
Getting closer to the middle of the pack players, the Cavaliers need a more now big man and Jalen Williams is that man. Good on offense the Cavs will almost certainly use him as a back up, but you would want a higher ceiling on a lottery pick. Disappointing selection by Cleveland.
With the 15th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select…
#15: Mark Williams
Duke,
C,7’2”, 242 lbs
Off. Rating: 79
Def. Rating: 89
Overall Rating: 84
NBA Rating: 70
Potential: 83
Ceiling: Knicks Kristaps Porzingis but smaller
Floor: Smaller Boban lite
Jim’s Ranking: 13
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #15)
With the 16th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks Select…
#16: Shaedon Sharpe
Kentucky, Freshman
SG,6’6”, 200 lbs
Off. Rating: 88
Def. Rating: 85
Overall Rating: 87
NBA Rating: 72
Potential: 87
Ceiling: James Harden
Floor: Ayo Dosunmu
Jim’s Ranking: 10
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #5 (4.0)
Movement: -11 (#16 -> #5)
With the 17th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select…
#17: Jeremy Sochan
Baylor, Freshman
PF ,6’9”, 230 lbs
Off. Rating: 76
Def. Rating: 80
Overall Rating: 78
NBA Rating: 67
Potential: 83
Ceiling: OG Anunoby +
Floor: Luka Garza
Jim’s Ranking: 19
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #11 (4.0)
Movement: -6 (#11 -> #17)
With the 18th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls select…
#18: Nikola Jovic
KK Mega Soccerbet, 19 Years Old
PF ,6’11”, 223 lbs
Off. Rating: 77
Def. Rating: 79
Overall Rating: 79
NBA Rating: 67
Potential: 84
Ceiling: Miles Bridges +
Floor: Jeremiah Robinson
Jim’s Ranking: #21
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #5 (2.0)
Movement: -10 (#8 (3.0) -> #18)
With the 19th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select…
#19: Christian Braun
Kansas Jawhawks, Junior
SG ,6’6”, 218 lbs
Off. Rating: 82
Def. Rating: 81
Overall Rating: 83
NBA Rating: 69
Potential: 77
Ceiling: Buddy Hield +
Floor: David Duke Jr.
Jim’s Ranking: 18
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #19)
With the 20th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…
#20: Walker Kessler
Auburn, Sophomore
PF ,7’1”, 245 lbs
Off. Rating: 71
Def. Rating: 92
Overall Rating: 77
NBA Rating: 66
Potential: 76
Ceiling: 2019 Mitchell Robinson
Floor: Diamond Stone
Jim’s Ranking: 24
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #20)
With the 21st Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets select…
#21: Leonard Miller
High School, 18 Years Old
C ,6’11”, 208 lbs
Off. Rating: 76
Def. Rating: 78
Overall Rating: 77
NBA Rating: 66
Potential: 80
Ceiling: DeAndre Ayton lite
Floor: Kavell Bigby-Williams
Jim’s Ranking: 30th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #21)
With the 22nd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select…
#22: Jaden Hardy
G-League Ignite Squad, 19 Years Old
SG ,6’4”, 198 lbs
Off. Rating: 78
Def. Rating: 72
Overall Rating: 76
NBA Rating: 66
Potential: 82
Ceiling: Fred VanVleet
Floor: Ryan Arcidiacono
Jim’s Ranking: 28
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #4 (2.0)
Movement: -15 (#7 (3.0) -> #22)
With the 23rd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Philadelphia 76ers select…
#23: Ryan Rollins
Toledo Rockets, Sophomore
PG, 6’4”, 180 lbs
Off. Rating: 79
Def. Rating: 75
Overall Rating: 78
NBA Rating: 69
Potential: 78
Ceiling: Cade Cunningham
Floor: Langston Galloway
Jim’s Ranking: 23
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #23)
With the 24th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks select…
#24: Malaki Branham
Ohio State, Freshman
SG ,6’5”, 180 lbs
Off. Rating: 78
Def. Rating: 80
Overall Rating: 81
NBA Rating: 68
Potential: 82
Ceiling: CJ McCollum
Floor: Denzel Valentine
Jim’s Ranking: 20
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #24)
With the 25th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…
#25: Kennedy Chandler
Tennesse, Freshman
PG ,6’0”, 171 lbs
Off. Rating: 78
Def. Rating: 76
Overall Rating: 79
NBA Rating: 67
Potential: 78
Ceiling: Kyle Lowry
Floor: Shamorie Ponds
Jim’s Ranking: 27th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #25)
With the 26th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Dallas Mavericks select…
#26: MarJon Beauchamp
G-League Ignite Squad, 21 Years Old
SG ,6’6”, 197 lbs
Off. Rating: 79
Def. Rating: 77
Overall Rating: 79
NBA Rating: 67
Potential: 80
Ceiling: Gary Trent Jr. +
Floor: Chris Chiozza
Jim’s Ranking: 22
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #11 (3.0)
Movement: -16 (#11 (3.0) -> #27)
With the 27th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat Select…
#27: Christian Koloko
Arizona Wildcats, Junior
C ,7’1”, 230 lbs
Off. Rating: 67
Def. Rating: 73
Overall Rating: 71
NBA Rating: 63
Potential: 66
Ceiling: Isaiah Stewart
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 40th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> 39th)
We have a trade to announce…
Golden State Warriors receive: Pascal Siakam
Toronto Raptors receive: Andrew Wiggins, James Wiseman, 28th Pick, 51st Pick
Yes, I’m still gung-ho about this trade a year later. Some, admittedly, smaller reports have emerged about the Warriors and Raptors thinking about this one, and as a Raps fan I’d do it. I see it as good value for Siakam, and we would have a free position for Keegan Murray at 4, and we’d also have Andrew Wiggins back home. We may also try and revive James Wiseman’s career, but that may be too far gone. Either way, a good trade. For the Warriors, they’re needing a big man and Andrew Wiggins’ salary is a problem. A good trade in my opinion.
And with the 28th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select…
#28: Blake Wesley
Notre Dame, Freshman
PG,6’5”, 185 lbs
Off. Rating: 77
Def. Rating: 75
Overall Rating: 77
NBA Rating: 66
Potential: 80
Ceiling: Jrue Holiday
Floor: Jalen Lecque
Jim’s Ranking: 25
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 16th (3.0)
Movement: -12 (16th (3.0) -> 28th)
With the 29th Pick in the NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select…
#29: Max Christie
Michigan State, Freshman
SG ,6’6”, 190 lbs
Off. Rating: 75
Def. Rating: 76
Overall Rating: 76
NBA Rating: 66
Potential: 79
Ceiling: Caris LeVert
Floor: Justin Champagnie
Jim’s Ranking: 29th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 13th (2.0)
Movement: -15 (14th (3.0) -> 29th)
We have a trade to announce…
Thunder Receive: Donovan Mitchell
Jazz Receive: Derrick Favors, Darius Bazley, Lu Dort, Ty Jerome, Alej Pokusevski, Josh Giddey, Draft Rights to Ochai Agbaji, 30th Pick, 34th Pick
Woah. Saving the best trade for the last one. Donovan Mitchell, as Bob said, is beside himself at the resignation of coach Snyder, and could be forefronting the Thunder’s project. They’d only give up 2 picks and immediately skyrocket in the ranking. I really hope this one happens.
And with the 30th Pick, the Utah Jazz Select…
#30: EJ Liddell
Ohio State, Junior
SF ,6’7”, 240 lbs
Off. Rating: 83
Def. Rating: 84
Overall Rating: 84
NBA Rating: 70
Potential: 79
Ceiling: Khris Middleton
Floor: Zach Hankin
Jim’s Ranking: 17th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #30)
With the 31st Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select…
#31: Dalen Terry
Arizona, Sophomore
SG , 6’7”, 195 lbs
Off. Rating: 73
Def. Rating: 74
Overall Rating: 74
NBA Rating: 64
Potential: 73
Ceiling: Gary Trent Jr.
Floor: Kethan Savage
Jim’s Ranking: 34
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #31)
With the 32nd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select…
#32: Orlando Robinson
Fresno State, Junior
PF ,7’0”, 235 lbs
Off. Rating: 74
Def. Rating: 72
Overall Rating: 75
NBA Rating: 65
Potential: 73
Ceiling: Dorian Finney-Smith
Floor: Wes Iwundu
Jim’s Ranking: 32nd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> 32nd)
With the 33rd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors Select…
#33: Ousmane Dieng
New Zealand Breakers, 19 Years Old
SF ,6’9”, 220 lbs
Off. Rating: 75
Def. Rating: 73
Overall Rating: 75
NBA Rating: 65
Potential: 79
Ceiling: Mikal Bridges
Floor: Ignas Brazdeikas
Jim’s Ranking: 33rd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #11 (2.0)
Movement: -15 (#18 (3.0) -> #33)
With the 34th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors Select…
#34: Patrick Baldwin Jr.
Milwaukee Panthers, Freshman
PG ,6’9”, 220 lbs
Off. Rating: 71
Def. Rating: 70
Overall Rating: 71
NBA Rating: 63
Potential: 81
Ceiling: De’Aaron Fox
Floor: Zaire Wade
Jim’s Ranking: 41st
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #7 (2.0)
Movement: -25 (#9 (3.0) -> #34)
With the 35th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic select…
#35: Bryce McGowens
Nebraska Cornhuskers, Freshman
SG ,6’5”, 179 lbs
Off. Rating: 73
Def. Rating: 69
Overall Rating: 72
NBA Rating: 63
Potential: 76
Ceiling: Duncan Robinson
Floor: Kobi Nwandu
Jim’s Ranking: 38th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #19 (2.0)
Movement: -13 (#22 (3.0) -> #35)
With the 36th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select…
#36: Kendall Brown
Baylor, Freshman
SG ,6’8”, 205 lbs
Off. Rating: 74
Def. Rating: 77
Overall Rating: 76
NBA Rating: 66
Potential: 78
Ceiling: Prime Evan Fournier
Floor: Moses Moody
Jim’s Ranking: 31st
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 13th (3.0)
Movement: -25 (#13 (3.0) -> #36)
With the 37th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select…
#37: Caleb Houstan
Michigan, Freshman
SF ,6’8”, 205 lbs
Off. Rating: 73
Def. Rating: 70
Overall Rating: 73
NBA Rating: 64
Potential: 74
Ceiling: Andrew Wiggins
Floor: Yoeli Childs
Jim’s Ranking: 35th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #8 (1.0)
Movement: -17 (#20 (3.0) -> #37)
With the 38th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the San Antonio Spurs select…
#38: Ismael Kamagate
Paris Basketball, 21 Years Old
PF ,6’11”, 230 lbs
Off. Rating: 72
Def. Rating: 73
Overall Rating: 73
NBA Rating: 64
Potential: 70
Ceiling: PJ Washington
Floor: Braxton Key
Jim’s Ranking: 36th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #38)
With the 39th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers select…
#39: Jaylin Williams
Arkansas, Sophomore
PF ,6’10”, 240 lbs
Off. Rating: 75
Def. Rating: 79
Overall Rating: 79
NBA Rating: 67
Potential: 75
Ceiling: Scottie Barnes
Floor: Omari Spellman
Jim’s Ranking: 26th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #39)
With the 40th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select…
#40: Julian Champagnie
St. Johns, Junior
SG ,6’8”, 215 lbs
Off. Rating: 69
Def. Rating: 70
Overall Rating: 70
NBA Rating: 61
Potential: 67
Ceiling: Furkan Korkmaz
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 44th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #44)
With the 41st Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select…
#41: Wendell Moore Jr.
Duke, Junior
SF ,6’5”, 213 lbs
Off. Rating: 76
Def. Rating: 67
Overall Rating: 73
NBA Rating: 63
Potential: 73
Ceiling: Nets Danilo Galinari
Floor: Jaylen Hoard
Jim’s Ranking: 37th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #41)
With the 42nd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks select…
#42: Iverson Molinar
Mississippi State, Junior
PG ,6’3”, 190 lbs
Off. Rating: 74
Def. Rating: 64
Overall Rating: 71
NBA Rating: 64
Potential: 73
Ceiling: Spencer Dinwiddie
Floor: Devonte Bandoo
Jim’s Ranking: 42nd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #42)
With the 43rd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the LA Clippers select…
#43: Jean Montero
Overtime Elite, 18 Years Old
PG ,6’2”, 172 lbs
Off. Rating: 68
Def. Rating: 63
Overall Rating: 66
NBA Rating: 60
Potential: 71
Ceiling: Gary Payton II
Floor: Karim Mane
Jim’s Ranking: 47th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #43)
With the 44th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks select…
#44: John Butler
Florida State, Freshman
PF ,7’1”, 190 lbs
Off. Rating: 64
Def. Rating: 67
Overall Rating: 67
NBA Rating: 60
Potential: 71
Ceiling: Ivica Zubac
Floor: De’Quon Lake
Jim’s Ranking: 46th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #44)
With the 45th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz select…
#45: Jabari Walker
Colorado Buffaloes, Sophomore
PF ,6’9”, 215 lbs
Off. Rating: 68
Def. Rating: 69
Overall Rating: 68
NBA Rating: 61
Potential: 69
Ceiling: Trey Lyles
Floor: Darnell Cowart
Jim’s Ranking: 45th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 24th (2.0)
Movement: -21 (#24 (2.0) -> #45)
With the 46th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons select…
#46: Trevor Keels
Duke, Freshman
PG ,6’4”, 221 lbs
Off. Rating: 65
Def. Rating: 66
Overall Rating: 66
NBA Rating: 60
Potential: 69
Ceiling: Bones Hyland
Floor: Michael Gbinje
Jim’s Ranking: 48th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #12 (2.0)
Movement: -25 (#21 (3.0) -> #46)
With the 47th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies select…
#47: Johnny Juzang
UCLA, Junior
PG ,6’7”, 215 lbs
Off. Rating: 70
Def. Rating: 61
Overall Rating: 65
NBA Rating: 59
Potential: 65
Ceiling: Facundo Campazzo
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 49th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 28th (2.0)
Movement: -19 (#28 (2.0) -> #4)
With the 48th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Minnnesota Timberwolves select…
#48: Jake LaRavia
Wake Forest, Junior
SF ,6’8”, 235 lbs
Off. Rating: 70
Def. Rating: 72
Overall Rating: 72
NBA Rating: 63
Potential: 67
Ceiling: Royce O’Neale
Floor: Jemerrio Jones
Jim’s Ranking: 39th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #48)
With the 49th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings select…
#49: Jamaree Bouyea
San Francisco Dons, Senior
PG ,6’2”, 180 lbs
Off. Rating: 72
Def. Rating: 65
Overall Rating: 69
NBA Rating: 62
Potential: 68
Ceiling: Kevin Huerter
Floor: David Stockton
Jim’s Ranking: 43rd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #49)
With the 50th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Minnesota Timberwolves select…
#50: Ibou Dianko Badji
Forca Lleida CE, 19 Years old
C ,7’2”, 230 lbs
Off. Rating: 50
Def. Rating: 57
Overall Rating: 56
NBA Rating: 49
Potential: 65
Ceiling: Ivica Zubac
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 57th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 14th (2.0)
Movement: -25 (#25 (3.0) -> #50)
With the 51st Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select…
#51: JD Davison
Alabama, Freshman
PG ,6’3”, 195 lbs
Off. Rating: 62
Def. Rating: 64
Overall Rating: 64
NBA Rating: 58
Potential: 67
Ceiling: Tre Mann
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 50th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: #7 (1.0)
Movement: -31 (#20 (2.0) -> #51)
With the 52nd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select…
#52: Josh Minott
Memphis, Freshman
PF ,6’8”, 205 lbs
Off. Rating: 57
Def. Rating: 59
Overall Rating: 59
NBA Rating: 53
Potential: 61
Ceiling: Jaden McDaniels
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 54th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: 23rd (2.0)
Movement: -29 (#23 (2.0) -> #52)
With the 53rd Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Boston Celtics select…
#53: Michael Foster Jr.
G-League Ignite Squad, 19 Years Old
PF ,6’8”, 250 lbs
Off. Rating: 60
Def. Rating: 62
Overall Rating: 61
NBA Rating: 54
Potential: 62
Ceiling: Jae Crowder
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 52nd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #53)
With the 54th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards select…
#54: Scotty Pippen Jr.
Vanderbilt, Junior
PG ,6’3”, 185 lbs
Off. Rating: 61
Def. Rating: 57
Overall Rating: 59
NBA Rating: 53
Potential: 59
Ceiling: Raul Neto
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 55th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #54)
With the 55th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Toronto Raptors select…
#55: Dereon Seabron
NC State, Sophomore
SG ,6’7”, 180 lbs
Off. Rating: 67
Def. Rating: 57
Overall Rating: 60
NBA Rating: 54
Potential: 59
Ceiling: Brandon Boston Jr.
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 55th
With the 56th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select…
#56: Kai Sotto
Adelaide 36ers, 20 Years Old
C ,7’2”, 230 lbs
Off. Rating: 47
Def. Rating: 48
Overall Rating: 48
NBA Rating: 42
Potential: 59
Ceiling: Kevon Looney
Floor: Kevon Looney
Jim’s Ranking: 63rd
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #56)
With the 57th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers select…
#57: Aminu Mohammed
Georgetown Hoyas, Freshman
PG ,6’5”, 210 lbs
Off. Rating: 61
Def. Rating: 54
Overall Rating: 58
NBA Rating: 51
Potential: 57
Ceiling: Jah’Mius Ramsey
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 56th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #57)
And with the 58th Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Indiana Pacers select…
#58: Andrew Nembhard
Gonzaga, Senior
PG ,6’5”, 193 lbs
Off. Rating: 61
Def. Rating: 58
Overall Rating: 60
NBA Rating: 54
Potential: 56
Ceiling: Brian Bowen II
Floor: Overseas
Jim’s Ranking: 54th
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> New)
Highest Mock Draft Ranking: Unranked
Movement: New (Unranked -> #58)
There it is. PHEW. I’ve spent a week on this and I truly hope you liked it. Up to 6000 Words, and I can’t wait to see how I got 58/58 here. I’ll have a few more draft-related posts before the big night and I can’t wait to make them. As always, I’m Jim James, and until next time.