2022 NBA Mock Draft: Fourth Edition

  Here is the fourth edition of my 2022 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Orlando Magic- Jabari Smith, Power Forward, Auburn: The Magic can have their pick of one of the big three with Smith, Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero. Smith you can make a case is the safest of the top three draft prospects bet due to his fine all around play in college despite poor guard play around him.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder- Chet Holmgren, Power Forward/Center, Gonzaga: The Thunder have to be doing backflips if this scenario presents itself on draft night. Holmgren is the perfect type of player for this young Thunder nucleus with his ability to create his own shot as a stretch five and protect the rim.

3. Houston Rockets- Paolo Banchero, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Rockets land a player here with a ton of skill and upside here in Banchero. There are mixed thoughts about a frontcourt mix of Banchero, Chrstian Wood, and Alpren Sengun, but he and Jalen Green together is a nice foundation long term.

4. Sacramento Kings- Sheldon Sharpe, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Kings have to be thinking a wing player at this spot of the draft considering they need to replace Buddy Hield's production. Sharpe didn't play at Kentucky, but can shoot the lights out of the ball.

5. Detroit Pistons- Keegan Murray, Power Forward, Purdue: The Pistons dropping to the fifth spot is not ideal, but it may not be a complete disaster as they have a few viable options. Murray is a nice fit here as he can be a fun pick and pop partner for Cade Cunningham with his shooting ability.

6. Indiana Pacers- Jaden Ivey, Shooting Guard, Purdue: The fit of Ivey here would be interesting considering they already have Malcolm Brogdon, Tyrese Haliburton, and Buddy Hield on the roster. Ivey is a super explosive player, but he lacks distribution skills.

7. Portland Trail Blazers- AJ Griffin, Small Forward, Duke: This pick would make a ton of sense for the Blazers considering their need for a forward. Griffin had a fine season for the Blue Devils and he can come in and provide some good shooting and athleticism.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers)- Johnny Davis, Shooting Guard, Wisconsin: The Pelicans really did leave a great impression on "what could be" after their playoff loss to the Suns. I feel Davis here may be his ceiling, but the fit here is interesting with all the guards and wings the team has considering Davis does just about everything well.

9. San Antonio Spurs-  Bennedict Mathurin, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Arizona: This would be somewhat of a curveball if the Spurs went in this direction. Mathurin really broke out in a big way last season and is your classic three-and-D wing that a ton of teams will covet.

10. Washington Wizards- Dyson Daniels, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: This would be somewhat of a reach for the Wizards if this was the selection. People are skeptical of Daniels due to his shooting numbers, but he is a solid defender and gets to the basket.

11. New York Knicks- Jeremy Schoan, Small Forward, Baylor: The Knicks ideally would like a guard here, but Schoan may be too good to pass up on. Schoan is someone that really showed off an elite skill set this past season with the Bears and I like the idea of him and RJ Barrett together on the wing.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Ousame Dieng, Small Forward, France: This pick would be a major reach for the Thunder, a player like Dieng is someone that the Thunder should be targeting. Dieng was inconsistent in the NBL, but has tremendous upside with his shot making and ball handling.

13. Charlotte Hornets- Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis: The Hornets need for a center is one of the bigger needs in the entire league. Duren has double-double potential and he would fit nicely with this newer Spurs young core they have.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers- Johnny Davis, Shooting Guard, Wisconsin: The Cavaliers are arguably getting a steal here landing Davis at the end of the lottery. Collin Sexton coming off an injury could end up being expandable and Davis with Darius Garland together would be fun to watch.

15. Charlotte Hornets- Tari Eason, Power Forward, LSU: This would be a very interesting pick for the Hornets, who already have PJ Washington at that position. Eason had a breakout season for the Tigers and is an excellent defender, but has some offensive flaws.

16. Atlanta Hawks- Mark Williams, Center, Duke: This would be a telling selection for the Hawks, who already have three quality big men. Williams is your traditional center who does not space the floor and he doesn't have high upside either.

17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets)- Ochai Agbaji, Shooting Guard, Kansas: With their second first, the Rockets take a very steady player in Agbaji.  He really put himself in a good position to return to school and winning Most Outstanding Player in the tournament to be a first rounder.

18. Chicago Bulls- Jean Montero, Point Guard, Overtime Elite: I personally think the Bulls are an unknown in terms of the draft. Montero played in an upstart league in Overtime Elite and showed a smooth touch and passibility.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jaden Hardy, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: This would be an interesting pick for the T-Wovles, who have an abundance of guards. Hardy is a player that didn't live up to hype with Unite, but has a ton of potential that he could unlock.

20. San Antonio Spurs- Malaki Branham, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Ohio State: With their second first rounder, I have the Spurs doubling down with another wing in Branham. He can shoot it from well from three and gets into the paint often.

21. Denver Nuggets- Kendall Brown, Small Forward, Baylor: The Nuggets are a team that is going to be in the conversation for the 2023 NBA title with some key players returning from injury. Brown can come off the bench and provide solid play and has the athleticism to succeed.

22. Memphis Grizzlies (from Utah Jazz)- Ty Ty Washington, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Kentucky: Washington falling all the way to here would be a major steal for the Grizzlies. Tyus Jones is going to be a free agent, so it would be smart for the team to draft a player to back up and even play alongside Ja Morant.

23. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers)- EJ Liddell, Power Forward, Ohio State: With the James Harden trade potentially looking like a win for the Nets, they get a good player with the pick here in Liddell. He s somebody that is a little bit older, but improved each and every season at Ohio State.

24. Milwaukee Bucks- Kennedy Chandler, Point Guard, Tennessee: I like the fit here with the Bucks considering their need for guard depth behind Jrue Holliday. Chandler is a super poised player with his playmaking abilities and plays turnover free for the most part.

25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston Celtics)- Walker Kessler, Center, Auburn: The Spurs go with a big with their final of three first rounders. Kessler is an absolute monster defensively in the paint and blocks shots like there's no tomorrow.

26. Dallas Mavericks- Jalen Williams, Shooting Guard, Santa Clara: The Mavericks have a future MVP on their hands in Luka Doncic, so they need to build a team that best suits Doncic. Williams has been a big time riser of late in terms of draft prospects and showed tremendous potential as a three-and-D wing.

27. Miami Heat- Patrick Baldwin IV, Small Forward/Power Forward, Milwaukee: Baldwin was a massive disappointment this past season with injuries and I feel that he probably should have played for a larger branded program considering the hype he had. Baldwin could rediscover his potential that he had coming into college on the right team.

28. Golden State Warriors- Nikola Jovic, Power Forward, Serbia: The Warriors are a strong candidate to trade out of this selection. Jovic is the safest bet of the international players in this draft and he is your classic "point forward" type of player that does a little bit of everything.

29. Memphis Grizzlies- Leonard Miller, Small Forward, Canada: Miller is a fast riser as the draft approaches in four weeks from today. He is a long term project for sure, but has capabilities to be a great wing player down the road.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns)- Terquavion Smith, Shooting Guard, NC State: I can see the Thunder trying to move back up in the teens and using this pick with either a current player or a future pick. Smith is a player that has a good shot and could be a solid bench scorer for someone.

2022 NBA Mock Draft: Third Edition

 Here is the third edition of my 2022 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Orlando Magic- Chet Holmgren, Power Forward/Center, Gonzaga: The Magic have their choice of three great players to pick from to add to their young core. Holmgren is the pick here due to his ability to protect the rim, shoot the three, and space the floor and it helps that he is a great defensive player too.

2. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jabari Smith, Power Forward, Auburn: The Thunder landing a top two pick is a great win for them and I love the idea of Smith on this team. With better guard play than he had in college, he would be in a nice spot to show off his scoring capabilities in.

3. Houston Rockets- Paolo Banchero, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Rockets land a player here with a ton of skill and upside here in Banchero. There are mixed thoughts about a frontcourt mix of Banchero, Chrstian Wood, and Alpren Sengun, but he and Jalen Green together is a nice foundation long term.

4. Sacramento Kings- Jaden Ivey, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Purdue: This would be an odd fit considering the Kings already have D'Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell, unless the team opts to move one of the two point guards. Ivey is a super explosive player, but he lacks the distribution skills.

5. Detroit Pistons- Sheldon Sharpe, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Pistons dropping to the fifth spot is not ideal, but it may not be a complete disaster as they have a few viable options. Sharpe didn't play for Coach Cal, but he would be an interesting fit here playing with Cade Cunningham with his ability to shoot the ball.

6. Indiana Pacers- Keegan Murray, Power Forward, Iowa: The Pacers can go in an number of directions here with their selection. Murray does make some sense here as they can use a combo forward that has a solid mid-range game and is a good defender.

7. Portland Trail Blazers- AJ Griffin, Small Forward, Duke: This pick would make a ton of sense for the Blazers considering their need for a forward. Griffin had a fine season for the Blue Devils and he can come in and provide some good shooting and athleticism.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers)- Johnny Davis, Shooting Guard, Wisconsin: The Pelicans really did leave a great impression on "what could be" after their playoff loss to the Suns. I feel Davis here may be his ceiling, but the fit here is interesting with all the guards and wings the team has considering Davis does just about everything well.

9. San Antonio Spurs- Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis: The Spurs have some options here with their selection and they should have their eyes on a big with their first of three picks. Duren has double-double potential and he would fit nicely with this newer Spurs young core they have.

10. Washington Wizards- Bennedict Mathurin, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Arizona: The Wizards taking Mathurin would be interesting considering they have an abundance of wings. Mathurin really broke out in a big way last season and is your classic three-and-D wing that a ton of teams will covet.

11. New York Knicks- Jeremy Schoan, Small Forward, Baylor: The Knicks ideally would like a guard here, but Schoan may be too good to pass up on. Schoan is someone that really showed off an elite skill set this past season with the Bears and I like the idea of him and RJ Barrett together on the wing.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Ochai Agbaji, Shooting Guard, Kansas: Agbaji here to the Thunder feels like the right spot. He really put himself in a good position to return to school and winning Most Outstanding Player in the tournament to be a first rounder.

13. Charlotte Hornets- Mark Williams, Center, Duke: The third Duke player in this mock I have going to Charlotte. The Hornets badly need a center and Williams is someone who had a great tournament in which his stock rose, but he doesn't have high upside.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers- Malaki Branham, Shooting Guard, Ohio State: A hot match with a little over a month to go until the draft is Branham with the Cavaliers, but I feel this could be a reach. He can shoot it from well from three and gets into the paint often, which the Cavaliers can use off the bench.

15. Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans Pelicans)- Ty-Ty Washington, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Hornets get a player that is super duper entertaining player here in Washington. The thought of him and LaMelo Ball together is super intriguing.

16. Atlanta Hawks- Tari Eason, Power Forward, LSU: The Hawks are a real candidate to trade their first round selection because they want that second star to go with Trae Young. Eason had a breakout season for the Tigers and is an excellent defender, but has some offensive flaws.

17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets)- Dyson Daniels, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: The Rockets are quite lucky that this pick is this in this spot. People are skeptical of Daniels due to his shooting numbers, but he is a solid defender and gets to the basket.

18. Chicago Bulls- Walker Kessler, Center, Auburn: I personally think the Bulls are an unknown in terms of the draft. Kessler is an absolute monster defensively in the paint and blocks shots like there's no tomorrow.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves- Blake Wesley, Shooting Guard, Notre Dame: This would be an interesting pick for the T-Wovles, who have an abundance of guards. Wesley is a raw player that really didn't impress much in college, but is unafraid to score.

20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- Jaden Hardy, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: Hardy and the Spurs just feels appropriate. He is a player that didn't live up to hype with Unite, but has a ton of potential that he could unlock.

21. Denver Nuggets- Ousame Dieng, Small Forward, France: If the Nuggets nail this pick or trade it for a veteran, then it puts them among the front runners to win the 2023 NBA title with the players that are returning from injuries. Dieng was inconsistent in the NBL, but has tremendous upside with his shot making and ball handling.

22. Memphis Grizzlies- Kennedy Chandler, Point Guard, Tennessee: The Grizzlies are just picking for depth on a potential title contender with their selections. Chandler makes a ton of sense with Tyus Jones entering free agency and Ja Morant being a player that gets injured more often than everyone would like.

23. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers)- Kendall Brown, Small Forward, Baylor: With the James Harden trade potentially looking like a win for the Nets, they get a good player with the pick here in Brown. He can come off the bench and provide solid play and has the athleticism to succeed.

24. Milwaukee Bucks- EJ Liddell, Power Forward, Ohio State: I don't know if I necessarily love the fit here with the Bucks array of big men.  Liddell is somebody that is a little bit older, but improved each and every season at Ohio State.

25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston Celtics)- Wendell Moore Jr, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Duke: The Spurs with their third first rounder get a guy I feel is NBA ready in Moore. He had his best season as a junior after being thought out as a lottery pick two years ago so this could be a steal.

26. Dallas Mavericks- Christian Braun, Shooting Guard, Kansas: The Mavericks should really target guys that should help them right away considering they have a future MVP in Luka Doncic. Braun is an NBA-ready three-and-D wing and is good at attacking the rim.

27. Miami Heat- Nikola Jovic, Power Forward, Serbia: The Heat are a team if the board doesn't break their way, can trade out of this pick. Jovic is the safest bet of the international players in this draft and he is your classic "point forward" type of player that does a little bit of everything.

28. Golden State Warriors- Christian Koloko, Center, Arizona: The Warriors are a likely candidate to trade out of this spot. Koloko broke out this season for the Wildcats and averaged a double-double and over two blocks a game.

29. Memphis Grizzlies- Patrick Baldwin IV, Small Forward/Power Forward, Milwaukee: Baldwin was a massive disappointment this past season with injuries and I feel that he probably should have played for a larger branded program considering the hype he had. Baldwin could rediscover his potential that he had coming into college on the right team.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns)- Terquavion Smith, Shooting Guard, NC State: I can see the Thunder trying to move back up in the teens and using this pick with either a current player or a future pick. Smith is a player that has a good shot and could be a solid bench scorer for someone.

2022 NBA Mock Draft: Second Edition

Here is the second edition of my 2022 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Houston Rockets- Paolo Banchero, Power Forward/Center, Duke: You can make a case for three guys to go first between Banchero, Jabari Smith and Chet Holmgren. Banchero with Alpren Sengun and Christian Wood could make an exciting front court with their different capabilities and all three are versatile players as well.

2. Orlando Magic- Jabari Smith, Power Forward, Auburn: The Magic can pick of the two players of the top three to choose from. Smith you can make a case is the safest of the top three draft prospects bet due to his fine all around play in college despite poor guard play around him.

3. Detroit Pistons- Chet Holmgren, Center, Gonzaga: The Pistons are more than thrilled with landing Holmgren here, who I feel is a good fit with this team. Imagine what a pick and roll with Cade Cunningham over the next 5+ years??? Sign me up!!

4. Oklahoma City Thunder- Sheldon Sharpe, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Thunder are a complete wild card with this fourth selection and this time I have them selecting Sharpe to go with the young core they have. He didn't play for Kentucky, but should still be a lottery pick due to his talent that he showed while in high school.

5. Indiana Pacers- Jaden Ivey, Shooting Guard, Purdue: The Pacers are a little bit of an unknown heading into the offseason in terms of what direction they may go. Ivey is someone that reminds people of Ja Morant from an explosiveness in the paint standpoint, but lacks the distribution skills Morant has.

6. Portland Trail Blazers- Keegan Murray, Power Forward, Iowa: This pick would make a ton of sense for the Blazers considering their need for a forward. Murray is someone who looks NBA ready, especially on the defensive side of the ball and his offense is consistent too.

7. Sacramento Kings- Ochai Agbaji, Shooting Guard, Kansas: This pick might be considered a reach, but makes a ton of sense for the Kings considering the loss of Buddy Hield. Agbaji really put himself in a good position to return to school and winning Most Outstanding Player in the tournament to be a first rounder.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers)- AJ Griffin, Small Forward, Duke: The Pelicans really did leave a great impression on "what could be" after their playoff loss to the Suns. Griffin had a fine season for the Blue Devils and he can come in and provide some good shooting and athleticism.

9. San Antonio Spurs- Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis: The Spurs have some options here with their selection and they should have their eyes on a big with their first of three picks. Duren has double-double potential and he would fit nicely with this newer Spurs young core they have.

10. Washington Wizards- Bennedict Mathurin, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Arizona: The Wizards taking Mathurin would be interesting considering they have an abundance of wings. Mathurin really broke out in a big way last season and is your classic three-and-D wing that a ton of teams will covet.

11. New York Knicks- Johnny Davis, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Wisconsin: What the Knicks have been lacking is a guard that was consistent at all aspects of the game. Davis had a career year with the Badgers this past season and really is a perfect Tom Thibodeau and his coaching style.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Jeremy Schoan, Small Forward, Baylor: The Thunder are a team that needs some help on the wing. Schoan is someone that really showed off an elite skill set this past season with the Bears and I like this fit here with the Thunder.

13. Charlotte Hornets- Ty-Ty Washington, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Hornets get a player that is super duper entertaining player here in Washington. The thought of him and LaMelo Ball together is super intriguing.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers- Kendall Brown, Small Forward, Baylor: The Cavaliers have a lot to be proud of from this past season and here I have them taking Brown to add to their young core. The Cavaliers biggest need is on the wing and Brown has shown excellent offensive consistency in college.

15. Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans Pelicans)- Mark Williams, Center, Duke: The third Duke player in this mock I have going to Charlotte. The Hornets badly need a center and Williams is someone who had a great tournament in which his stock rose, but he doesn't have high upside.

16. Atlanta Hawks- Dyson Daniels, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: The Hawks are a real candidate to trade their first round selection because they want that second star to go with Trae Young. People are skeptical of Daniels due to his shooting numbers, but he is a solid defender and gets to the basket.

17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets)- Tari Eason, Power Forward, LSU: The Rockets are quite lucky that this pick is this in this spot. Eason had a breakout season for the Tigers and is an excellent defender, but has some offensive flaws.

18. Chicago Bulls- Nikola Jovic, Power Forward, Serbia: The Bulls are a huge wild card in this draft and what they can do. Jovic is the safest bet of the international players in this draft and he is your classic "point forward" type of player that does a little bit of everything.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves- EJ Liddell, Power Forward, Ohio State: This would be an interesting pick for the Timberwolves on multiple levels. Liddell is somebody that is a little bit older, but improved each and every season at Ohio State.

20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- Ousame Dieng, Small Forward, France: With their second of three picks, the Spurs grab one of the more interesting prospects in the draft. Dieng was inconsistent in the NBL, but has tremendous upside.

21. Denver Nuggets- Malaki Branham, Shooting Guard, Ohio State: If the Nuggets nail this pick or trade it for a veteran, then it puts them among the front runners to win the 2023 NBA title with the players that are returning from injuries. Barnham can shoot it from well from three and gets into the paint often, which the Nuggets can use off the bench.

22. Memphis Grizzlies- Wendell Moore Jr, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Duke: The Grizzlies are just picking for depth on a potential title contender with their selections. Moore had his best season as a junior after being thought out as a lottery pick two years ago so this could be a steal.

23. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers)- MarJon Beauchamp, Shooting Guard, G-League Ignite: The second player from the loaded G-League Ignite team going I have Beauchamp. He is a really good scorer and he could be a heat check guy for the Nets, who could end up back in contention next season if they keep the current group intact.

24. Milwaukee Bucks- Blake Wesley, Shooting Guard, Notre Dame: The Bucks are a team that could use young wings off the bench. Wesley is a raw player that really didn't impress much in college, but is unafraid to score.

25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston Celtics)- Christian Braun, Shooting Guard, Kansas: With their third first rounder, the Spurs land an interesting prospect in Braun, who may end up going back to school next season. Braun is an NBA-ready three-and-D wing and is good at attacking the rim.

26. Dallas Mavericks- Patrick Baldwin IV, Small Forward/Power Forward, Milwaukee: Baldwin was a massive disappointment this past season with injuries and I feel that he probably should have played for a larger branded program considering the hype he had. Baldwin could rediscover his potential that he had coming into college on the right team.

27. Miami Heat- Kennedy Chandler, Point Guard, Tennessee: The Heat are excellent at developing young players into their system. The Heat might be looking at long term options at point guard with Kyle Lowry getting older so Chandler here makes sense with his shot creating and a good handle.

28. Golden State Warriors- Jaden Hardy, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: The Warriors are a likely candidate to trade out of this spot, but Hardy here isn't a bad pick. He is a player that didn't live up to hype with Unite, but has a ton of potential that he could unlock.

29. Memphis Grizzlies- Walker Kessler, Center, Auburn: A long term need for a team that's heading for title contention (if they aren't there already) is at the center position. Kessler is an absolute monster defensively in the paint and blocks shots like there's no tomorrow.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns)- Christian Koloko, Center, Arizona: The Thunder could absolutely trade up from this spot along with their mid-first rounder to get back into the top ten, but here I have them going with Koloko. He broke out this season for the Wildcats and averaged a double-double and over two blocks a game.

2022 NBA Mock Draft: First Edition

 Here is the first edition of my 2022 NBA Mock Draft.

1. Houston Rockets- Jabari Smith, Power Forward, Auburn: You can make a case for three guys to go first between Smith, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren. Smith is the choice here as he is arguably the safest bet due to his fine all around play in college despite poor guard play around him.

2. Orlando Magic- Paolo Banchero, Power Forward/Center, Duke: The Magic can pick of the two players of the top three to choose from. Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr could make an exciting front court with their different capabilities and both are versatile players as well.

3. Detroit Pistons- Chet Holmgren, Center, Gonzaga: The Pistons are more than thrilled with landing Holmgren here, who I feel is a good fit with this team. Imagine what a pick and roll with Cade Cunningham over the next 5+ years??? Sign me up!!

4. Oklahoma City Thunder- Jaden Ivey, Shooting Guard, Purdue: The Thunder are a complete wild card with this fourth selection, but the consensus pick here is Ivey. Shae Gilegeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey are two foundational pieces going forward and adding Ivey with them as a third guard is intriguing.

5. Indiana Pacers- Keegan Murray, Power Forward, Indiana: The Pacers are a little bit of an unknown heading into the offseason in terms of what direction they may go. Murray makes some sense here considering their surplus of guards and they can use a young stretch four.

6. Portland Trail Blazers- AJ Griffin, Small Forward, Duke: The Blazers are on the verge of a full-blown rebuild due to potential trades of Damian Lillard and some other veterans. Griffin had a fine season for the Blue Devils and he can come in and provide some good shooting and athleticism.

7. Sacramento Kings- Shaedon Sharpe, Shooting Guard, Kentucky: This pick makes a ton of se sense for the Kings considering the loss of Buddy Hield. Sharpe didn't play for Kentucky, but should still be a lottery pick due to his talent that he showed while in high school.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers)- Bennedict Mathurin, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Arizona: The Pelicans really did leave a great impression on "what could be" after their playoff loss to the Suns. Mathurin really broke out in a big way last season and is your classic three-and-D wing that a ton of teams will covet.

9. San Antonio Spurs- Jalen Duren, Center, Memphis: The Spurs have some options here with their selection and they should have their eyes on a big with their first of three picks. Duren has double-double potential and he would fit nicely with this newer Spurs young core they have.

10. Washington Wizards- Ty-Ty Washington, Point Guard/Shooting Guard, Kentucky: The Wiz get a player that is super duper entertaining player here in Washington. He can do it all and have a long term need at the position and hasn't had a real point guard since John Wall.

11.New York Knicks- Dyson Daniels, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: The Knicks ideally need a good young point guard, but with Washington going one spot ahead, they take an interesting prospect in Daniels. People are skeptical due to his shooting numbers, but he is a solid defender and gets to the basket.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers)- Nikola Jovic, Power Forward/Center, Serbia: If there's a team that has multiple picks that can afford a draft-and-stash pick (if they go in that direction here) in the lottery its the Thunder. Jovic is your classic "point forward" type of player that does a little bit of everything.

13. Charlotte Hornets- Mark Williams, Center, Duke: The third Duke player in this mock I have going to Charlotte. The Hornets badly need a center and Williams is someone who had a great tournament in which his stock rose, but he doesn't have high upside.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers- Johnny Davis, Shooting Guard, Wisconsin: The Cavaliers are arguably getting a steal here landing Davis at the end of the lottery. Collin Sexton coming off an injury could end up being expandable and Davis with Darius Garland together would be fun to watch.

15. Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans Pelicans)- Ochai Agbaji, Shooting Guard, Kansas: With their second first, the Hornets take a very steady player in Agbaji. He really put himself in a good position to return to school and winning Most Outstanding Player in the tournament to be a first rounder.

16. Atlanta Hawks- Tari Eason, Power Forward, LSU: The Hawks are a real candidate to trade their first round selection because they want that second star to go with Trae Young. Eason had a breakout season for the Tigers and is an excellent defender, but has some offensive flaws.

17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets)- Kendall Brown, Small Forward, Baylor: The Rockets are quite lucky that this pick is this in this spot. Brown is super athletic and despite being raw offensively, is great at play making and decision making.

18. Chicago Bulls- Walker Kessler, Center, Auburn: I personally think the Bulls are an unknown in terms of the draft. Kessler is an absolute monster defensively in the paint and blocks shots like there's no tomorrow.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves- Jeremy Schoan, Small Forward, Baylor: The biggest weakness for the Timberwolves was on the wing. Schoan's strengths are on the defensive side of the ball with his length and athleticism.

20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors)- EJ Liddell, Power Forward, Ohio State: The Spurs get another front court player with their second of two first round picks. Liddell is somebody that is a little bit older, but improved each and every season at Ohio State.

21. Denver Nuggets- MarJon Beauchamp, Shooting Guard, G-League Ignite: The second player from the loaded G-League Ignite team going I have Beauchamp. He is a really good scorer and he could be a heat check guy for the Nuggets, who could end up back in contention next season.

22. Memphis Grizzlies (from Utah Jazz)- Jean Montero, Point Guard, Overtime Elite: The Grizzlies are just picking for depth on a potential title contender with their selections. Montero played in an upstart league and showed a smooth touch and passibility.

23. Brooklyn Nets (from Philadelphia 76ers)- Wendell Moore Jr, Shooting Guard/Small Forward, Duke: The Nets might end up winners in the James Harden trade after all and here they land a solid contributor for Coach K here in Moore. He had his best season as a junior after being thought out as a lottery pick two years ago.

24. Milwaukee Bucks- Jaden Hardy, Shooting Guard, G-League Unite: The Bucks land themselves a solid prospect from the loaded G-League team. Hardy is a player that didn't live up to hype with Unite, but has a ton of potential that he could unlock.

25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston Celtics)- Patrick Baldwin IV, Small Forward/Power Forward, Milwaukee: Baldwin was a massive disappointment this past season with injuries and I feel that he probably should have played for a larger branded program considering the hype he had. Baldwin could rediscover his potential that he had coming into college on the right team.

26. Dallas Mavericks- Michael Foster Jr, Power Forward, G-League Ignite: The Mavericks are another candidate to trade their pick away so they can get Luka Doncic some help. Foster is someone that's really settled in as a player after being a top recruit out of high school.

27. Miami Heat- Kennedy Chandler, Point Guard, Tennessee: The Heat are excellent at developing young players into their system. The Heat might be looking at long term options at point guard with Kyle Lowry getting older so Chandler here makes sense with his shot creating and a good handle.

28. Golden State Warriors- Blake Wesley, Shooting Guard, Notre Dame: Wesley fits the bill that the Warriors have been looking for in players. Wesley is a raw player that really didn't impress much in college, but is unafraid to score.

29. Memphis Grizzlies- Christian Koloko, Center, Arizona: A long term need for a team that's heading for title contention (if they aren't there already) is at the center position. Koloko broke out this season for the Wildcats and averaged a double-double and over two blocks a game.

30. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Phoenix Suns)- Malaki Branham, Shooting Guard, Ohio State: The Thunder could absolutely trade up from this spot along with their mid-first rounder to get back into the top ten, but here I have them going with Barnham. He can shoot it from well from three and gets into the paint often.