Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Final two-round forecast

You’ve probably read it so many times now you’re tired of seeing it. Charlotte needs a center. This is common knowledge at this point. Until the Hornets finally draft one (or trade for one, you’ve probably seen those rumors too), we won’t hear the end of it.

Fortunately, the Hornets will have arguably the best center of the draft fall in their laps here at the 13th spot. Williams has a finesse to his game that so many other prospects at this position lack, and he often looked like the best player on the court at Duke despite playing next to Paolo Banchero. Williams is just a no-brainer choice.

The Hornets could wait to draft Williams at No. 15 since Cleveland certainly won’t be interested, but that’s far too risky of a gambit when another team (like the Bulls, how’s that sound?) could trade up to draft Williams at No. 14.

The Cleveland Cavaliers will have several options at their disposal here, and I think they’ll look to select a player that can match their timeline and start winning games right away. As far as NBA-ready options go, Ochai Agbaji may be their best bet.

As a four-year senior at Kansas, many will be turned off of Agbaji due to his age, but that shouldn’t deter Cleveland here. Agbaji averaged 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds this year and led the Jayhawks to their first NCAA championship since 2008. He’s a proven winner and should have the right attitude for a Cavaliers’ locker room that’s still trying to find its identity.

Agbaji shot 40.7% from deep on a very high volume while also serving as a long-range threat and elite above-the-rim presence. He’s the type of player who will thrive in transition and be a dangerous shooter in half-court sets, two skills that are highly valued in today’s NBA.