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

MarJon Beauchamp joins Daniels and Hardy as the third player from the G League Ignite poised to be selected here in the first round. With Philadelphia reportedly looking to move away from Matisse Thybulle this summer, a Beauchamp-sized hole just opened in the rotation begging to be filled. Like Thybulle, there’s a lot to be desired from Beauchamp’s three-point shot, but outside of that, MarJon is just a far more complete offensive player.

After trading for James Harden and watching Tyrese Maxey ascend to prominence, the 76ers desperately need to get out in transition and surround Joel Embiid with players that can take the load off his shoulders during the regular season. This is perhaps more indicative of the sour state of Philadelphia’s depth more than anything else, but Beauchamp would immediately become one of the best bench pieces the 76ers have.

Walker Kessler is what you get when one player does one thing so singularly good, that you can’t deny the impact it has on the floor. Kessler will not make it rain from deep. He will not start fast breaks by reading passing lanes and intercepting the ball. He will not display impressive handles or a well-rounded layup package.

Walker Kessler blocks shots.

He does it so well, in fact, that it’s impossible to deny his intimidating presence in the post whenever he’s on the court. Kessler blocked an insane 4.6 shot attempts per game despite playing just 25 minutes a night at Auburn. His skillset likely isn’t versatile enough for him to become a starter in the league, but it will make him an interesting asset to have off the bench. As Brook Lopez begins to decline with age, they won’t have to miss his invaluable rim protection by drafting Kessler here.