As draft day approaches, fans across the league are desperate to know what talent their favorite team will be adding in just less than a week from now. For the Chicago Bulls, this is an opportune moment to draft a rookie that can potentially change the direction of this franchise. Now that the combine and private workout periods have come and passed, now is the time to compile the most accurate 2022 NBA mock draft possible.
For the Bulls, the possibility also remains that this year’s pick will be traded for veteran talent. As we continue to see more and more in each progressive draft, teams are willing to aggressively shell out assets to secure their favorite young talent.
With the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs each armed with three first-round picks this year, we’re sure to see some draft-day fireworks. The Spurs also join the Minnesota Timberwolves as the only teams with four total picks in the draft. Six total teams have more than one first-round pick this year, and plenty of others have enough second-rounders stockpiled to move up into the first round if they so choose.
To put it simply, the 2022 NBA Draft could be a league-wide defining moment depending on how it all shakes out.
Here’s Pippen Ain’t Easy’s fully comprehensive two-round 2022 NBA mock draft.
To form this year’s NBA mock draft, we put together a conglomerate of some of the most popular mock drafts around the internet. Then, we removed the uppermost and lowermost projection of each player’s draft position and calculated the mean average draft position from the remaining mocks.
This gave us a base score and a strong reference point to put together the most accurate and least-biased 2022 NBA mock draft possible.
These are the mock drafts we used to formulate each prospect’s average draft position:
- ESPN
- CBS
- SB Nation
- The Ringer
- Bleacher Report
- The Athletic
- Pippen Ain’t Easy’s Expert Mock
Then, these average scores were weighted based on team needs. Additionally, if a majority of experts picked a specific player to go at a certain draft position, that was taken into account in order to identify potential team fit and prevent the list from just looking like a generic big board.
So without further ado, our 2022 NBA mock draft begins in Orlando!
While winning the draft lottery is usually cause for celebration, the pressure on the Orlando Magic to draft a clear-cut franchise cornerstone is slowly coming to a boil. For a team with seven former top 10 picks on the roster, it’s surprising to see that no one has risen to the challenge of becoming the primary option on offense.
As the most accomplished shooter in this draft, Jabari Smith just may be up to that challenge. Smith averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds as a freshman at Auburn, impressing many with his three-point stroke. He shot 42% from deep and displayed a range that should have no problem translating to the NBA level.
One of the biggest knocks on Smith’s game is his perceived lack of superstar potential; although this is a fair criticism, it’s also something you could say about any player in this draft as there isn’t a clear-cut top option like in years past. His ability to create his own shots is lacking somewhat, but that’s nothing that can’t be worked on as he builds more confidence in the league.
Jabari’s floor, however, appears to be higher than other prospects in this class. Even if he doesn’t become a true superstar, it’s difficult to envision his shooting and defensive abilities not helping him become an elite complementary player.
As we’ve seen with players like Jaylen Brown, Khris Middleton, and Michael Porter Jr., this skillset is highly valued in the modern NBA and would make Jabari a great top selection for Orlando. The Magic should be thrilled to slide him between recent All-Rookie First Team selection Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter at the four slot.
Oklahoma City’s Sam Presti is notorious for keeping his cards close to his chest, so it’s hard to know just how he feels about a prospect as polarizing as Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren. Fortunately, the consensus top three picks seem locked in and it’s now just a matter of discussing potential fit.
For the Thunder, Holmgren makes a lot of sense on paper for several reasons. With his ability to stretch the floor and play terrific defense, Chet fits the mold of currently highly-valued young NBA stars Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley.
Presti has also gone on record expressing his desire to avoid acquiring a traditional starting center until this young Thunder team is ready to compete for a title. While he may log some minutes at the five in his early developmental years, the Thunder have a clear long-term plan to eventually have Chet play his natural position of power forward full-time.
What sets Holmgren apart from the other two players often discussed in the top three is his elite defensive potential. Chet’s high basketball IQ helps him stretch the floor and play elite help defense, traits that very likely will help him to be a winning NBA player.
Obviously, the main concern with Holmgren is his ability to contend with the size and strength of the NBA’s top centers. You have to assume filling out his slender frame through strength training and a diet plan will be one of the Thunder’s top priorities if they take Chet second overall.
The Houston Rockets will ultimately happily select whichever of the top three prospects from this year’s class fall to them here. Fortunately, Paolo Banchero may end up being the player they wanted all along anyway.
As the primary option at Duke, Banchero led the Blue Devils in points and rebounds per game, while also achieving the second-most assists per contest. Paolo would help propel Duke to a 32-7 record and a Final Four appearance before bowing out. His dominance at the collegiate level was undeniable and has many fans excited to see him take his talent to the next level.
Banchero has also recently garnered the interest of many around the league after rumors popped up that he measured over 6-foot-10 in a private workout. Paolo is already the best shot at creating his own shot in the top three, but if he can match his offensive output with elite size and quickness he will be dangerous at the NBA level.
Critics of Banchero will point out he’s easily the worst defender in the top three, but I don’t think that necessarily means he will be a bad defender. It’s a weakness to be sure, but his skill set is so league-ready already that I doubt Paolo will have any issues coming in and immediately replacing the recently departed Christian Wood.
Paolo fits the mold of athletically dominant big forwards we’ve seen like LaMarcus Aldridge, Tobias Harris, and Julius Randle. By picking Banchero here, the Rockets should be adding a player who will enjoy a very long career in the league.
While this year’s draft could pan out in any number of ways, Jaden Ivey is seen as the last member of the “upper tier” of prospects in this year’s draft class.
His explosiveness getting to the hoops even has many hopeful fans likening Ivey to NBA greats like Russell Westbrook, Ja Morant, and Dwyane Wade. I’m not so sure those comparisons are completely warranted as those three all have other elite skills beyond their driving ability, but I definitely can some of the similarities in their games.
Ivey is also the first player on this list that isn’t a college freshman. Making the decision to return to Purdue for his sophomore season couldn’t have worked out any better in his favor. Ivey saw statistical increases all across the board but most notable of all was his points per game improving from 11.1 to 17.3, his field goal percentage increasing from 39.9% (yikes) to 46%, and his three-point percentage jumping all the way from 25.8% to 35.8%.
These improvements clearly had an impact on winning, as the Purdue Boilermakers went from a mediocre 18-10 and first-round exit in the NCAA tournament in 2021, to go on to achieve a 29-8 record and Sweet 16 appearance in 2022.
The biggest obstacle blocking Ivey’s route to the No. 4 overall selection isn’t his talent level, it’s his fit with the Sacramento Kings. It would be very odd to see the Kings trade away their promising ball-dominant combo guard away in order to prioritize DeAaron Fox as the ball handler, just to draft another ball-dominant combo guard a few months later.
There’s also always the possibility the Kings trade this pick for a veteran in an effort to snap their postseason drought. That would be a terrible idea, but the possibility is there.
In terms of NBA-ready prospects, Keegan Murray is as good as it gets. He is a lethal shooter and floor spacer, he’s dangerous in the pick and roll, he’s a versatile defender, and has the size to be a force on the glass. There truly are no weaknesses in his game which makes him a tantalizing pick for many teams here in the early lottery.
The Detroit Pistons likely wanted to pick up a player with a higher perceived ceiling here, but unless they trade up into the top four slots it’s unlikely they get a player they love. Playing it safe a pairing a high IQ player like Murray may end up being the best move available for the Pistons. Watching Keegan and Cade Cunningham work in tandem would be extremely fun to watch and should be an important small step towards helping Detroit finally escape the basement of the Eastern Conference.
Shaedon Sharpe just may be the most polarizing prospect in this year’s draft. Sharpe has not been seen playing competitive basketball since high school, so it’s extremely difficult forming an idea of just how competent the young guard would be in organized play against high-end talent. Still, the idea of Sharpe as a true ceiling-raiser may be difficult for some to ignore.
For an Indiana Pacers team that finally acquired a true talent to build around in Tyrese Haliburton, finding him a backcourt partner to grow and develop with would be a worthy investment. Indiana could also maximize their assets by trading away veterans like Malcolm Brogdon, receiving future assets in return, and opening a spot in the rotation for a player like Sharpe.
The sooner the Pacers commit to the youth movement, the sooner they’ll return to prominence in the Eastern Conference. Shaedon Sharpe just might be the guy to lead them there.
Dyson Daniels is one of the fastest-rising players up big boards around the league as he continues to impress scouts with his performance at the NBA Combine and in private workouts. Daniels projects to be a solid fundamental player with a high basketball IQ that consistently makes the right play. When it comes to passing ability and perimeter defense, Daniels is among the best guard in both aspects of this draft class.
Daniels could easily slide into a role with several teams and help impact the win column. In the same vein as NBA guards Tyus Jones and the aforementioned Haliburton, Daniels has the flexibility to adapt to a variety of scenarios. A potential pairing with superstar Damian Lillard certainly has to be among the most desirable outcomes for Daniels.
If the Trail Blazers want a player that can help them win now—and decide not to trade the pick—Daniels will be among the best options available at No.7 overall.
Bennedict Mathurin won over the hearts of many fans this past season as he stormed through the collegiate level and helped the Arizona Wildcats post an incredible record of 33-4. This mark would be the best in team history since 2015, and Arizona would go on to make another Sweet 16 appearance.
Mathurin averaged 17.7 and 5.6 rebounds per game for the Wildcats while drilling 36.9% of his three-point attempts. His calling card came from inside the arc, however, as Bennedict’s slow and precise style of play granted him open mid-range and easy layup opportunities as he dissected opposing defenses.
For a Pelicans team that’s absolutely stacked with talent right now, there won’t be a ton of pressure for Mathurin to come in and immediately contribute. But if he can come in and provide a presence similar to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope off the bench, there will be a spot for Bennedict in the NBA for a long time.
Jalen Duren is probably the singular most impressive athletic specimen in this draft. The things he can do at his young age are oftentimes hard to even believe. Duren terrorized opposing offenses with his stifling defensive play and dominance on the glass all year long at Memphis. His potential is sky-high and it would not surprise me at all if he became a top 3 player from this draft class.
But he is not that player yet. His offensive package is extremely raw and limited. He’s a burgeoning bundle of talent that’s going to need to be coached up and guided closely in order to develop properly. If any team can do that, it’s the Spurs. Duren’s shown flashes of a mid-range game, surprisingly competent playmaking ability, and elite defensive ability.
If he can make the most of those talents, Duren could very well become the next Bam Adebayo. That’s fantastic value here at the ninth spot.
While I’ll try my best to be impartial here, I’ve got to be honest with you—Johnny Davis is my favorite prospect in the 2022 NBA Draft. He averaged 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Wisconsin and is possibly the best point of attack perimeter defender in this entire draft. He also famously outclassed Jaden Ivey in a duel that saw Davis drop 37 points and 14 points rebounds during a win over Purdue.
Although he is my favorite prospect to watch, by no is means he the best recruit among the bunch. There are obvious flaws in his game that he’ll need to address if he wants to find success at the next level. It’s unacceptable for a shooting guard to make only 30.6% of his three-pointers in this day and age in the NBA. His playmaking as a secondary creator also leaves a lot to be desired.
However, I do think a great many of his deficiencies can be attributed to his supporting cast at Wisconsin and they’ll work themselves out on a team like that Wizards where Bradley Beal can attract the defense’s attention. His playstyle reminds me of a smaller version of Jimmy Butler, and I believe whatever team drafts Davis will be very happy with their decision.
Jeremy Sochan is likely not the player most Knicks fans are hoping to fall to them on draft night. In need of significant help at the guard positions, it would be in New York’s best interest if one of Daniels, Mathurin, or Davis falls to the 11th spot. However, in the event that does not happen, I believe Jeremy Sochan stands as the clear best player on the board at this point.
The Knicks would be wise to disregard fit and take the best player available here and see how the cards fall, especially when the player they’d be taking has the makings of a defensive genius. The Knicks need all the help they can get to rebuild this team around RJ Barrett, so picking up a guy like Sochan who has been compared by many to be a Draymond Green-lite will help complement the skills of those around him.
Trust me, this isn’t the first time I’ve sung praises about Sochan. I think there’s a very high chance he gets drafted higher than this, and if he doesn’t, he’s going to be a steal at No. 11.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have never been ones to hide the fact that they’re swinging for the fences with every pick. NBA championships are ultimately won by top-end talent, and that’s going to be the recurring theme here first with Chet Holmgren and now with AJ Griffin.
Griffin is one of this draft’s elite talents as a shooter, as he hit a ridiculous 44.7% of his long-range attempts in his freshman year at Duke. Injuries have hampered Griffin’s athleticism in recent years, but if he can put it all together again he could become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the game.
Although Griffin’s defense is very suspect, Oklahoma City is in a perfect position to take on a gamble like this, and they need the help at the wing. That being said, it’s worth watching this pick closely, because there’s a strong chance Oklahoma City packages it with a proven player like Lu Dort to move up into the top 10.
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.
Between LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, and last year’s selection James Bouknight, the Hornets are already loaded up on talent at the guard positions. For that reason, I expect them to select one of the talented wings that should be on the board around this position, most notably Ousmane Dieng.
Dieng fell on many scouts’ draft boards after a sluggish start with the New Zealand Breakers. As he adjusted to the better talent around him, Dieng started to get a feel for the game and was performing much better in one of the world’s best basketball leagues. For that reason, his box score stats aren’t too indicative of the player he actually is right now and I expect his private workouts to heavily influence where he falls in the draft.
Malaki Branham is a player I think will also be very high on Cleveland’s radar with the 14th pick, so Atlanta should be happy to see the Cavaliers pass on him here. Branham averaged 13.7 points and hit 41.6% of his threes as the primary offensive initiator for a well-rounded Ohio State squad last year.
Branham is an adept shot-creator and should generate instant microwave offense in the NBA. He will likely struggle defensively, but it’s not like defensive woes are stopping teams from drafting offensive talent on the perimeter these days. He’s been likened to a Tyler Herro-esque scoring threat and could thrive off the bench or as starting two-guard in the future with Atlanta.
The Houston Rockets are another team that threatens to snipe a player of interest from the Chicago Bulls here at the 17th spot. Like the Bulls, the Rockets are loaded up on guards that can score; unlike the Bulls, however, the Rockets are seriously lacking a primary playmaker that can set his teammates up and make life easier for Jalen Green.
Enter TyTy Washington, who averaged 3.9 assists and a stellar 2.44 assist-to-turnover ratio despite not even being the lead ball-handler as a freshman for Kentucky. With the Rockets, TyTy would be allowed to have the ball in his hands much more often either as the lead reserve guard or as a table-setter for Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and the likely third overall pick Banchero.
This may be a bit of wishful thinking, as I think there’s at least a pretty good chance Tari Eason is taken at any one of the three previous picks, but he would be an ideal selection for the Bulls here at No.18. In fact, any of the next three players on this list would be very welcome additions to Chicago—but Eason should be the target here.
As for his fit, Eason’s talent is undeniable and would be a welcome addition to the Chicago Bulls. Despite being forced to come off the bench and play just 24 minutes per game, Eason posted an incredible average of 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3 combined steals and blocks per game as a sophomore at LSU.
What really jumps off the page here is how Eason rates in several advanced statistical categories. Tari maintained an impressive 61.5% true shooting percentage on offense while dominating the defensive side of things. This explains why Eason had the third-highest box plus/minus in the nation last season (behind only Keegan Murray and Chet Holmgren) as well as the third-highest win shares per 40 minutes (behind only Keegan Murray and Oscar Tshiebwe).
Low basketball IQ concerns among scouts limit his potential to go in the high lottery, but Eason’s athletic ability and perfect frame for basketball are just impossible to ignore this late in the first round. He could immediately make an impact as one of the Bulls’ best on-ball defenders and has already proven a bench role won’t stop him from making an impact on both ends of the court.
Barring any surprises in the early draft order, Tari Eason should be the clear pick for the Bulls here if he’s still on the board.
E.J. Liddell is a name that has received a lot of traction with the Bulls, and for good reason. Liddell did it all for the Buckeyes, averaging 19.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per contest as a junior. His well-rounded game will likely translate very well to the NBA as he can assume an off-ball role and still impact winning games.
Many have compared E.J. to a P.J. Tucker-type player, and not just because they share acronyms for first names. You may not get a star player by drafting Liddell, but what you will get is a dependable shooter, a stout interior defender, and a willing passer that wants nothing more than to win games. For a Timberwolves team that just got their first real taste of the postseason and will soon want more, Liddell is a fantastic fit.
If Jalen Williams is no longer on the board when the 20th pick rolls around on Thursday, I won’t be surprised. Several teams should be interested in his services, including the Bulls. But if Jalen Williams is still on the board after the 20th pick is made, I will be shocked.
Considered a second-round talent by many just a few months ago, Williams has vaulted up draft boards everywhere through his excellent play for Santa Clara. Averaging 18 points per game on 39.6% shooting from deep, Williams fits the archetype every team is looking for in today’s NBA. If he does manage to slip to No. 20, San Antonio shouldn’t hesitate to add the most promising wing left on the board.
Every so often a player comes along that seems like they could go on to be a top 10 pick, while at the same time looking like they shouldn’t be drafted in the first round at all. This year, we’ve got exactly that in the form of Blake Wesley.
Poor shooting splits, limited playmaking ability, and a poor performance from the charity stripe are just a few of the hindrances to Wesley’s game. Looking at the numbers, it’s easy to see why Wesley may be an unsavory selection in the minds of many fans.
But then you watch him play, and it’s hard to deny the fact that Wesley clearly has the intangibles that make good players great. His shooting stroke is smooth, he has a great handle on the ball, and he has enough defensive upside to never be a liability on the court.
Just last year, Jaden Hardy was considered a top-five prospect in this year’s class. Now, he’s struggling to remain in the first round. Shooting a miserable 37.5% from the field and 30.4% from deep as the primary option for the G League Ignite, his inefficiency has scared away many potential suitors. I think the Grizzlies would be wise to not back down here, however, as Hardy’s natural talent is too great to deny here in the late first round.
It’s hard to completely condemn a player for a 25-game sample size, especially when the Ignite program is currently more about showcasing individual talents than playing proper team basketball. Hardy would have time to develop in Memphis behind Ja Morant and finally grant the Grizzlies a true offensive threat off the bench whenever Morant hits the bench.
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.
Dalen Terry’s size and playmaking ability are sure to have several teams interested here at the end of the first round. Should the Spurs decide to utilize their third pick of this draft here at No. 25, the sophomore out of Arizona should definitely pique San Antonio’s interest.
If the Spurs manage to land a pair of high upside players in Jalen Duren and Jalen Williams, drafting a guard with a high floor might be the best move here. San Antonio clearly wants to invest in the development of Josh Primo and Devin Vassell, but the impending departure of Lonnie Walker in free agency should still open a sizeable reserve role for a solid player like Terry.
In most drafts, the alluring promise of potential in a player like Nikola Jovic would have him taken off the board much earlier. While many see this draft as lacking in superstar talent, it makes up for that with a wealth of mid-level talent. For that reason, I could see several teams passing on Jovic in order to address more immediate needs.
Houston, on the other hand, is not drafting to win now. In fact, I believe they’d be quite content being terrible again next season for a shot at Victor Wembanyama in 2023. That would give a player like Jovic ample room to grow. Should the Jovic experiment actually pay off, he’d have a genuine chance to crack the starting lineup as neither Jalen Green nor Paolo Banchero would block his route to playing time.
While the Miami Heat are a very well-balanced and rounded-out squad, they are still lacking in a few areas. Of these deficiencies, playmaking at the point guard position is among the most noticeable. The Heat have been so desperate to fill this void, they handed over a likely ill-advised $85 million deal to Kyle Lowry last summer.
If Lowry continues to decline as a dependable playoff performer, the Heat will be looking for a young option to lighten his workload in the regular season. Kennedy Chandler would be the perfect fit here, as he generated 4.5 assists per game and directed Tennessee’s offense en route to a 27-8 record. His size may be discouraging to some, but Miami’s elite defensive schemes should be more than enough to compensate for Chandler’s 6-foot frame on that end of the court.
Jake LaRavia is practically the living embodiment of what Golden State looks for late in the draft. LaRavia will never dominate offensively or showcase elite athleticism, but his high basketball IQ and knack for always being in the right place at the right time should make him a perfect complementary piece for the defending NBA champions.
The Warriors will soon be drowning in the luxury tax as they look for ways to afford the core four of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Jordan Poole. Drafting cost-controlled players like LaRavia that fit well next to the core is Golden State’s only financially feasible route towards continuing their modern dynasty.
Admittedly, Patrick Baldwin Jr. just suffered a disastrous freshman season and will likely slip late in the draft because of it. Foregoing the opportunity to play at Duke, Baldwin instead opted to join his father in Milwaukee. Baldwin’s weak supporting cast allowed opposing defenses to hone in and affect his shot. Baldwin’s shooting was supposed to be his calling card, but he hit just 17-of-64 attempts (26.6%) from deep before going down for the season with an ankle injury.
Those 11 games did a lot to tank Baldwin’s draft stock. But as we saw with Memphis’ recent selection of Ziaire Williams, one rough season at the collegiate level isn’t enough to discourage the Grizzlies from selecting real talent when they see it. If he performs well in private workouts and recaptures the shooting that helped make him the 5th highest-rated prospect in 2021, Baldwin could still be a first-round steal.
By trading away JaMychal Green and a future first-round pick, the Denver Nuggets were clearly on the look for a player that could come in and help contribute to their championship chase while still hopefully having room to develop further. No one fits that bill better than Kendall Brown, who is one of this draft’s best athletes and defensive talents.
In fact, Brown will likely have a very similar role to Denver’s Aaron Gordon when he finally cracks an NBA team’s rotation. Surrounding Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. with great defensive talent is a great idea and should help mitigate defensive issues while the stars can focus on what they’re best at—putting points on the board.
Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 31-45
The Bulls do not hold a second-round pick in this year’s draft, but there’s still plenty of talent remaining on the board. It’s very possible the front office either trades for a pick here or uses cash to buy a pick from a team struggling with the luxury tax.
31. Indiana Pacers: Christian Braun, SG, Kansas
32. Orlando Magic: Bryce McGowens, SG, Nebraska
33. Toronto Raptors: Christian Koloko, C, Arizona
34. Oklahoma City Thunder: Wendell Moore, SF, Duke
35. Orlando Magic: David Roddy, F, Colorado State
36. Portland Trail Blazers: Trevor Keels, G, Duke
37. Sacramento Kings: Ismael Kamagate, C, Paris Basketball
38. San Antonio Spurs: Peyton Watson, SF, UCLA
39. Cleveland Cavaliers: Max Christie, SG, Kansas
40. Minnesota Timberwolves: Andrew Nembhard, PG, Gonzaga
41. New Orleans Pelicans: Caleb Houstan, SF, Michigan
42. New York Knicks: Ryan Rollins, SG, Toledo
43. Los Angeles Clippers: Jaylin Williams, PF, Arkansas
44. Atlanta Hawks: Josh Minott, PF, Memphis
45. Charlotte Hornets: Justin Lewis, SF, Marquette
Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 46-60
The Sacramento Kings will have the opportunity to cash out on the 49th overall pick from Chicago here. The Bulls lost this pick when they traded it away in 2019 to acquire Tomas Satoransky from the Washington Wizards. While the Bulls don’t have a pick here in this NBA mock draft, at least a few of these picks will certainly be on the move on draft day.
The 54th and 55th picks from this year’s draft have also been forfeited as punishment for Milwaukee and Miami violating the league’s tampering rules. That means there will only be 58 rookies in this year’s draft class, not the usual 60.
46. Detroit Pistons: Khalifa Diop, C, Gran Canaria
47. Memphis Grizzlies: Hugo Besson, G, NZ Breakers
48. Minnesota Timberwolves: JD Davison, PG, Alabama
49. Sacramento Kings (via Chicago): Jean Montero, PG, Overtime Elite
50. Minnesota Timberwolves: Yannick Nzosa, C, Unicaja Malaga
51. Golden State Warriors: Michael Foster, PF, G League Ignite
52. New Orleans Pelicans: Keon Ellis, SG, Alabama
53. Boston Celtics: Dereon Seabron, SG, NC State
54. Milwaukee Bucks: —
55. Miami Heat: —
56. Washington Wizards: Dominick Barlow, PF, Overtime Elite
57. Golden State Warriors: Ron Harper Jr., F, Rutgers
58. Cleveland Cavaliers: Moussa Diabate, C, Michigan
59. Portland Trail Blazers: Matteo Spagnolo, G, Cremona
60. Indiana Pacers: Johnny Juzang, SG, UCLA
That does it for Pippen Ain’t Easy’s 2022 NBA Mock Draft. In just one week’s time, we’ll get to see how accurate it was and if the experts made the right picks after all.