2022 NBA Mock Draft: Predicting both rounds after March Madness start - For The Win
Since my last mock draft, we have seen several NBA prospects excel while playing on the biggest stage in college basketball: March Madness.
Although the tournament isn't over, after the first two rounds, scouts and executives around the league have potential draft targets they are falling more and more in love with.
Meanwhile, as teams begin to get eliminated, many players are beginning to either declare for the draft while others are entering the transfer portal. Even though we don't yet have a full idea of who will actually turn pro when it is all said and done, the picture is becoming more and more clear.
Several prospects were not included (Alabama's JD Davison, Duke's Trevor Keels, Michigan State's Max Christie, Michigan's Caleb Houstan, and UCLA's Peyton Watson) in this mock. But it's not because I'd ever expect them to go undrafted. Instead, it's because I think they will eventually decide to use another year of their eligibility to potentially improve their draft stock.
Otherwise, until we learn more, these are the players I expect will hear their name called on draft night. Expect more updates, of course, once the NCAA tournament concludes.
The draft order is pulled from Tankathon and accurate as of March 24, 2022. All stats are from BartTorvik.com unless noted otherwise.
1 Houston Rockets: Chet Holmgren
(AP Photo/Young Kwak)
(Gonzaga: Big, Freshman, 7-1)
When it comes to the No. 1 overall pick, the more I watch him play, the more I'm moving closer to the "Chet-No-Matter-What" camp.
Holmgren had 19 points, 17 rebounds, and 7 blocks during the first tournament game then matched up well against an NBA-sized opponent in Jalen Duren, defeating Memphis in the process. In terms of upside bets, the ceiling is just too high to pass on Chet.
2 Orlando Magic: Jabari Smith
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
(Auburn: Big, Freshman, 6-10)
Despite a disappointing finish in the tournament, there is little reason to have doubt in Jabari Smith. It is rate to find an 18-year-old who is 6-foot-10 and can shoot 42% on 3-pointers.
Smith also carries the athleticism to throw down one of the best dunks of March Madness. Smith could be the missing piece to a young core that already has a lot of talent in Orlando.
3 Detroit Pistons: Paolo Banchero
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)
Already built like an NBA player, it is remarkable to watch the fluidity that Paolo Banchero has on the floor.
Considering the plus passing skills he has for someone his size, I love the idea of pairing him with Cade Cunningham in Detroit. Banchero is unlikely to fall outside of the Top 3, and the Pistons are a particularly interesting potential landing spot.
4 Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaden Ivey
Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
(Purdue: Guard, Sophomore, 6-4)
One of the players that Purdue's Jaden Ivey often draws comparisons to is a young Russell Westbrook.
That is obviously an archetype that Oklahoma City's Sam Presti has been drawn to in the past as Westbrook was one of Presti's early draft picks with the Thunder. Ivey has the ability to take over the game at any given moment, and his explosiveness is easy to fall in love with.
5 Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin
(AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
(Arizona: Wing, Sophomore, 6-6)
I've long believed in Arizona's Bennedict Mathurin, but the performance he had against TCU during the second round of March Madness catapulted him up to an even higher level in my eyes.
He matched his season-high, recording 30 points, and had a jaw-dropping dunk that left teammate Dalen Terry elated beyond words. Mathurin also showed some defensive intensity as well as some eye-catching clutch shooting.
6 Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray
(AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(Iowa: Big, Sophomore, 6-8)
Don't overthink this one. I feel that Iowa's Keegan Murray was pretty clearly the best player in college basketball and his skill set translates perfectly to the NBA.
All season, this guy was a scoring machine who could create his own basket at the rim with ease. He was also a good shooter and defensive playmaker; there is not very much he cannot do.
7 Portland Trail Blazers: AJ Griffin
Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
(Duke: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)
You don't draft AJ Griffin to run the offense around him, but when you have Damian Lillard on your roster, you don't need Griffin to do that.
But you do draft Griffin because he is arguably the best off-ball wing in this draft class, and as a spot-up option or as someone who can navigate screens and handoffs, he has a pro-ready skill set.
8 San Antonio Spurs: Johnny Davis
Mary Langenfeld-USA TODAY Sports
(Wisconsin: Guard, Sophomore, 6-5)
Let's not overreact to the relatively underwhelming performances from Wisconsin's Johnny Davis of late.
It looks like he was playing through an injury, but don't forget that he had three games (including a 37-point performance in a victory over Ivey) in which Davis recorded at least 30 points against would-be tournament teams in Purdue, Houston, and Indiana.
9 Portland Trail Blazers (via NOP): Shaedon Sharpe
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
(Kentucky: Wing, Freshman, 6-5)
This one feels like a no-brainer to me. Although we haven't seen a minute of collegiate action from Kentucky's Shaedon Sharpe, he was the top-rated recruit in his class before foregoing his senior year.
While many teams may not want to take him sight unseen, Portland will likely have two lottery picks and could use one of them with a home run swing at Sharpe if he does decide to turn pro.
10 Washington Wizards: Malaki Branham
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
(Ohio State: Wing, Freshman, 6-5)
He was a relatively late riser on mock drafts and big boards during the regular season. But after performing well in tournament action, the question becomes: How high is too high for Ohio State freshman Malaki Branham?
He is a triple-threat scorer who has a nasty pull-up jumper and he is someone who pops on the screen as an obvious pro whenever he is on the court.
In fact, per Bart Torvik: Branham is the only high-major freshman on record to shoot at least 40% on 3-pointers and from mid-range while also shooting 70% at the rim (min: 75 FGA in each zone).
11 Memphis Grizzlies (via LAL): Jeremy Sochan
Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
(Baylor: Big, Freshman, 6-8)
Now that they have a superstar in Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have also seemingly mastered the art of "drafting dudes who won't suck" in the NBA.
They continue to find solid role players who are positive-impact contributors at the pro level and the guy who I have circled as the prospect who best fits that profile in this class is Baylor's Jeremy Sochan. If nothing else, he will add value on the defensive end of the floor.
12 New York Knicks: Jalen Duren
(AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht)
(Memphis: Big, Freshman, 6-10)
Memphis couldn't get it done against Gonzaga and Jalen Duren got in some unfortunate foul trouble.
However, with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and excellent physicality, Duren was able to help his team finish the regular season as one of the hottest teams in the nation. Even though there are concerns about what he can do in tight spaces, the big man will draw interest in the lottery.
13 Atlanta Hawks: Tari Eason
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
(LSU: Wing, Sophomore, 6-8)
After winning SEC Sixth Man of the Year, I believe LSU's Tari Eason played his way into serious lottery consideration during the tournament.
Eason is constantly looking to score at the rim and his 3-point shooting developed as the season went on. But the real calling card is that any team that would like to bolster their defense should line up to draft Eason, which is why the Hawks are a perfect fit.
14 Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
(Duke: Big, Sophomore, 7-0)
One of the players who helped his draft stock the most during the first weekend of March Madness was Duke's Mark Williams.
As the Hornets look for a long-term solution in their frontcourt that fits their timeline better than Montrezl Harrell and Mason Plumlee, the sophomore big man should expect serious consideration.
15 Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Dyson Daniels
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
(Ignite: Guard, G League, 6-6)
Oklahoma City tends to like jumbo-sized ball handlers and Australia's Dyson Daniels fits that description. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in this class and he got significantly better as the season progressed as the G League. He plays at his own pace, and although that comes with its drawbacks, it has plenty of perks as well.
16 Houston Rockets (via BKN): TyTy Washington Jr.
Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports
(Kentucky: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)
It isn't uncommon for a prospect to have a disappointing final game in college and then go on to have a great professional career.
Even though Kentucky was upset in the opening round of the NCAA tournament, freshman guard TyTy Washington Jr. still projects as one of the best guards in this class. He is a great playmaker who rarely turns the ball over and he shoots well both off the catch and off the dribble.
17 San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Nikola Jovic
fiba.basketball
(Mega – Serbia: Wing, International, 6-10)
At this point in my evaluation process, this feels like a relatively weak international class.
But the Spurs have never strayed from looking overseas on draft night and one player who may just spark their intrigue is Serbia's Nikola Jovic. He will likely begin his NBA career primarily just as a catch and shoot guy, but at 6-foot-10, he projects well as a floor spacer with great length.
18 Minnesota Timberwolves: E.J. Liddell
Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
(Ohio State: Big, Junior, 6-7)
Ohio State's E.J. Liddell took his play to the next level as a junior, never failing to reach double-digital scoring in a game this past season.
He was the most productive pick-and-pop scorer among prospects in this class and he flashed a great jumper out of the low post, too. Liddell also does an outstanding job of drawing contact and getting to the free-throw line more often than most players in college basketball.
19 Indiana Pacers (via CLE): Blake Wesley
Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
(Notre Dame: Guard, Freshman, 6-5)
Among the players highlighted thus far, I would consider Notre Dame's Blake Wesley the most likely to potentially end up back in the NCAA next season. However, assuming that he tests the draft waters, I could see the Pacers having some interest.
Although he still has plenty to work on before he is ready to contribute at the next level, the Pacers will have multiple bites at the apple with a couple of first-round draft picks and an early second-round pick to use.
This could allow them to take a bigger risk in the draft. Additionally, Wesley has a hometown connection as he is from Indiana.
20 Chicago Bulls: Kennedy Chandler
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
(Tennessee: Guard, Freshman, 6-1)
The Bulls have had an awesome ascension into contending status this season, and they have star power with Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan on the perimeter.
If they could add another player who can orchestrate the offense, a more reliable option to serve as a floor general, this could go a long way to bolster their long-term potential.
There are some size concerns surrounding Chandler. But during his March Madness game against Michigan, he showed exactly why he can make an impact in the pros, offering 9 assists for Tennessee.
21 Denver Nuggets: Terquavion Smith
(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
(North Carolina State: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)
If he decides to turn pro, NC State freshman Terquavion Smith can easily sneak into the first round. Among those to log at least 60% of possible minutes for their team, per Bart Torvik, he joins Trae Young as the only high-major freshman on record to attempt as many 3-pointers per 100 possessions. In a league that puts a premium on the perimeter, Smith is the type of player who can draw some eyeballs.
22 Memphis Grizzlies (via UTA): MarJon Beauchamp
Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
(Ignite: Wing, G League, 6-7)
While a few of the prospects on the G League's Ignite squad struggled, MarJon Beauchamp showcased impressive two-way ability when playing against the pros.
He is most impressive when finishing possessions in transition offense, and on the other side of the floor, he is a versatile defender. Beauchamp projects as an ideal NBA wing who can continue to have success at the next level.
23 Dallas Mavericks: Ismael Kamagate
fiba.basketball
(Paris – France: Big, International, 6-11)
One international prospect who stands out is Ismael Kamagate. As a roll-and-cut big man, he displayed excellent efficiency for someone his age. He was also one of the most productive rim protectors in the Jeep Elite, which is the top-tier division in France.
24 San Antonio Spurs (via BOS): Tyrese Hunter
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
(Iowa State: Guard, Freshman, 6-1)
Much like when the Spurs drafted Josh Primo last season, this pick would potentially surprise folks around the league. If he declares, Hunter would be one of the youngest prospects in the class. As such, he isn't a plug-and-play option and could use some more time to develop his game.
As a prospect, Hunter is known around the league for his high character.
He was already an excellent playmaker on offense and an above-average perimeter defender. However, while his jump shot was poor, he made 7 of his 3-pointers in his first March Madness game — drastically improving his draft stock in the process. He didn't do that against Wisconsin, but he did have 5 assists and 3 steals during the victory.
25 Milwaukee Bucks: Walker Kessler
(AP Photo/Sean Rayford)
(Auburn: Big, Sophomore, 7-1)
Some evaluators have compared Auburn's Walker Kessler to Milwaukee's Brook Lopez.
The two players have similar roles on the defensive end of the floor and if Kessler's jump shot comes around more often, they could potentially mirror each other on offense as well. If his career looks even 75% like what Lopez has had in the NBA, that is an outstanding pick this late in the first round.
26 Brooklyn Nets (via PHI): Ochai Agbaji
(AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
(Kansas: Wing, Senior, 6-5)
Considering their massive payroll, teams like the Nets would benefit from adding immediate contributors in the draft because it is hard to find them in free agency. Kansas senior Ochai Agbaji, a Naismith finalist for Player of the Year is a pro-ready wing prospect, who did wonders for his draft stock by significantly improving his jump shot.
27 Miami Heat: Jaylin Williams
Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
(Arkansas: Big, Sophomore, 6-10)
Following the success of Bam Adebayo, we have already seen the Heat fall in love with defense-first big men who can contribute on offense as elite passers for their position. Williams isn't without his flaws, but with the physicality that he plays with and a good touch on his jumper at the free-throw line, his game is very promising.
28 Golden State Warriors: Wendell Moore Jr.
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Duke: Wing, Junior, 6-5)
Duke's Wendell Moore took a few years to find his footing but now, among players in this class, he is one of the more versatile prospects on both sides of the ball. Plus, although Moore already has three seasons of collegiate experience, he is actually only two months older than Kentucky freshman TyTy Washington.
Moore improved nearly each and every aspect of his game, even running the offense at points for the Blue Devils. That was more than enough to put him on the radar as a draftable player in the first round.
29 Memphis Grizzlies: David Roddy
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
(Colorado State: Wing, Junior, 6-5)
Last season, I wrote about why Franz Wagner made sense as a draft pick for the Grizzlies. That didn't happen, but this season, the player who fits that description is Colorado State junior David Roddy.
Maybe he isn't the sexiest pick in the draft, but I'm confident Roddy is someone who brings enough to the table to stick around on an NBA roster.
30 Oklahoma City Thunder (via PHX): Christian Koloko
(Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)
(Arizona: Big, Junior, 7-1)
In my estimation, Arizona's Christian Koloko is one of the players who improved his draft stock the most during the first weekend of the NCAA tournament. He is a prototypical big who has an outstanding build and the right defensive instincts to defend the paint and the basket in the NBA for years to come.
31 SECOND ROUND
31. Indiana Pacers (via HOU): Jaden Hardy (Ignite: Guard, G League, 6-4)
32. Orlando Magic: Patrick Baldwin Jr. (UW Milwaukee: Wing, Freshman, 6-10)
33. Toronto Raptors (via DET): Harrison Ingram (Stanford: Wing, Freshman, 6-7)
34. Oklahoma City Thunder: Kendall Brown (Baylor: Wing, Freshman, 6-8)
35. Orlando Magic (via IND): Oscar Tshiebwe (Kentucky: Big, Junior, 6-9)
36. Sacramento Kings: Bryce McGowens (Nebraska: Wing, Freshman, 6-6)
37. Portland Trail Blazers: Christian Braun (Kansas: Wing, Junior, 6-6)
38. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Hugo Besson (New Zealand Breakers – Australia: Guard, International, 6-3)
39. Charlotte Hornets (via NOP): Andrew Nembhard (Gonzaga: Guard, Senior, 6-5)
40. Minnesota Timberwolves (via WAS): Dereon Seabron (North Carolina State: Wing, Sophomore, 6-7)
41. New York Knicks: Julian Champagnie (St John's: Wing, Junior, 6-7)
42. San Antonio Spurs (via LAL): Jordan Hall (St Joseph's: Guard, Sophomore, 6-8)
43. L.A. Clippers: Dalen Terry (Arizona: Guard, Sophomore, 6-7)
44. Atlanta Hawks: Jean Montero (Elite: Guard, Overtime, 6-2)
45. Charlotte Hornets: Jake LaRavia (Wake Forest: Wing, Junior, 6-9)
46. Detroit Pistons (via BKN): Jamaree Bouyea (San Francisco: Guard, Senior, 6-2)
47. Golden State Warriors (via TOR): Terrence Shannon Jr. (Texas Tech: Wing, Junior, 6-6)
48. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DEN): Tevin Brown (Murray State: Guard, Senior, 6-5)
49. New Orleans Pelicans (via CLE): Vince Williams Jr. (VCU: Wing, Senior, 6-6)
50. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Orlando Robinson (Fresno State: Big, Junior, 7-0)
51. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DEN): Drew Timme (Gonzaga: Big, Junior, 6-10)
52. Washington Wizards (via DAL): Jaime Jaquez Jr. (UCLA: Wing, Junior, 6-6)
53. New Orleans Pelicans (via UTA): Baylor Scheierman (South Dakota State: Wing, Junior, 6-6)
54. Boston Celtics: Trevion Williams (Purdue: Big, Senior, 6-10)
55. Miami Heat: Forfeited
56. Milwaukee Bucks: Forfeited
57. Cleveland Cavaliers (via MIA): Keon Ellis (Alabama: Wing, Senior, 6-6)
58. Golden State Warriors: Jalen Williams (Santa Clara: Wing, Junior, 6-6)
59. Portland Trail Blazers (via MEM): Alondes Williams (Wake Forest: Guard, Senior, 6-5)
60. Indiana Pacers (via PHX): Ziga Samar (Fuenlabrada – Spain: Guard, International, 6-6)
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