2022 NBA Draft: Complete coverage of the latest trades and picks
On NBA Draft night on Thursday, the league welcomed the newest set of rookies at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. While it was a momentous night for everyone involved, it fulfilled a life-long dream for the draftees. Also, a hefty paycheck awaits each of the new class of rookies.
The excitement and emotions of both the old and new players are comparable. While the NBA players sitting at home had the most exciting reactions, they are most excited to see who they’ll be playing with next season.
While the yearly NBA Draft stirs emotions like the last pickings, this year, the drama started when Orland Magic top-picked Paolo Ranchero. Although fans and NBA critics expected Jabari Smith to go first, he went to the Houston Rockets at the number three spot.
Furthermore, NBA Draft night is also a time for trades. For starters, the Detroit Pistons got Knicks to guard Kemba Walker and no.13 pick Jalen Duren in a three-team agreement.
Mavs GM Nico Harrison: “Christian gives us something we don’t have. He can rebound. … He’s going to be great with Luka. He’s an athletic, offensive guy.” https://t.co/FALU1YXFlq
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) June 24, 2022
In addition, the Oklahoma City Thunder traded with New York Knicks for New Zealand Breaker’s Ousmane Dieng and the no.11 pick.
In another trade, the Philadelphia 76ers placed Danny Green and the no.23 pick to Memphis to get De’Anthony Melton.
Before the next season tips off, here is the list of the 58 picks where two second-round choices were forfeited.
1. Orlando Magic: Paolo Brancherò, Duke
The team ended last season 28th in free throw rate, 28th in effective field goal percentage, and 23rd in turnover rate. Magic’s status last season clearly shows they need great offense. Paolo Banchero is perfect for the team missing offensive tools. His size, speed, and strength make him the most NBA-ready and the top project. Aside from solid footwork, Ranchero can pass, handle the ball, and end his moves near the rim.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
Alongside remarkable all-around skills, this NBA big man has great potential. With his shot-blocking and elite rim protection, he will fill Thunder’s need for an interior defender. Holmgren has already shown his impressive ability to carry the ball. He can shoot from the outside making it end on the rim.
3. Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith, Auburn
H-Town, put your hands together for the newest member of the squad. With the third pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, the @HoustonRockets select… @jabarismithjr! Head over to his fire #PaniniInstant card out now #Rockets #RatedRookie https://t.co/YLzoqnVNKp pic.twitter.com/HS5LgFMgUz
— Panini America (@PaniniAmerica) June 24, 2022
While some expected him to be the No.1 pick, he ended up at No.3. Smith only worked out for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Orlando Magic. With his 42% average on his three-point shots, he could make a perfect fit in Houston. An excellent defender at Auburn, he would be difficult to defend considering his size.
4. Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, Iowa
An effective wing scorer, the Kings passed on Jaden Ivey for Murray. His significant improvement from his freshman up to his sophomore seasons is proof that he could make a significant impact for the Sacramento Kings. With an average of 23.6 points, 1.9 blocks, and 8.7 rebounds, it’s not surprising he is one of the oldest lottery picks.
5. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, Purdue
His speed to pass by defenders is an excellent skill set that will give them a hard time slowing him down. Ivey only worked out for Magic and Pistons. Moreover, he can level up to the lane same as Ja Morant with a possibility of bouncing to finish. In addition, he is the son of a former women’s college champion and women’s basketball coach at Notre Dame, Niele Ivey.
6. Indiana Pacers: Benedict Mathurin, Arizona
Mathurin has the size and the shooting skill that can fill a 3-and-D role on the wing for the Pacers. He is also one of the biggest names in the months before the NBA Draft. Mathurin can aid in improving the Pacers’ offense that was in the 18th place in efficiency and 25th in three-point shooting.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, Kentucky
Portland Bound!
The @trailblazers select Jabari Walker at No. 57 in the 2022 NBA Draft #GoBuffs | #RipCity pic.twitter.com/OVTJhnEnxo
— Colorado Men's Basketball (@CUBuffsMBB) June 24, 2022
While others may see him as a lucky pick, Sharpe is also one of the mysteries in the NBA Draft. In January, he entered Kentucky but didn’t play for the Wildcats. Then once he was considered eligible for the NBA Draft, he was picked. Although there are no questions on how he is a gifted scorer with his jump shot. He is an intense leaper who loves to dunk and play out in transition.
8. New Orleans Pelicans (from Los Angeles Lakers): Dyson Daniels, G League Ignite
Adding another quality player to the team that is set to be big next season is one smooth move. This Australian already showed his skills in the NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars contest. A big guard at 6-8, Daniels has been playing professionally as a teenager.
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, Baylor
Baylor is a small school that may not be on the radar of many sports enthusiasts, but Jeremy Sochan is worth keeping an eye on. The San Antonio Spurs drafted him in the first round of the NBA draft, and he could be a valuable asset for the team. Sochan has great defense and rebound, which could make him a major player in the NBA. Keep an eye on this Baylor Bear – he has averaged 9.2 points. But he still needs to work on his percentage.
10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, Wisconsin
While the Wizards need potential talents, they landed on one of the best players in the roster. In his second year at Wisconsin, Davis played well as a rebounder and a scorer. He has a record of 4.1 rebounds and 7.0 points. He can surely score mid-range but he still needs to work on his outside shot.
11. New York Knicks (traded to Thunder): Ousmane Dieng, New Zealand Breakers
Sources: The draft picks that New York acquired from OKC in the No. 11 Ousmane Dieng trade:
– 2023 protected 1st rounder via Detroit
– 2023 protected 1st rounder via Washington
– 2023 protected 1st rounder via Denver— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 24, 2022
In the mock drafts, Dieng went as high as No.8 but he drop to No.11. The Knicks then traded Dieng to the Thunder. He averaged 8.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and an assist while playing last season in Australia’s pro league. As the season continued, he never stopped improving and became better at shooting and scoring.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Los Angeles Clippers): Jalen Williams, Santa Clara
Executives and scouts had their eye on Williams at that moment when he excelled on draft boards after the NBA Combine. His speed, wingspan, and vertical leap showed that he’s ready for the NBA Draft. His remarkable defense will fit right in the OKC. Williams can spot his places at the three-point line and shows patience in pick-and-roll situations
13. Charlotte Hornets (traded to Pistons): Jalen Duren, Memphis
The Pistons have acquired Jalen Duren from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for a future 2nd round pick. A 6’3″ guard out of Memphis, this is Duren’s first season playing professional ball. He averaged 9 points and 3 rebounds in his senior year at Memphis. While he won’t be a starter for the Pistons, he will provide some much-needed depth to their backcourt rotation.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, Kansas
The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Ochai Agbaji, a freshman guard from the University of Kansas, with the 58th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Agbaji is a 6’5″ guard who impressed scouts with his athleticism and defensive skills. He averaged 18.8 points and 5.1 rebounds at Kansas and is expected to contribute to the Cavaliers as a defensive specialist off the bench.
15. Charlotte Hornets (from New Orleans): Mark Williams, Duke
2 Nigerians, Ochai Agbaji and Mark Oluwafemi Williams were selected at nos 14 and 15 in the NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers and Charlotte Hornets respectively. pic.twitter.com/xvJGDmBJcL
— Channels Television (@channelstv) June 24, 2022
Hornets have now filled in the team’s need for a center. With a 9-9 standing reach, Williams has good mobility for his size. He also has a good presence around the rim. Although he doesn’t offer much yet on the offensive side of the game. He will surely learn from LaMelo Ball.
16. Atlanta Hawks: A.J. Griffin, Duke
Coming from a bloodline of basketball players, Griffin can average 10.4 points on a team. His sister, brother, and father all played for the Power 5 schools. Furthermore, Griffin is also one of the best shooters in the draft. He was poised to add more points to the team alongside Trae Young while giving the team great help on defense.
17. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn): Tari Eason, LSU
Tari Eason from LSU is another exciting piece of the puzzle. Though he isn’t a household name yet, Eason has all the tools to be a star in the NBA. With his elite athleticism and quick first step, he should be able to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. In addition, Eason was the 2022 SEC Sixth Man of the Year.
18. Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, Arizona
The Chicago Bulls have found their newest player in Dalen Terry of Arizona. The freshman guard has a lot of potential and is expected to contribute to the Bulls next season. Terry is a 6’3″ guard who averaged 10 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game last season for the Wildcats. He shots from three-point range and was one of the most efficient players on the team.
19. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jake LaRavia, Wake Forest
the Minnesota Timberwolves selected guard Jake LaRavia from Wake Forest with the 21st overall pick. A four-year starter for the Demon Deacons, LaRavia averaged 14.6 points per game during his college career. Though he is not considered a top prospect, LaRavia could provide depth to Minnesota’s backcourt rotation. In preseason games, he has already shown flashes of his defensive potential.
20. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto): Malaki Branham, Ohio State
The basketball team acquired Malaki Branham from the Toronto Raptors. Branham is a 6’10” power forward who played his college ball at Ohio State. While at Ohio State, he averaged 19 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. This acquisition may not seem like much to some, but to fans of the San Antonio Spurs, it could mean championship potential this season.
Jeremy Sochan is a Spur 🙌
San Antonio picks the Baylor big man with the No. 9 pick pic.twitter.com/7gZYVGg8zp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 24, 2022
Other NBA Draft First Rounders:
21. Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, Kansas
22. Memphis Grizzlies (from Utah): Walker Kessler, Auburn
23. Philadelphia 76ers: David Roddy, Colorado State
24. Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, G League Ignite
25. San Antonio Spurs (from Boston): Blake Wesley, Notre Dame
26. Dallas Mavericks (from Houston): Wendell Moore Jr., Duke
27. Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, Serbia
28. Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee
29. Memphis Grizzlies: TyTy Washington, Kentucky
30. Denver Nuggets (from Oklahoma City): Peyton Watson, UCLA
Second rounders
31. Indiana Pacers (from Houston via Cleveland): Andrew Nembhard, Gonzaga
32. Orlando Magic: Caleb Houston, Michigan
33. Toronto Raptors (from Detroit via San Antonio, Washington and Chicago): Christian Koloko, Arizona
34. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaylin Williams, Arkansas
35. Los Angeles Lakers (from Indiana via Milwaukee and Orlando): Max Christie, Michigan State
36. Detroit Pistons (from Portland): Gabriele Procida, Italy
37. Sacramento Kings: Jaden Hardy, G League Ignite
38. San Antonio Spurs (from L.A. Lakers via Chicago and Washington): Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee
39. Cleveland Cavaliers (from San Antonio via Utah): Khalifa Diop, Senegal
40. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Washington via Cleveland): Bryce McGowens, Nebraska
41. New Orleans Pelicans: EJ Liddell, Ohio State
42. New York Knicks: Trevor Keels, Duke
43. Los Angeles Clippers: Moussa Diabate, Michigan
44. Atlanta Hawks: Ryan Rollins, Toledo
45. Charlotte Hornets: Josh Minott, Memphis
46. Portland Trail Blazers (from Brooklyn via Detroit): Ismael Kamagate, France
47. Memphis Grizzlies (from Cleveland via New Orleans and Atlanta): Vince Williams, Virginia Commonwealth
48. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kendall Brown, Baylor
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Chicago via Memphis, Detroit, and Sacramento): Isaiah Mobley, USC
50. Minnesota Timberwolves (from Denver via Philadelphia): Matteo Spagnolo, Italy
51. Golden State Warriors (from Toronto via Philadelphia): Tyrese Martin, UConn
52. New Orleans Pelicans (from Utah): Karlo Matkovic, Bosnia, and Herzegovina
53. Boston Celtics: JD Davidson, Alabama
*54. Milwaukee Bucks (forfeited): Yanni
*55. Miami Heat (from Philadelphia via Denver; forfeited by Miami)
54. Washington Wizards (from Dallas): Yannick Nzosa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
55. Golden State Warriors: Gui Santos, Brazil
56. Cleveland Cavaliers (from Miami via Indiana): Luke Travers, Australia
57. Portland Trail Blazers (from Memphis via Utah): Jabari Walker, Colorado
58. Indiana Pacers (from Phoenix): Hugo Besson, France
