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Jonathan Givony
ESPN
As the NBA playoffs continue and we draw ever closer to the NBA draft lottery in Chicago on May 17, matching players with prospective teams has become something more than a theoretical exercise. Teams beyond those in the lottery have established their draft positions ahead of the 2022 NBA draft on June 23rd.
ESPN draft experts Jonathan Givony and Mike Schmitz have spent the season evaluating all of the prospects who might be selected at the draft, talking to NBA team executives and scouts, and considering the likeliest paths for players and teams. Givony and Schmitz's latest NBA mock draft accounts for the draft order released by the NBA at the conclusion of the play-in tournament, including picks owed and owned by all 30 teams.
The top three teams on the board and worst three teams in the league this season -- the Houston Rockets, Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons -- each carry 14% odds to secure the No. 1 overall pick. Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren, Auburn's Jabari Smith and Duke's Paolo Banchero are still considered the most likely candidates to go in the top 3.
1. Houston Rockets
Chet Holmgren
Gonzaga
PF
Age: 19.9
The Rockets drafted a franchise building block in Jalen Green last year and will now likely look to improve their frontcourt, which happens to be the strength of this class. In Holmgren, the Rockets can acquire the draft's biggest difference-maker defensively, a force on the glass and a rim-protector who also shot 39% from beyond the arc and brings significant upside as a passer, finisher and shot creator. Holmgren's game should complement Green well, while also not detracting from what Houston's existing frontcourt pieces -- Alperen Sengun and Christian Wood -- offer. Jabari Smith and Paolo Banchero would also be extremely attractive here and will likely be in play at No. 1 regardless of who lands this pick. The team that gets it will have a tough choice. -- Givony
2. Orlando Magic
Jabari Smith
Auburn
SF/PF
Age: 18.9
The Auburn star forward would give a Magic team that ranked 28th in the NBA in 3-point percentage a season ago one of the best shooters in the draft (43% from 3) at 6-foot-10 with the type of defensive versatility Orlando generally covets. Smith's incredibly high floor combined with his age, trajectory at just 18 years old and ability to shoot over the top of virtually any defender from all over the floor makes him as strong a candidate as any to hear his name called first overall. The Magic would have to be thrilled to pair him with similarly versatile forwards like Franz Wagner and Jonathan Isaac (when healthy) while giving Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony an ideal pick-and-pop partner who can also punish switches with his polished midpost game. Smith immediately makes the Magic more competitive on both ends of the floor while brightening their long-term outlook. -- Schmitz
3. Detroit Pistons
Paolo Banchero
Duke
PF/C
Age: 19.4
The Pistons struck gold in potential rookie of the year Cade Cunningham last year and can now look to add another dynamic frontcourt player who can help shoulder offensive responsibility. Banchero's ability to create offense off the dribble both for himself and teammates should pair well with the versatility, basketball instincts and perimeter shooting Cunningham offers. Banchero could start next to a physical big man like Isaiah Stewart and then slide to the 5 and operate alongside another perimeter-oriented forward like Jerami Grant or Saddiq Bey, making him a strong fit for the Pistons long-term. Smith and Holmgren will also surely be in play here depending on where the Pistons land. -- Givony
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Jaden Ivey
Purdue
PG/SG
Age: 20.1
While Oklahoma City is already flush with talent on the perimeter in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey, Ivey has as much long-term upside as any prospect in the draft, and he would offer an immediate injection of transition speed, quickness and leaping ability that would rival even the league's elite. Drafting another guard who is best with the ball in his hands wouldn't be the most natural fit on paper, but Ivey's talent and star power could be too tantalizing to pass up. Ivey also has experience playing in multiguard lineups, and the fact that he's improved greatly as a spot-up shooter (36% from 3) would allow him to play alongside SGA and Giddey while buying him time to sharpen the lead-guard acumen he'll need to maximize his sky-high upside. -- Schmitz
5. Indiana Pacers
Keegan Murray
Iowa
PF/C
Age: 21.6
Domantas Sabonis was traded to Sacramento, leaving the Pacers with a gaping hole at power forward that could be plugged very effectively by Murray, arguably the best player in college basketball this past season. Murray doesn't need plays called for him to be effective and looks like a strong fit alongside backcourt starters Tyrese Haliburton and Malcolm Brogdon. His perimeter shooting and defensive versatility could even allow him to see some time at small forward in supersized lineups alongside the likes of Myles Turner and Isaiah Jackson. Indiana may be disappointed not to move into the top-4 on the night of the lottery in this scenario, but Murray should quell that quickly with a Rookie of the Year-caliber campaign. -- Givony
6. Portland Trail Blazers
Shaedon Sharpe
Kentucky
SG
Age: 18.8
With the Trail Blazers clearing the books and going younger and more development-focused at the moment, 18-year-old Sharpe makes a lot of sense here. The former No. 1 player in his high school class, Sharpe is a smooth shot creator who shoots it easy from 3, is effortless getting to his spots off the bounce, can play above the rim explosively, and at least has the tools and size (6-foot-6, 7-0 wingspan) to eventually evolve into a serviceable defender as he gains experience. After watching him live at Kentucky practice this season, Sharpe is also an underrated passer with the offensive talent you see from NBA All-Stars. Sharpe may not be ready to help turn the Blazers into a playoff contender as a rookie, but given the recent success of physically gifted, shot-creating guards like Anthony Edwards, he's a valuable talent at this part of the draft, as there simply aren't many other players who can create offense like he can. -- Schmitz
7. Sacramento Kings
Johnny Davis
Wisconsin
PG/SG
Age: 20.1
Swapping Tyrese Haliburton for Domantas Sabonis, the Kings could very well be in the market for an upgrade on the perimeter, especially at the shooting guard position. Enter Davis, who brings many of the winning intangibles the Kings should be looking for with his defensive versatility, unselfishness and ability to score with or without the ball. Davis would fit well alongside either De'Aaron Fox or Davion Mitchell and could even see some minutes alongside the two thanks to the toughness he offers. The Kings' pathway back to contention, or even making the playoffs, isn't perfectly clear at this stage, but nailing their coaching hire and this draft pick would go a long way in helping them return to respectability. -- Givony
8. New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers)
AJ Griffin
Duke
SF/PF
Age: 18.6
With three rookies already making valuable contributions in postseason play in Herbert Jones, Trey Murphy III and Jose Alvarado, the Pelicans add yet another floor spacer to fit alongside Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson (if healthy). Although he still has a ways to go defensively, the 18-year-old Griffin is one of the best spot-shooters in the draft (45% from 3), with underrated ball skills and the strength (225 pounds) and length (7-0 wingspan) to develop into a sound defender as he improves his technique and awareness. The Pelicans have proved they clearly value wings with positional versatility, and Griffin is the best on the board in this part of the draft. With Ingram, McCollum and potentially Williamson as the primary shot creators, adding another off-ball threat who doesn't need offensive volume to add value makes sense for the surging Pelicans. -- Schmitz
9. San Antonio Spurs
Jalen Duren
Memphis
C
Age: 18.4
The Spurs have focused heavily on adding perimeter pieces in the draft the past few years, with Devin Vassell, Joshua Primo, Lonnie Walker IV and Keldon Johnson forming a solid backcourt core with Dejounte Murray. They may look to the frontcourt in this draft, where they don't have quite as much depth. Duren is the most physically gifted big man in this class, bringing impressive finishing prowess as well as outstanding defensive potential as both a rim-protector and guarding pick-and-roll. As the youngest player in this class, he has considerable upside to grow into as well. -- Givony
10. Washington Wizards
Dyson Daniels
G League Ignite
PG/SG
Age: 19.0
While Daniels might not be the conventional "point guard of the future" the Wizards have been searching for since the departure of John Wall, Daniels is a picture-perfect fit alongside Bradley Beal. At 6-8, the unselfish Daniels plays the type of ball-moving style that complements Washington's high-usage star. Although comfortable playing pick-and-roll and functioning as a lead guard for stretches, Daniels doesn't need the ball in his hands to be effective, as he's a smart cutter, active rebounder, improved spot-shooter and quick-decision passer who also defends multiple positions on the other end. Daniels, who ranked first or second on the Ignite in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, has as high of a floor as any prospect projected outside the top five. Although he's not the shiftiest ball handler or most aggressive scorer, given his recent growth spurt, continual development and impressive approach to the game, the Aussie might also have more upside than most executives think. -- Schmitz
11. New York Knicks
Bennedict Mathurin
Arizona
SF
Age: 19.8
Coming off a disappointing season, the Knicks desperately need to upgrade at point guard but don't have many great options to choose from here. Adding a more ready player, such as the All-American Mathurin, who is also an outstanding perimeter shooter, could make sense as they look to reconfigure the roster and surround their existing pieces with additional talent. Mathurin can play either wing spot alongside cornerstone RJ Barrett and has plenty of upside to grow into at just 19 years old. -- Givony
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)
Ousmane Dieng
NZ Breakers
SF/PF
Age: 18.9
The Thunder are a perfect landing spot for Dieng, who isn't ready to make an immediate impact on a playoff team but has an incredibly intriguing combination of size, fluidity and skill for an organization with time to invest in his development. In the interim, Dieng offers spot shooting (albeit streaky at 27%) with the tools to defend multiple positions at 6-10 with a 7-0 wingspan, even if he's not the rebounder or physical stopper he could be quite yet. Long term, Dieng has real shot-creation potential given his smooth handle, passing feel in pick-and-roll, ability to make pull-up 3s (often of the step-back variety) and toss in floaters from different angles. He may never be the aggressive driver, forceful finisher or high-motor rebounder whom coaches would hope for from a player with his tools, but given OKC's timeline and recent track record of players with positional size and skill -- think Giddey, SGA, Aleksej Pokusevski -- Dieng could be a fit. -- Schmitz
13. Charlotte Hornets
Mark Williams
Duke
C
Age: 20.3
The Hornets have been seeking a legitimate rim-protecting, lob-catching center to pair with LaMelo Ball from the moment they drafted the pick-and-roll maestro, and could very well be attracted to Williams, with whom they'll be very familiar from down the road in Durham. Williams led college basketball in dunks this season, won ACC defensive player of the year honors and made considerable progress in his sophomore season. -- Givony
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Ochai Agbaji
Kansas
SF
Age: 22.0
With Cleveland competing for a playoff spot quicker than most league executives expected, the Cavs can add another quality rotation player on the perimeter in Agbaji, who has turned himself into one of the best shooters in the draft -- 41% on 6.5 attempts per game. Given Darius Garland's All-Star ascension in addition to the presence of shot creators like Caris LeVert, Collin Sexton (a potential free agent) and Evan Mobley, adding a prospect who doesn't need much volume to be effective makes sense for J.B. Bickerstaff's club. Agbaji fits the bill as he's an impressive open-court athlete, can space the floor out of spot-ups and serve as a weapon via off-ball screens and handoffs while possessing the tools to defend up to three positions when at his best. There are players with more traditional "upside" on the board, but Agbaji is arguably the draft's most ready prospect behind Iowa star Keegan Murray, with a clear NBA role. -- Schmitz
15. Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans)
Jeremy Sochan
Baylor
PF
Age: 18.9
With several frontcourt options on expiring contracts, the Hornets may look to add another big man with their second pick of the first round. Sochan brings some different dimensions the team could be attracted to his ability to defend all over the floor, pass the ball effectively and slide up or down positions depending on the matchup. The Polish national has plenty of upside to grow into at 18 years old. -- Givony
16. Atlanta Hawks
Malaki Branham
Ohio State
SG
Age: 18.9
A surprise one-and-done thanks to his productivity at Ohio State, Branham would be an intriguing fit alongside a high-usage star like Trae Young and offers an excellent combination of ready-made production and future growth at just 18 years old. He's comfortable playing a 3-and-D style role given his spot shooting (41%), ability to score without needing many dribbles and positional length with a wingspan around 6-10. Adding Branham would give the Hawks yet another floor spacer who can eventually function as a secondary ball handler in spurts, as evidenced by his tremendous midrange game and improving court vision. Even with Atlanta's postseason struggles, Young (23), Kevin Huerter (23), De'Andre Hunter (24), John Collins (24) and Onyeka Okongwu (21) is a strong under-25 core that Branham would only bolster. -- Schmitz
17. Houston Rockets
TyTy Washington Jr.
Kentucky
PG/SG
Age: 20.4
Opinions around the NBA are mixed regarding the long-term future of Kevin Porter Jr. in Houston after what's been a roller-coaster ride of a short NBA career thus far. Adding another steady-handed guard in the backcourt in Washington who can play with or without the ball, excels in pick-and-roll and is a strong perimeter shooter makes some sense here, especially since he has the size and length to play in many different lineup configurations. -- Givony
18. Chicago Bulls
Tari Eason
LSU
PF
Age: 20.9
The Bulls ranked 23rd in defensive efficiency in the regular season, and they could without question use another versatile wing defender like Eason, one of the most productive and efficient all-around players in the NCAA as a 20-year-old junior. While likely more of a 4/3 at the NBA level (a spot currently occupied by Patrick Williams), Eason played a fair amount of small-ball 5 in college and could give the Bulls a different look with his length and foot speed, as they're used to playing in deep drop coverage with Nikola Vucevic at the 5. Eason isn't the most polished ball handler or decision-maker and had his fair share of no-show games at LSU. But the fact that he can add value as a transition finisher, rebounder, cutter, occasional spot shooter and defender at 6-8 with a 7-1 wingspan alongside a perimeter creator like DeMar DeRozan makes him an intriguing fit in Chicago. -- Schmitz
19. Minnesota Timberwolves
Nikola Jovic
Mega Mozzart
SF
Age: 18.8
After an encouraging season, the Timberwolves may look to bolster their depth at the forward spots with another dynamic shooter who doesn't need the ball, can facilitate for others and has upside to grow into long-term. Enter Jovic, who has excellent size at 6-10, a strong feel for the game and could slide nicely in between Jalen McDaniels and Jarred Vanderbilt while not detracting from the Timberwolves' core of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. -- Givony
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)
Kennedy Chandler
Tennessee
PG
Age: 19.5
The Spurs aren't short on young perimeter players, but none have the same level of burst and shift as Chandler, who could eventually evolve into a change-of-pace backup to franchise lead guard Dejounte Murray. Despite his size at 6-0, Chandler has also proved capable of co-existing with other big guards like Murray, as he shot almost 50% from 3 over his last 10 games at Tennessee and plays a bit bigger than his listed height given the ground he covers along with his 6-5 wingspan and defensive quickness. Chandler may not pass the eye test given his stature, but he has a relatively high floor thanks to his speed, handle, feel for the game, shooting and winning pedigree. -- Schmitz
21. Denver Nuggets
MarJon Beauchamp
G League Ignite
SG/SF
Age: 21.5
With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. back in the fold next season alongside MVP Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon, adding quality depth on the wing looks like a priority for the Nuggets, who cycled through different options all season at this position. Beauchamp's ability to defend multiple positions, score without having plays called for him, and do the dirty work to help a team win games could be attractive, as well as the fact that he's already 21 years old and has pro experience under his belt. -- Givony
22. Memphis Grizzlies (via Jazz)
Blake Wesley
Notre Dame
SG
Age: 19.1
So far the Grizzlies have hit on both ready-made college stars (Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Dillon Brooks) and talent swings (Ziaire Williams), with Wesley falling more in the latter category. Memphis played with the fourth-fastest pace in the NBA during the regular season, and few prospects are as dynamic in the open floor as the 6-5 Notre Dame standout. Wesley has NBA burst off the bounce and the tools to defend either guard spot, which he did with much more intensity as the collegiate season progressed. Wesley's inconsistency beyond the arc (30% from 3), sometimes erratic decision-making and high-usage style (31.3) make him more of a long-term prospect, but he'd give Memphis a level of juice off the bounce the Grizzlies don't have in the backcourt outside of franchise star Ja Morant. -- Schmitz
23. Brooklyn Nets (via 76ers; Nets can defer to 2023)
Walker Kessler
Auburn
C
Age: 20.7
With all of the Nets' center options on expiring contracts, it would certainly make sense to look to this position as an option to add a young prospect on a rookie-scale deal. Kessler was the best defender in college basketball this season, a force as a rim-protector who also brings upside as a pick-and-roll finisher and even as a perimeter shooter. -- Givony
24. Milwaukee Bucks
E.J. Liddell
Ohio State
PF
Age: 21.3
The Bucks are in the midst of a championship window, making a mature, NBA-ready prospect like the 21-year-old Liddell incredibly appealing if available. Liddell will have to prove his improved shooting (37% from 3) will translate to the NBA line in order to fit seamlessly next to Giannis Antetokounmpo on offense. But the fact that he can switch and protect the rim at only 6-7 gives him clear value defensively off the bench, along with his motor, winning intangibles and feel for the game. Like fellow ex-college star Grant Williams, Liddell is the exact type of prospect teams too often nitpick, only to see them contribute on a rookie deal for a title contender. -- Schmitz
25. San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics)
Kendall Brown
Baylor
SF
Age: 18.9
In this scenario, the Spurs drafted a center in the lottery and a guard with the 20th pick, so adding a wing in the late first round could make sense, especially since Brown is among the most explosive players in the draft and brings significant upside to grow into at just 18 years old. Finding more confidence and consistency in his jump shot, which Brown could very well locate in the Spurs' vaunted player development program, and discipline defensively -- a trademark of Gregg Popovich teams -- would make him a major steal at this stage of the draft. -- Givony
26. Dallas Mavericks
Jaden Hardy
G League Ignite
SG
Age: 19.7
Hardy is the type of microwave shot-maker with the scoring instincts to help pick up the offensive slack if Jalen Brunson were to leave in free agency. Although he wasn't overly efficient and still has room to grow as a decision-maker or defender, Hardy made a lot of NBA-style shots with the G League Ignite, and in time he could serve as a secondary ball handler alongside Luka Doncic. There are players on the board more ready to contribute than Hardy, but this is a talent swing on a prolific scorer who entered the season as a projected top-five pick and continued to show strides as a playmaker as the G League season progressed. The success of guards like Jordan Poole bodes well for Hardy's NBA outlook. -- Schmitz
27. Miami Heat
Trevor Keels
Duke
PG/SG
Age: 18.6
Few teams have been as successful drafting in the first round as the Heat have over the past few years. The team seems to prioritize finding young players who fit their mentality culturally and have room to grow in their strong player development infrastructure. Keels is one of the youngest prospects in the draft and brings the type of toughness, feel for the game and winning spirit the organization covets. Improving his body and finding more consistency as a perimeter shooter are priorities for Keels moving forward, something he could elect to try to do with another year in college, potentially. -- Givony
28. Golden State Warriors
Christian Braun
Kansas
SG/SF
Age: 21.0
The 6-6 wing Braun fits the Warriors style perfectly, as he's a quick decision-maker, hard-nosed defender, active cutter, impressive transition finisher, excellent positional rebounder and capable standstill shooter who is comfortable filling in the gaps and playing off other stars. He doesn't quite have one elite NBA skill to hang his hat on and his shooting confidence ebbs and flows, but Braun is a national champion with winning pedigree and the type of role-player whom potential title contenders like the Warriors covet. -- Schmitz
29. Memphis Grizzlies
Bryce McGowens
Nebraska
SG
Age: 19.4
The Grizzlies have proved to be one of the shrewdest teams in the NBA the past few years in terms of using their draft capital. With a loaded roster, it remains to be seen how attractive adding another two first-round picks will be, but it wouldn't be surprising to see the team swing for the fences with a high-upside prospect to see if it can uncover another draft-day steal. McGowens is one of the most talented wing prospects in this class long-term, a fluid scorer who needs time to build up his frame and improve his defensive intensity, but he has intriguing tools that are hard to come by from a talent perspective. -- Givony
30. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Suns)
Jean Montero
Overtime Elite
PG/SG
Age: 18.8
Montero is one of the most skilled guards in the draft with deep range on his pull-up 3, impressive pace in pick-and-roll and the ability to pass off the dribble with either hand. At 6-2, 172 pounds his margin for error is slim, meaning he'll have to improve as a defender and finisher to carve out a consistent role in the NBA. But Montero has put up big numbers everywhere he's gone throughout his career, and the deep shooting, slick handle and pick-and-roll passing are enough to make him an intriguing option toward the end of the first round. -- Schmitz
Second round
31. Pacers (via Rockets)
Patrick Baldwin Jr. | Milwaukee | SF/PF | Age: 19.4
32. Magic
Hugo Besson | NZ Breakers | PG/SG | Age: 20.9
33. Raptors (via Pistons)
Ismael Kamagate | Paris | C | Age: 21.2
34. Thunder
David Roddy | Colorado St | PF | Age: 21.0
35. Magic (via Pacers)
Wendell Moore Jr. | Duke | SF | Age: 20.5
36. Trail Blazers
Christian Koloko | Arizona | C | Age: 21.8
37. Kings
Terquavion Smith | NC State | SG | Age: 19.3
38. Spurs (via Lakers)
Leonard Miller | Fort Erie International Academy | SF/PF | Age: 18.4
39. Cavaliers (via Spurs)
Khalifa Diop | Gran Canaria | C | Age: 20.2
40. Timberwolves (via Wizards)
Justin Lewis | Marquette | SF/PF | Age: 20.0
41. Hornets (via Pelicans)
JD Davison | Alabama | PG | Age: 19.5
42. Knicks
Jake LaRavia | Wake Forest | PF | Age: 20.4
43. Clippers
Max Christie | Michigan State | SG | Age: 19.1
44. Hawks
Dalen Terry | Arizona | PG/SG | Age: 19.7
45. Hornets
Jaylin Williams | Arkansas | C | Age: 19.8
46. Pistons (via Nets)
Yannick Nzosa | Unicaja Malaga | C | Age: 18.4
47. Grizzlies (via Cavaliers)
Josh Minott | Memphis | PF | Age: 19.4
48. Timberwolves (via Bulls)
Keon Ellis | Alabama | SG/SF | Age: 22.2
49. Timberwolves
Trevion Williams | Purdue | C | Age: 21.5
50. Warriors (via Raptors)
Andrew Nembhard | Gonzaga | PG | Age: 22.2
51. Timberwolves (via Nuggets)
Jalen Williams | Santa Clara | SF | Age: 21.0
52. Pelicans (via Jazz)
Matteo Spagnolo | Cremona | PG | Age: 19.2
53. Celtics
Gabriele Procida | Fortitudo Bologna | SG | Age: 19.8
54. Wizards (via Mavericks)
Harrison Ingram | Stanford | SF/PF | Age: 19.4
55. Warriors
Drew Timme | Gonzaga | PF/C | Age: 21.6
56. Cavaliers (via Heat)
Alondes Williams | Wake Forest | PG/SG | Age: 22.8
57. Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies)
Michael Foster | G League Ignite | PF | Age: 19.2
58. Pacers (via Suns)
Dominick Barlow | Overtime Elite | PF/C | Age: 18.9
Note: The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat each lost a second-round draft pick after an NBA investigation revealed premature discussions into the free agency of guards Lonzo Ball and Kyle Lowry.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service utilized by NBA, NCAA and International teams.
Mike Schmitz is an NBA draft expert and a contributor to DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and International teams.