Enjoy Basketball: Our 2022 Mock Draft

Tomorrow is draft night! One day Enjoy Basketball will be in the media room, but for now we're still in your inbox.

The Kings and Knicks are preparing sacrifices to the basketball gods and Orlando is still mulling over their biggest draft decision since Dwight Howard.

For our preparation, we contacted members of our Twitter Community and created the 2022 Enjoy Basketball Mock Draft! In addition to selecting the prospect, these Twitter users wrote up a few sentence justifying their pick for their assigned squad. Their words, not ours. Let's see if you agree with their reasoning!

#1 Orlando Magic - Chet Holmgren (@AahilRajan)

The Orlando Magic need to swing big on this pick. While I love Jabari’s shooting and paolos shot creating Chet has the highest ceiling out of anyone in the draft. Chet can be a Rudy Gobert like presence on defense while being a viable threat from the perimeter on offense. The magic have many players who can be part of their young core but not one star that stands out. Chet will break through the log jam in the front court and can be the standout that leads this rebuild for the Orlando magic.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder - Jabari Smith (@Three_Cone)

The Thunder were bottom of the league in three point shooting this season and Jabari Smith’s incredible shooting ability will open up the game in a big way for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey.

#3 Houston Rockets - Paolo Banchero (@Spencp99)

Paolo Banchero is arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in the class and will fit in perfectly on an exciting Rockets team that's building an identity based on high-energy explosive offense. Banchero provides a great lob threat for the young Jalen Green- Kevin Porter Jr backcourt and a long-term frontcourt partner for last year's 16th overall pick Alperen Sengun.

#4 Sacramento Kings - Jaden Ivey (@TarikDugumNBA)

After making a surprise pick in last years draft selecting Davion Mitchell with the 9th pick, GM Monte McNair makes a safe pick and selects Ivey 4th overall. Ivey showed off his elite athleticism and explosiveness in his sophomore year. He also showed potential in his three point shooting jumping up 10% from his freshman year now at 35% on 5 attempts per game. The Kings add another young back court player to pair up with Fox and Mitchell after trading Tyrese Halliburton at the trade deadline.

#5 Detroit Pistons - Shaedon Sharpe (@Austin_Alkire)

With the 5th pick, the Pistons will get to set the tone for the rest of this draft. Detroit’s front office has shown that they favor lengthy players, especially wings. Shaedon Sharpe is an athletic freak with an ability to knock down the three and drive his way to the basket. His natural talents may outweigh the risks he brings with his inconsistent shot making, underwhelming shot creation and non-existent season at Kentucky. The Pistons could go safe with Mathurin, who is arguably a better player than Sharpe, but Sharpe’s scoring potential outweigh’s the desire to get the best 3-and-D player in Mathurin.

#6 Indiana Pacers - Bennedict Mathurin (@Bryce_Stevenson)

Coming in at 6’7” - 195 pounds, an almost NBA ready frame, Ben Mathurdin looks to provide the Pacers with a reliable, off ball, 3 level scorer to pair with the backcourt of Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hiels. Running many similar sets in Arizona as to what will be run in Indiana, Mathurdin looks to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor, on what is bound to be a rebuilding pacers squad.

#7 Portland Trailblazers - Keegan Murray (@Dani_Lado4)

With the guard spots most likely filled out by Damian Lillard and an emerging Anfernee Simons, the Blazers desperately need something they didn’t address during CJ McCollum’s tenure in Rip City: an elite two-way threat wing. The hire of ESPN’s draft expert Mike Schmitz, a move praised by many within the league, the front office is showing serious investment in making the right pick. However taking Keegan Murray at 7 presents a no brainer. Seen by many as the most NBA-ready player in the draft, he fits the criteria to help out immediately whilst still having the star potential to become even better. An elite scorer and near 40% three point shooter in college, he has the offensive capabilities to be an elite third option next to Dame and Anfernee.

#8 New Orleans Pelicans - Dyson Daniels (@Ayush8228)

Dyson Daniels is a 6’8, lanky wing prospect that can slide right next to CJ in the backcourt. He’s a great defender with high potential and combining him with Ingram/Zion/Jones/Hayes/literally everyone on the Pelicans makes them a nightmare to score on in theory. Offensively, he’s a good enough passer out of PNR and a great connective passer that can play regardless of his jumper, though the fact that his shot will improve makes him a great fit for the Pels next to Zion now and in the long term.

#9 San Antonio Spurs - Johnny Davis (@TarikDugumNBA)

After trading Derrick White during the deadline, the Spurs are looking for a starting caliber guard to pair up with all star Dejounte Murray. Davis proved during his sophomore year that he is a certified bucket getter and can create offense for himself. Davis lacks the ability to create for others but has time to work on that as the Spurs will most likely not make the playoffs next season. Davis compares most to Dillon Brooks and the Spurs get another dog on there team

#10 Washington Wizards - A.J. Griffin (@WarIsWhack)

While A.J. Griffin is not the ideal pick for Washington at 10, he is very much a player that can help with a lot of the aspects that they struggle in. Griffin is an athletic G/F that can light it up from deep, shooting an astounding 44.7% from 3-point range this past season at Duke, and hustle on the defensive end of the ball as well, which will be a massive help for a team that was 5th worst from beyond the arc and 6th worst defensively this past NBA season. At 6'6, Griffin played SF for Duke most of the season, but his game can easily translate to playing the 2, something that will be beneficial with Washington's desperate need for guard play.

#11 New York Knicks - Jalen Duren (@ConorGeelanNBA)

Jalen Duren provides dynamic interior defense and rim running ability. His 7’5” wingspan and quick feet project that he can hold his own when switching onto guards while wreaking havoc contesting layups. The defense fits with the defensive identity of the Knicks and Tom Thibodeau, and will make facilitating easier for a developing RJ Barrett. The Memphis center is the youngest player to likely get drafted, so the ceiling is high. Hopefully he blossoms into what the most delusional of us Knicks fans thought Mitchell Robinson was destined to be.

#12 Oklahoma City Thunder - Malaki Branham (@Three_Cone)

Branham has high offensive upside and could be a great fit next to Shai and Giddey, as he showed impressive shot creation at Ohio State. He’s also only 19 which works well for a Thunder team that isn’t looking to immediately contend.

#13 Charlotte Hornets - Ochai Agbaji (@DaChowder)

Though a senior, Agbaji provides terrific wing defense and three-point shot making ability to a Hornets team looking to shift from a rebuild into a more winning culture. With LaMelo at the helm, Bridges drawing in defenders, and a hole on the wing, the Kansas senior should get plenty of open looks.

#14 Cleveland Cavaliers - Jalen Williams (@C_Hollywood3)

Jalen Williams provides the Cavaliers with much needed creation and versatility on the wing. He is 6’6 with an impressive 7’2 wingspan and is one of the most gifted passers in this year’s class. The Cavs can expect the older prospect to take some of the playmaking pressure off of Darius Garland, as he is a natural PnR ball handler. Williams also provides Cleveland with positional versatility as he can play the 2 or the 3 with his size, which will allow them to experiment with even more funky lineups. Off of the ball Williams will bring some of the best shooting in this year’s class, shooting 48.4% on his catch and shoot jumpers, and a ridiculous 61.5% on his contested catch and shoot jumpers.

#15 Charlotte Hornets - Mark Williams (@DaChowder)

The Hornets have a center problem, plain and simple. With shades of Hassan Whiteside and Robert Williams, the Duke big man offers Charlotte more of the explosive attribute they're embracing.

#16 Atlanta Hawks - Jeremy Sochan (@Austin_Alkire)

Sochan is a 6’9” forward out of Baylor who can potentially defend all five positions. At the worst, he’ll defend the 3-5 and use his elite defensive IQ to helps the Hawks on that side of the floor. On the offensive side, he’s big enough and skilled enough as a ball handler to make his way to the basket and generate offense. He also has a playmaking touch to his game that has developed at Baylor. With many wings and guards already taken, Sochan stood out as the best player falling down the draft board. With John Collins future in question, his fit shouldn’t be a problem. His shooting needs to evolve and he has the potential to raise his percentages there. Best player available provides the Hawks a massive draft win here, in my opinion.

#17 Houston Rockets - Tari Eason (@DeionFibber)

The Rockets Small Forward depth is weak considering the rumors and talent level of those under the position, and is the biggest question mark throughout the entire roster. Tari would become that athletic glue guy who would also be one of the best defenders in any Rockets lineup. Being such a great defender Tari can excel getting plenty steal and block opportunities, leaking out in transition for plenty flashy dunks. With Paolo being drafted earlier the Rockets can max out on interior scorers and lob/screen threats for KPJ and Jalen Green.

#18 Chicago Bulls - E.J. Liddell (@Austin_Alkire)

The Chicago Bulls will be looking to draft a player that can contribute to their team sooner rather than later. E.J. Liddell has potential as a 3-and-D guy with a heavy emphasis on the defense. He shows great defensive IQ, good timing and impressive leaping ability which comes from his volleyball family. He has improved his shooting ability every season at Ohio State, shooting roughly 49-37-77 this season. He should be able to come in and be a plus defender and work on that shot and his overall athleticism which will give him further flexibility in defending multiple positions. He will add to the Bulls defense and maybe even fill in the missing spots that could open up through trades or free agent departures.

#19 Minnesota Timberwolves - Ty Ty Washington (@7NBA_Fan7)

Coming off a freshman year rattled by injury, Ty Washington's preseason projections had him much higher up the draft board. Getting him at 19 is a steal for Minnesota who had some point guard issues in there recent postseason matchup versus the Grizzles. Washington also poses as a possible replacement for D’Angelo Russell, who has heard his name in trade rumors. Aside from his impressive scoring ability, at Kentucky Washington showed willingness to get his teammates involved and will have lots of weapons to dish to on this young Timberwolves roster.

#20 San Antonio Spurs - Jaden Hardy (@treyydort)

Coming with a huge potential and pure scoring ability with very good shot creating. Hardy is a combo guard that can be used in both sides of the game and this makes him special.Also he is good at help defence and have very high level of defensive IQ.This g league season was a little bit dissapointment for him so this is the reason why he still available but he showed what his potential is. With him dejounte and davis spurs will have elite level of backcourt and bright future ahead

#21 Denver Nuggets - Marjon Beauchamp (@NuggetsAAccess)

What really stood out about Marjon was his infectious defense, standing at 6’6 with a 7’1 wingspan there’s no doubt he was every a terrific defender. He’s an excellent transition finisher and with Jokic whipping the ball 90 feet Marjon will be there to finish efficiently. Marjon lacks shooting but he was very efficient overall in the G-League even with a struggling jumpshot. Coming into his rookie season Marjons most impactful role would to become an above average defender for the Nuggets, because being great on defense is a KEY way into Michael Malones heart.

#22 Memphis Grizzlies - Dalen Terry (@Austin_Alkire)

Memphis holds two picks in this first round which makes it easier to take riskier players. At pick 22, it came down to Dalen Terry, Ousmane Deng, and Jake LaRavia. Deng was almost the pick but Terry has more upside as a two-way, athletic player. His ability to laterally get into passing lanes and attack the ball carrier is infectious on defense. He’s an above average passer and an unselfish player and improved Arizona’s point differential whenever he was on the floor. Terry will need to work on making tougher shots but Memphis is the right situation for him to come in and further develop his shooting and offensive game.

#23 Philadelphia 76ers - Ousmane Dieng (@CManFlan)

The 6’10” forward from New Zealand falls a long way from the mid-to-late-lottery where many experts mock him to go. Daryl Morey has never been one to shy away from risk, making the swing on Ousmane here after so many others passed feel right. His frame fills a team need well if he pans out in the long term as the team looks to move Tobias Harris and Danny Green this off-season. The only question mark holding Ousmane back is his outside shot-making because his creation for himself and others is promising for a player of his size.

#24 Milwaukee Bucks - Jake LaRavia (@TheBenchMobBlog)

Jake LaRavia plays the role of a modern NBA four to a tee. The Wake Forest product shoots a smooth stroke from deep and can switch onto all five positions. He’s not the most athletic guy out there, but he makes up for it with high IQ and feel. LaRavia seems like he’ll be a sure fire contributor early on at the next level and that’s exactly what the contending Bucks should be looking for at 24.

#25 San Antonio Spurs - Nikola Jovic (@Austin_Alkire)

At 19 years old Nikola Jovic is coming with a huge potential. He is a oversized wing that have very good creation ability and he also have very good vision and high passing IQ. He is athletic enough to finish at the rim also. The biggest negative side about his game is his defence but he can develop into average defender he has tools for this and Spurs and Pop is the perfect fit for him.

#26 Houston Rockets - Kennedy Chandler (@Spencp99)

Kennedy Chandler was spectacular during his lone season at Tennessee, and the only thing holding him back from being a higher pick is his height. Defensive switches may be a concern in the NBA but Chandler proved himself to be a pesky defender in college who can get steals in bunches. At only 19 years old, he has plenty of room to grow and should fit nicely with Houstons rebuilding timeline and roster. Chandler will get to play early as the Rockets backup point guard and best case scenario become their long term starter at the position.

#27 Miami Heat - Blake Wesley (@JackSimoneNBA)

Everything about Blake Wesley makes him look like the perfect guy for the Miami Heat, and most mocks have him going just after the lottery. If he falls, Miami would have to snag him. He’s a great ball-handler who can playmake at a high level and brings amazing energy on the defensive end, as he often guarded opposing teams’ best player in college. With Tyler Herro’s status in Miami being a constant question mark, bringing in another young, talented guard would be the perfect draft for the Heat.

#28 Golden State Warriors - Walker Kessler (@ConorGeelanNBA)

The champs don't have many holes, but they could use their late first round pick to draft another center as James Wiseman is still a question mark and they leaned on Kevon Looney a little too hard this postseason. Kessler was arguably the best interior defender in college basketball and has nice finishing ability close to the rim. He could fill out their second unit both offensively and defensively.

#29 Memphis Grizzlies - Wendell Moore Jr. (@ihytsunami)

Wendell Moore Jr. is an extremely versatile defender who can guard the 1-4 effectively, which would be a great fit for times when Jaren Jackson is in foul trouble. He's an efficient shooter, but his 3-point shot could definitely use some work. A win-now type of player for the Grizzlies, his well-rounded game will be a great addition for the Grizzlies should Kyle Anderson leave in free agency.

#30 Denver Nuggets - Jabari Walker (@NuggetsAAccess)

A big 6’8 Forward who could play besides either MPJ or Aaron Gordon and give them great defense and floor spacing. Having him in the backup role with Zeke Nnaji is trouble for many backup frontcourts, because you have two rebound shooters at your PF and Center position. The Nuggets capping off their first round with a defensive specialist.

Kyrie's future in Brooklyn is uncertain

According to Shams Charania, Kyrie Irving and the Nets are ‘at impasse’ that clears the way for him to test the open market. This honestly makes sense given Kyrie's desire for a long term, max contract and Brooklyn's hesitancy to commit given Kyrie's historical inability to play a full season. Surely more details will emerge soon, but know that Kyrie has until June 29 to opt into his 1-year player-option contract. If he leaves Brooklyn, we think he'd be nasty on the Clippers.

Caleb Swanigan passes away

To the shock and heartbreak of many, Caleb Swanigan passed away yesterday at just 25 years of age. The former Purdue star and 2017 first round pick played three years in the NBA, mostly for the Portland Trailblazers. Swanigan battled in early childhood with obesity and was recently reported to have gained a dramatically unhealthy amount of weight right after falling out of the NBA. It's always a tragedy when the NBA community -- or any community -- loses someone so young. Rest In Peace, Caleb, and let those struggling in life find help.

The Ringer's 2022 NBA Draft Guide - Kevin O'Connor (The Ringer) - HIGHLY recommend

2022 NBA Draft Analysis: Bennedict Mathurin - Mark Schindler and Caitlin Cooper, (Indy Cornrows)

Examining potential destinations for Mitchell Robinson - Drew Maresca, (Basketball News)

1 minute, 1.2 million followers: Chet Holmgren video sprouts TikTok success story for two friends - John Volk (Star Tribune)

Well, that was a long newsletter! If you're here, congrats on making it to the end! If not... well you'll never see this anyways.

We're pumped for the Draft tomorrow. Dozens of young men will have their lives completely changed forever and get to share the moment with their closest friends and family. Nothing better.

- Conor Geelan

Last Trivia Answer: Gilbert Arenas scored the most points in a single game by a second round pick. The 31st overall pick in 2001 scored 60 points on the road against the LA Lakers on December 17th, 2006.

Trivia Question: Which active NBA player has attempted the most free throws in a single game? (Hints: he did it twice with 39 attempts, and his 25 FT makes in one game is second amongst active players)