2022 NBA Mock Draft: All first-round predictions, risers, fallers
Dyson Daniels. 6. player. 100. . Point Guard. Indiana Pacers
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 6. Dyson Daniels, Indiana Pacers
Pre-Draft Team: G League Ignite
Height: 6’6″
Dyson Daniels is a rising jumbo-sized point guard prospect with outstanding defensive mechanics and facilitating abilities. His jump shot will be the main question at the next level, but the 19-year-old Australian impressed scouts in that department at the NBA Combine and at his pre-draft workout with the Indiana Pacers. Daniels would be an ideal fit in Indiana with his versatility, transition defense, smooth penetration, and off-ball movement. Pairing him with Tyrese Haliburton in the backcourt would be a promising duo for years to come.
7. player. 34. . Center. Portland Trail Blazers. Jalen Duren
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 7. Jalen Duren, Portland Trail Blazers
School: Memphis
Height: 6’10”
If the Portland Trail Blazers keep this pick, Jalen Duren would be a buzzing selection. As a defensive beast with elite athleticism and length, Duren could help strengthen Portland’s lackluster defense while complementing superstar Damian Lillard on the offensive end with his ability to soar above the rim and screen and roll to the basket. He’s an excellent rim protector and athlete that would immediately benefit the Blazers in the frontcourt.
. Small Forward. New Orleans Pelicans. Bennedict Mathurin. 8. player. 69
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 8. Bennedict Mathurin, New Orleans Pelicans
School: Arizona
Height: 6’6″
Bennedict Mathurin projects to be an efficient shooter and solid defender on the wing at the NBA level. Mathurin’s upside will be higher on the offensive end as an explosive athlete with a nice touch and feel for the game. The Arizona product was a scoring machine and reliable perimeter defender in college and would excel in a similar but smaller role with the New Orleans Pelicans.
29. . Small Forward. San Antonio Spurs. Ousmane Dieng. 9. player
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 9. Ousmane Dieng, San Antonio Spurs
Pre-Draft Team: New Zealand Breakers
Height: 6’10”
Ousmane Dieng is a polarizing prospect as a “point forward” with tremendous upside. The 19-year-old uses his length and shiftiness to glide by defenders and break down the defense while possessing the tools to become an All-Star talent with proper development. Dieng is raw but can do it all, and the San Antonio Spurs have a history of developing international prospects.
player. 142. . Shooting Guard. Washington Wizards. Johnny Davis. 10
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 10. Johnny Davis, Washington Wizards
School: Wisconsin
Height: 6’5″
Johnny Davis had a breakout season in his sophomore year at Wisconsin, scoring 19.7 points per game and earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. He’s an attack-minded scorer with a quick first step and will be a terrific perimeter defender in the NBA as a relentless, high-motor hound. Given the Washington Wizards’ needs on the defensive side of the ball combined with superstar Bradley Beal’s uncertain future, Davis would be an admirable fit.