2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Final first-round predictions and analysis

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: A general view of the board after the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on July 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 29: A general view of the board after the first round of the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on July 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
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2022 NBA Mock Draft
Mar 13, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes forward Keegan Murray (15) celebrates beating Purdue Boilermakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 6. Keegan Murray, Indiana Pacers

School: Iowa

Height: 6’8″

Keegan Murray is the ideal stretch four for the modern NBA as an efficient shooter with coveted versatility on the defensive end. The star forward out of Iowa could easily be picked 4th by the Kings or 5th by the Pistons but if he’s available for the Indiana Pacers, the organization will be absolutely thrilled. Murray would be an excellent addition to Indiana’s promising young core headlined by 22-year-old stud Tyrese Haliburton.

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 7. Shaedon Sharpe, Portland Trail Blazers

School: Kentucky

Height: 6’6″

Shaedon Sharpe is the mystery of the draft after not playing a single game for Kentucky this past season. The 19-year-old is a gifted scorer and shifty athlete with a high ceiling, but his lack of experience and low motor are serious concerns. It would not be surprising if the Portland Trail Blazers traded this pick for a more experienced contributor as they retool the roster around superstar Damian Lillard. Although, if they hold onto the pick, Portland could be willing to take a chance on Sharpe’s upside. Sharpe also had an impressive pre-draft workout with the Blazers.

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 8. Dyson Daniels, New Orleans Pelicans

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 workouts. The New Orleans Pelicans need point guard depth. Daniels, who would elevate their versatility, transition offense, and playmaking, could be the answer if they maintain the pick.

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.

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 for the ball. 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.