2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Final first-round predictions and analysis
A.J. Griffin. 11. player. 27. . Small Forward. New York Knicks
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 11. A.J. Griffin, New York Knicks
School: Duke
Height: 6’6″
In the 2022 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks should be searching for an offensive-minded prospect with their lottery pick. As a lethal shooter and crafty scorer, 19-year-old wing A.J. Griffin is certainly that. Griffin will be an efficient 3&D contributor with a high floor to become much more than that.
Jalen Duren. 12. player. 149. . Center. Oklahoma City Thunder
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 12. Jalen Duren, Oklahoma City Thunder
School: Memphis
Height: 6’10”
As a defensive beast with substantial athleticism and length, Jalen Duren will help a team reach new heights defensively. On the offensive end, he’ll mostly be effective as a roller to the basket with his ability to soar above the rim. If he’s available to the Thunder here, the idea of pairing Duren with Chet Holmgren to form a superior frontcourt tandem defensively would be really interesting. Of course, Jalen Duren will only grow from here, as he’s only 18 years old . The rim protector and explosive athlete will always bring the energy.
player. 170. . Power Forward. Charlotte Hornets. Jeremy Sochan. 13
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 13. Jeremy Sochan, Charlotte Hornets
School: Baylor
Height: 6’10”
Since the Charlotte Hornets desperately need to bolster its defense this offseason, drafting a defensive-minded asset such as Baylor’s Jeremy Sochan would be an ideal selection. Sochan is one of the best defenders in this draft with his versatility, length, and awareness. The 19-year-old forward would immediately make an impact in Charlotte on the defensive end and his offense would gradually grow alongside rising superstar LaMelo Ball.
Jalen Williams. 14. player. 156. . Shooting Guard. Cleveland Cavaliers
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 14. Jalen Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers
School: Santa Clara
Height: 6’6″
Jalen Williams is soaring up draft boards as a silky-smooth scorer with exciting upside on the wing. He faced weaker competition in college at Santa Clara and will need to improve more defensively, but the 21-year-old playmaker has all the tools to become an elite offensive weapon in the NBA. It would not be a stretch at all for the Cleveland Cavaliers to select rising prospect Jalen Williams with their lottery pick. His skill set would be a fine complement to Cleveland’s emerging core of Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen.
Center. Charlotte Hornets. Mark Williams. 15. player. 170.
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 15. Mark Williams, Charlotte Hornets
School: Duke
Height: 6’10”
Building off on the idea of Charlotte pursuing upgrades to the defensive corps this offseason, selecting Duke center Mark Williams would offer reliable rim protection to the promising squad. Charlotte could attempt to trade this pick for an established starting center such as Indiana’s Myles Turner, but expect them to take the best center available with one of their two first-round picks if they keep both. Mark Williams would fill a position of weakness and serve as a valuable defensive anchor with nice touch around the paint offensively for the Hornets.