2022 NBA Mock Draft: 16. Ochai Agbaji, Atlanta Hawks
School: Kansas
Height: 6’6″
Ochai Agbaji is an NBA-ready wing that can score from all angles on the court and defend at a high level. He’s already 22 years old, but the NCAA champion with Kansas would make an immediate impact on a competitive team like the Atlanta Hawks. Agbaji would naturally slide into Atlanta’s rotation as they reshape the supporting cast around Trae Young.
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 17. Tari Eason, Houston Rockets
School: LSU
Height: 6’8″
The Houston Rockets could go in a variety of directions with this pick, but it would make sense to target a more defensive-minded prospect such as LSU forward Tari Eason. The 21-year-old is a menace on the defensive end with sparkling athleticism and versatility. Eason would be a fabulous addition to the frontcourt to complement Houston’s exciting young core.
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 18. EJ Liddell, Chicago Bulls
School: Ohio State
Height: 6’7″
E.J. Liddell won’t be a superstar in the league, but he’ll be a star in his role as a stretch four that can efficiently and consistently shoot, pass, rebound, protect the rim, and defend multiple positions. The Ohio State product will immediately make an impact in the NBA and seems to be exactly what the Chicago Bulls need at the power forward position. Liddell would be an impactful Swiss Army knife producer on both ends of the floor for the Bulls.
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 19. Dalen Terry, Minnesota Timberwolves
School: Arizona
Height: 6’7″
Dalen Terry’s flashy athleticism, solid playmaking ability, and high upside defensively would immediately bring value to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Terry mostly played point guard for Arizona but also spent minutes on the wing due to his versatility and seven-foot wingspan. His non-stop energy, high motor, and winning mentality along with his two-way skill set could be exactly what the Timberwolves need at the guard position.
2022 NBA Mock Draft: 20. Walker Kessler, San Antonio Spurs
School: Auburn
Height: 7’0″
As a seven-foot shot-blocking machine, Auburn center Walker Kessler is an intelligent rim protector that will benefit any team in need of a defensive-minded center. Kessler is limited offensively, outside of being a lob threat, and must develop more physically. However, the Defensive Player of the Year in college basketball that averaged 4.5 blocks per game last season should have a clear role in the NBA. The San Antonio Spurs should be interested in a rim protector with starting center Jakob Poeltl on an expiring contract.