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
LOUISVILLE, KY – JANUARY 22: Blake Wesley #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish is seen during the game against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on January 22, 2022 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Blake Wesley. 21. player. 73. . Shooting Guard. Denver Nuggets

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 21. Blake Wesley, Denver Nuggets

School: Notre Dame

Height: 6’5″

Blake Wesley could attract the Denver Nuggets with his scoring prowess and high motor. The 19-year-old guard can handle the ball, direct an offense, and thrive in transition. Denver would be a favorable landing spot for Wesley, with back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokic making it much easier for him offensively. He could eventually have a comfortable role in head coach Michael Malone’s system.

211. . Shooting Guard. Memphis Grizzlies. Marjon Beauchamp. 22. player

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 22. Marjon Beauchamp, Memphis Grizzlies

Pre-Draft Team: G League Ignite

Height: 6’6″

After an unbelievable season full of exceeding expectations, the Memphis Grizzlies should be looking to upgrade its perimeter defense as they aim to build a title contender moving forward. Shooting guard is also a position of need for the Grizzlies, so G League Ignite wing Marjon Beauchamp would be a thrilling addition. Beauchamp will excel on the defensive end for the most part throughout his NBA career with his versatility, lateral quickness, and impressive wingspan. But there’s offensive upside to him, too, especially off the ball, which would suit Memphis well. Beauchamp fits the Grizzlies’ intimidating identity of promising youth, swagger, and grind.

93. . Point Guard. Philadelphia 76ers. TyTy Washington Jr.. 23. player

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 23. TyTy Washington Jr., Philadelphia 76ers

School: Kentucky

Height: 6’4″

It seems almost certain that the Philadelphia 76ers will end up trading this pick, and whoever slots into this spot could have their eyes set on TyTy Washington Jr. as a prolific scorer and intriguing playmaker with quick hands and anticipation on the defensive end. TyTy has an electric feel to his game that could benefit any team looking to improve its guard depth.

Milwaukee Bucks. Jake LaRavia. 24. player. 89. . Power Forward

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 24. Jake LaRavia, Milwaukee Bucks

School: Wake Forest

Height: 6’8″

Jake LaRavia has been rising up draft boards ever since showcasing his versatility and all-around offensive package at the NBA Combine. LaRavia can efficiently score from all three levels, post up, and become a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He’s also a productive cutter and slasher while generating steals and blocks on the defensive end. LaRavia would fit well on the Milwaukee Bucks as a guy that would do all of the little things and contribute to the team right away with room for growth.

25. player. 29. . Shooting Guard. San Antonio Spurs. Malaki Branham

2022 NBA Mock Draft: 25. Malaki Branham, San Antonio Spurs

School: Ohio State

Height: 6’5″

Malaki Branham is a three-level scoring wing that can punish you with his smooth craft and proper shooting mechanics. He’s an attack-minded guard that can thrive in the half-court offense and in transition. Branham’s range seems to be anywhere from 14-26 in this draft, but the San Antonio Spurs should pounce on the opportunity to select him if he’s still on the board at this time.