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2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams

By Trevyn Gray

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Mark Williams reacts after being drafted 15th overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 23: Mark Williams reacts after being drafted 15th overall by the Charlotte Hornets during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images) /
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2022 NBA Draft
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 23: Jaden Ivey reacts after being drafted with the 5th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons during the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2022 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland took a jump this year as one of the more competitive teams in the Eastern Conference this season. However, they missed the playoffs due to a late-season slump with injuries.

The Cavs needed a 3&D wing to pair with all of their scoring and interior defense. To remedy this need, they drafted Kansas’ Ochai Agbaji with the 14th pick to round out the lottery selections.

Grade: A-

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Dallas Mavericks

After trading for Christian Wood, Dallas did not pick in the first round of the draft.

Grade: N/A

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Denver Nuggets

Although Nikola Jokic has continued to dominate on the court in his second consecutive MVP campaign, Denver has struggled with injuries to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. They will look to contend with the best of the best in the Western Conference once they both return to full strength.

The Nuggets’ main need for their roster is an insurance policy for both Murray (and especially) Porter Jr. They drafted Kansas’ Christian Braun, who projects as a solid contributing role player for Denver, with the 21st pick.

They also drafted UCLA’s Peyton Watson with the Thunder’s pick. This was an upside pick, as he has the tools to be a big two-way wing at the next level with the correct development.

Grade: B

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Detroit Pistons

The Pistons have looked to rebuild their team with a number of top picks over the last few years. They have won less than 25 games for three consecutive seasons. They recently traded Jerami Grant for a protected first-round pick, freeing up their budget to secure their place with the most cap space in the league.

Detroit drafted Purdue’s Jaden Ivey with the fifth-overall pick to pair Cade Cunningham with an explosive guard at the point position.

The Pistons traded for Memphis’ Jalen Duren, who was drafted by the Hornets with the 13th pick. Duren is an elite shot blocker. They also added Kemba Walker in the deal that saw them acquire Duren, by way of the Knicks.

Grade: A-

2022 NBA Draft: Evaluating the 1st-Round for all 30 teams: Golden State Warriors

The dynasty continued for the Warriors, as they won their fourth championship in eight years this season. Golden State added to this by drafting Patrick Baldwin Jr from Milwaukee, a player who will fit in with his modern-day basketball skillset.

Grade: A+

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