2022 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 7-12
7. Indiana Pacers – G/F A.J. Griffin – Duke
Perhaps the most boom-or-bust prospect in the draft, A.J. Griffin is a highly debated player among draft and NBA circles. Some believe that his shooting release is too slow and that the injuries he suffered in high school have sapped away too much of his athleticism for him to be a star.
More optimistic pundits have seen the impact he made with the Blue Devils despite not being a feature part of the offense and with two years away from competitive basketball. Griffin projects to be a strong 3-and-D wing at the least, but if he can improve his shot creation and regain his athleticism, he could turn into the steal of the draft.
8. Sacramento Kings – F/C Jalen Duren – Memphis
The perfect prospect falls right into Sacramento’s lap with the eighth overall pick. After forming a new star tandem with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Kings desperately need a rangy, athletic rim protector. Duren is just that if nothing else.
Right away, Duren will be able to take the tougher frontcourt assignment from Sabonis on defense, with the agility to guard forwards and the strength to guard centers. He’s very raw on offense but should be able to thrive off of dump-offs and lobs from Fox and Baby Sabas.
9. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL) – G/F Bennedict Mathurin – Arizona
The New Orleans Pelicans have a pretty complete roster, thanks to some shrewd moves in last year’s draft and an opportune swap before the trade deadline. The one thing they could use is more shooting. Bennedict Mathurin was a career 38 percent deep shooter as an Arizona Wildcat and did so with volume and off of a variety of looks.
Mathurin is also a great athlete and has impeccable size for a wing at 6’7. He should be able to contribute right away as a high-end 3-and-D wing for a Pelicans team with championship aspirations next season.
10. Washington Wizards – G Dyson Daniels – G-League Ignite
No matter what the Washington Wizards plan to do with Bradley Beal, they should take the best talent available in the draft. At the 10th-pick in this mock, Dyson Daniels is the greatest prospect remaining. Daniels is a true point guard with incredible size at his position. With his length and athleticism, he projects to be a versatile defender in the NBA.
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On offense, he’ll need to develop an outside shot in order to become a true star one day, but his playmaking and ability to get downhill will allow to orchestrate an attack from day one. Daniels would be both a perfect fit next to Bradley Beal or as Washington’s new lead guard.
11. New York Knicks – G Johnny Davis – Wisconsin
The New York Knicks need all of the guard talent and scoring they can get, so Johnny Davis is a perfect fit here in the late lottery. While Davis will need to develop a 3-point shot to become a dominant force on offense, his size, control, and midrange shooting will make him a bucket-getter from day one. He also projects to be an elite point-of-attack defender, something the Knicks could certainly use.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC) – F Jeremy Sochan – Baylor
After grabbing Keegan Murray with their first pick in the draft, the Oklahoma City Thunder would be ecstatic to grab Jeremy Sochan at 12. Sochan’s expected to be a defensive monster at the next level and should contribute right away as a weakside help defender and rim protector.
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On offense, he’s a liability as a shooter but is a strong finisher inside and has the playmaking chops to be an effective weapon in the short roll. With SGA, Josh Giddey, Keegan Murray, and Jeremy Sochan, OKC would have a gifted, wonky young core that would be the best show on league pass.
