2022 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 19-24
19. Minnesota Timberwolves – G TyTy Washington Jr. – Kentucky
TyTy Washington Jr. is too much of a steal for the Minnesota Timberwolves to pass up on with the 19th pick. He has some steep holes in his game, mainly size and outside shooting, but should be able to contribute to a young playoff team in his rookie year. Washington Jr. would bring hard-nosed defense and intelligent playmaking to the Wolves’ bench and could be relied on to run the second unit with poise.
20. San Antonio Spurs – F Nikola Jovic – Mega Mozzart
The San Antonio Spurs are no stranger to taking a chance on international prospects. Nikola Jovic gives them a big wing with guard skills and the potential to be a versatile weapon on both ends of the court.
He’ll need to bulk up his body to be effective on defense and will need to add touch to be a reliable threat on offense, but the Spurs have the development staff and patience necessary to see this pick through.
21. Denver Nuggets – F E.J. Liddell – Ohio State
The Denver Nuggets need stability around Nikola Jokic and E.J. Liddell brings it on both ends of the court. On offense, he returned to college to prove himself a reliable deep shooter and did just that. Now, he’s can score as a low-post threat, put-back artist, or a spot-up shooter.
On defense, he has the agility to guard on the perimeter and the strength and length to bang down low. He’s a seasoned veteran who could contribute on Denver’s bench right away in Paul Millsap’s old role.
22. Memphis Grizzlies (via UTA) – G Jaden Hardy – G-League Ignite
The Memphis Grizzlies could use some more explosiveness off of their bench and Jaden Hardy is just the prospect to provide it. A blue-chip prospect who saw his draft stock plummet after a disappointing season in the G-League, Hardy has all of the tools necessary to be a two-way star at the next level; he just needs to prove that he can put it all together.
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In Memphis, he can run the second unit next to or in place of Tyus Jones and can grow alongside the Grizzlies’ core of young studs.
23. Brooklyn Nets (via PHI) – G Malaki Branham – Ohio State
The Brooklyn Nets showed throughout their first-round sweep at the hands of the Boston Celtics that they desperately need more shot creation and ballhandling. Malaki Branham brings both, while also possessing the outside shooting to play off of Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Ben Simmons.
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He’s also a solid defender with the size to contain both guard spots and some smaller forwards. He’ll be able to contribute right away to a team with title aspirations.
24. Milwaukee Bucks – G Kennedy Chandler – Tennessee
The Milwaukee Bucks don’t have much of a need to fill, but they could use another steady offensive creator. Kennedy Chandler was just that for the Volunteers. He was equally as effective playing on or off the ball and showed a knack for high-level playmaking.
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He’s also a stout defender despite being undersized. His speed on the open floor should make for some exciting fast breaks with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
