1. Orlando Magic — Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn
The dynamic shooting ability and defensive versatility that Jabari Smith Jr. brings can help any team. The Orlando Magic could form an intriguing frontcourt tandem by drafting him and pairing him with Wendell Carter Jr. There’d be an intriguing core overall with Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs also in the fold.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder — Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga
There’s been talk about Chet Holmgren and his representation wanting to end up going No. 2 overall to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He’s been widely projected to go at this spot for a long time and there’s little reason to believe a different outcome is more likely at this stage. He’s a unique player with his light frame and all-around skills for a 7-footer.
3. Houston Rockets — Paolo Banchero, Duke
Moving on from Christian Wood seemed like a clear outcome for the Houston Rockets given he’s a win-now talent stuck in a rebuild. With Alperen Sengun now taking over the franchise-center role, there’d be a lot of offensive skills pairing Paolo Banchero with him. There are defensive limitations that would undoubtedly need to be taken into consideration, though.
4. TRADE: Indiana Pacers (via Sacramento Kings) — Jaden Ivey, Purdue
With Tyrese Haliburton being a pass-first point guard, it would help to add an aggressive backcourt partner like Jaden Ivey. They are in the mix to trade for the No. 4 overall pick from the Sacramento Kings. Here, we project them to be the team to do it. Meanwhile, the Kings get to stay within range of an intriguing prospect they can add to their core.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND DRAFT RUMORS: 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Early Look At Full First-Round Projections
5. Detroit Pistons — Keegan Murray, Iowa
Much of what the Detroit Pistons end up doing here will be determined by the Sacramento Kings and their trade negotiations with the No. 4 overall pick. If Jaden Ivey is off the board by the time the Pistons are on the clock, they are fans of Keegan Murray and can go with him at this spot.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND DRAFT RUMORS: 2022 NBA Mock Draft: Early Look At Full First-Round Projections
6. TRADE: Sacramento Kings (via Indiana Pacers) — Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona
After moving down a few spots, the Sacramento Kings would still land an intriguing prospect. They go with a wing prospect here by selecting Bennedict Mathurin. He’s become a hot name around the league after impressing during his workouts. With De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis in the fold, Mathurin could develop alongside them nicely.
