2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Jabari Smith rising in latest projections of every pick

With the 2021-22 basketball season in full swing, scouts and front-office executives have had an extended look at the next wave of prospects set to enter the NBA.

Prior to the beginning of the season, Duke forward Paolo Banchero and Gonzaga center Chet Holmgren dominated the conversation atop most draft boards. However, the top of the draft looks to be changing with Auburn forward Jabari Smith Jr. emerging in a big way this season.

Rookie Wire took a look at the next rookie class and projected every pick based on the latest information at hand. Of course, with much of the season left to play, these rankings will change but here is how we see things at the moment.

Note: The order of the draft was pulled from Tankathon as of Jan. 19. The 2022 draft may only have 58 picks after the Bucks and Heat were stripped of their second-round picks by the NBA.

Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, Duke

AP Photo/Frank Franklin II

Height: 6-10

Weight: 250

Year: Freshman

Position: F

Banchero has dazzled throughout the collegiate season with Duke. He has proven to be able to score from all three levels, from spotting up beyond the arc to working inside the paint. He has proven to be very effective in the mid-range, often creating space with his patented jab-step move. His offensive skills, and physical tools, make him a strong choice atop the draft.

The player that ultimately goes with the first pick very well may come down to which team wins the lottery. The Magic will have yet another high pick this year and adding a player like Banchero will give them another playmaker, and add to their young nucleus with Markelle Fultz, Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner.

Detroit Pistons: Jabari Smith Jr., Auburn

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-10

Weight: 220

Year: Freshman

Position: F

After a tremendous start to the season, Smith has put himself firmly in the conversation to be the top pick this year. Smith, who is the son of former NBA veteran Jabari Smith, is averaging 16.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, two assists and 1.5 steals on 44.2% shooting from 3-point range. He has impressed with his ability on offense as a player that can create for himself and shoot from all over the court. He has also shown that he can push the break on his own, something that has been a sight to behold this season for the Tigers. He fits perfectly into the NBA today on offense while he can switch and provide help on defense.

Houston Rockets: Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga

AP Photo/Young Kwak

Height: 7-0

Weight: 195

Year: Freshman

Position: C

Holmgren has long been touted as a top-three pick, and the 7-footer is showing exactly why this season. Take his debut game with the Bulldogs, for example. He became the first player over the last 25 seasons to register at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five blocks in a Division I debut on Nov. 9. It is precisely that sort of production that will translate over well to the next level.

His unique blend of size and athleticism has also made him a terror inside of the paint and that is paying off with 3.3 blocked shots per game. He has the tools to be elite on the defensive end of the floor while his offensive game is improving on a nightly basis. Holmgren could go even higher on draft night depending on how the ping-pong balls fall.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaden Ivey, Purdue

Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-4

Weight: 195

Year: Sophomore

Position: G

Ivey was considered one of the top returning players this season, and that decision to come back is paying off in a big way. He has boosted his draft stock through the first half of the season and appears to be a lock as a top-five pick. He is averaging 16.4 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.3 steals on 43% shooting from 3-point range. Ivey is as explosive as they come with the ball in his hands, something that can fit in with any team in the NBA. His decision-making and shot creation seem to be improving, which should help him moving forward.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

Indiana Pacers: Johnny Davis, Wisconsin

Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5

Weight: 196

Year: Sophomore

Position: G

Davis has had an incredible rise this year and has his name in the mix to be a top-five pick. He averaged just seven points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 steals in 31 games last season but has improved those numbers to 22.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in a larger role to begin the season. Davis, who was named the 2021 Maui Invitational Tournament MVP, recently turned in a career performance on Jan. 3 after scoring 37 points and 14 rebounds in a win over No. 3 Purdue. He is fifth in Division I in scoring and has proven to be a dynamic scorer this season by creating for himself or by working in the mid-range. Davis has been among the biggest risers to this point and it is easy to see why.

New Orleans Pelicans: Bennedict Mathurin, Arizona

Rebecca Sasnett/Arizona Daily Star via AP

Height: 6-6

Weight: 210

Year: Sophomore

Position: G

The decision to return to school for a sophomore season appears to have paid off for Mathurin. He is now most commonly projected to be a high lottery pick after a strong start to the season with the Wildcats. Mathurin has improved in nearly every statistical category across the board and is averaging 18 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists. He was viewed as an exceptional 3-point shooter and has carried that into this season after shooting 36.3% on 6.1 attempts per game. With his athleticism and ability to shoot, Mathurin should stay near the top of the draft board this season.

San Antonio Spurs: Jalen Duren, Memphis

AP Photo/Thomas Graning

Height: 6-10

Weight: 230

Year: Freshman

Position: C

Duren has drawn comparisons to Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat given his size and skills. The physicality Duren plays with makes him a force in the paint while he is thought to be very advanced in his abilities at this stage of his career. He has unveiled a little bit of a mid-range shot with the Tigers, something that will certainly help expand his offensive package with more attempts and practice. Duren has also shown a willingness to pass, which has helped the Tigers’ offense. He has plenty of upside and room to develop and could be someone the Spurs target to help add depth.

Sacramento Kings: Kendall Brown, Baylor

Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-8

Weight: 205

Year: Freshman

Position: F

Brown has filled the highlight reels on a consistent basis this season with his elite athleticism. He is a constant lob threat around the rim and has emerged as a tremendous cutter for Baylor. He has shown that he can impact games on the defensive end and can guard nearly every position on the court, safe for the five. He hasn’t shown real confidence in his shot, attempting only 14 3-pointers, but it should come with more reps and practice. Brown has a fairly wide range, with some having him as going in the middle of the first round, but he certainly can fill quite a few needs at the next level.

Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin, Duke

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-6

Weight: 222

Year: Freshman

Position: F

Griffin, the son of former 10-year NBA veteran and Toronto Raptors assistant coach Adrian Griffin, got off to a slow start this season after suffering a knee injury in training camp but is starting to emerge for the Blue Devils. He earned his first start of the season on Jan. 12, recording a season-high 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting from the field, and has now scored in double figures in six out of his last nine games.

He is one of the youngest players in the draft and is viewed as one of the most physical players in the draft with a 7-foot-2 wingspan. Given his uneven season to this point, some are still unsure of where he’ll fall in the draft but with plenty of basketball left to play, Griffin will have the chance to prove he is a lottery pick and it appears as though he is doing just that as of late.

Portland Trail Blazers: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee

AP Photo/Alan Youngblood

Height: 6-9

Weight: 220

Year: Freshman

Position: G

The Panthers have struggled this season, posting only a 6-12 record and have struggled against most Division I schools, leaving Baldwin as their top option. He has dealt with multiple injuries this season that have cut his season to just eight appearances as of Jan. 19 but Baldwin still projects to be a lottery pick. He still has plenty of room to grow and is highly thought of as a prospect that can help space the floor.

New York Knicks: TyTy Washington Jr., Kentucky

Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-3

Weight: 197

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Washington has emerged this season as a strong guard that can play on or off of the ball. He is posting 14.5 points, 4.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 17 games on 41.1% shooting from 3-point range. He has established himself as a strong three-level scorer and has great court vision with the ball in his hands. In fact, Washington recently recorded 17 points, 17 assists and five rebounds in a win over Georgia, breaking John Wall’s single-game assist record. He has good size at his position and that should ensure he hears his name called in the lottery.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Keegan Murray, Iowa

Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-8

Weight: 225

Year: Sophomore

Position: PF

Murray started the season projected to be a late first-round pick but, with an outstanding year to this point, has his name in the discussion to be a lottery pick. He is averaging 23.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 1.5 steals and 1.1 assists and currently leads the nation in scoring. He has failed to score in double figures only once in 16 games and has two 35-point performances this season. He is more than just a scorer, though. He is the only high-major player this season with at least 200 points, 100 rebounds, 30 blocked shots and 20 steals.

Boston Celtics: Jaden Hardy, NBA G League Ignite

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-4

Weight: 198

Year: N/A

Position: G

Hardy entered the season projected by most to be a top-five pick but has since dropped down most draft boards after an inconsistent showing with the Ignite. He is averaging 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.3 steals in 12 games on just 35.1% shooting from the field. He hasn’t offered much in terms of outside shooting, converting on only 26.9% from beyond the arc on 6.5 attempts per game, and has struggled in the midrange. However, he looks to have great shooting mechanics so those numbers figure to improve. Despite the low shooting percentages, Hardy still has elite athleticism and can be a problem when getting downhill. He appears to be putting a slow start behind him and will look to improve as the season progresses.

For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire

Toronto Raptors: Kennedy Chandler, Tennessee

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-0

Weight: 171

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Chandler is averaging 13.6 points, 4.9 assists, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 steals in 14 games this season. He entered the season known as an athletic point guard that can create for himself and others as that has been on display through the season. Chandler produced a career-high 27 points on Dec. 4 as his 13 field goals in that contest were the most by a Volunteers player since 2013. He is a solid 3-point shooter, converting on 33.3% of his attempts this season and could be a good floor-spacer at the next level.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jean Montero, Overtime Elite

Photo courtesy of Overtime Elite

Height: 6-2

Weight: 175

Year: N/A

Position: G

Montero, who is from the Dominican Republic, played the past two seasons with Gran Canaria of the Liga ACB before joining Overtime Elite. He emerged as a great scorer overseas with his athleticism and ability to create for himself and has carried that over into this season. However, his competition is far less superior than those prospects playing in college or professionally so there will likely be questions surrounding Montero throughout the pre-draft process. He should still hear his name called, more than likely somewhere in the middle of the first round.

Minnesota Timberwolves: MarJon Beauchamp

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-6

Weight: 199

Year: N/A

Position: F

Beauchamp, a former four-star recruit from Yakima Valley College, has been arguably the top prospect on the Ignite this season, averaging 15.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals in 12 games. He has dazzled at times on the defensive end with his athleticism and length and has looked to be a willing defender with his energy and effort. His shooting will need to improve after converting on 24.2% from beyond the arc but Beauchamp has had a remarkable journey to this point and is poised to become a first-round pick.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

Washington Wizards: Wendell Moore Jr., Duke

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5

Weight: 213

Year: Junior

Position: F

Moore is averaging a career-high 15.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals this season. He has made huge strides in 3-point shooting, improving from 30.1% last season to 41.1% this season. Moore has given the Blue Devils great production across the board and has nearly recorded a couple of triple-doubles as a result. He has made great strides in his three seasons at Duke and appears to be a lock as a mid-first-rounder.

Denver Nuggets: JD Davison, Alabama

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-3

Weight: 195

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Davison has had a strong freshman campaign for the Crimson Tide, averaging 8.1 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He has elite athleticism and plenty of explosiveness to create for himself. His best game of the season came on Dec. 4 after producing a career-high 20 points in a win over then-No. 3 Gonzaga.

However, he is converting on 29.7% of his 3-point attempts and hasn’t shot well in the mid-range. Some also believe he may benefit by returning to campus for a sophomore season so he may not be a lock to leave after this year. Despite those concerns, Davison should earn some looks from teams that have development opportunities given his raw athleticism and ability on offense.

We now present to you perhaps the dunk of the year from Davison on Jan. 11.

Atlanta Hawks: Trevor Keels, Duke

Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5

Weight: 221

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Keels kicked off his freshman campaign with a 25-point performance on 10-of-18 shooting from the field in a win over No. 10 Kentucky. Many believe Keels can transform into a strong 3-and-D prospect given his elite ability to lock in on defense. His 3-point shooting will need to improve to reach that potential but the 18-year-old has the size and physicality to defend at the next level. Keels has 33 steals on the season, which ranks third in the ACC.

Dallas Mavericks: Nikola Jovic, KK Mega Basket (Serbia)

FIBA.Basketball

Height: 6-10

Weight: 209

Year: N/A

Position: F

Jovic is highly touted for his overall ability: He can handle the ball, shoot and rebound. He has shown some good moments on defense but will need to continue to improve on that end of the floor. He is averaging 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists this season on 37.7% shooting from 3-point range. Jovic is highly touted as a shooter at his size and should have no issue extending his range to the NBA line. He has helped his stock this season and should be in the mix to be a mid-first-round pick.

Philadelphia 76ers: Dyson Daniels, NBA G League Ignite

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-6

Weight: 199

Year: N/A

Position: G

Daniels emerged as one more intriguing international prospects in recent memory after spending time with the NBA Academy in Australia. He is viewed as one of the top players on the Ignite this season, an interesting development considering the team also has the likes of Michael Foster Jr. and Jaden Hardy.

He has excelled in just about every area of the game with the exception of his shooting after converting on just 25.5% from beyond the arc. Still, his ability to make plays for others, defend at a high level on the perimeter and make smart decisions should be enough for him to hear his name fairly early on draft night.

For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire

Milwaukee Bucks: Harrison Ingram, Stanford

Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-7

Weight: 230

Year: Freshman

Position: F

Ingram is averaging 11.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 15 games this season with Stanford. He has good size at his position that should translate well to the next level and looks to be comfortable handling the ball in stretches. He has displayed good court vision to this point of the season and has made some good reads. He turned in arguably his best outing of the season on Jan. 11 in an upset win over No. 5 USC with 21 points and 10 rebounds. He isn’t viewed as the most athletic player in the draft and there are concerns with his shooting after converting on 33.3% of his attempts from 3-point range. However, Ingram just turned 19 in November and still has plenty of room to grow.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, Kansas

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5

Weight: 215

Year: Senior

Position: G

Agbaji, who is leading the Big 12 in scoring, is averaging a career-high 19.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. He has been incredible from deep this season, shooting 47.3% on 6.6 attempts per game. He has emerged as the go-to player for the Jayhawks and is a big reason why they are ranked so high this season. He will likely finish as an All-American and could be a potential lottery pick by the end of the year.

Houston Rockets: Tari Eason, LSU

Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-8

Weight: 216

Year: Sophomore

Position: F

Eason is posting a career-high 15.4 points, seven rebounds, 1.5 steals, 1.3 blocked shots and one assist per game. He has emerged as a tremendous defensive player this season, ranking first in defensive rating (74.8), ninth in defensive win shares (1.5) and fourth in defensive box plus/minus (6.6). He is highly efficient, boasting a 32.1 PER but still has much to improve shooting-wise, converting on only 27.8% from 3-point range. His draft range is a bit all over the place but his ceiling looks to be in the middle of the first round.

For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire

Miami Heat: E.J. Liddell, Ohio State

Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-7

Weight: 240

Year: Junior

Position: F

Liddell, who tested the NBA draft last year, previously said teams wanted him to improve his shooting and defensive ability, and the 21-year-old has done just that. He is averaging a career-high 19.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.8 blocked shots this season. Perhaps most impressive, his 3-point shooting has improved to 39.7% on 3.6 attempts per game, up from 33.8% a season ago. He projects to give teams drafting in the 20s a floor-spacing big that has transformed more into a modern NBA big, which would fill a few needs here for the Heat.

Chicago Bulls: Blake Wesley, Notre Dame

Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-5

Weight: 185

Year: Freshman

Position: G

Wesley is averaging 14.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 17 games this season for the Fighting Irish. He has scored in double figures in 14 straight games, which is a Notre Dame record for a true freshman. Wesley possesses great athleticism, and has a quick first step, which has often allowed him to blow past defenders. He has proven that he can create for himself and others, and has excelled in the halfcourt in that area. He has been among the biggest risers through the first half of the season and could eventually climb higher.

Memphis Grizzles: Christian Braun, Kansas

Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-7

Weight: 218

Year: Junior

Position: G

Braun plays just about as confidently as you’d want from a college player, and that has resulted in a huge leap this season. He is posting a career-high 15.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game on 35.1% shooting from 3-point range. He boasts excellent athleticism that will carry over to the next level, along with his ability to defend and get others involved. On Tuesday, Braun came up with a clutch 3-pointer late that helped Kansas hold off Oklahoma.

Memphis Grizzlies: Mark Williams, Duke

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 7-1

Weight: 242

Year: Sophomore

Position: C

Williams, who boasts a 7-foot-5 wingspan, has emerged as an excellent rim protector this season. He is averaging 9.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.4 blocked shots per game on 67.3% shooting from the field. He ranks fifth in the country in blocks and block percentage (15.3) while he is first in blocks and defensive rating (84.9), and second in block percentage in the ACC. He has the skill set that every team covets on that end of the floor and will likely be a first-round pick as a result.

Golden State Warriors: Jeremy Sochan, Baylor

Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6-9

Weight: 230

Year: Freshman

Position: F

Sochan has become an excellent defender this season, something that would fit into the defensive philosophy instilled by the Warriors. He has the size to handle the physicality and has shown an ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Averaging 7.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, two assists and 1.1 steals, Sochan impacts games in a variety of ways, something that teams may covet at this point of the draft. Some believe he is not a sure-fire one-and-done prospect but that could change with more strong performances this season.

For more coverage on the Warriors, visit Warriors Wire

Oklahoma City Thunder: Christian Koloko, Arizona

AP Photo/Rick Scuteri

Height: 7-1

Weight: 230

Year: Junior

Position: C

Koloko is another defensive-minded big that projects to be available at the end of the first round. He is averaging 13.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 1.1 assists and one steal this season. He ranks second in the country in defensive rating (77.4) and seventh in the country in blocked shots per game. In fact, Koloko has blocked at least one shot in every game this season and would give the Thunder a strong inside presence with this pick.

For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire

Second Round: Nos. 31-40

31. Orlando: Bryce McGowens, Nebraska

32. San Antonio (via Detroit): Ousmane Dieng, NZ Breakers (NBL)

33. Cleveland (via Houston): Yannick Nzosa, Unicaja (Spain)

34. Oklahoma City: Hugo Besson, NZ Breakers (NBL)

35. Orlando (via Indiana): Caleb Houstan, Michigan

36. Cleveland (via San Antonio): Julian Champagnie, St. John’s

37. Charlotte (via New Orleans): Walker Kessler, Auburn

38. Sacramento: Jaime Jaquez Jr., UCLA

39. Portland: Ismael Kamagate, Paris (France)

40. Atlanta: Roko Prkacin, KK Cibona (Croatia)

Second Round: Nos. 41-50

41. Los Angeles Clippers: Jabari Walker, Colorado

42. New York: Jordan Hall, St. Joseph’s

43. Minnesota: Dereon Seabron, N.C. State

44. San Antonio (via LAL): Aminu Mohammed, Georgetown

45. Boston: Michael Foster, NBA G League Ignite

46. Golden State (via Toronto): Allen Flanigan, Auburn

47. Minnesota (via Washington): Trevion Williams, Purdue

48. Minnesota (via Denver): Tristan Vukcevic, Real Madrid (Spain)

49. Charlotte: Keon Ellis, Alabama

50. Dallas: Johnny Juzang, UCLA

Second Round: Nos. 51-60

51: Miami: Forfeited

52. Milwaukee: Forfeited

53. New Orleans (via Cleveland): Drew Timme, Gonzaga

54. Detroit (via Brooklyn): Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana

55. Indiana (via Miami): Justin Lewis, Marquette

56. Sacramento (via Chicago): Orlando Robinson, Fresno State

57. New Orleans (via Utah): Khalifa Diop, Gran Canaria (Spain)

58. Utah (via Memphis): Peyton Watson, UCLA

59. Golden State: Zach Edey, Purdue

60. Phoenix: Terrence Shannon Jr., Texas Tech

1

1

1

1