2022 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Who gets the star big men at the top?

The Trail Blazers may ultimately trade this pick as they look to build something more immediate around Damian Lillard. But Keegan Murray is a player who can contribute right away, fills a positional need and is talented enough to consider holding onto as a building block for the inevitable post-Lillard future.

Murray has a breakout sophomore season, upping his statistical production in nearly every category and establishing himself as one of the best big men in the second tier of this draft class. He finished the season averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting 55.4 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from beyond the arc. His face-up game may not translate to be quite as potent as it was at Iowa but he can spot-up, punish smaller defenders in the post and will still be able to create some advantages from the elbow against certain defenders. He’s also an active and engaged defender who can protect the rim and defend in space.