NBA Mock Draft 2022: All the trades that could shake up the first-round
By Ian Levy
Here’s how the non-lottery looks after trades in our latest NBA Mock Draft:
The Thunder have three first-round picks and can plug a lot of holes. Koloko adds frontcourt depth as an athletic shot-blocker and rim-runner with some potential passing upside.
The Grizzlies have an incredible amount of young depth but it never hurts to add a raw wing with the tools to become a dynamic scorer and creator. He needs time and the Grizzlies have the luxury of being able to be patient with him.
LaRavia doesn’t stand out in any one particular area but his high skill level and ability as both a passer and off-ball threat make him the perfect fit in the Warriors’ flexible, read-and-react offense.
Moore has an intriguing package of versatile skills but lacks the high-level athleticism to become a star. Still, he can shoot, create and defend and could be a useful depth piece right away as the Heat look to reload for next season.
The consensus seems to be that the Mavericks need to add more offensive versatility and complementary creators around Luka Doncic, especially if Jalen Brunson leaves. Hardy is an explosive on-ball threat who needs some seasoning to maximize his efficiency and play-making.
The Spurs will add a significant offensive talent with the No. 3 pick. Here they get another budding scorer who can slash and create his own shot from the wing.
Kessler is one of the best shot-blockers in this class and has excellent touch around the rim. His athleticism may limit him to a small role but he could be perfect as a long-term replacement for Brook Lopez in Milwaukee’s drop coverage scheme.
Brown is a bit limited offensively at this point. But he’s a solid and versatile defender who will excel in an up-tempo game. Playing off the ball with Embiid, Maxey and Harden he should be able to help with quick cuts, offensive rebounds and filling a lane in transition.
Jovic needs some seasoning which, again, the Grizzlies are in a position to offer their picks. Jovic is extremely interesting as a 6-foot-10 ball-handler who can create off-the-dribble and set-up his teammates.
Agbaji may have a lower ceiling, as a four-year college player. But he’s a proven commodity as a 3-and-D wing and could contribute right away, even as the Nuggets welcome back Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr.
Dieng is a bit of a mystery box, another 6-foot-10 player whose primary long-term role is as a ball-handling wing. He’s a disastrous shooter right now but with the rest of the picks the Houston is making they can afford a high-upside gamble.
Chandler is slight, but an incredibly aggressive point-of-attack defender at point guard. Having him learn from Patrick Beverley is an ideal scenario and this team has the weapons to allow him to come along slowly on offense.
Washington only makes sense if the Bulls trade Coby White this summer and even if they do, he may be a bit too similar for some fans’ tastes. But he’s a savvy ball-handler and creator who can help take some of the playmaking weight with the second unit while spacing the floor around the team’s stars.
Williams is a solid shooter and can contribute on- and off-the-ball on the wing. He may not have star potential but he’s the kind of player who could fill a lot of roles as he develops and complement Sengun, Green, Porter Jr. and the rest of the Rockets’ young core.
Liddell is reminiscent of P.J. Washington — quick enough to take advantage of a lot of 4s and powerful enough to bully 3s with just enough of both to hold his own in both matchups. There may not be a ton of room for him in the Hawks rotation but he could be useful as they explore making changes that open up minutes down the road.
Matching the Hornets with a defensive-minded center is one of the most obvious picks here. Williams is a good shot-blocker whose quickness, wingspan and body control should allow him to be a defensive force in drop coverage as well. His offensive role is likely limited to lob threat and vertical spacer but he should be excellent in both regards.