NBA Draft 2022: Complete List Of Every Pick
The 2022 NBA Draft was a night of dreams realized, and surprises unveiled. For young basketball players, it represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work, a gateway to the grand stage of professional basketball. For NBA teams, it's a crucial opportunity to reshape their rosters, injecting fresh talent and potentially altering the course of their franchise for years to come. In this comprehensive breakdown, we'll dive deep into every single pick of the 2022 NBA Draft, providing context, analysis, and a look at what these players bring to their new teams. Let's revisit the excitement and see where each prospect landed!
First Round: Where the Stars Align
The first round of the NBA Draft is where the potential franchise cornerstones are selected, the players who could become All-Stars and lead their teams to championship contention. Securing a high pick in the first round gives teams the opportunity to add elite talent capable of significantly improving performance and long-term prospects. The selection process during the first round is often intense, with teams conducting thorough scouting and analysis to identify players who best fit their needs and strategic vision. Trades and negotiations frequently occur as teams maneuver to acquire specific players, making the first round a dynamic and pivotal event. The impact of these early selections can resonate for years, shaping team identities and influencing competitive balance in the league.
1. Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, F, Duke
The Orlando Magic kicked off the 2022 NBA Draft by selecting Paolo Banchero from Duke University with the first overall pick. Paolo Banchero, a versatile and skilled forward, brings a unique blend of scoring ability, playmaking, and rebounding to the Magic. His ability to create his own shot and make plays for others makes him an exciting addition to Orlando's roster. Banchero's offensive versatility allows him to operate effectively both inside and outside, posing matchup challenges for opposing defenses. Beyond his offensive skills, Banchero is also a willing defender and rebounder, contributing to his overall value on the court. The Magic are banking on Banchero to become a cornerstone player, someone who can lead their team back to playoff contention and future success. His impact extends beyond the stat sheet, as his competitive spirit and work ethic set a positive tone for the team's culture. With his all-around game and potential for growth, Banchero represents a significant investment in the future of the Orlando Magic.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, F/C, Gonzaga
With the second overall pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Chet Holmgren, a unique and intriguing prospect from Gonzaga University. Chet Holmgren's combination of size, skill, and versatility makes him a captivating player with immense potential. Standing at 7 feet tall, Holmgren possesses exceptional shot-blocking ability and defensive instincts, making him a formidable presence in the paint. Offensively, he is a skilled ball-handler and shooter, capable of stretching the floor and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Holmgren's versatility allows him to play both as a power forward and a center, providing the Thunder with lineup flexibility and strategic options. While his slender frame raises some durability concerns, his skill set and basketball IQ are undeniable. The Thunder are hopeful that Holmgren will develop into a star player, anchoring their defense and contributing significantly on offense. His unique skill set and potential for growth align perfectly with the Thunder's vision of building a young, dynamic, and competitive team. With proper development and support, Holmgren has the potential to become a game-changing player in the NBA.
3. Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn
The Houston Rockets chose Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn University with the third overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Jabari Smith Jr. is widely regarded as one of the best shooters in the draft class, possessing a smooth and effortless jump shot with impressive range. His ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc makes him a valuable asset in today's NBA, where spacing and three-point shooting are paramount. Beyond his shooting prowess, Smith Jr. is also a capable defender, using his length and athleticism to disrupt opponents and contest shots. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, adding to his overall value on the court. The Rockets are envisioning Smith Jr. as a key piece of their rebuilding process, someone who can contribute both offensively and defensively. His shooting ability will provide spacing for other players, while his defensive presence will help improve the team's overall defensive performance. With his potential to develop into a star player, Smith Jr. represents a significant investment in the future of the Houston Rockets. His combination of shooting, defense, and athleticism makes him a promising prospect with a high ceiling.
4. Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, F, Iowa
5. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
6. Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, Arizona
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, G, Kentucky
8. New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin
11. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ousmane Dieng, F, New Zealand Breakers
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jalen Williams, F, Santa Clara
13. Charlotte Hornets: Jalen Duren, C, Memphis (Traded to Detroit)
14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, G, Kansas
15. Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams, C, Duke
16. Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin, F, Duke
17. Houston Rockets: Tari Eason, F, LSU
18. Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, G, Arizona
19. Minnesota Timberwolves: Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest (Traded to Memphis)
20. San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State
21. Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, G, Kansas
22. Memphis Grizzlies: Walker Kessler, C, Auburn (Traded to Minnesota)
23. Philadelphia 76ers: David Roddy, F, Colorado State (Traded to Memphis)
24. Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, G/F, G League Ignite
25. San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
26. Minnesota Timberwolves: Wendell Moore Jr., G/F, Duke
27. Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, F, Mega Basket (Serbia)
28. Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin Jr., F, Milwaukee
29. Houston Rockets: TyTy Washington Jr., G, Kentucky (Traded to Memphis)
30. Denver Nuggets: Peyton Watson, F, UCLA
Second Round: Finding Hidden Gems
While the first round is filled with high-profile prospects, the second round of the NBA Draft is where teams look to uncover hidden gems and value picks. This is where scouting departments truly earn their keep, identifying players who may have been overlooked but possess the potential to contribute at the NBA level. Second-round picks often come with lower expectations and less guaranteed money, but they can still play significant roles on their teams. Many successful NBA players, including All-Stars and key contributors, have been selected in the second round. The key to success in the second round is identifying players with specific skills or attributes that can complement a team's existing roster. This requires a keen eye for talent and a willingness to take risks on players who may not have the same pedigree as first-round picks. Teams that excel at drafting in the second round can gain a significant competitive advantage, adding valuable depth and talent without breaking the bank.
