The 2022 NBA Draft is nearly here, and there’s a lot to look forward to on draft night. Unlike in past years, there is no consensus on who the No. 1 overall pick will be. Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and Jabari Smith Jr. are expected to be among the top candidates, but it remains to be seen who the Orlando Magic prefer.
After Orlando makes the first pick, the Oklahoma City Thunder will go on the clock to make their first selection. They have three of the first 35 picks in this year’s draft, including two in the lottery.
Still, there’s plenty of value to be found outside the lottery as well. You never quite know what you’re going to get with some of the boom-or-bust prospects who can be found later on. After all, the NBA’s reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, was taken with the 41st pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Here’s a look at the NBA Draft order and selections, as well as our instant analysis of each pick.
All NBA Draft odds are current as of Thursday, June 23, at 8 p.m. ET and courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
NBA Draft Pick Tracker 2023
| Rd | Pk | Team | Player | POS | School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | ORL | Paolo Banchero | F | Duke |
| 1 | 2 | OKC | Chet Holmgren | C | Gonzaga |
| 1 | 3 | HOU | Jabari Smith Jr. | F | Auburn |
| 1 | 4 | SAC | Keegan Murray | F | Iowa |
| 1 | 5 | DET | Jaden Ivey | G | Purdue |
| 1 | 6 | IND | Bennedict Mathurin | G | Arizona |
| 1 | 7 | POR | Shaedon Sharpe | G/F | Kentucky |
| 1 | 8 | NOP (via LAL) | Dyson Daniels | G | G League Ignite |
| 1 | 9 | SAS | Jeremy Sochan | F | Baylor |
| 1 | 10 | WAS | Johnny Davis | G | Wisconsin |
| 1 | 11 | OKC (via NYK) | Ousmane Dieng | F | France |
| 1 | 12 | OKC (via LAC) | Jalen Williams | G/F | Santa Clara |
| 1 | 13 | DET (via CHA) | Jalen Duren | C | Memphis |
| 1 | 14 | CLE | Ochai Agbaji | F | Kansas |
| 1 | 15 | CHA (via NOP) | Mark Williams | C | Duke |
| 1 | 16 | ATL | AJ Griffin | F | Duke |
| 1 | 17 | HOU (via BKN) | Tari Eason | F | LSU |
| 1 | 18 | CHI | Dalen Terry | G/F | Arizona |
| 1 | 19 | MEM (via MIN) | Jake LaRavia | F | Wake Forest |
| 1 | 20 | SAS (via TOR) | Malaki Branham | G | Ohio State |
| 1 | 21 | DEN | Christian Braun | G/F | Kansas |
| 1 | 22 | MIN (via MEM) | Walker Kessler | C | Auburn |
| 1 | 23 | MEM (via PHI) | David Roddy | G/F | Colorado State |
| 1 | 24 | MIL | MarJon Beauchamp | G/F | G League Ignite |
| 1 | 25 | SAS (via BOS) | Blake Wesley | G | Notre Dame |
| 1 | 26 | MIN (via HOU) | Wendell Moore Jr. | G/F | Duke |
| 1 | 27 | MIA | Nikola Jovic | F | Serbia |
| 1 | 28 | GSW | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | G/F | UW-Milwaukee |
| 1 | 29 | HOU (via MEM) | TyTy Washington Jr. | G | Kentucky |
| 1 | 30 | DEN (via OKC) | Peyton Watson | G/F | UCLA |
| 2 | 31 | IND (via HOU) | Andrew Nembhard | G | Gonzaga |
| 2 | 32 | ORL | Caleb Houstan | F | Michigan |
| 2 | 33 | TOR (via DET) | Christian Koloko | C | Arizona |
| 2 | 34 | OKC | Jaylin Williams | F | Arkansas |
| 2 | 35 | LAL (via ORL) | Max Christie | G | Michigan State |
| 2 | 36 | DET (via POR) | Gabriele Procida | G | Italy |
| 2 | 37 | DAL (via SAC) | Jaden Hardy | G | G League Ignite |
| 2 | 38 | MEM (via SAS) | Kennedy Chandler | G | Tennessee |
| 2 | 39 | CLE (via SAS) | Khalifa Diop | C | Senegal |
| 2 | 40 | CHA (via MIN) | Bryce McGowens | G | Nebraska |
| 2 | 41 | NOP | E.J. Liddell | F | Ohio State |
| 2 | 42 | NYK | Trevor Keels | G/F | Duke |
| 2 | 43 | LAC | Moussa Diabate | F | Michigan |
| 2 | 44 | GSW (via ATL) | Ryan Rollins | G | Toledo |
| 2 | 45 | MIN (via CHA) | Josh Minott | F | Memphis |
| 2 | 46 | DEN (via POR) | Ismael Kamagate | C | France |
| 2 | 47 | MEM (via CLE) | Vince Williams Jr. | F | VCU |
| 2 | 48 | IND (via MIN) | Kendall Brown | G/F | Baylor |
| 2 | 49 | CLE (via CHI) | Isaiah Mobley | F | USC |
| 2 | 50 | MIN (via DEN) | Matteo Spagnolo | G | Italy |
| 2 | 51 | ATL (via GSW) | Tyrese Martin | F | Connecticut |
| 2 | 52 | NOP (via UTA) | Karlo Matkovic | F/C | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| 2 | 53 | BOS | JD Davison | G | Alabama |
| 2 | 54 | WAS (via DAL) | Yannick Nzosa | C | DR Congo |
| 2 | 55 | GSW | Gui Santos | F | Brazil |
| 2 | 56 | CLE (via MIA) | Luke Travers | G | Australia |
| 2 | 57 | POR (via MEM) | Jabari Walker | F | Colorado |
| 2 | 58 | MIL (via IND) | Hugo Besson | G | France |
Round 1 NBA Draft Picks
1. Orlando Magic: Paolo Banchero, F, Duke
Once considered a longshot to be chosen over Jabari Smith Jr. and Chet Holmgren, Duke’s Paolo Banchero is the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. This feels like the right choice for Orlando, too.
The Magic are in desperate need of a first option and offensive creator. Banchero is a terrific scorer, but he can also initiate the offense and help make the game easier for his teammates. In terms of fit, he’s easily the best choice to the top three prospects in this class for Orlando.
Alongside Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, and Cole Anthony, the Magic now have an exciting young group of guys that could lead them back to the playoffs in a matter of years.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder: Chet Holmgren, C, Gonzaga
No. 2 was a toss-up between Holmgren and Smith, but Oklahoma City leans toward the former, which makes sense for this franchise. The Thunder love high-upside prospects and unique talents, and Holmgren is certainly that.
Holmgren is a lanky seven-footer with elite two-way skills. Not only did he reject nearly four shots per game in his lone season at Gonzaga, but he also nearly averaged a double-double at 14.1 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 39% from beyond the arc.
Oklahoma City is now even more loaded with young talent. In addition to Holmgren, the Thunder also feature Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Luguentz Dort, all of whom are 23 or younger.
3. Houston Rockets: Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn
After a slight drop down the draft board, Auburn’s Jabari Smith Jr. comes off the board at No. 3 overall. He finds himself heading to a Houston Rockets team that’s budding with young talent, headlined by last year’s No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green.
Together, Green and Smith have plenty of potential. Green is an electric young scorer and athlete, while Smith looks like an elite talent given his size and shooting ability. At 6-feet-10-inches with a 42% stroke from three-point range, there’s little not to like about Smith’s game.
Time will tell if Orlando and Oklahoma City made the right decision to pass on him, but as far as fit goes, Houston seems like the best landing spot for Smith — especially after trading away Christian Wood.
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4. Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, F, Iowa
A surprise at No. 4 — Iowa’s Keegan Murray goes to the Sacramento Kings. This isn’t a reach — Murray is widely considered to be one of the top prospects in the class — but many expected the Kings to take Purdue’s Jaden Ivey in this spot instead.
With that said, I like Murray a bit more in this spot than Ivey. Sacramento is already well-equipped with guards in Davion Mitchell and De’Aaron Fox, making Murray a more natural fit.
Murray put up monster numbers at Iowa, averaging 23.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.9 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. He’s a legitimate two-way talent and will be a capable contributor from day one for the Kings.
5. Detroit Pistons: Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue
Detroit decided to stay put at No. 5 and lucked out in a major way, landing perhaps the best player in this class in Jaden Ivey. The Purdue product is a dynamite scorer and athlete, eliciting comparisons to Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant during the pre-draft process.
Ivey poured in 17.3 points per game in his sophomore season with the Boilermakers, and he made it look easy. He consistently broke down defenses with his speed and penetrating ability, slipping his way into the paint and finishing smoothly at the rim.
Detroit is still a ways away from competing, but with Ivey joining Cade Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, and Isaiah Stewart, this is going to be an incredibly exciting team to watch this season.
6. Indiana Pacers: Bennedict Mathurin, G, Arizona
Arizona’s Bennedict Mathurin might be my favorite player in this class. That doesn’t mean I believe he’s the best prospect available, but I’m a big fan of his game.
Mathurin is a blast to watch. He’s shifty, a terrific shooter, and a superb athlete. He’ll need to improve his defense a bit if he wants to make a more consistent impact on both ends of the floor, but landing in Indiana and working with Rick Carlisle gives him a good chance to do that.
The Pacers now have an interesting young group that has sky-high potential. Tyrese Haliburton is already an offensive star, Isaiah Jackson has elite defensive instincts, and Chris Duarte is an excellent shooter. There’s a lot to like about this team’s future.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Shaedon Sharpe, G/F, Kentucky
The latest member of the Trail Blazers is a bit of a wild card. Shaedon Sharpe — just 19 years old — was once the top-ranked recruit in the 2022 class. He reclassified and joined the Kentucky Wildcats, but he never logged a game after opting to prepare for the NBA Draft instead.
It’s hard to say exactly what the Blazers are getting in Sharpe, but there’s a lot to like about his potential. The 6-foot-6-inch wing has a seven-foot wingspan and (unofficially) recorded a 48-inch vertical leap earlier this year, which would tie the NBA Draft Combine record.
This Portland team is retooling and picking up a ton of young, athletic wings, including Keon Johnson, a 2021 first-round pick who was traded to the Blazers this past season.
8. New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers): Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite
The New Orleans Pelicans continue to bolster their defensive upside and select perhaps the best defender in the class in Dyson Daniels. A fantastic playmaker and on-ball defender, Daniels should fit in nicely alongside Herb Jones.
He’s not exactly a threat from beyond the arc — he shot just 25.5% from three-point range with the Ignite — but he can impact the game in more than enough other ways to make up for his lack of range.
The Pelicans are already a team that nobody wants to see given their toughness and ability to punch above their weight. Daniels fits the mold perfectly.
9. San Antonio Spurs: Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor
The numbers don’t tell the whole story for Jeremy Sochan, who averaged an underwhelming 9.2 points per game in his lone season at Baylor. He converted 29.6% of his looks from three-point range, too. Instead, it’s really all about the defense.
At 6-feet-9-inches and 230 pounds, Sochan has enviable potential as a two-way star. He can legitimately defend all five positions, which makes it no surprise that he drew comparisons to Golden State’s Draymond Green before the NBA Draft.
At 19 years old, there’s still time for Sochan to develop his offensive game. If he can continue to improve his shot while maintaining his intensity and ability on defense, he could blossom into a real star for San Antonio.
10. Washington Wizards: Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin
This was one of the most predictable picks coming into the night. Just about every mock draft seemed to have it, including our own from Jordan Schultz. With that said, predictability isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Johnny Davis makes a ton of sense for the Wizards, who need another go-to offensive talent to pair with Bradley Beal. He averaged 19.7 points and 8.2 rebounds per game with the Badgers, playing well above his 6-foot-5-inch frame.
His three-point shot is a question mark — Davis connected on just 30.6% of his looks from deep last season — but he’s a strong enough mid-range shooter to make him a potent offensive threat.
- Read our full 2022 NBA Mock Draft for more coverage.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Knicks): Ousmane Dieng, F, New Zealand Breakers
It’s all about the upside with French product Ousmane Dieng. The 19-year-old wing stands 6-feet-10-inches and weighs in at 200 pounds with a seven-foot wingspan to boot. Surprisingly, he profiles as a ball-handler and playmaker, since he grew up playing guard.
Dieng is also a strong defender, and given his size and agility, he should be more than capable of defending multiple positions in the NBA.
Dieng still has a ways to go as a shooter, but since he’s being traded to Oklahoma City, he should have more than enough time to develop his offensive game. The Thunder have plenty of young stars — including No. 2 pick Chet Holmgren — but they’re far away from competing for a playoff spot in the West.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Jalen Williams, G/F, Santa Clara
Oklahoma City traded up for the No. 11 pick, and in doing so, the franchise managed to hang onto its No. 12 pick as well. With it, the Thunder selected Santa Clara product Jalen Williams, who is one of the biggest risers in this class.
Williams is a fantastic shooter, sinking 39.6% of his looks from deep and above 50% of his attempts from the field overall in his junior season. He also averaged over a steal per game in each of his three seasons at Santa Clara, highlighting his two-way potential.
Williams will join Holmgren and Dieng in Oklahoma City as they look to help pave the Thunder’s road back to the playoffs.
13. Detroit Pistons (via Hornets): Jalen Duren, C, Memphis
Memphis product Jalen Duren is everything you’d want in a throwback center. He’s not going to space the floor, but he will block shots at an elite rate, dunk with power, and grab rebounds with enthusiasm.
Duren is also just 18 years old, which means he’ll still be on an upward trend by the time his rookie contract is due to expire. At 6-feet-11-inches with a 7-foot-5-inch wingspan, Duren has the size and potential to become one of the league’s premier interior defenders.
Duren will reportedly be joining Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in Detroit by way of a multi-team trade, giving this young Pistons team a dominant force in the paint.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas
A talented senior and First-Team All-American, Kansas wing Ochai Agbaji can step in and fill a role right away for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Agbaji scored an efficient 18.8 points per game in his final year at Kansas, and most importantly, he sank 40.9% of his threes on 6.5 attempts per game. He improved his shot over all four seasons with the Jayhawks, which is reason to believe that his senior campaign was not an outlier.
With Darius Garland and Evan Mobley carrying most of the load offensively for Cleveland, Agbaji can be a reliable option for ancillary scoring and perimeter shooting, not to mention his ability as an on-ball defender.
15. Charlotte Hornets (via Pelicans): Mark Williams, C, Duke
We now know why the Charlotte Hornets were willing to pass on Jalen Duren and trade away the No. 13 pick in the draft — it’s because they were targeting Duke center Mark Williams, who provides an extremely similar skillset.
Williams is a massive man. He’s a true seven-footer with a huge 7-foot-7-inch wingspan and an imposing 9-foot-9-inch standing reach. As such, he’s a terrific shot-blocker, interior finisher, and rebounder. Charlotte finally gets its much-needed defensive star.
It might already be time to queue up the highlight reel. With LaMelo Ball tossing him passes around the rim, the Hornets could invoke Lob City vibes this season.
16. Atlanta Hawks: AJ Griffin, F, Duke
Back-to-back Duke players come off the board. This time, it’s wing AJ Griffin, who is the best shooter in this class. The freshman forward shot a blistering 44.7% from beyond the arc in his lone season with the Blue Devils.
Griffin also profiles as a strong defender. He’s got a seven-foot wingspan, quick feet, and a strong frame that will help him limit opponents on the perimeter.
Atlanta was the second-best team in the NBA last season in terms of three-point percentage. By adding another lethal shooter alongside Trae Young, this team looks poised to make it rain.
17. Houston Rockets (via Nets): Tari Eason, F, LSU
There’s a lot to like about Tari Eason, who has arguably the highest motor in the class. He hustles on every possession, is an exceptionally strong finisher, and is a terrific defender both on and off the ball.
Eason is also a solid three-point shooter, and he uses his strength to his advantage in the paint, getting to the free-throw line at an elite rate. Considering Houston ranked first in free-throw attempts per game in 2021-22, this looks like a seamless fit.
He’ll be joining fellow SEC standout Jabari Smith Jr. on a Rockets team bursting with young talent.
18. Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, G/F, Arizona
Arizona wing Dalen Terry is another high-energy player with plenty of defensive prowess. He’s as scrappy as they come and has drawn comparisons to the likes of Andre Iguodala for his defense and athleticism.
The downside with Terry is his shooting, which remains a question mark. He shot 36.4% from deep in his sophomore season with the Wildcats, though he only attempted fewer than two per game.
With that said, Terry is an incredibly high-IQ player who will stick to whatever role is assigned to him in the NBA. Chicago is a great landing spot for him.
19. Memphis Grizzlies (via Timberwolves): Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest
The Memphis Grizzlies moved up to acquire Jake LaRavia with the No. 19 pick in the draft. They’re getting a long, versatile wing with a high basketball IQ and reliable shot.
Like Terry, LaRavia is a prototypical glue guy. He’ll do the little things that are necessary to help a team win, and he won’t steal the spotlight from guys like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant.
Memphis might not have needed to trade up to land LaRavia, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
20. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State
Ohio State guard Malaki Branham slid a bit, falling to the Spurs at No. 20 overall. With that said, there’s a lot to like about the 6-foot-5-inch freshman, even if his fit in San Antonio isn’t as seamless as one would hope.
Branham is an impressive two-way talent, and he showcased his shooting and defensive prowess in his lone season in college, nailing 41.6% of his three-point attempts. The sample size isn’t huge — Branham took less than three per game — but this is a major upside play.
It’s hard not to success in this San Antonio system, so look for Branham to blossom into a reliable role player in a matter of years.
- Check out our 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions.
21. Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, G/F, Kansas
Christian Braun has been a consistent contributor for Kansas for years, but he really burst onto the scene for the Jayhawks in March Madness. The two-way wing was impressive every step of the way, putting his athleticism and gritty defensive ability on display.
Braun is also a reliable option from three-point range, sinking 38.6% of his looks from deep in his final season at Kansas. Expect him to be the beneficiary of a few Nikola Jokic assists here soon.
22. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies): Walker Kessler, C, Auburn
Auburn big Walker Kessler is an elite defensive prospect, full stop. The 7-foot-1-inch center averaged 4.6 blocks per game as a sophomore with the Tigers and logged multiple triple-doubles with points, rebounds, and blocks.
As a massive interior presence on both ends of the floor, the Timberwolves now have another option in the paint to develop behind Karl Anthony-Towns.
23. Memphis Grizzlies (via 76ers): David Roddy, G/F, Colorado
David Roddy is a tough prospect to figure out, but I have no doubt that he’ll find a way to succeed in Memphis. The 6-foot-5-inch wing is physical, an excellent rebounder, and a surprisingly solid shooter from three-point range.
His size is the main question. Roddy weighs in around 250 pounds, which is big for his position and height. There are positives to that, but opposing teams will find ways to exploit it.
24. Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, G/F, G League Ignite
There’s plenty to like about MarJon Beauchamp, who made waves with the G League Ignite in 2021-22. He’s a great defender, excellent rebounder for his size, and has an impressive handle. He also has captivating physical traits, highlighted by a 7-foot-1 wingspan.
Milwaukee is a great landing spot for Beauchamp. The defensive-minded wing will have plenty of time to hone his skills as the Bucks remain one of the league’s most competitive teams.
25. San Antonio Spurs (via Celtics): Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame
San Antonio’s third pick of the night is Notre Dame product Blake Wesley. He needs a bit more time to develop — Wesley was a true freshman and is just 19 years old — but he flashed plenty of upside during his time with the Fighting Irish.
Wesley is a lanky, score-first wing who impressed during the NCAA Tournament with his shooting and enthusiastic defense. A very Spurs-y player, if you will.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Rockets): Wendell Moore Jr., G/F, Duke
Wendell Moore Jr. is a do-it-all wing who will fit in nicely with the Minnesota Timberwolves. A 50/40/80 shooter at Duke, Moore also averaged over four assists and nearly a steal and a half per game in his junior season.
The Wolves get a hard-working hustler at No. 26.
27. Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, F, Serbia
I’ll spare you the cheap joke. Nikola Jovic is nothing like Nikola Jokic, who also hailed from the same team in Serbia.
Jovic is a bit of a unicorn, however. He stands 6-feet-11-inches but profiles as a ball-handler and playmaker, making him more of a point forward than anything else. He also has a solid three-point shot, but he’ll need to find more offensive consistency if he wants to become a multi-dimensional talent.
28. Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin Jr., G/F, UW-Milwaukee
Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a gamble, but it’s one that a team like the Golden State Warriors can certainly afford to make. A consensus five-star recruit, Baldwin failed to deliver on the hype at Milwaukee, averaging just 12.1 points per game on 34.4% shooting from the field.
With that said, Baldwin has plenty of upside. At 6-feet-9-inches, he’s a mismatch waiting to happen. With a lesser role in the NBA than he had in college, he may slowly develop into the player that he was once thought he could be.
29. Houston Rockets (via Grizzlies): TyTy Washington Jr., G, Kentucky
With their third pick of the night, the Rockets land on Kentucky guard TyTy Washington Jr. Once considered a lottery-level talent, Washington fell a bit in the pre-draft process due in part to his inconsistent stroke from three-point range.
Washington does have a good mid-range game, and he’s a smart playmaker as well. Given his age and landing spot, he should have plenty of time to blossom with the Rockets. This is a great pick.
30. Denver Nuggets (via Thunder): Peyton Watson, G/F, UCLA
This is an upside play for the Denver Nuggets, and it’s a smart play. Peyton Watson played just 12.7 minutes per game with the UCLA Bruins in 2021-22, but he’s got all the tools to become something more.
We probably won’t see much of Watson anytime soon, but the Nuggets can afford to take the time necessary to develop him.
Round 2 NBA Draft Picks
31. Indiana Pacers (via Rockets): Andrew Nembhard, G, Gonzaga
Perhaps the best pure playmaker in this class, Gonzaga’s Andrew Nembhard can reliably orchestrate Indiana’s second unit behind Tyrese Haliburton. An excellent pick for the Pacers to begin the second round.
32. Orlando Magic: Caleb Houstan, F, Michigan
A true freshman with plenty of upside, Caleb Houstan has what it takes to become a reliable shooter and willing defender in the NBA. He’s a good fit for the Magic, who could use a little more oomph off the bench.
33. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons): Christian Koloko, C, Arizona
I like this pick a lot for Toronto. Christian Koloko — the third Arizona player off the board — is a strong interior finisher (he connected on 63.5% of his field goals), rebounder, and shot-blocker. He also hails from Cameroon, like his new teammate Pascal Siakam.
34. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaylin Williams, F, Arkansas
After drafting Santa Clara’s Jalen Williams at No. 12, the Oklahoma City Thunder nabbed Arkansas product Jaylin Williams at No. 34. Should be fun trying to figure that one out, eh?
Similar names aside, these two prospects couldn’t be any more different. Jalen Williams is a three-level scorer, while Jaylin Williams is a traditional 10 and 10 type of big man.
35. Los Angeles Lakers (via Magic): Max Christie, G, Michigan State
The results weren’t always there for Max Christie, but the Michigan State product was more than willing to shoot it. Although he only made 31.7% of his threes as a freshman, he attempted 3.5 per game. With his size, he should be able to defend multiple positions in time.
36. Detroit Pistons (via Trail Blazers): Gabriele Procida, G, Italy
A 6-foot-7-inch, 20-year-old guard from Italy, Gabriele Procida is an intriguing prospect. He posted solid shooting stats overseas, and he takes smart shots. Perhaps he could become a solid rotational wing in a few years.
37. Dallas Mavericks (via Kings): Jaden Hardy, G, G League Ignite
This is a steal for the Dallas Mavericks. Jaden Hardy was inefficient in his lone year with the G League Ignite, but he also led the team in scoring with 21.2 points per game. He reminds me of Cam Thomas, who filled a scoring niche for the Brooklyn Nets as a rookie in 2021-22.
38. Memphis Grizzlies (via Spurs): Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee
Standing six-foot flat, Memphis native Kennedy Chandler plays well above his size. He’s a maniac on defense and doesn’t let his slight frame hold him back, making him a perfect fit with the Grizzlies’ identity and culture.
39. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs): Khalifa Diop, C, Senegal
Khalifa Diop is raw, but he’s got the tools to become a solid backup big man in the NBA. He’s a good shot-blocker, rebounder, and interior finisher, but he’s not likely to become much more than that.
40. Charlotte Hornets (via Timberwolves): Bryce McGowens, G, Nebraska
A pure scorer, Nebraska product Bryce McGowens averaged 16.8 points per game as a freshman but struggled with his efficiency. The 19-year-old connected on just 27.4% of his three-point attempts, though he’s got time to improve. McGowens is also a solid rebounder, grabbing 5.2 per game.
41. New Orleans Pelicans: E.J. Liddell, F, New Orleans Pelicans
I love this pick for the Pelicans. Many had E.J. Liddell pegged as a first-round talent, and it’s not hard to see why given the fact that he’s a legitimate three-level scorer who averaged 19.4 points per game as a junior. Solid all-around player who can play right away.
42. New York Knicks: Trevor Keels, G/F, Duke
Trevor Keels plays hard. Although he’s only 6-feet-4-inches, he’s a bruiser. He’s also a solid passer who posted a 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio as a freshman. Time will tell if he can improve his three-point shot, but this is a solid upside play for the Knicks.
43. LA Clippers: Moussa Diabate, F, Michigan
Moussa Diabate is an impressive finisher on offense, but where he really stands out is on the defensive end of the floor. The 6-foot-10-inch forward boasts a 7-foot-2-inch wingspan and 9-foot-2-inch standing reach. Maybe he can pick up a thing or two from Kawhi Leonard and continue honing his craft.
44. Golden State Warriors (via Hawks): Ryan Rollins, G, Toledo
Although he didn’t face the stiffest competition in the MAC Conference, Toledo guard Ryan Rollins can definitely score the basketball. He averaged 18.9 points per game as a sophomore and flashed some defensive upside as well. This is a good pick for the Warriors, who can take the time to mold him into something more.
45. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Hornets): Josh Minott, F, Memphis
Josh Minott is, above all, an athletic finisher. Think of a taller Derrick Jones Jr. He’ll benefit from a year or two in the G League before making the jump to the pros.
46. Denver Nuggets (via Trail Blazers): Ismael Kamagate, C, France
We have another throwback big man landing in the second round. Ismael Kamagate has the tools to become a strong finisher and interior presence, but Denver will likely take some time to develop him before deploying him. Don’t expect to see much of him this season.
47. Memphis Grizzlies (via Cavaliers): Vince Williams Jr., F, VCU
A four-year forward out of VCU, Vince Williams Jr. is a do-it-all wing who stuffed the stat sheet for the Rams. On top of averaging 14.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, Williams also logged 2.7 stocks (steals and blocks) per game while shooting 38.7% from deep.
48. Indiana Pacers (via Timberwolves): Kendall Brown, G/F, Baylor
Kendall Brown is an explosive athlete and solid defender, and there’s a lot to like about his 6-foot-8-inch frame. He needs to work on his outside shot, but he has the potential to become a rotational two-way wing.
49. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Bulls): Isaiah Mobley, F, USC
Surprise! The Cleveland Cavaliers selected Isaiah Mobley — the older brother of rising star Evan Mobley — with the 49th pick in this year’s draft. Although he’s not the player that his younger brother is, Isaiah Mobley is still a big, reliable scorer capable of stretching the floor and cleaning the glass.
50. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Nuggets): Matteo Spagnolo, G, Italy
A young, 6-foot-5-inch guard out of Italy, Matteo Spagnolo is coveted for his age and shooting ability. The 19-year-old averaged 12.2 points per game on 44.1% shooting from deep, and he notably played 27 minutes per game on a pro team as a teenager.
51. Atlanta Hawks (via Warriors): Tyrese Martin, F, Connecticut
A 6-foot-6-inch senior, UConn’s Tyrese Martin is a versatile scorer and rebounder. He hauled in at least seven rebounds per game in three of his four collegiate seasons and in his final year shot a blistering 43% from beyond the arc. There’s some upside here.
52. New Orleans Pelicans (via Jazz): Karlo Matkovic, F/C, Bosnia and Herzegovina
At 6-feet-11-inches, Karlo Matkovic certainly has NBA size. The 20-year-old averaged 11.6 points and 6.1 rebounds per game with Serbian squad Mega Mozzart. At this point in the draft, someone with his potential is worth a swing.
53. Boston Celtics: JD Davison, G, Alabama
Alabama’s JD Davison is a bouncy young guard with a knack for making highlight plays. He didn’t show much promise as a three-point shooter as a freshman, but as a facilitator and rebounder, he’s got upside at his position.
54. Washington Wizards (via Mavericks): Yannick Nzosa, C, DR Congo
Yannick Nzosa is an upside pick for the Wizards. The numbers haven’t necessarily been there yet, but at just 18 years old, that’s not something to be concerned about. In time, he could become a solid throwback center.
55. Golden State Warriors: Gui Santos, F, Brazil
Gui Santos just turned 20 years old on June 22, giving him time to improve his game before he would be needed to make an impact in the NBA. He averaged 10.1 points per game for Minas Belo Horizonte in 2021-22 but struggled from three-point range.
56. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Heat): Luke Travers, G, Australia
NBL talent Luka Travers did a little bit of everything for the Perth Wildcats this past season, averaging 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. He’s not much of a three-point shooter, but he was willing to fire away, taking 2.5 attempts per game.
57. Portland Trail Blazers (via Grizzlies): Jabari Walker, F, Colorado
Colorado star Jabari Walker finally goes off the board at No. 57 overall. The 6-foot-9-inch forward had a strong sophomore campaign for the Buffaloes, averaging 14.6 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He’s young, and there’s plenty of two-way potential here.
58. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pacers): Hugo Besson, G, New Zealand Breakers
The final pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the Milwaukee Bucks selected Hugo Besson at No. 58 overall. The 21-year-old averaged 13.9 points per game for the NBL’s New Zealand Breakers alongside lottery pick Ousmane Dieng.
