NBA Draft 2022: Updated mock draft post combine and lottery results

21. Denver Nuggets – Kendall Brown – Baylor – Wing – Freshman

With Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. expected to return from injury next season, the Nuggets should be one of the best teams in the West. With no glaring holes, they will look to add some defense on the wing, a critical part of playoff success.

Brown came into Baylor as a highly-touted prospect and some strong early-season games once had him projected in the top 10. But some waning consistency on both ends lowered his stock. Brown looks the part of an NBA wing with a good frame and plus leaping ability. He excelled as a cutter and finisher at the rim. The jump shot really held him back as Brown was hesitant to shoot.

He’s got a super low release that made it easier to contest. Brown also has some shaky tendencies as a defender, getting back cut way too much. He’s raw and Denver could look for a more-ready player. But he has the potential to develop as a plus wing defender with some off-ball skills. He could excel as a cutter off of Jokic and as a roll-man.

22. Memphis Grizzlies – Jaden Hardy – G-League Ignite – Guard – 2002

The upstart Grizzlies are one of the harder teams to peg for me. They have had success through the draft in the past, but aren’t afraid to go with an unorthodox pick. With Tyus Jones’ impending free agency, a backup point guard is their biggest need. This class lacks guard play and taking one here would be a reach to me. The best players available are front-court players, which they have plenty of. I slotted Hardy here given his microwave scoring ability could give them some spark off the bench.

Hardy is another prospect once viewed as a clear lottery player, but his wildly inconsistent shooting and inability to finish at the rim made for an uneven year in the G-League. He does have legitimate shake with the ball and a solid handle, and I thought his decision-making got a tad better throughout the season. There are some concerns about playing within a team context, but I thought Hardy got slightly better as the G-League season progressed and Memphis should be able to help him in that regard. He’s more of a two-guard than a point guard, and doesn’t project to be anything special defensively, but his scoring ability is intriguing in this range.

23. Brooklyn Nets – Walker Kessler – Auburn – Center – Sophomore

The only center currently under contract for Brooklyn next season is second-year big Day’Ron Sharpe, so adding some depth to that position seems like an easy solution.

Kessler had an amazing season as a rim protector, registering an 18.8 block rate (the highest all-time on Bart Torvik since they started measuring block rate in 2008). Kessler has elite length to go along with good timing and instincts. He’s not the best athlete laterally and will have a hard time if asked to switch onto guards.

Offensively, there’s some hope Kessler can develop into a pick-and-pop threat despite his wonky, slow, catapult-like release. His length allows for a plus catch radius as a lob threat but is hindered by his lack of quick-twitch leaping ability and he needs to improve physically inside. The Nets are looking to patch some holes as they prepare for their first full season with Ben Simmons, and Kessler’s rim-protection alone should provide a role.

24. Milwaukee Bucks – Terquavion Smith – North Carolina State – Guard – Freshman

Coming off a disappointing loss, the Bucks return their core for next season, but could add some bench scoring and depth in the backcourt. Smith was a late-riser in the pre-draft process, but a strong showing at the combine should push him into the first round.

A skinny, unheralded freshman, Smith really seemed to find his groove in ACC play. He starred for a middling NC State team so didn’t garner a ton of attention, but on a rewatch of his film, he showed some terrific shot-making off the bounce. Smith shot sub 37%, but a lot of them were tough looks and he shot a really high volume. Playing off of a Giannis Antentokounmpo or Khris Middleton could help him generate open looks while using his speed to attack closeouts.

He has a ways to go defensively, but it’s worth noting he was a younger, three-star prospect who didn’t come from a big-time high school. It’s easy to see him adding to his frame. The Bones Hyland comparison has been thrown around and I think it’s a fair assessment. Thinking of the success Hyland had off of a jumbo creator in Nikola Jokic, I like this fit.

25. San Antonio Spurs – Christian Braun – Kansas – Wing – Junior

Taking Sochan that early makes me think San Antonio won’t want to overlap and take a Tari Eason or Patrick Baldwin Jr. here. I think they’ll continue to stockpile good wings and go with Braun. Braun was instrumental in Kansas’ national championship run, hitting threes at a decent clip, playing good defense on and off the ball, and being a plus college finisher. His combine week only helped him as he showed off his athleticism in the testing and played well in the scrimmages.

Measuring in at 6’7 was also a pleasant surprise. Like their earlier pick Jalen Williams, I believe Braun will be able to do some good things with the ball too. I’d like to see him become a more-willing shooter and quicken his release, but everything about Braun screams rotational wing.