NBA Draft 2022: Final mock draft predictions of all 58 picks

The 2022 NBA Draft is just a little over 30 hours away and the speculation and rumors are ramping up. Throughout the start of the draft process, there has been a clear top-tier of prospects set to go 1-3 in the draft in Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, and Paolo Banchero. For a while, it has looked as if the Auburn forward Smith would be taken No. 1 by the Orlando Magic.

Yet recent rumors and smoke have the former Duke star Banchero potentially going No. 1. Could that happen? It’s one of the many storylines to watch on Thursday night. Another is what Sacramento does at No. 4, which could be the true start of the NBA Draft. And there’s plenty of trade talk as well. So far, the only trade featuring a first-round pick that has occurred was the Dallas Mavericks trading the No. 26 pick to the Houston Rockets for Christian Wood.

Expect some more movement to occur and surprising picks to be made. There are only 58 this time around due to the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks forfeiting their respective picks due to tampering issues in free agency.

So who’s most likely to get drafted and where? Here’s Busting Brackets’ final mock draft from 1-58.

1. Orlando Magic – Jabari Smith (Auburn Tigers)

Holmgren may have the highest floor when you consider the defense and Banchero may be most likely to win Rookie of the Year next season. But the prospect with the highest ceiling is Jabari Smith, a 6’10 forward that can shoot over 40% from deep and get his shot off at any time. His offensive potential is limitless and could be the next great scorer in the NBA.

Orlando needs a go-to offensive option, as Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner aren’t good enough to carry the team to wins. The Magic has missed out on their recent frontcourt picks but they have enough guards to take one more swing on Smith and see if he can become that elite face-up scorer.