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

2. Oklahoma City Thunder – Chet Holmgren (Gonzaga Bulldogs)

The 7’1 “unicorn” as some describe may be the best pure defender in the entire NBA Draft. Holmgren was fourth in the country in blocks and shot nearly 40% from three-point at Gonzaga. His all-around skillset makes him an incredibly intriguing candidate and if his lack of body weight doesn’t hurt him at the NBA level, the big man will have plenty of success.

The Thunder has plenty of 1st round picks in the next few years due to their many trades so even if they miss on Holmgren, they’ll have more tries in the future. But at bare minimum, the former Gonzaga Bulldog can help raise the team defense and make them better on one end of the court, while also capable of spacing the floor.

3. Houston Rockets – Paolo Banchero (Duke Blue Devils)

The recent trade that sent away Christian Wood to Dallas may be a clear indication that the Rockets are definitely landing a power forward at No. 3. All of the top projected prospects play that position but this team would be fine with whoever remains at No. 3.

Banchero perfectly fits today’s NBA game. A 6’10 power forward that can score both inside and outside on an efficient basis, the young big man could average around 20 ppg in his NBA career and give Houston a frontcourt offensive option for the next decade. His defensive questions may not make the Rockets much better but they’ll certainly be fun to watch.

4. Sacramento Kings – Shaedon Sharpe (Kentucky Wildcats)

Although he never played a game in college, there’s a possibility that Sharpe is the best non-frontcourt player in the NBA Draft. The 6’5 shooting guard is a gifted scorer and can get his offense anyway he wanted. His potential could be as high as the forwards but considering how long it’s been since he’s played in meaningful games, he’s also a big risk at 4.

My argument for the Kings taking him is that they’ve been treading on mediocrity for the longest time and need a superstar to help them finally get back into playoff contention. Sharpe has the most potential to do that and a core of he, Domantas Sabonis, and DeAaron Fox could be good enough to get some traction out west.