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

5. Detroit Pistons – Keegan Murray (Iowa Hawkeyes)

The 6’8 versatile scorer averaged over 20 ppg in college and was able to produce anywhere on the court in a smooth fashion. He’s someone that can provide 15 ppg as a starter or key reserve without even having a high usage.

Murray would be perfect as a complement to Cade Cunningham and gives Detroit another capable three-point shooter and offensive option that can play both the small and power forward positions. And if the Deandre Ayton rumors coming over from Phoenix are true, Murray would be a nice way to fill out the starting lineup if he’s for real.

6. Indiana Pacers – Jaden Ivey (Purdue Boilermakers)

I’m not as high on Ivey as others but his potential as a scoring guard is clear, especially in the NBA where there will be a ton of spacing available for him to operate. His shooting needs to improve as well as not having too much tunnel vision when the ball is in his hands but Ivey could easily average 20+ ppg at the next level.

The Pacers can afford to take on the risk as they look to potentially be rebuilding. If they plan on moving on from Malcolm Brogdon, Ivey and Tyrese Haliburton would be a solid backcourt pairing.

7. Portland Blazers – Jeremy Sochan (Baylor Bears)

Despite playing in limiting minutes off the bench and never being a top offensive option, Sochan is the type that could excel in the NBA on both ends. The 6’9 forward showed he can score a lot when given the ball and is a great frontcourt option for a Trailblazers team that has struggled with forwards since losing LaMarcus Aldridge years ago.

The status of franchise star Damian Lillard still hangs around them but for now, Portland’s backcourt is fine. And with there not being a center to take, a power forward with promise such as Sochan makes sense. But the team could be a trade candidate to move down if they want to get more assets.