NBA Draft 2022: Final mock draft predictions of all 58 picks
20. San Antonio Spurs – Jalen Williams (Santa Clara Broncos)
The WCC has talent outside of Gonzaga, including the 6’6 wing Williams whose measurables and play became the talk of the town during the NBA Draft combine. He posted up 50-40-81 splits at Santa Clara despite being the clear-cut No. 1 option on offense. With an even better supporting cast at the NBA level, Williams could have a nice career.
He also has a high ceiling and with Mathurin could improve the perimeter for San Antonio. Dejounte Murray has blossomed into a franchise-caliber point guard but there’s a logjam of past first-round picks such as Joshua Primo, Lonnie Walker, and Keldon Johnson. Without any realistic frontcourt players to take here, adding another guard with promise makes sense.
21. Denver Nuggets – Dalen Terry (Arizona Wildcats)
When healthy, the Nuggets may be the team to beat next season. Alongside two-time MVP Nikola Jokić, they’ll have both Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. and already have Will Barton, Monte Morris, and Aaron Gordon as solid role players. They don’t really need another scorer so someone that can play defense and shoot the ball on the wings.
Terry should be available around 21, a 6’7 guard/wing that is a quality athlete and can defend multiple positions. And even with teammate Bennedict Mathurin on the perimeter, Terry showcased some good offensive potential. He’s a role player that can grow into something more for the Nuggets and be part of a title contender.
22. Memphis Grizzlies – Kennedy Chandler (Tennessee Volunteers)
As shown by their 20-5 record without Ja Morant during the regular season, the Grizzlies have some of the best depth in the NBA. The only position that could be of need is point guard, depending on what the future holds for backup Tyus Jones.
The best true point guard in this area is Chandler, who led the Vols in scoring last season and is a quality scorer and playmaker. His size at 6’1 may be a small concern but he played fine in an SEC that had a ton of NBA-level talent. He’d be a good backup point guard for Morant and can lead the second team.