NBA Draft 2022: Draft grades for all 1st round pick selections

Jun 23, 2022; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Paolo Banchero (Duke) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number one overall pick by the Orlando Magic in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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NBA Draft Ochai Agbaji Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Detroit Pistons – C Jalen Duren (Memphis Tigers) – Draft Grade: A

The Pistons traded to get back into the lottery and got the big man of their choice in Duren, a 6’11 true center and capable rim runner. Having him allows them to have a center on the roster that can start Day 1, even if they don’t get Deandre Ayton from the Phoenix Suns this offseason as recently rumored. Even though I would’ve preferred Mark Williams from Duke, this is a perfectly fine pickup at 13 that fills a need.

14. Cleveland Cavaliers – G Ochai Agbaji (Kansas Jayhawks) – Draft Grade A+

The Cavaliers had few roster needs and didn’t need to reach for a player that fit them. Agbaji, at worst, is a “3 and D” player that can get minutes at the small forward spot and if his offense continues to progress, could potentially start. It’s excellent value for a team that didn’t have to make any moves.

15. Charlotte Hornets – C Mark Williams (Duke Blue Devils) – Draft Grade A+

The Hornets were able to trade out of the 13th pick and still get one of the two top centers in the draft and one who has even more upside in Mark Williams. The 7’0 big man has measurables out of this world and projects to be an elite defensive big man and rim runner. He’ll be catching a lot of lobs from Lamelo Ball and will be an instant upgrade at the five-spot.

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