NBA Draft 2022 Mock 2.0: First-round predictions for all teams
2022 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Picks 6-10
6. Portland Trail Blazers – Keegan Murray | PF | Iowa | 6’8” | 225 LBS
Outside the troika of frontcourt prospects up top, Keegan Murray is arguably the best forward still on the board. With the Portland Trail Blazers completely missing a solid power forward, the Iowa standout could help Portland regroup around Damian Lillard quickly with his scoring acumen and rebounding.
7. Sacramento Kings – Bennedict Mathurin | SG | Arizona | 6’6” | 210 LBS
The Sacramento Kings have a solid core of De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis, and Davion Mitchell, but their wing rotation is lacking, especially if they fail to retain Donte DiVincenzo. Benedict Mathurin makes a lot of sense at this juncture, giving the Kings a long and athletic scoring option who can take the pressure off their primary creators.
8. New Orleans Pelicans (from LAL) – AJ Griffin | SF | Duke | 6’7” | 222 LBS
The New Orleans Pelicans are loaded with young talent right now, but thanks to the AD trade, they can get even richer. AJ Griffin may not fit a position of need for them right now, and could be a risky pick with his injury history, but the Pels can afford to value ceiling more, and Griffin is a wonderful defensive player and a very reliable perimeter weapon.
9. San Antonio Spurs – Jalen Duren | C | Memphis | 6’11” | 250 LBS
Few teams need a big man boost more than the San Antonio Spurs. While Jakob Poeltl has been a very solid starting center for them, the Spurs are one of the best drafting teams in the league, and taking a high-ceiling prospect like Jalen Duren, who fills an urgent need, is right up their alley, just like how they took a good gamble with Josh Primo last year.
10. Washington Wizards – TyTy Washington | PG/SG | Kentucky | 6’3” | 185 LBS
TyTy Washington’s draft forecasts have wildly varied, but he’s the clear-cut best point guard left in a rather thin pool of floor generals in the draft. The Washington Wizards’ point guard rotation simply lacks quality and oomph, and the Kentucky standout could immediately contribute heavily for the Wiz next season.