NBA Draft 2022 Mock 2.0: First-round predictions for all teams

Jabari Smith - Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jabari Smith - Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malaki Branham, NBA Draft
Malaki Branham – Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2022 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Picks 21-25

21. Denver Nuggets – Malaki Branham | SG | Ohio State | 6’5” | 195 LBS

The Denver Nuggets will probably have an early playoff exit, and they will have to amplify their roster accounting for their injured stars. Drafting Ohio State’s Malaki Branham could be the first step, as he is among the most composed prospects in this class with his deadly perimeter game, consistency on defense, and great intangibles.

22. Memphis Grizzlies (from UTA) – Jaden Hardy | SG | G League | 6’4” | 190 LBS

Prognoses on Jaden Hardy’s spot in the 2022 NBA Draft have been inconsistent due to his subpar season in the G-League. There safer picks than this one, but the Memphis Grizzlies have a great development staff that can maximize his abilities, especially as a scorer. If the Grizz move on from Tyus Jones and have De’Anthony Melton assume his role, Hardy can even sneak into a rotation spot early on.

23. Brooklyn Nets (from PHI) – Jean Montero | PG | Dominican Republic | 6’3” | 175 LBS

Being virtual locks for an early playoff exit, the Brooklyn Nets have to reload their roster on the margins for next season. With Kyrie Irving not being the most available player, and Patty Mills and Goran Dragic on clear declines, they may be enticed to go with a point guard like Jean Montero, who is tabbed to be one of the bets international prospects in the draft.

24. Milwaukee Bucks – Blake Wesley | SG | Notre Dame | 6’5” | 185 LBS

A good number of Milwaukee Bucks fans want Blake Wesley with the 25th pick, which is actually a very realistic landing spot for the combo guard. A very good scorer inside the arc, he could supply the Bucks with added rim pressure for defenses. Better yet, his three-point stroke should develop in Mike Budenholzer’s system which favors shooters.

25. San Antonio Spurs (from BOS) – Patrick Baldwin Jr. | SF/PF | Milwaukee | 6’10” | 205 LBS

The Spurs badly need size to shore up their undersized lineups. San Antonio should be a perfect destination for Patrick Baldwin Jr. who, despite posting underwhelming numbers this year, remains an intriguing prospect with his physical tools and an all-around skillset that could fit well in the Spurs’ switchy schemes.