The 2022 NBA Draft is only a couple of months away. The busy offseason for Indiana starts with the draft lottery on May 17th and the draft itself on June 23rd.
In our first mock draft, Alex Golden projected how the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft could unfold for all teams using the odds-based lottery order. For this third edition, we will be using a Tankathon simulator to spice things up for the first five picks in this draft.
Picks 6-30 will be based on end-of-season standings from a draft position standpoint.
2022 NBA Draft Mock 3.0: Picks 1-5
The Orlando Magic are in the market for a strong four, and Banchero’s all-around game and versatility at the 4, could reshape the structure of this roster in a real way. They drafted a solid guard in Jalen Suggs last season and the size added to the Magic starting five with Banchero in the mix is intriguing.
I think the Rockets would be excited about Holmgren at second overall. Holmgren is mocked differently so often, that it is difficult to get a feel for where he will land exactly. To me, there is no question that he should be a top-five pick in this draft. His physique may put off some, but the mystique as a uniquely mobile seven-footer with wing-like skills makes him a worthwhile gamble.
The Indiana Pacers would gain the most in adding a true four to their roster if they pick in the top three in this draft, I really like their chances at Smith. His halfcourt game is fantastic and he is probably the most NBA-ready player in this top five. His size and skill set would add a ton to this Indiana roster.
Ivey is as explosive as they get. San Antonio getting the perfect pairing alongside Dejonte Murray would make for a thrilling backcourt for the Spurs. He averaged 17.3 points a game this season and shot the three at 35% for the Boilermakers.
The Detroit Pistons probably prefer a frontcourt prospect, but unlike them, they are still incentivized to pick a guard. Fortunately for them, Cade Cunningham needs another running mate in the backcourt, and Shaedon Sharpe has all the tools to be his ideal complement, if not co-star. His tape is lacking, but I think Detroit would take the gamble on this young prospect.