NBA Mock Draft 4.0: The best prospect for every team in the first round

2022 NBA Mock Draft 4.0 (Picks 7-9)

7. Portland Trail Blazers – AJ Griffin | SF | Duke | 6’7” | 222 LBS

The Portland Trail Blazers have to be bummed after tanking on your face at the end of the regular season, only to end up with the seventh pick. However, if the opt to keep their pick, AJ Griffin should serve them well at pick no. 7, as his three-point marksmanship fits well with their perimeter-focused offense, while his reliable defense could help save their putrid defense.

8. New Orleans Pelicans (from LAL) – Bennedict Mathurin | SG | Arizona | 6’6” | 210 LBS

After a semi-breakout season for the New Orleans Pelicans, all eyes will be on them on how they can build off their surprise postseason appearance this year. Aside from regaining Zion Williamson, NOLA can rest easy and enjoy the fact that Bennedict Mathurin should be available to them at this juncture, giving them a solid perimeter threat who can immediately contribute next season.

9. San Antonio Spurs – Tari Eason | PF | LSU | 6’8” | 216 LBS

Few teams need help in the frontcourt more than the San Antonio Spurs. Outside of Jakob Poeltl, Gregg Popovich has mainly relied on position up-scaling and small ball to compromise, primarily using the undersized Keldon Johnson to man the 4 spot. This is where Tari Eason could entice them, as the LSU alum combines size, scoring, defending, and rebounding to round up as a do-it-all forward.