The 2022 draft happens Thursday, and we’re going to have dozens and dozens of trade rumors and draft speculation swirling about in the lead-up to that. We’ve already seen two first-round picks exchange hands with Denver acquiring the 30th pick from Oklahoma City and the Dallas Mavericks giving up the 26th pick in a deal with Houston that nets them Christian Wood. As we barrel toward the draft on Thursday, it’s time for some mock draft action.
Every year, mock drafts fuel the anticipation of what could happen that night. I love reading them. I love creating them. And this year is no different.
Leading up to Thursday’s draft, this is my latest mock draft, picks 1-58 (Miami and Milwaukee both had second-round picks excommunicated from the draft because of tampering transgressions). With the first round, we’re looking at expected picks or maybe even just what I’m thinking might happen based on rumors and innuendos and the scuttlebutt around the league. Also, we’ll look at the chances that pick gets dealt and the team’s specific needs.
In the second round, we’ll play a game of roster, stash or G League — in which we try to figure out if this is a selection for a roster spot, playing overseas or development in the G League right away.
(Photo: Kyle Terada / USA Today)