Here is a pick-by-pick analysis of the 2022 NBA draft. Orlando selected Duke forward Paolo Banchero with the first pick. The Lakers selected guard Max Christie of Michigan State.
2022 NBA draft: Paolo Banchero of Duke is the No. 1 pick by Orlando
The NBA draft is underway, and the Orlando Magic have selected Duke forward Paolo Banchero with the first pick on Thursday night.
First round
1. Orlando: Paolo Banchero, F, 6-10, 19, Duke
A one-and-done star with athleticism and length that makes him a legitimate NBA wing. Might be most ready to contribute among top draft picks.
2. Oklahoma City: Chet Holmgren, F/C, 7-0, 20, Gonzaga
In one season with the Bulldogs this lanky big man was a two-way standout with scoring touch and shot-blocking ability. Needs to bulk up.
3. Houston: Jabari Smith Jr., F, 6-10, 19, Auburn
The one-and-done Tigers star is top scorer who has the all-around skills to become a two-way star with improved defense.
4. Sacramento: Keegan Murray, F, 6-8, 21, Iowa
A skilled forward with above average athleticism and basketball IQ. Another prototypical wing capable of guarding multiple positions.
5. Detroit: Jaden Ivey, G, 6-4, 20, Purdue
An extremely athletic lead guard after two college seasons who has an explosive first step and can create his own shot. Needs to improve on defense.
6. Indiana: Bennedict Mathurin, SG, 6-6, 20, Arizona
Considered one of the best catch-and-shoot wings in the draft, he could be a contributor in the more wide-open NBA.
7. Portland: Shaedon Sharpe, SG, 6-6, 19, Kentucky
A Canadian with athleticism and two-way skills who can score in a variety of ways. He did not play for the Wildcats last season.
8. New Orleans (from the Lakers): Dyson Daniels, G/F, 6-6, 19, G League Ignite
This Australian playmaker has above-average court vision and has shown the ability to become a lockdown defender.
9. San Antonio: Jeremy Sochan, F, 6-8, 19, Baylor
Considered one of the best defenders available, he could fit in well in the NBA’s position-less game. Good rebounder and slasher too.
10. Washington: Johnny Davis, SG, 6-5, 20, Wisconsin
After two years with the Badgers, he’s shown the ability to score in the lane and from mid-range. Has shown capacity to be elite defender.
11. New York: Ousmane Diegn, G-F, 6-10, 19, NZ Breakers
The French wing is considered a project with tons of potential. Showed great improvement in his play in Australia’s NBL last season. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Oklahoma City.)
12. Oklahoma City (from the Clippers): Jalen Williams, SG, 6-6, 21, Santa Clara
A scorer with great length who can make plays, he had an outstanding junior season for the Broncos. Needs to improve defense and rebounding.
13. Charlotte: Jalen Duren, C, 6-11, 18, Memphis
One of the youngest players in the draft, he’s a physically gifted big man who can score inside and has the potential to defend inside and out. (His draft rights reportedly traded to Detroit.)
14. Cleveland: Ochai Agbaji, G, 6-5, 22, Kansas
Athletic 3-and-D wing, he played 122 games for the Jayhawks and knocked down 39.7% of his threes last season.
15. Charlotte (from New Orleans): Mark Williams, C, 7-2, 20, Duke
Showed big upside during his sophomore season with his physicality and wingspan around the rim on both ends of the court.
16. Atlanta: A.J. Griffin, SG, 6-6, 18, Duke
This two-way wing, who turns 19 in August, is considered one of the top scorers in the draft with solid moves and a mid-range game.
17. Houston (from Brooklyn): Tari Eason, F, 6-8, 21, Louisiana State
Another prototypical wing who is long, athletic and capable of defending on the perimeter. Shot better than 50% in two seasons at LSU.
18. Chicago: Dalen Terry, PG, 6-7, 19, Arizona
A two-way player who was a low-volume shooter for the Wildcats, he has plenty of upside with his size and all-around game.
19. Minnesota: Jake LaRavia, PF, 6-8, 20, Wake Forest
This versatile, wide-bodied forward had a solid junior season after transferring from Indiana State. Can score in a variety of ways. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
20. San Antonio (from Toronto): Malaki Branham, G-F, 6-5, 19, Ohio State
Another one-and-done wing who lacks elite athleticism but can score in a variety of ways. Shot 41.6% from deep, taking 2.8 threes per game.
21. Denver: Christian Braun, SG, 6-7, 21, Kansas
A skilled wing who shot 39% from deep last season, he’s a team player who brings energy on both ends of the court.
22. Memphis (from Utah): Walker Kessler, C, 7-1, 20, Auburn
Played 29 games as a freshman reserve at UNC before starting 34 for the Tigers. Has a well-rounded offensive game and can defend. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Minnesota.)
23. Philadelphia: David Roddy, PF, 6-6, 21, Colorado State
At 250 pounds, he plays bigger than his size and had a big junior season averaging 19.1 points while shooting 43.1% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
24. Milwaukee: MarJon Beauchamp, SG, 6-6, 20, G League Ignite
An athletic and skilled wing, he spent one season playing JC ball before joining the Ignite. Has all the tools to be a solid two-way player.
25. San Antonio (from Boston): Blake Wesley, SG, 6-4, 19, Notre Dame
This one-and-done scorer could be a combo guard in the NBA, an exceptional athlete with a mid-range game and the ability to score in the lane.
26. Dallas: Wendell Moore, SF, 6-5, 20, Duke
An excellent defender who averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, when he sank 41% of his three-pointers.
27. Miami: Nikola Jovic, F, 6-10, 19, Serbia
A talented, offensive-minded wing who is a scorer and playmaker. Not an explosive athlete but does move well for his size.
28. Golden State: Patrick Baldwin Jr., PF, 6-10, 19, Wisconsin-Milwaukee
An ankle injury led to him only playing 11 games for his father’s team, but he has plenty of upside and U19 national team experience.
29. Memphis: TyTy Washington, PG, 6-3, 20, Kentucky
An athletic floor leader who can score and create. Good wingspan helps make him a solid defender and rebounder for his size.
30. Oklahoma City (from Phoenix): Peyton Watson, SF, 6-8, 19, UCLA
The Bruins reserve wing only averaged 12.9 minutes but has big upside with his athleticism, explosive first step and leaping ability.
Second round
31. Indiana (from Houston): Andrew Nembhard, PG, 6-4, 22, Gonzaga
A true floor general from Canada who has the size and experience to be a two-way player in the NBA after 131 games at Florida and Gonzaga.
32. Orlando: Caleb Houstan, SF, 6-8, 19, Michigan
This one-and-done wing is a solid scorer and playmaker, shooting 35.5% from deep while averaging 10.1 points in 34 starts.
33. Toronto (from Detroit): Christian Koloko, C, 7-0, 22, Arizona
After a breakout junior season with the Wildcats, this Cameroon native has the ability to be a rim protector and lob threat in the NBA.
34. Oklahoma City: Jaylin Williams, C, 6-10, 19, Arkansas
A big man with good all-around skills and basketball IQ who is made for the NBA game. An above-average defender as well.
35. Lakers (from Orlando): Max Christie, SG, 6-6, 19, Michigan State
A lanky and crafty player, he’s a natural scorer who can get into the lane with ease. Only shot 38% from the field in his lone college season.
36. Portland: Gabriele Procida, SG, 6-8, 20, Fortitudo Bolonga
A prototypical international wing, this Italian can shoot from long range and score in the open court. Adequate defender and rebounder. (Draft rights traded to Detroit for Jerami Grant.)
37. Sacramento: Jaden Hardy, SG, 6-5, 19, G League Ignite
A combo guard with athleticism who has the ability to score off the dribble, from mid-range and deep. Plays out of control at times.
38. San Antonio (from Lakers): Kennedy Chandler, PG, 6-1, 19, Tennessee
A one-and-done, hard-nosed floor general who can also score, averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists while shooting 38.3% on threes. (Draft rights traded to Memphis.)
39. Cleveland (from San Antonio): Khalifa Diop, C, 6-11, 20, Gran Canaria
This Sengalese big man projects as a shot-blocking rim protector with the physicality to play in the NBA.
40. Minnesota (from Washington): Bryce McGowens, SG, 6-6, 19, Nebraska
A natural scorer with plenty of athleticism and upside. Averaged 16.8 points, shooting 80.3% on free throws but only 27.4% from deep. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis.)
41. New Orleans: EJ Liddell, PF, 6-7, 21, Ohio State
He’s a low-post presence with the ability to score from mid-range. Had an outstanding junior season as a rebounder, defender and shot-blocker.
42. New York: Trevor Keels, SG, 6-5, 18, Duke
A one-and-done lead guard who has size and athleticism. He started 26 of 36 games for the Blue Devils, averaging 11.5 points.
43. Clippers: Moussa Diabate, PF, 6-10, 20, Michigan
This one-and-done, lanky forward from France is a solid two-way player who averaged 9.0 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Wolverines.
44. Atlanta: Ryan Rollins, SG, 6-3, 19, Toledo
Has the skills to be a combo guard in the NBA after two college seasons, when he showed he could score in a variety of ways. A 50/40/90 shooter.
45. Charlotte: Josh Minott, SF, 6-8, 20, Memphis
A smooth one-and-done wing with leaping ability who only shot 14.3% from deep (2 of 14). Needs to improve range and defense.
46. Detroit (from Brooklyn): Ismael Kamagate, C, 6-11, 21, Paris Basketball
This French big man has the athleticism and physicality to be a rim-running center who can also protect the basket. A bit of a project with upside.
47. Memphis (from Cleveland): Vince Williams Jr., SG, 6-6, 21, VCU
A skilled wing who can score in a variety of ways. Could develop into a prototypical 3-and-D players.
48. Minnesota: Kendall Brown, SF, 6-7, 19, Baylor
An explosive athlete and two-way standout, he has the ability to score in a variety of ways, just not from deep. Outstanding defender.
49. Cleveland (from Sacramento): Isaiah Mobley, F/C, 6-10, 22, USC
The former Trojans star has a solid all-around game that could translate to a stretch 4, but lacks elite athleticism.
50. Minnesota (from Denver): Matteo Spagnolo, PG, 6-4, 17, Vanoli Cremona
The young Italian projects as a combo guard with solid shooting and playmaking skills. Turnover prone but big upside.
51. Golden State (from Toronto): Tyrese Martin, G/F, 6-6, 23, UConn
The Rhode Island transfer showed 3-and-D potential with the Huskies, averaging 13.6 points while shooting 43.1% from deep last season.
52. New Orleans (from Utah): Karlo Matkovic, PF, 6-11, 21, Mega Mozzart
This Bosnian big is a low-post scorer, solid defender and high-energy rebounder. Impressed in predraft workouts.
53. Boston: J.D. Davison, G, 6-3, 19, Alabama
The one-and-done combo guard made only six starts. He’s a big-time athlete with plenty of offensive moves. Lacks shooting depth.
— Milwaukee (forfeited)
— Miami (from Philadelphia via Denver; forfeited)
54. Washington (from Dallas): Yannick Nzoso, C, 6-11, 18, Unicaja
An active, athletic big man from Congo with great instincts around the rim to become an elite rim protector with solid offensive skills.
55. Golden State: Gui Santos, SG/SF, 6-6, 20, Minas
An athletic wing from Brazil who can score and make plays off the dribble. A solid defender and rebounder as well.
56. Cleveland (from Miami): Luke Travers, SG, 6-7, 20, Perth
A skilled wing who excelled at scoring in Australia’s NBL. Could round into a 3-and-D players in the NBA.
57. Portland (from Memphis): Jabari Walker, F, 6-8, 19, Colorado
A potential combo forward, this Inglewood native is considered a tweener but is a proficient scorer and rebounder.
58. Indiana (from Phoenix): Hugo Besson, PG, 6-5, 21, NZ Breakers
A hard-nosed two-way player from France who averaged 13.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists in Australia’s NBL.
Lakers acquire 35th overall pick in 2022 NBA draft
The Lakers have acquired a second-round pick, trading their way into Thursday night’s NBA draft, a source confirmed to the Los Angeles Times.
The team sent cash and a future second-round selection to Orlando for the rights to the No. 35 pick in the draft.
Orlando will receive the Lakers’ 2028 second-round pick in the deal, a source said.
The Lakers, who were without any 2022 picks originally because of trades, were aggressively searching for a trade partner to move into the second round.
Can the Lakers find the next Austin Reaves?
Reputations can begin in a lot of places, and a G League tryout is as good a place as any to form one.
It was there that the Lakers spotted David Nwaba, an undrafted player who attended three colleges. They swung a deal to get him added to their developmental team, and before they knew it, he was on the court with the NBA team.
That he didn’t find continued success with the Lakers doesn’t matter. That the team unearthed a player who has now appeared in 237 NBA games — starting 50 of them — seemingly out of thin air, that’s a skill that matters.
As the Lakers head into transaction season without draft picks or cap space, it’ll again fall on them to make something out of nothing, a significant challenge for any front office.
Fortunately, the Lakers front office — from general manager Rob Pelinka to consultant Kurt Rambis to scouting department folks like Joey and Jesse Buss to personnel director Nick Mazzella — has built a track record of finding role players from non-traditional routes. After hitting a home run with undrafted free agent Austin Reaves a season ago, the Lakers head into this draft season again on the hunt for players who can contribute sooner rather than later.
Will the Clippers make another draft-day trade?
NBA draft night is Thursday, though in the case of the Clippers, it has historically been more precise to describe it as something else.
Trade night.
Each draft since 2015 has involved at least one Clippers transaction, from buying their way into the second round with cash, to swapping first-round picks, trading a future first-round pick to move up, or shipping out established veterans for experienced rotation players. In 2020, a three-team deal netted them Luke Kennard, last year’s most accurate three-point shooter. In 2021, they swung three trades to grab Brandon Boston Jr., Keon Johnson and Jason Preston.
The methods change, as do the front-office decision-makers, but the moves have not.
This year could be the exception.
The Clippers do not possess a first-round pick; Oklahoma City controls the team’s selection because of the 2019 trade to acquire Paul George. What they do have is the 43rd overall pick, and league observers have described the team as uninterested to trade out of the draft altogether, while also not appearing driven — at the moment, anyway — to move up.
NBA mock draft 2022: Top three choices are locked in
The prevailing thought among NBA scouts is that there is a consensus top three for the draft, which will start at 5 p.m. PDT on Thursday at the Barclays Center in New York.
But starting with the fourth pick, the draft could go in any direction.
That’s because the Sacramento Kings have the fourth pick and are looking to move it for an “NBA-ready veteran” player, according to people with knowledge of the situation.
The New York Knicks, Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks have interest in Sacramento’s fourth selection.
This is a look at how things might shake out in the first round. The Lakers and Clippers do not have first-round picks.
1. Orlando: Jabari Smith, 19, PF, 6-10, Auburn
Though young, his size, length and athletic ability are intriguing.