2022 NBA Draft: Complete List Of Picks

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The 2022 NBA Draft was a watershed moment for many young basketball players hoping to make their mark in the professional world. For fans, it's an exciting time full of speculation, anticipation, and the thrill of seeing their favorite teams potentially land the next superstar. Let's dive deep into the complete list of picks from the 2022 NBA Draft, offering insights and context around each selection.

First Round Highlights

The first round of any NBA draft is where the most hyped prospects typically land, and 2022 was no exception. The Orlando Magic, holding the coveted first overall pick, selected Paolo Banchero from Duke University. This pick surprised many, as most analysts predicted Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren would be the top selection. Banchero, however, brought a versatile offensive game and a polished skill set that the Magic's front office clearly valued. His ability to score in multiple ways, combined with his developing playmaking skills, made him an intriguing choice to lead Orlando's rebuild. The subsequent performance in his rookie season would either validate or question the Magic's decision-making.

Following the Magic, the Oklahoma City Thunder selected Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick. Holmgren, a unique prospect with his combination of size, shooting, and rim protection, was seen as a potentially transformative player for the Thunder. His slender frame raised some concerns about his ability to withstand the physicality of the NBA, but his upside was undeniable. Thunder fans were excited about pairing him with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey to form a promising young core. Unfortunately, Holmgren's rookie season was delayed due to a Lisfranc injury in his right foot sustained during a Pro-Am game, leaving fans eager to see him finally take the court.

The Houston Rockets rounded out the top three by selecting Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn University. Smith, widely considered the best shooter in the draft, fit a significant need for the Rockets, who were looking to add more perimeter firepower. His smooth shooting stroke, combined with his defensive potential, made him an attractive fit alongside Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. Smith's ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions was expected to accelerate the Rockets' rebuilding process. Though his initial performance had some ups and downs, the Rockets remained optimistic about his long-term potential.

These top three picks set the tone for the rest of the first round, with teams prioritizing a mix of talent, fit, and potential. Each selection came with its own set of expectations and storylines, making the 2022 NBA Draft one to remember.

Notable Second Round Picks

While the first round often grabs the headlines, the second round of the NBA Draft can be a goldmine for teams looking to find hidden gems and value picks. Several players selected in the second round of the 2022 draft have shown the potential to become valuable contributors at the NBA level.

One notable second-round pick was Walker Kessler, selected by the Memphis Grizzlies and then traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Kessler, a dominant shot-blocker and rebounder at Auburn, filled a need for the Timberwolves, who were looking to bolster their frontcourt depth. His ability to protect the rim and clean the glass made him an intriguing prospect, and he quickly demonstrated his value in the NBA. Kessler's impact was particularly noticeable on the defensive end, where his presence altered opponents' shot selection and created opportunities for his teammates.

Another second-round standout was Christian Braun, selected by the Denver Nuggets. Braun, a versatile wing player from Kansas, brought a winning pedigree and a well-rounded skill set to the Nuggets. His ability to shoot, defend, and make plays made him a valuable role player, and he quickly earned the trust of coach Michael Malone. Braun's energy and hustle were contagious, and he proved to be a valuable addition to the Nuggets' rotation. He helped contribute to the Nuggets championship run, showcasing the impact a second-round pick can make.

JD Davison, drafted by the Boston Celtics, was another intriguing second-round selection. Known for his athleticism and playmaking ability, Davison brought a different dimension to the Celtics' backcourt. While he was considered a raw prospect, his upside was undeniable, and the Celtics were willing to be patient with his development. Davison's ability to penetrate the defense and create opportunities for others made him an exciting player to watch, and he had the potential to become a valuable contributor off the bench. He showcased flashes of his potential in limited minutes, indicating a bright future ahead.

These second-round picks exemplify the value that can be found outside of the first round. Teams that do their homework and identify players with specific skills and potential can often find diamonds in the rough. The success of these players highlights the importance of scouting and player development in the NBA.

Team-by-Team Analysis

Breaking down the 2022 NBA Draft by team offers further insights into each franchise's strategy and priorities. Some teams focused on immediate impact players, while others prioritized long-term potential. Here's a brief look at how a few teams fared in the draft:

  • Orlando Magic: As mentioned earlier, the Magic surprised many by selecting Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick. While some questioned the decision, Banchero's versatility and offensive skill set made him an intriguing fit for the Magic's rebuilding efforts. The Magic also added Caleb Houstan in the second round, further bolstering their wing depth.

  • Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder added Chet Holmgren with the second overall pick, giving them a potentially transformative player to pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Holmgren's unique combination of size, shooting, and rim protection made him an exciting prospect, and his arrival signaled a new era for the Thunder.

  • Houston Rockets: The Rockets addressed their need for perimeter shooting by selecting Jabari Smith Jr. with the third overall pick. Smith's smooth shooting stroke and defensive potential made him a valuable addition to the Rockets' young core. The Rockets also added Tari Eason and TyTy Washington Jr. in the first round, further strengthening their roster.

  • Sacramento Kings: The Kings selected Keegan Murray with the fourth overall pick, a decision that was met with mixed reactions. Murray, a polished offensive player from Iowa, was seen as a safe pick who could contribute immediately. However, some questioned whether he had the upside of other prospects in the draft. The Kings also added Jaden Ivey via a trade, giving them a dynamic guard to pair with De'Aaron Fox.

  • Detroit Pistons: The Pistons had a strong draft, landing Jaden Ivey with the fifth overall pick and Jalen Duren in a trade. Ivey's athleticism and scoring ability made him an exciting addition to the Pistons' backcourt, while Duren's rebounding and rim protection addressed a need in the frontcourt. The Pistons also added Gabriele Procida in the second round, further strengthening their roster.

Each team had its own unique draft strategy, and only time will tell which teams made the best decisions. The 2022 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for many franchises, and the players selected will play a key role in shaping the future of the league.

Draft Day Trades

Draft day trades are a common occurrence in the NBA, as teams look to move up or down in the draft order to acquire specific players or assets. The 2022 NBA Draft was no exception, with several notable trades taking place.

One of the most significant trades involved the Detroit Pistons acquiring Jalen Duren from the Charlotte Hornets. The Pistons traded a future first-round pick to the New York Knicks, who then conveyed the pick to the Hornets in exchange for Duren. This move allowed the Pistons to address their need for a rim-protecting center and add another promising young player to their roster. Duren's rebounding and shot-blocking ability made him a valuable addition to the Pistons' frontcourt.

Another notable trade involved the Sacramento Kings acquiring Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons. The Kings traded Davion Mitchell and pick number four to the Pistons for Ivey. This trade allowed the Kings to add a dynamic guard to pair with De'Aaron Fox, giving them a potent backcourt duo. Ivey's athleticism and scoring ability made him an exciting addition to the Kings' roster.

The Minnesota Timberwolves also made a trade, acquiring Walker Kessler from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Timberwolves traded multiple second-round picks to the Grizzlies in exchange for Kessler, who they believed could provide valuable rim protection and rebounding. Kessler's size and shot-blocking ability made him an intriguing prospect for the Timberwolves.

These trades highlight the strategic maneuvering that teams engage in on draft day. Teams are constantly evaluating their needs and assets, and they are willing to make trades to improve their roster and position themselves for future success. Draft day trades can have a significant impact on the league, and they often create new storylines and rivalries.

Undrafted Free Agents

While getting drafted is the goal for most young basketball players, some talented players inevitably go undrafted. These undrafted free agents often have to fight their way onto NBA rosters, but some of them go on to have successful careers. Several undrafted free agents from the 2022 NBA Draft have shown promise.

One notable undrafted free agent is Collin Gillespie, who signed with the Denver Nuggets. Gillespie, a point guard from Villanova, was a two-time Big East Player of the Year and a national champion. His leadership skills and basketball IQ made him an attractive prospect, despite his lack of elite athleticism. Gillespie's ability to run an offense and make smart decisions made him a valuable addition to the Nuggets' roster.

Another undrafted free agent to watch is Trevion Williams, who signed with the Boston Celtics. Williams, a center from Purdue, was a dominant rebounder and passer in college. His size and strength made him a force in the paint, and his passing ability allowed him to create opportunities for his teammates. Williams' unique skill set made him an intriguing prospect for the Celtics.

These undrafted free agents represent the perseverance and determination of players who refuse to give up on their NBA dreams. While they may have to take a different path to the league, they have the potential to make a significant impact. The success stories of undrafted free agents serve as an inspiration to other players who are working hard to achieve their goals.

Conclusion

The 2022 NBA Draft was filled with surprises, excitement, and potential. From the top picks to the undrafted free agents, each player has a unique story to tell. As these young players embark on their NBA journeys, fans will be watching closely to see who emerges as the next superstar. The draft is just the beginning, and the real work starts now. The future of the NBA is in the hands of these talented young players, and it will be fascinating to see what they accomplish in the years to come. This draft has set the stage for a new era of basketball, and the league is sure to be filled with excitement and competition.