SBC 2022 Mock Draft 2.0

How did the May 17 lottery shake up the NBA Draft? The Orlando Magic came away the big winner, with the Houston Rockets slipping from the top spot pre-lottery to No. 3. The Oklahoma City Thunder will pick at No. 2, with the Sacramento Kings the highest climber from No. 7 to 4.

Before the lottery, Sports Business Classroom Alumni Ari Eizen, Ron Gutterman and Aaron Pearlstein simulated a mock draft. They run through it again, now with the official order.

The following is the revised mock, with picks 8-30 identical to the pre-lottery form. What changed in the top-7?

No. 1: Orlando Magic (No. 1 to the Houston Rockets before the lottery): The Magic go for Jabari Smith Jr.’s upside. The Auburn forward’s defensive versatility at 6-foot-10 – to go along with a steady jumper – makes him a genuinely intriguing prospect. The Magic may ve tempted to take Chet Holmgren here, but Smith’s potential may be too much to ignore. -RG

No. 2: Oklahoma City Thunder (formerly Paolo Banchero to the Magic): With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddy seemingly a part of the Thunder core, the Thunder need size to pair with them. Holmgren has the potential to be the best pick in this draft. He can serve as a defensive anchor and will be able to initiate offense in transition. Pairing him with either Giddy or SGA in a pick and roll can be a deadly combination for years to come. -AE 

No. 3: Houston Rockets (formerly Holmgren to the Detroit Pistons): In some ways, the Rockets are in a stress-free spot. The Rockets will choose who remains on the board out of the class’ three standout prospects. In this case, Banchero–who may have the highest floor in this year’s draft. His size and ability to score on all three levels can form a dynamic duo alongside Jalen Green. He has room to improve on the defensive side, and his effort sometimes waned in college, but his potential is through the roof. -AE

No. 4: Sacramento Kings (formerly to the Thunder): Despite the Kings expected to push for a playoff run this year, Sharpe has the potential to be the best player in the draft. But Sharpe is the biggest question mark in the draft as well. He is a pure scorer who has springs for feet. His raw athleticism is among the best in the draft. It may take a year or two, but Sharpe could be worth the development project. -AE

No. 5: Detroit Pistons (formerly to the Indiana Pacers): Despite falling to No. 5, the Pistons could lock up one of the most exciting backcourts in the league. Pairing the high-flying and aggressive Jaden Ivey with Cade Cunningham could be the push the Pistons need to contend. -RG

No. 6: Indiana Pacers (formerly Jalen Duren to the Portland Trail Blazers): The Pacers dropping from No. 5 to No. 6 kills the dream of pairing Tyrese Haliburton with Jaden Ivey. Instead, the franchise turns to the switchy, versatile, and active Jeremy Sochan. One of the highest upside players in the draft, Sochan could bring an instant defensive push in Indy. -RG

No. 7: Portland Trail Blazers (formerly Souchan to the Kings): Picking inside the lottery for the first time in a long-time, the Blazers add Jalen Duren, a strong rim runner to pair with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons (restricted free agent). Defensively, Duren is an elite shot-blocker already and looks to project as an elite defensive threat in the paint. Look for Duren to be a great pairing with the electrifying backcourt. -AP

Complete First-Round Mock (1-30)

*The No.23 pick may go to the Brooklyn Nets from the Philadelphia 76ers at the Nets’ discretion.

Note: Ron Gutterman’s opinion is his own and does not reflect the Denver Nuggets, of which he is an employee.