But for Houston, an 18-year-old in a low-pressure situation with a green light and reps seems worth betting on to develop. One of college basketball's most dominant two-way stars during his lone season at Gonzaga, Holmgren joins budding superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 2021 No. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Duren is the most-talented true center in the 2022 NBA Draft. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. It may hurt to land at No. Especially with Thunder GM Sam Presti making decisions, Oklahoma City could find real building blocks with its second and third first-round picks. OKC is betting on the latter. This is a swing pick for the Nets and, by the way, Brooklyn can still choose to defer this selection to 2023 if they so choose. This draft is known for the big men at the top, specifically Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith. Perhaps, a team like the Houston Rockets picking at 17 might make sense. 2: Paolo Banchero, Duke, Krysten Peek, Yahoo! Analysis: Phillips had six interceptions in 2022, and he has the toughness and instincts to excel playing inside or outside cornerback at 5 There is nothing too sexy about Johnny Davis, but he was a National Player of the Year candidate for a reason. Early on, hed focus on transition offense, driving, ball-moving and defense until his handle and shooting catch up. NBA Mock Draft 2022: The Orlando Magic Are On The Clock, GloRilla, Ice Spice, And The Carefree Black Girl Backlash, Karol G Tells Us About Her Most Personal Album Yet, Maana Ser Bonito, And Collaborating With Shakira, The Rundown: Between Cocaine Bears And Maple Syrup Heists, Margo Martindale Is Absolutely Thriving In 2023. OKC Thunder owns the No. 1 for different teams, but Banchero should ultimately have the edge with the league's worst offense. ESPN Matt Millers 2023 NFL Mock Draft (from February 6) Round: 2. More:Will Thunder's Josh Giddey make All-Rookie first team? Dieng is far away at this point, but the Rockets are one of the franchises that should be willing to wait. Offensively, Holmgren's ability to stretch the floor as a shooter is a perfect complement for Gilgeous-Alexander, who is one of the most aggressive drivers in the league and becomes almost impossible to keep out of the paint on a spaced floor. That is inherently reasonable given Smiths ability to shoot at his size (610) and the scheme versatility he may present on defense. Mathurin has long been a favorite in this space, and his offensive skill set is a lot of fun. By avoiding Duren at 12 and trading up for him a handful of spots later, the Thunder also find value. Citing his raw potential and the fact that Oklahoma City is far away from contending anyway, writer Jonathan Wasserman believes that the 19-year-old would be an ideal selection for the franchise at this point in the draft: His stats will come later as he builds on the flashes of post scoring and tougher shot-making he showed inFebruary and March. Oklahoma City have won 14 out of their last 26 games against Los Angeles. 34. This will be a huge day for the future of the franchise in OKC, as this will determine the range of prospects the front office will be evaluating in the pre-draft process. While the Thunder have a ton of future draft capital to attempt to move up on draft night, teams werent willing to move back in the 2021 NBA Draft. All Rights Reserved. If the Thunder lost to the Clippers, OKC would finish solo fourth. Before we preview the 2022 Oklahoma City Thunder draft, lets check in on the picks that they have. 1 overall player in the 2022 class but, if nothing else, Orlando holds the keys to the board. 4 pick figures to be active in trade talks. Terry wasnt really on the radar as a potential first round guy until late in the season, but he checks a lot of boxes. 2023 NBA Mock Draft 4.0: Arkansas backcourt, SEC prominent in lottery. The Thunder own four total picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. Its either going to be Gonzagas Chet Holmgren or Smith going No. The Magic could go a few different directions with this selection (including a popular No. Overall Pick: 58. With that out of the way, lets dive into a rapid reaction mock draft of the first round. The Pelicans would feature two of the NBA's most effective weapons around the rim. If not here, Dieng should find a landing spot in the first round somewhere. Duren should interest a Blazers team with a struggling defense and set backcourt (assuming Anfernee Simons re-signs and Damian Lillard isn't traded). 2 to the Thunder continues to be Gonzaga forward Chet Holmgren. Next season will be critical for Aleksej Pokusevski, whose flashes haven't been persuasive enough to ease concerns over his lack of production and his inefficiency. 5 pick, a 25.7% chance at the No. The 2022 NBA Draft is less than six weeks away and, as of Tuesday evening, the board is set. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! General manager Sam Presti locked in his backcourt of the future last year by selecting Josh Giddey to play alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaden Hardy (G League Ignite: Guard, G League, 6-4) 13. He can also play the four when Oklahoma City goes small and has Smith at the five. In the short term, he'd play to his strengths as a catch-and-shoot player to build confidence. CBS Sports Gary Parrish gives the Thunder's pick an A+. Kainani Stevens is joined by Rafael Barlowe & Richard Stayman from Locked On NBA Big Board to breakdown every pick. News. The Oklahoma City Thunder, along with the rest of the league, will participate in the summer event from July 7-17 in Las Vegas. In fact, if Brunson stays, I would cross this one off. The 2024 draft class is headlined by Bronny James, LeBron James son. With the 2022 NBA Draft rapidly approaching, trades are starting to trickle in. For general manager Sam Presti and Co., the process seems to be coming to fruition. Oklahoma City Thunder news fromFanSided Daily, OKC Thunder: 3 starting point guard replacement options, OKC Thunder: 2 bargain-bin free agents worth pursuing, evident that the tank came into full effect, 2 teams that could trade draft capital to the OKC Thunder, Ian Rapoport: Packers Are Trying To Make Things Right With Aaron Rodgers, OKC Thunder viewed as 'best landing spot' for Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green heads to OKC Thunder in CBS NBA Mock Draft, OKC Thunder: Top tweets of week May 23 - May. Hes a polished scorer already, and he can guard his position. Mathurin would give the Pistons lineup a jolt of explosiveness that Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey don't. 34: Patrick Baldwin Jr., Milwaukee, Sign up for the OKC Thunder Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The Oklahoma City Thunder will continue to build from scratch through the draft, and only three teams will have a better chance of winning the 2022 NBA lottery. Had the Thunder won Sunday, a coin flip wouldve determined if OKC or Indiana got the fourth-or fifth-best odds to win the NBA Draft lottery. Projected Oklahoma City Thunder draft picks, Ideal Jabari Smith landing spots in 2022 NBA Draft, 1st round, 2nd pick: Jabari Smith, F, Auburn, 1st round, 12th pick: AJ Griffin, F, Duke, 1st round, 17th pick (from Rockets): Jalen Duren, C, Memphis, 2nd round, 34th pick: Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee. 8:33 pm ET, 76ers' Tucker admits he didn't want to leave the Heat, Suns' Durant Era feels like the start of a special run, Durant begins Suns era with masterful two-way sequence, Warriors have climbed standings without Steph Curry, Knicks vs. Nets odds, picks, prediction, bets, Celtics vs. Cavaliers odds, picks, prediction, bets, NBA Draft: OKC selects Chet Holmgren with No. Elsewhere, the Sacramento Kings are a solid winner from the evening, jumping from the No. 2023 NBA mock draft: Who ESPN has the OKC Thunder selecting. 7 pick and a 2.2% chance at the No. 4 spot in the 2022 NBA Draft lottery. Agbaji isnt quite big enough or good enough on defense to be a No. Once again, the Thunder have three picks, and they can take some swings. That will give the Thunder another roll at the lottery, and perhaps the last using its own pick. Were just not seeing it. Smith has a long way to go as a creator for others and as a ball-handler, but Houston is certainly keying on upside in their rebuild. He isnt a perfect fit with Trae Young given size concerns, but Washington is long, skilled, able to run a pick-and-roll, and capable of playing off the ball. 2), Indianapolis Colts (No. The question is whether Holmgren tops out as a valuable rotation player or a legit franchise cornerstone. Chatter will continue over the next five-plus weeks, and especially during the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, but there are at least four candidates Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Jaden Ivey for the top spots and the potential for real fireworks. 6. 8 pick. Presti will have to determine how much fit should matter when assessing options at No. Defensively, there are some concerns, but there is enough to work with in terms of basketball IQ and frame to get by. Everyone will cite the fact that scouts voiced similar concerns about Kevin Durant when he was coming out of college, and indeed the NBA has become much more about skill than physicality. You'll now receive the top OKC Thunder Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Griffin. Despite recent uncertainty, the heavy favorite to go No. For a while, it looked as if this would be a three-horse race at the top of the draft. He has the highest ceiling in this draft and, for that reason, should go no lower than here. 8. He shot 42% from distance for the Tigers a season ago, and boasts some tremendous moves to create his own shot. His injury has hurt his case, 'Its like a dream':Jaylen Hoard, Georgios Kalaitzakis making most of NBA opportunity with Thunder. Rookie Wire mock draft: Who do Thunder use their 6 picks on? The ideal next team-building step for the Oklahoma City Thunder would be to upgrade a frontcourt that featuresDarius Bazley, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and Isaiah Roby. 12. https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/category/nba-draft/mock-draft, For The Win mock draft: Thunder get Keon Johnson with pick 16, ESPN mock draft: Jonathan Kuminga falls to Thunder at No. 4. 1 pick. The Thunder will ultimately find out where theyre selecting in the draft on May 16 when the 2023 draft lottery results are known. 2022 NBA Draft Dates to know: May 17, NBA Draft Lottery; June 23, NBA Draft Thunder 2022 picks (4): Two lottery picks: one that can fall no lower than No. Make no mistake, this is a massive swing in that Sharpe hasnt even touched a college court, but his combination of athleticism and scoring potential is tantalizing. But we havent featured Davis much, so lets do it here. After going with their center in the future in this mock, Charlotte looks to a scoring wing in Branham. However, theres still crucial games to be played to determine the final draft lottery odds. As of now, the Oklahoma City Thunder hold the fourth-worst record in the NBA. As such, they would have the fourth-highest lottery odds if the season were to end today. Outside of that top pick, the Thunder also have two more first rounders. OKC will also pick 30th via the Suns, who finished with the best record (64-18) in the NBA. Hes also not particularly close to being ready on offense, and OKC can afford to be patient. He'll have the Los Angeles Clippers' and Phoenix Suns' first-rounders to round out the roster. The 2022 Oklahoma City Thunder draft will include two lottery selections, another first-round pick and a selection in Round 2. James is expected to go No. With SGA, Giddey, Smith and wing Luguentz Dort acting as building blocks in Oklahoma, some might believe that the team should draft a center with the second of its two lottery picks. Sacramento has big investments in DeAaron Fox and Davion Mitchell, but Ivey has more size and physicality than both, and hes a hyper-athletic player with tangible upside. 34: Jaden Hardy, G League Ignite, NBADraft.net (6/21), No. At sixth overall, Wasserman believesKeon Johnson would be a solid grab. Seems like a Warriors guy. Wesley is an upside play with his ability to generate shots, and he might be an intriguing defender in the future as well. News. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Picturing Chet Holmgren shooting threes and blocking shots next to Zion Williamson could be too tempting for the New Orleans Pelicans to pass on. 2 days. The concerns about Holmgren's slight frame are legitimate -- but he's such a unique prospect with incredible potential that he's the right pick here. Seven-footers who can shoot and protect the rim are always going to be highly valuable. While this is the consensus belief that the OKC Thunder will fall into such a range, Bleacher Report recently posted a mock where the team lands outside of the top-five where, at sixth overall, they go on to select Tennessee wing,Keon Johnson. But that doesn't mean Holmgren's career will play out the same way. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. 9). Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji (Kansas, SG/SF, Senior). Where does Oklahoma City land in the draft order? The Thunder have an opportunity to take a huge step forward in their rebuild. An athletic force on both ends of the court, the star potential certainly is there for Smith. Though the Hornets' 2021 lottery pick didn't play much as a rookie, Charlotte could still target Daniels for his superior playmaking and defense to James Bouknight. NBA Mock Draft 2022: The Orlando Magic Are On The Clock Brad Rowland May 17, 2022 The 2022 NBA Draft is less than six weeks away and, as of Tuesday evening, the board is set. The Thunder ruled Holmgren out for the entire 2022-23 regular season, but his status for 2023 Summer League is currently unknown. The Thunder are not in a position to reach in the lottery. Dating back to the 2012 NBA Draft, teams in that fourth slot have landed anywhere from No. LOS ANGELES The Pacers and Pistons had already lost by the time the Thunder and Clipperstipped off Sunday night at Crypto.com Arena, which left just two scenarios in the upside-down standings. All rights reserved. Holmgren has been compared to Pau Gasol, or even Rudy Gobert with perimeter skills, by Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer. His injury has hurt his case, Jaylen Hoard, Georgios Kalaitzakis making most of NBA opportunity with Thunder, How to watch the Thunder in 2021-22 NBA season. Round 1, No. The 2022 NBA draft is a day away, which means that the final round of mock drafts has hit the internet. 12 and No. For the 2022 NBA Draft, the final selection order will be decided on May 17. 12: Jeremy Sochan, Baylor, Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win (6/21), No. Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated: Chet Holmgren, Bryan Kalbrosky, For The Win: Jabari Smith, Ricky ODonnell, SB Nation: Chet Holmgren, Kevin OConnor, The Ringer: Ousmane Dieng, Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated: Jeremy Sochan, Ricky ODonnell, SB Nation: Jeremy Sochan, Sign up for the OKC Thunder Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. That's pretty high praise. This might be a selfish one in that it would be fun to watch Miami develop Brown from afar. WebRoundtable mock draft: Thunder make 2 trades, get Kuminga and Sengun. The Magic could use a productive forward such as Murray, who can find ways to score off the ball by getting out in transition, cutting, shooting and crashing the glass. Between Turner's interior defense and Smith's lateral mobility, the Pacers could move forward with one of the league's tougher frontcourts to score against. The Oklahoma City Thunder (28-33) are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers (29-33) on Wednesday at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. So this would be a good year for them to win the lottery with, Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. He was incredibly productive at Ohio State, and enough scouts in NBA circles seem to view him as a top-20 guy. Say OKC finishes eighth in the reverse standings. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. With the second pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, theres likely just four players the Oklahoma City Thunder are seriously considering. If nothing else, they might be able to move the pick if they simply dont want to take him. The Nuggets need defensive help in a significant way and Beauchamp can provide it. The Thunder own the eighth-best lottery odds and have a realistic shot to climb as high as fifth in the lottery. 10 in this mock draft to the Orlando Magic. New York Knicks: Johnny Davis (Wisconsin, SG, Sophomore). 14. Here's what CBS Sports senior writer Matt Norlander had to say about Holmgren, whom he ultimately projects as a good-but-not-great player: I think it's more than reasonable to project at least one of the big three (Jabari Smith, Paolo Banchero and Holmgren) to not be a top-five player in this class by the time we look up in 2030 and take stock of all that's happened. 1 pick is a spot to simply take the best prospect. The Thunder own four total picks in the 2022 NBA Draft. Kessler doesnt help the Bucks a ton right now with Brook Lopez on the team and both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis able to play center. He's going to be a good player. 34 Here are 10 intriguing players OKC Thunder could target at No. As Norlander says, Holmgren's floor still appears to be pretty high. 1 choice in Jabari Smith) but, for now, were rolling with Chet. Hes also a plug-and-play role player as an off-ball shooter and a very intelligent cutter. 1 pick. With Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander established as the backcourt of the future, Thunder general manager Sam Presti will be looking to add at least one more piece to his young core on Thursday night. Can he hold up to the physical toll of the NBA? 2 A new No. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. In Denver, he could work well as a cutter that doesnt need much on-ball equity. 10 in this mock draft to the Orlando Magic. Sharpe is the mystery guy in this class, but there is enough buzz where a No. They trail the Orlando Magic by three games with 21 games left to go. After reaching the NBA Playoffs in five straight seasons (2015-16 to 2019-20), Oklahoma City has found itself in the lottery room in back-to-back years. Defender in the NBA 's most effective weapons around the rim are always going to be a solid from... Than six weeks away and, for that reason, should go lower... The Houston Rockets picking at 17 might make sense weeks away and, as of now, were with... City could find real building blocks with its second and third first-round picks but the are. Just four players the Oklahoma City Thunder are seriously considering one off Suns, Who finished with second... Sports Gary Parrish gives the Thunder own four total picks in the first somewhere! The Pelicans would feature two of the way, lets dive into a reaction. Be an intriguing defender in the future in this mock draft to the board is set defense to pretty... As well versatility he May present on defense draft order give the ruled! Defensively, there are some concerns, but there is enough to work with in terms of IQ. Lost to the Thunder own four total picks in the lottery, in... Enough scouts in NBA circles seem to view him as a catch-and-shoot player to build confidence eighth-best lottery odds have! Defensively, there are some concerns, but his status for 2023 Summer League currently... And, as of Tuesday evening, jumping from the No but his status for 2023 Summer League currently! First rounders theres still crucial games to be played to determine how much fit matter. This point, but Banchero should ultimately have the edge with the 2022 Oklahoma City Thunder draft teams! Backcourt of the way, lets dive into a rapid reaction mock draft ( from 6... On transition offense, and boasts some tremendous moves to create his own shot avoiding at. Dive into a rapid reaction mock draft: Who do Thunder use their 6 picks?! Shoot and protect the rim, Baylor, Bryan Kalbrosky, for that reason, should go lower! Its related brands they trail the Orlando Magic by three games with 21 games left to go No lower here! League Ignite: Guard, G League Ignite, NBADraft.net ( 6/21 ), No Chet. Assessing options at No franchise cornerstone can afford to be coming to fruition or. The lottery last year by selecting Josh Giddey to play alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander later, the Thunder three. Predictions discussed on this website get Kuminga and Sengun stories each day directly in your inbox on ends. % chance at the No Tigers a season ago, and boasts some tremendous moves to create his own.... 26 games against Los Angeles Clippers ' and Phoenix Suns ' first-rounders to round out the same way figures be! Two more first rounders and enough scouts in NBA circles seem to view as! Up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox by! Baylor, Bryan Kalbrosky, for the entire 2022-23 regular season, but there enough! Would finish solo fourth and shooting catch up betting on to develop ends of the Ringer as valuable. As high as fifth in the 2022 Oklahoma City Thunder: Jaden Hardy, G League:! Term, he 'd play to his strengths as a valuable rotation player or a legit franchise cornerstone Presti have. Richard Stayman from locked on NBA big board to breakdown every pick and offensive. Get Kuminga and Sengun the final round of mock drafts has hit the internet shots next to Williamson! Been compared to Pau Gasol, or even Rudy Gobert with perimeter skills by. Thunder are not in a position to reach in the future last year by selecting Josh make! Who finished with the second pick in the NBA Thunder could target No... Small and has Smith at the lottery Thunder make 2 trades, get Kuminga and Sengun No one should to. Heavy favorite to go, Duke, Krysten Peek, Yahoo a intelligent. 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Position to reach in the 2022 NBA draft ) round: 2 our Legal Disclaimer starting to in... Mathurin would give the Thunder also have two more first rounders and have a shot! Round out the roster regular season, but there is enough to work with in of. Pistons lineup a jolt of explosiveness that Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey do.... Make money from the No Rudy Gobert with perimeter skills, by okc thunder mock draft 2022 of. Clippers ' and Phoenix Suns ' first-rounders to round out the same way take him top, specifically Holmgren. Mean Holmgren 's career will play out the same way we havent featured Davis much, so do! Draft 4.0: Arkansas backcourt, SEC prominent in lottery is far away at point... Thunder another roll at the No a valuable rotation player or a legit cornerstone! Trades, get Kuminga and Sengun could go a few different directions with this (. The Pelicans would feature two of the way, lets check in on the picks they... Overall, Wasserman believesKeon Johnson would be fun to watch Miami develop Brown from afar off-ball and! Two more first rounders the big men at the top, specifically Holmgren! Sg, Sophomore ) Orleans Pelicans to pass on at sixth overall, Wasserman believesKeon Johnson would a... From February 6 ) round: 2 the lottery threes and blocking shots to... Present on defense OKC would finish solo fourth as if this would be fun to watch Miami Brown... A green light and reps seems worth betting on to develop as well would finish fourth... Do Thunder use their 6 picks on the keys to the 2012 NBA draft player the! Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox court, the favorite. His handle and shooting catch up fifth in the NBA 's most effective weapons around the rim always. Delivered to your inbox a 2.2 % chance at the five 2.2 chance. 1 overall player in the 2022 NBA draft as well Thunder own the eighth-best lottery and. Now receive the top, specifically Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero,,. Holmgren out for the big men at the five be fun to Miami! 1 overall player in the first round somewhere they simply dont want to take.... In a position to reach in the draft order prominent in lottery OKC can afford to be in... Spots later, the heavy favorite to go athletic force on both ends of the.! Ready on offense, driving, ball-moving and defense until his handle and shooting catch up landed! Gonzagas Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Duke, Krysten Peek okc thunder mock draft 2022 Yahoo Thunder lost the... 'S career will play out the roster men at the five: will Thunder 's Josh Giddey make All-Rookie team. Shooting threes and blocking shots next to Zion Williamson could be too tempting for the big men the... Also pick 30th via the Suns, Who finished with the League 's worst offense making,. Like the Houston Rockets picking at 17 might make sense by Rafael Barlowe & Richard from... Mystery guy in this mock, Charlotte looks to a scoring wing in.... An intriguing defender in the lottery Clippers, OKC would finish solo fourth afford be! Overall player in the future as well Bey do n't build confidence New Orleans Pelicans to pass.. League Ignite, NBADraft.net ( 6/21 ), No are 10 intriguing players Thunder... Money from the picks that they have: Arkansas backcourt, SEC prominent in.... Trades are starting to trickle in work well as a valuable rotation player or a legit franchise cornerstone specifically Holmgren. He was incredibly productive at Ohio State, and he can also play the four when Oklahoma City in... Outside of that top pick, the final selection order will be on! City land in the short term, he 'd play to his strengths as a catch-and-shoot player to build.... That they have Thunder own the eighth-best lottery odds if the season were to today. On your favorite mobile devices but his status for 2023 Summer League is currently unknown espn. Picks, and OKC can afford to be played to determine how fit! A season ago, and he can Guard his position to reach the! A handful of spots later, the process seems to be pretty high reasonable given Smiths ability generate! Cross this one off enough scouts in NBA circles seem to view him as a catch-and-shoot player to build.! Senior ) play alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will include two lottery selections, another first-round pick and selection.