2022 NBA Mock Draft: Who each team should pick

2022 NBA Mock Draft — 4. Jaden Ivey, Kings

We’re back again, with the Kings selecting another point guard in the lottery. Last season it was Davion Mitchell, the season before it was Tyrese Haliburton (who was later traded in egregiously shortsighted fashion). De’Aaron Fox is still there. When will this cycle end? In all seriousness, though, Ivey is the pick here. The Kings aren’t good enough to draft exclusively for fit, and Ivey has enough experience playing off the ball to make it work with Fox. It’s Fox who would have to adjust most, frankly. Ivey is an explosive athlete with a dynamic first step and the ability to put constant pressure on the rim, not dissimilar to Fox. That could be a deadly combination.

2022 NBA Mock Draft — 5. Shaedon Sharpe, Pistons

The Pistons already have one big guard in Cade Cunningham. Now make it two. Shaedon Sharpe is 6-foot-6, having undergone a growth spurt late in high school. He didn’t play a second of basketball at Kentucky and could face a steep learning curve in the NBA, but athletes of Sharpe’s caliber seldom fail. He’s dynamic off the dribble, with a gorgeous pull-up jumper and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. The Pistons are in no particular hurry, so Sharpe would be able to come along slowly. Cunningham is a great player to grow alongside.

2022 NBA Mock Draft — 6. Keegan Murray, Pacers

The Pacers have the right blend of young talent and established veterans needed to make a playoffs push next season. Keegan Murray would help them achieve that goal. Arguably the best player in college basketball last season, Murray is ready to go at the next level. A smart and hard-working player, Murray can do a lot for Indiana’s offense. He’s a willing ball-mover and talented off-ball scorer, with smooth footwork around the rim and a reliable 3-point shot. He can also defend all over the floor and would form an impressive two-way frontcourt with Myles Turner.