2022 NBA Mock Draft: Who each team should pick
170. . C. Charlotte Hornets. Jalen Duren. 13. player
2022 NBA Mock Draft — 13. Jalen Duren, Hornets
The Hornets have been searching for a true answer at center. Mason Plumlee is not it, Montrezl Harrell is not a 16-game player, and there’s no real sense of when Kai Jones may (or may not) deliver on his upside. Jalen Duren would probably start day one. He’s a monster athlete — 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-6 wingspan and impressive mobility. He can provide Charlotte with the rim protection that roster so desperately lacks, while his ability to run the floor and throw down lobs would pair nicely with LaMelo Ball.
Dyson Daniels. 14. player. 156. . SG. Cleveland Cavaliers
2022 NBA Mock Draft — 14. Dyson Daniels, Cavaliers
The Cavs missed Ricky Rubio after he went down with a torn ACL. While the Caris LeVert trade addressed the need for another ball-handler, adding a player like Dyson Daniels to the second unit could behoove Cleveland. The frontcourt in already fleshed out, and besides Darius Garland, there’s not really another strong facilitator on the roster. Daniels is an intelligent and poised lead guard, with arguably the most refined passing chops in the draft. His unselfish brand of basketball would fit well on a potential postseason contender.
170. . SF. Charlotte Hornets. Ochai Agbaji. 15. player
2022 NBA Mock Draft — 15. Ochai Agbaji, Hornets
The Hornets need to start making some progress. Ochai Agbaji is an upperclassman who could step right in and contribute as a rookie. He fits the always coveted 3-and-D mold on the wing. He can guard multiple positions thanks to his strength at 6-foot-6, while on offense he can impact winning without dominating the ball. He makes himself available on backdoor cuts and likes to run the floor, making him a strong fit for Charlotte’s roster.