Live 2022 NBA Draft Grades: Round One - Picks 16-30

Live 2022 NBA Draft Grades: Round 1 - Picks 1-15
2022 NBA Mock Draft

Atlanta Hawks: A.J. Griffin, SF, Duke - A+ Grade
How in the world did A.J. Griffin fall to No. 16? I thought he could go in the top 10, yet the Hawks somehow obtained him to open the second half of the opening round. I love this pick, as Griffin projects as a perfect complement to Trae Young.

Houston Rockets: Tari Eason, F, LSU - A Grade
In my mock draft, I projected Tari Eason to this pick and wrote, "This seems like a bit late for Tari Eason." Somehow, Eason made it to Houston. The Rockets obtained another steal, so I love their draft class. They're going to be extremely fun to watch.

Chicago Bulls: Dalen Terry, G, Arizona - B- Grade
It makes sense that the Bulls would go after a guard, given the number of Zach Lavine departure rumors that have circulated. Dalen Terry is a fine prospect, but it's a bit too early for him. I would've preferred Malaki Branham.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jake LaRavia, F, Wake Forest - MILLEN Grade
Come on. Jake LaRavia had a chance to slip to the second round. Why would the Grizzlies (via the Timberwolves) select him in the teens? This is a huge reach. Memphis should have traded down if they wanted LaRavia so badly.

San Antonio Spurs: Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State - A Grade
Saying that Malaki Branham fills a need isn't breaking news or anything because the Spurs needed everything except point guard. Malaki Branham could be a great backcourt mate for Dejounte Murray. He's a nice value at No. 20, as he easily could've gone five picks earlier.

Denver Nuggets: Christian Braun, G, Kansas - D Grade
Nikola Jokic, despite always winning MVP, needs all the help that he can get. I don't think Christian Braun is going to provide that, as he was projected to be a second-round pick. The Nuggets could have done much better than this.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Walker Kessler, C, Auburn - B Grade
In the NFL Draft, teams draft starters in the 20s. In the NBA Draft, teams are looking for top-level backups. The Timberwolves needed someone behind Karl-Anthony Towns, and they're getting a top-level defender.

Memphis Grizzlies: David Roddy, F, Colorado State - MILLEN Grade
Imagine trading a solid guard in DeAnthony Melton for a second-round prospect. Why didn't Memphis just trade with a team in the second round? They could've gotten David Roddy there.

Milwaukee Bucks: MarJon Beauchamp, SG, G-League - B Grade
This pick makes sense for the Bucks, who needed some backcourt punch next to Jrue Holiday. I believe there were a couple of prospects better than MarJon Beauchamp, but it's pretty close that it's negligible.

San Antonio Spurs: Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame - A Grade
Another guard? Sure, because the Spurs, once again, had nothing outside of Dejounte Murray, so they had to find a third guard for their rotation. Blake Wesley is a steal; I had him projected at No. 19 in my mock, so San Antonio is getting terrific value.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Wendell Moore, SG/SF, Duke - A Grade
The Rockets, who have tons of needs, had to take the best player available. Wendell Moore is my second-best player available behind TyTy Washington, but Moore fills more of a need than Washington, so I'm a fan of this selection.

Miami Heat: Nikola Jovic, C, Serbia - A Grade
I thought Nikola Jovic would be chosen five or so picks earlier than this. He has huge upside and will fill a need as a depth big man. He has risk, but the same could be said of any player chosen in the 20s.

Golden State Warriors: Patrick Baldwin, F, Wisconsin-Milwaukee - B Grade
There are rumors of Andrew Wiggins heading elsewhere via trade, so it makes sense to draft someone who can potentially replace him. Patrick Baldwin is one of the handful of logical picks at this juncture. There were a couple of better options, but nothing substantial.

Houston Rockets: TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky - A+ Grade
The Rockets obtained the best player available in the 20s at No. 29. Nice! Houston is an emerging team that will be fighting for playoff contention sooner rather than later, thanks to this incredible draft class.

Denver Nuggets: Peyton Watson, F, UCLA - C Grade
This is a bit early for Peyton Watson, who disappointed at UCLA. However, we've reached the end of the first round, so I can't say I hate this pick. The Nuggets are at least getting some upside.

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2022 NBA Mock Draft

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