2022 Lottery Simulation and NBA Mock Draft: Who Would Blazers Take No. 1?

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6. Detroit Pistons: Shaedon Sharpe (Kentucky, SG, Freshman)

The Pistons would love to grab one of the draft’s top-three bigs, but Sharpe still comes off as an exciting backup plan for his athleticism and perimeter scoring between Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey. Given his 6’6″ size, effortless bounce, self-creation flashes and persuasive shot-making, he may even be undervalued at No. 6, where he could still be available only because of a lack of tape and experience. 

7. Indiana Pacers: AJ Griffin (Duke, SF, Freshman)

The Pacers could experiment with the 6’6″, 222-pound Griffin as a small-ball shooting 4 next to Myles Turner. Or they could use Buddy Hield in a sixth-man role and draft Griffin, a more efficient scorer with superior defensive tools. 

8. Sacramento Kings: Jalen Duren (Memphis, C, Freshman)

After trading for Domantas Sabonis to balance out the offense, the Kings could think rim protection and athleticism with Duren. They still haven’t fixed their defensive problems (No. 27 in NBA), and given Richaun Holmes’ down year on and off the floor, this may be too good of an opportunity to grab a physical center with a 7’5″ wingspan and serious hops for easy baskets and shot-blocking.

9. New Orleans Pelicans: Dyson Daniels (G League Ignite, PG/SG, 2003)

Daniels could be a terrific fit in New Orleans as a 6’8″, interchangeable guard who’s valued for passing and defense. The Pelicans already have their key scorers in place and could use more versatility and glue between Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum.

10. San Antonio Spurs: Johnny Davis (Wisconsin, SG, Sophomore)

Considering Lonnie Walker IV (restricted free agent) hasn’t made the jump, and it’s difficult to know what the Spurs really have in 19-year-old Josh Primo, the team could have a tough time passing on Davis’ shot creation, scoring potential and toughness. San Antonio hasn’t been known to consider needs or position in the draft, and the Spurs wouldn’t here with one of college hoops’ most productive, impactful guards.

11. Washington Wizards: Jeremy Sochan (Baylor, PF, Freshman)

The Wizards’ rotation could use more defensive-minded players, making Sochan an obvious target to consider in the late lottery. There isn’t a more versatile defender in the draft in terms of positional switchability, and at 18 years old, he still flashed enough shot-making, passing and off-ball finishing to feel optimistic about him offering value on offense.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Bennedict Mathurin (Arizona, SG/SF, Sophomore)

With Mathurin on the board at No. 12, the Thunder could see a needed, athletic shooter or simply the best player available. They could plug-and-play him on the wing, where he’d provide instant transition offense and shot-making.

13. Charlotte Hornets: Mark Williams (Duke, C, Sophomore)

Charlotte has likely already discussed Williams, given its glaring need for a rim protector and the sophomore’s clear improvement and impact at Duke. 

14. Cleveland Cavaliers: Ochai Agbaji (Kansas, SG/SF, Senior)

The Cavaliers could see a shooting specialist in Agbaji, who’d also give them another transition weapon and competent wing defender.