2022 NBA Mock Draft: A New No. 1 Pick, and Full 2-Round Predictions

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11. Atlanta Hawks: TyTy Washington (Kentucky, PG/SG, Freshman)

12. New York Knicks: Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Milwaukee, SF/PF, Freshman)

13. Toronto Raptors: Jaden Hardy (G League Ignite, SG, 2002)

14. Boston Celtics: Jean Montero (Overtime Elite, PG, 2003)

15. Memphis Grizzlies (via Lakers): Wendell Moore Jr. (Duke, SG/SF, Junior)

16. Washington Wizards: Kennedy Chandler (Tennessee, PG, Freshman)

17. Dallas Mavericks: MarJon Beauchamp (G League Ignite, SG/SF, 2001)

18. Charlotte Hornets: Tari Eason (LSU, PF, Sophomore)

19. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Christian Braun (Kansas, SF, Junior)

20. Denver Nuggets: JD Davison (Alabama, PG, Freshman)

Washington looking steady, efficient

Washington has done an effective job of selling his game to lottery teams as an interchangeable combo guard. He’s been efficient in key areas, shooting 41.3 percent from three, 41.0 percent on pull-ups, 72.2 percent at the rim and 47.8 percent on floaters while totaling 51 assists against 21 turnovers. Washington isn’t the most explosive, and at 20, he’s a year older than most freshmen. But those are easy question marks to look past, thanks to a strong 6’3″ frame and versatile skill set for three-level scoring and playmaking.

Chandler vs. Montero

This will be an interesting debate inside NBA front offices. Chandler lacks size (6’0″) and explosion, but he’s a crafty, efficient finisher, a 37.2 percent three-point shooter and a polished facilitator (5.3 assists to 2.2 turnovers) averaging 2.0 steals per game. Montero is 6’3″, a high-level creator, flashy passer and versatile shot-maker, but he’s wilder and not as pesky on defense. There already seems to be a divide among scouts over who’s the better point guard prospect.

Braun’s breakout

Averaging 20.2 points over Kansas’ last six games, Braun looks like a classic midseason riser. The production is bound to result in NBA attention, given his 6’7″, 218-pound size and athleticism. While it’s still worth questioning his shooting numbers (34.2 percent from three) for a junior, he’s making enough threes (1.1 per game) and free throws (85.4 percent) for scouts to see a gamble worth taking.