The Athletic

The 2022 NBA Draft is around the corner, and the hopes and dreams of many will be realized that night. For players waiting to make the NBA after years of hard work and sacrifice, this is their night. For executives looking to shape a roster in their vision and find the next player to be a building block of the foundation, this is their night. For fans hoping to adorn dozens of alternate jerseys over the next two decades of a prospect’s career, this is their night. The 2022 draft happens Thursday, and we’re going to have dozens and dozens of trade rumors and draft speculation swirling about in the lead-up to that. We’ve already seen two first-round picks exchange hands with Denver acquiring the 30th pick from Oklahoma City and the Dallas Mavericks giving up the 26th pick in a deal with Houston that nets them Christian Wood. As we barrel toward the draft on Thursday, it’s time for some mock draft action.