2022 NBA mock drafts: Post-combine pick projections for Rockets

With the 2022 NBA draft combine (May 16-22) officially in the books, many mock draft pick projections aren’t significantly changed at the top of the first round. After all, most top prospects — like Gonzaga’s Chet Holmgren, Auburn’s Jabari Smith, and Duke’s Paolo Banchero — typically save their on-court activities for private workouts with teams.

But there’s more uncertainty involving Houston’s pick at No. 17 overall (via Brooklyn), since there do seem to be prospects moving in both directions in the middle of the first round. Some did take part in physical activities at the combine, which may alter their outlook in either direction.

The 2022 NBA draft won’t take place until Thursday, June 23, so there is certainly ample time for further movement in the coming weeks — particularly when prospects take extended visits to teams.

For now, on this Memorial Day holiday weekend, here’s where things appear to stand for the Rockets through the eyes of draft experts.

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2022 NBA draft prospects who have interviewed or worked out with Rockets

Projections for No. 3 overall in 2022 first round

Photo by Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Kyle Boone, CBS (5/27), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report (5/26), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

Brett Siegel, Sports Illustrated (5/24), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

NBADraft.net (5/24), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle (5/20), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

HoopsHype Aggregate Mock Draft (5/20), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire (5/20), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (5/18), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

Projections for No. 17 overall in 2022 first round

Photo by Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Boone, CBS (5/27), No. 17: Ochai Agbaji
(Kansas: Wing, Senior, 6-5)

Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report (5/26), No. 17: Nikola Jovic
(Mega Basket: Wing, International, 6-10)

Brett Siegel, Sports Illustrated (5/24), No. 17: Jalen Duren
(Memphis: Big, Freshman, 6-10)

NBADraft.net (5/24), No. 17: Jeremy Sochan
(Baylor: Forward, Freshman, 6-8)

Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle (5/20), No. 17: Malaki Branham
(Ohio State: Wing, Freshman, 6-5)

HoopsHype aggregate mock draft (5/20), No. 17: Tari Eason
(LSU: Forward, Sophomore, 6-8)

Cody Taylor, Rookie Wire (5/20), No. 17: Ousmane Dieng
(New Zealand Breakers: Wing, International, 6-9)

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (5/18), No. 17: Leonard Miller
(Canada: Guard, High School, 6-11)

2022 NBA draft combine results

2022 prospects: Statistics and measurements from Chicago

Post-lottery 2022 NBA draft order

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Story originally appeared on Rockets Wire