2022 NBA mock drafts: Three Rockets pick projections entering final week
With Christian Wood now traded to Dallas, the Houston Rockets suddenly find themselves with three first-round picks as the 2022 NBA draft approaches on Thursday, June 23.
The Rockets have long held their own 2022 draft pick (No. 3 overall), as well as one from Brooklyn (No. 17) as a result of the blockbuster James Harden trade from January 2021. Now, they have a pick incoming from the Mavericks (No. 26) as part of the Wood trade.
According to reports, the Wood trade won’t be processed by the league office until after the draft. Thus, when the No. 26 pick is made, Dallas technically will be making the selection. However, unless Rockets general manager Rafael Stone moves the pick again in a subsequent trade, the Mavericks will be making their choice on behalf of Houston.
So, who are Houston’s likely options at each of those three picks? As of Thursday night, June 16, here’s where things appear to stand in the eyes of various draft experts covering the league. Many of these mock drafts were published prior to the Wood trade, but the selections at No. 26 should still be a useful guide as to the tier of prospects available.
Projections for No. 3 overall in 2022 first round
Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle (6/16), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports (6/16), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Raphielle Johnson, NBC Sports EDGE (6/16), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
NBADraft.net (6/16), No. 3: Keegan Murray
(Iowa: Big, Sophomore, 6-8)
Jonathan Givony, ESPN (6/15), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (6/15), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Jeff Goodman, Watch Stadium (6/15), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Tankathon (6/15), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation (6/13), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer (6/13), No. 3: Paolo Banchero
(Duke: Forward, Freshman, 6-10)
Projections for No. 17 overall in 2022 first round
Photo by Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle (6/16), No. 17: Jalen Williams
(Santa Clara: Wing, Junior, 6-6)
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports (6/16), No. 17: Dalen Terry
(Arizona: Guard, Sophomore, 6-7)
Raphielle Johnson, NBC Sports EDGE (6/16), No. 17: TyTy Washington
(Kentucky: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)
NBADraft.net (6/16), No. 17: TyTy Washington
(Kentucky: Guard, Freshman, 6-3)
Jonathan Givony, ESPN (6/15), No. 17: Tari Eason
(LSU: Forward, Sophomore, 6-8)
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (6/15), No. 17: Ousmane Dieng
(New Zealand Breakers: Forward, International, 6-9)
Jeff Goodman, Watch Stadium (6/15), No. 17: Ousmane Dieng
(New Zealand Breakers: Forward, International, 6-9)
Tankathon (6/15), No. 17: Ochai Agbaji
(Kansas: Wing, Senior, 6-5)
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation (6/13), No. 17: Ochai Agbaji
(Kansas: Wing, Senior, 6-5)
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer (6/13), No. 17: Malaki Branham
(Ohio State: Wing, Freshman, 6-5)
Projections for No. 26 overall in 2022 first round
Photo by Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle (6/16), No. 26: MarJon Beauchamp
(Ignite: Wing, G League, 6-7)
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports (6/16), No. 26: Wendell Moore
(Duke: Wing, Junior, 6-5)
Raphielle Johnson, NBC Sports EDGE (6/16), No. 26: MarJon Beauchamp
(Ignite: Wing, G League, 6-7)
NBADraft.net (6/16), No. 26: Walker Kessler
(Auburn: Big, Sophomore, 7-1)
Jonathan Givony, ESPN (6/15), No. 26: MarJon Beauchamp
(Ignite: Wing, G League, 6-7)
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (6/15), No. 26: Nikola Jovic
(Mega Basket: Wing, International, 6-10)
Jeff Goodman, Watch Stadium (6/15), No. 26: Walker Kessler
(Auburn: Big, Sophomore, 7-1)
Tankathon (6/15), No. 26: Kennedy Chandler
(Tennessee: Guard, Freshman, 6-0
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation (6/13), No. 26: Kennedy Chandler
(Tennessee: Guard, Freshman, 6-0
Kevin O’Connor, The Ringer (6/13), No. 26: Dalen Terry
(Arizona: Guard, Sophomore, 6-7)
Updated Rockets workout, interview list
This list, which is being continuously updated, includes all reports to date of 2022 NBA draft prospects who have interviewed or worked out with the Houston Rockets. https://t.co/2szvqEiN8s
— The Rockets Wire (@TheRocketsWire) June 12, 2022
2022 NBA draft combine results
2022 prospects: Statistics and measurements from Chicago
Post-lottery 2022 NBA draft order
(Editor’s note: While Dallas still technically owns the No. 26 pick, it is currently slated to go to Houston once the Christian Wood trade is formally processed by the NBA next week.)
The Orlando Magic tonight won NBA Draft Lottery 2022 presented by State Farm. The Magic will have the first overall pick in NBA Draft 2022 presented by State Farm, which will be held on Thursday, June 23.
Complete Draft order ⬇️ https://t.co/GrkJNNPvnd
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 18, 2022
Latest Rockets draft news and notes
[lawrence-related id=102283,102044,101992,101961,101932,101900,101783,101762,101743,101733,101702,101635,101625]
[listicle id=102230]
