Who Will Be the Top Picks in the NBA Draft 2022? Expert Predictions Revealed

I remember sitting in my living room last May, watching the NCAA tournament and thinking how dramatically this draft class had evolved since the preseason projections. The 2022 NBA Draft represents one of the most fascinating talent evaluations in recent memory, with at least five players who could realistically become franchise cornerstones. Having covered basketball for over fifteen years, I’ve learned that draft night often brings surprises that reshape entire franchises for years to come.

When I think about what makes a top pick successful, I’m reminded of something that resonates beyond basketball. I recently came across a quote from non-playing skipper Gimo Asuncion during a golf celebration at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club. He said, "Finally. This is very sweet. It has been quite a long journey for this team, a journey that had its heartaches and lessons." That sentiment perfectly captures the emotional arc of these young athletes’ journeys to the draft. These aren’t overnight success stories—they’re the culmination of years of sacrifice, setbacks, and gradual improvement that few fans ever witness.

Let’s start with Paolo Banchero, who I believe has separated himself as the most complete offensive player in this draft. Standing at 6’10" with a 7’1" wingspan, his combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ is something we haven’t seen since a young Carmelo Anthony. His mid-range game is already NBA-ready, and his passing vision for a player his size is exceptional. I watched him dismantle Virginia Tech single-handedly, putting up 28 points on just 15 shots. What impressed me most wasn’t the scoring—it was how he controlled the game’s tempo, something you rarely see from college freshmen.

Then there’s Chet Holmgren, the most polarizing prospect in this draft. At 7’0" with guard skills, he represents the evolution of the modern big man. His defensive impact is staggering—he averaged 3.7 blocks per game while shooting 41% from three-point range. I understand the concerns about his 195-pound frame, but I’ve seen similar worries proven wrong before. What matters more is his incredible instincts and timing. He reminds me of a young Kristaps Porziņģis but with better defensive fundamentals already in place.

Jabari Smith Jr. might have the highest ceiling of anyone in this class. His shooting mechanics are textbook perfect, and at 6’10", he’s virtually impossible to contest. What separates Smith from other stretch forwards is his defensive versatility—he can legitimately guard positions 1 through 5 in small-ball lineups. I spoke with several scouts who believe he could develop into the best two-way player from this draft class within three years.

The guard position features its own intriguing battle between Jaden Ivey and Shaedon Sharpe. Ivey’s explosive athleticism reminds me of a young Dwyane Wade with his ability to attack the rim and finish through contact. His 23.4 points per game in conference play demonstrate his scoring prowess. Meanwhile, Sharpe represents the ultimate mystery—a player with incredible physical tools who didn’t see college action. I’m typically skeptical of players without college tape, but the buzz around his workouts has been impossible to ignore.

What many casual observers miss about draft evaluation is how much organizational fit matters. A player’s success often depends as much on the team that selects him as his individual talent. The Orlando Magic, holding the first pick, need a franchise cornerstone who can grow with their young core. I believe Banchero’s offensive versatility makes him the perfect fit there. The Oklahoma City Thunder at number two could go multiple directions, but Holmgren’s unique skill set aligns perfectly with their positionless basketball philosophy.

The Houston Rockets at three present another fascinating decision. Having watched their rebuild closely, I think Smith’s shooting would complement Jalen Green’s slashing ability perfectly. Their potential as a scoring duo could become one of the league’s most dynamic young pairings within two seasons.

International prospects shouldn’t be overlooked either. Ousmane Dieng from France has seen his stock rise dramatically after his strong finish in the NBL. His combination of size and playmaking ability at 6’9" makes him one of my favorite sleepers in this draft. I’ve followed international basketball long enough to recognize when a player’s game will translate, and Dieng’s feel for the game is special.

As we approach draft night, the uncertainty reminds me why I love covering this event year after year. These young men are about to embark on their own "long journey" full of potential heartaches and lessons, much like the team Gimo Asuncion described. The difference between being a bust and a superstar often comes down to development, opportunity, and sometimes just plain luck. While my analysis points toward Banchero going first overall, I wouldn’t be shocked if any of the top three prospects hear their name called first. What’s certain is that June 23rd will change multiple franchises forever, and I’ll be watching every moment with the same excitement I felt fifteen years ago when I covered my first draft.