Steve Popper's NBA mock draft
Jabari Smith #10 of the Auburn Tigers rebounds during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Auburn Arena on January 22, 2022 in Auburn, Alabama. Credit: Getty Images/Todd Kirkland
With the lottery settled, we take our first try at putting the pieces in place for the 2022 NBA Draft, and while there is no clear choice at the top this season, the draft is believed to be deep enough to fill the lottery with solid young talent.
That is important for the Knicks because they went through the lottery without moving up — the 18th straight time that they have been in a lottery and either dropped or remained in place. The Knicks will pick at No. 11 and could have a choice of players who will warm the heart of defensive-minded coach Tom Thibodeau.
Expect picks to be traded with the balanced draft, but for now, after a week spent in Chicago at the G League Elite Camp and the NBA Draft Combine, this is what we see.
30. Oklahoma City (from Phoenix): Hugo Besson (NZ Breakers), 21, 6-4, G) Impressive showing at the Combine, including in scrimmages. Thin but long and very smooth.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
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