NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: RJ Barrett poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the third overall pick by the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 20: RJ Barrett poses with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being drafted with the third overall pick by the New York Knicks during the 2019 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 20, 2019 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Knicks Draft

2022 NBA Mock Draft: What is going to happen on June 23?

by Mark Wessol
Next2 of 16Prev
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse
New York Knicks, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Chet Holmgren

Chet Holmgren, Gonzaga Bulldogs. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) – New York Knicks

2
Chet Holmgren
C/PF Gonzaga

Holmgren truly is a freak of nature. He’s 7 feet tall, can shoot the three ball, put the ball on the floor, and protect the rim. He can very well end up being a franchise-altering player, but to me, it is a project that will take some time (i.e. Giannis).

But because Sam Presti and the Thunder have a total of 38 draft picks over the next seven years, I’d say they are more than willing to have the patience with Holmgren.

Just because I am putting project next to his name doesn’t mean that I do not recognize his ability and the sensational freshman year that he had. He was second on his team in scoring, first in rebounds, and first in blocks. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me.

As long as Holmgren can show he can absorb the NBA physicality, he should have a very nice and long career in the league.

3
Jabari Smith Jr.
SF/PF Auburn

The Rockets will undoubtedly have one of the “big three prospects” fall right into their lap at No. 3 and Jabari Smith Jr. is no consolation prize.

Smith is an elite catch-and-shoot player with a picture-perfect form along with a high release, which is a trait that will translate extremely well to the next level. He very well has the talent to be the No.1 pick, and to be honest, he might be. However, I think pairing his playing style with Houston would be much better for him based on what the Rockets’ roster currently looks like.

He loves the three ball, shooting at an impressive 42% last year in college. When he catches on fire… lookout. He is also very nicely built, can rebound, and makes it hard for his opposition to score.

Smith does have some trouble with inside the arc shooting, and at times he isn’t the most explosive player, resulting in a lack of separation when creating his shot. This is something that he will need to work on, but with Jalen Green being the primary ball handler on the Rockets and his slashing fast-paced style, his fit with Smith would be so much fun to watch, especially in pick and pop scenarios.

If Smith can fine-tune some of his flaws along with establishing chemistry with Green, I believe the NBA Rookie of The Year award will be his to lose.

Next: Picks No. 4 and 5

Next2 of 16Prev
Use your ← → (arrows) to browse