The 2022 NBA Draft is almost here, set for Thursday, June 23.
As draft night gets closer, it's time to get familiar with some of the top prospects in this year's class. While looking at mock drafts gives you an idea of where prospects may land, their draft positioning isn't always indicative of where they rank among their peers in terms of talent and potential.
That's where our big board comes into play, providing you with a ranking of the top prospects in this year's draft class.
In our previous big board after the NBA Draft Lottery, we went over a list of 60 players before some prospects elected to withdraw from the draft. This time around, we're breaking the draft class into tiers to give you a better idea of where the prospects rank against each other, along with some comparisons to help you get a feel for their game.
Let's get to it.
MORE: Post-Finals NBA Mock Draft: Two-round edition
NBA Draft prospects 2022: Big board of top 60 players
The Magic are officially on the clock followed by the Thunder and Rockets. And while the consensus seems to be around the same top three prospects — in some order — I actually view the top tier as a four-player pool
Tier 1: The Big Four
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team | Plays Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Paolo Banchero | F | 19 | FR | 6-10, 235 lbs. | Duke | Julius Randle |
| 2. | Jabari Smith Jr. | F | 19 | FR | 6-10, 210 lbs. | Auburn | Chris Bosh |
| 3. | Jaden Ivey | G | 20 | SO | 6-4, 200 lbs. | Purdue | Ja Morant |
| 4. | Chet Holmgren | C | 20 | FR | 7-1,190 lbs. | Gonzaga | Kristaps Porzingis |
1. Paolo Banchero, F, Duke (6-10, 235 lbs)
He almost assuredly won't go first or possibly even second, but Banchero is first on my board. At 6-10, 235 pounds, he has the perfect blend of an NBA-ready body and polished skill set, able to create his own shot and make plays for others. Banchero is a matchup nightmare with the potential to play the five in today's evolving outside-in NBA.
His biggest question mark is on the defensive end of the floor. If he can lock in to become a two-way player, Banchero has every opportunity to become a big-time star.
MORE: Paolo Banchero, first-round pick... as an NFL quarterback?
2. Jabari Smith Jr., F, Auburn (6-10, 210 lbs)
The 6-10 forward has a case as the best pure shooter in this class, one capable of knocking down shots from all over the floor with his high release and smooth stroke. Ultimately, Smith's development beyond his greatest skill will determine his ceiling.
His quick feet, length and athleticism make him the type of versatile defender every NBA team is looking for. And if he develops into a reliable shot creator off the bounce, he'll be a multi-time All-Star and franchise player.
READ MORE: Jabari Smith Jr.'s full NBA Draft scouting report
3. Jaden Ivey, G, Purdue (6-4, 200 lbs)
Yes, Ivey over Holmgren. It will be a surprise on draft night if Ivey goes higher than fourth to the Sacramento Kings. But it should be a surprise to nobody if Ivey develops into the best player in this draft.
The Purdue sophomore is explosive and electrifying when he gets downhill and attacks the rim, looking like he has a turbo button at times. He invites contact in the paint, and that same physicality translates to the defensive end, where he can be extremely disruptive as a perimeter defender.
READ MORE: Jaden Ivey's full NBA Draft scouting report
4. Chet Holmgren, C, Gonzaga (7-1, 190 lbs)
Holmgren's gap between floor and ceiling is significantly wider than any player in this draft. Holmgren's critics are loud, but the 7-1 center is a unicorn with elite shot-blocking and an ability to stretch the floor as a 3-point shooter. While placing him fourth here might feel like a knock, I still have Holmgren as comfortably the best center in this draft.
Nobody is questioning Holmgren's game or mentality. He's perhaps the most tantalizing prospect and he exudes confidence. It all boils down to whether or not his body type will hold up.
READ MORE: Chet Holmgren's full NBA Draft scouting report
Tier 2: Likely top-10 picks
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team | Plays Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5. | Keegan Murray | F | 21 | SO | 6-8, 215 lbs. | Iowa | Pascal Siakam |
| 6. | Shaedon Sharpe | G | 18 | FR | 6-6, 200 lbs. | Kentucky | Jalen Green |
| 7. | Dyson Daniels | G | 19 | – | 6-6, 180 lbs. | G League Ignite | Tyrese Haliburton |
| 8. | Bennedict Mathurin | G | 19 | SO | 6-6, 195 lbs. | Arizona | Jaylen Brown |
| 9. | Jalen Duren | C | 18 | FR | 6-11, 250 lbs. | Memphis | Dwight Howard |
5. Keegan Murray, F, Iowa (6-8, 215 lbs)
Murray headlines this next tier with a skill set that will translate easily to the NBA. He can mesh with any roster. He's an efficient scorer from all three levels of the floor and his defensive versatility is perfect for today's NBA. He'll plug-and-play as a rookie and among the most ready to contribute right now.
6. Shaedon Sharpe, G, Kentucky (6-6, 200 lbs)
Sharpe lands in this tier even without playing a single college game because of his prolific scoring and elite athleticism. He's received favorable comparisons to Jalen Green who went third overall to the Rockets in the 2021 NBA Draft. Sharpe is a classic high upside roll of the dice pick.
7. Dyson Daniels, G, G League Ignite (6-6, 180 lbs)
Daniels could be the best perimeter defender in this class. His length and energy make him extremely disruptive and suffocating. His passing ability allows him to act as a secondary initiator on offense and he's a proven off-the-ball scorer as a cutter. Because of his defensive effort and penchant for working hard as a slasher, Daniels is the type of prospect who can contribute early and potentially grow into a larger role as he develops.
8. Bennedict Mathurin, G, Arizona (6-6, 195 lbs)
Mathurin has a lightning-quick first step, and he has improved his handle to become a more lethal shot creator. In two years at Arizona, he developed a reputation as a big-game player who welcomes big moments. He's got a chance to be the most complete two-way wing in this draft.
9. Jalen Duren, C, Memphis (6-11, 250 lbs)
Duren is a bruiser, a bit of a throwback big who is easily the most physically overpowering prospect in this class. What he lacks in polish on the offensive end he more than makes up for defensively as he's exceptionally quick and fluid for a player of his size.
Tier 3: Rounding out the lottery
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team | Plays Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10. | Johnny Davis | G | 20 | SO | 6-5, 194 lbs. | Wisconsin | Josh Hart |
| 11. | AJ Griffin | F | 18 | FR | 6-6, 220 lbs. | Duke | Norman Powell |
| 12. | Jeremy Sochan | F | 19 | FR | 6-9, 230 lbs. | Baylor | OG Anunoby |
| 13. | Mark Williams | C | 20 | SO | 7-0, 245 lbs. | Duke | Jarrett Allen |
| 14. | Malaki Branham | F | 19 | FR | 6-5, 180 lbs. | Ohio State | Khris Middleton |
| 15. | Ochai Agbaji | F | 21 | SR | 6-5, 215 lbs. | Kansas | De'Andre Hunter |
| 16. | Ousmane Dieng | F | 19 | – | 6-9, 185 lbs. | NZ Breakers | Brandon Ingram |
10. Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin (6-5, 194 lbs)
Davis may not possess star potential, but it's not hard to imagine Davis as a high-end role player on an NBA Finals team. After averaging 7.0 points per game as a freshman, Davis elevated his game to become one of the best scorers in the country, averaging 19.7 points per game as a sophomore. He works hard on defense and takes pride in being a physical stopper.
11. AJ Griffin, G, Duke (6-6, 220 lbs)
If there's anyone who will push Jabari Smith Jr. for the title as the best shooter in the draft, it's Griffin. He finished his one season at Duke with one of the most impressive shot profiles on record and at 6-6, 220, he's got prototypical size for a modern wing.
12. Jeremy Sochan, F, Baylor. (6-9, 230 lbs)
Sochan's physicality and defensive versatility make him a high-floor prospect, but his 3-point shooting will determine his ceiling. There are major shades of Raptors' forward OG Anunoby in Sochan's game.
13. Mark Williams, C, Duke (7-0, 245 lbs)
Williams is an elite rim protector and a prototypical rim-running big. We just saw Robert Williams anchor Boston's defense in an impressive run to the NBA Finals and it's not hard to imagine the Duke big developing into a similarly imposing force down the road.
14. Malaki Branham, F, Ohio State (6-5, 180 lbs)
Branham was a late riser but is one of the best pure scorers in this class who can do it from all three levels. Given he'll be in the green room on draft night, Branham may no longer qualify as a sleeper. But if you're looking for someone to vastly outperform their draft position, I'd start with Branham. At 6-foot-6, 195 pounds with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, Branham also checks all the boxes to be a versatile defender at the next level.
15. Ochai Agbaji, F, Kansas (6-5, 215 lbs)
Agbaji projects as a solid 3-and-D player who should be ready to enter an NBA rotation immediately. He's always moving off the ball as a cutter, and after knocking down nearly 40 percent of his 3-pointers this year, he projects as an ideal 3-and-D player that any NBA roster could use.
16. Ousmane Dieng, F, NZ Breakers (6-9, 185 lbs)
Anyone drafting Dieng should practice patience. One of the most raw prospects among the top 20, Dieng also shows flashes of true diamond in the rough potential during his one season playing in Australia's NBL. At 6-9, Dieng is a creative scorer on the perimeter with quality ball-handling skills to get to his spots, and he's a good passer for his size.
Tier 4: Mid-to-late First Rounders
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team | Plays Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17. | Jalen Williams | F | 21 | JR | 6-6, 195 lbs. | Santa Clara | Tyreke Evans |
| 18. | Jaden Hardy | G | 19 | – | 6-4, 185 lbs. | G League Ignite | Jordan Poole |
| 19. | Tari Eason | F | 21 | SO | 6-8, 216 lbs. | LSU | Herb Jones |
| 20. | E.J. Liddell | F | 21 | JR | 6-7, 240 lbs. | Ohio State | P.J. Tucker |
| 21. | Kennedy Chandler | G | 19 | FR | 6-0, 170 lbs. | Tennessee | Tyrese Maxey |
| 22. | TyTy Washington | G | 20 | FR | 6-3, 185 lbs. | Kentucky | D'Angelo Russell |
| 23. | MarJon Beauchamp | F | 21 | – | 6-6, 199 lbs. | G League Ignite | Jerami Grant |
| 24. | Nikola Jovic | F | 18 | – | 6-10, 210 lbs. | Mega Basket | Deni Avdija |
| 25. | Blake Wesley | G | 19 | FR | 6-5, 185 lbs. | Notre Dame | Immanuel Quickley |
Entering the second half of the first round, this is where scouting and due diligence can pay off. Kyle Lowry, Jimmy Butler, Rudy Gobert, Pascal Siakam, John Collins, and Dejounte Murray are all prime examples of players who landed in the back half of the first round.
17. Jalen Williams, F, Santa Clara (6-6, 195 lbs)
Williams was the biggest winner of the combine, showing off his scoring ability and positional versatility with a 7-2 wingspan. He had the largest recorded wingspan differential of any player at the combine and even generated some potential lottery buzz coming out of Chicago.
18. Jaden Hardy, G, G League Ignite (6-4, 185 lbs)
Hardy is a prolific scorer who will give any team instant offense, but he needs to improve his efficiency. Once viewed as a potential top-10 pick, Hardy's stock has dropped over the last several months but I'm still a believer in his ability to provide instant offense.
19. Tari Eason, F, LSU (6-8, 216 lbs)
Eason is a prototypical defensive wing who will excel if he can improve his jumper. One reason for optimism? He shot 80% from the free throw line last season at LSU and had six games where he took at least 10 FT attempts, a skill that's proven indicative of good shooting at the next level.
20. E.J. Liddell, F Ohio State (6-7, 240 lbs)
Liddell could play small-ball center. Not only does he have good length and athleticism, but he has developed his perimeter shot. He could be a major steal in the mold of Boston's Grant Williams.
21. Kennedy Chandler, G, Tennessee (6-0, 270 lbs)
Chandler is a lightning-fast playmaker and pesky defender. If his outside shot can catch up to his ball-hawking abilities, Chandler could find a home as a devastating change of pace guard. His improved 3-point shooting numbers at the end of the season should bode well for his future in the NBA.
22. TyTy Washington, G, Kentucky (6-3, 185 lbs)
Washington's injuries and inconsistency dropped his draft stock but he's still one of the most talented guards in this class. He's adept at creating out of the pick-and-roll and a good enough shooter to keep defenses honest.
23. MarJon Beauchamp, F, G League Ignite (6-6, 199 lbs)
Beauchamp is an athletic wing who can score with or without the ball and defend multiple positions. Beauchamp joined Ignite after playing 12 games with Yakima Valley College, where he averaged 30.7 points, 10.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 52.5 percent from the field and 39.8 percent from 3-point range.
24. Nikola Jovic, F, Serbia (6-10, 210 lbs)
Jovic is a big with great touch and feel for the game. In a draft devoid of major high-end international talent, Jovic may be the best of the bunch. He's got a refined skill set and at his best, Jovic will leave you wondering why he's not a lottery prospect.
25. Blake Wesley, G, Notre Dame (6-5, 185 lbs)
Wesley is a wiry guard who can knife through defenses to score at the rim. He received a green room invite which means Wesley could sneak his way into the lottery.
Tier 5: Borderline First Round picks
In terms of overall production and expected value, there isn't much difference between the end of the first round and start of the second round. This is where teams often value fit above all else and where specific skill sets often trump overall body of work.
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team | Plays Like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26. | Christian Braun | F | 20 | JR | 6-6, 218 lbs. | Kansas | Pat Connaughton |
| 27. | Christian Koloko | C | 21 | JR | 7-1, 230 lbs. | Arizona | Mitchell Robinson |
| 28. | Trevor Keels | G | 18 | FR | 6-4, 221 lbs. | Duke | Eric Bledsoe |
| 29. | Jaylin Williams | C | 19 | SO | 6-10, 240 lbs. | Arkansas | Al Horford |
| 30. | Walker Kessler | C | 20 | SO | 7-1, 245 lbs. | Auburn | Brook Lopez |
| 31. | Dalen Terry | G | 19 | SO | 6-7, 195 lbs. | Arizona | Michael Carter-Williams |
| 32. | Bryce McGowens | F | 19 | FR | 6-7,179 lbs. | Nebraska | Will Barton |
| 33. | Jake LaRavia | F | 21 | JR | 6-8, 235 lbs. | Wake Forest | Lauri Markkanen |
| 34. | Wendell Moore Jr. | F | 20 | JR | 6-5, 213 lbs. | Duke | Evan Turner |
| 35. | Kendall Brown | F | 18 | FR | 6-8, 205 lbs. | Baylor | Josh Jackson |
Tier 5 rundown: Braun is a great glue guy with athleticism, shooting and a competitive edge. Koloko is an athletic rim protector who could be a major sleeper as he continues to develop his game. Keels is a bulldog of a guard who creates size mismatches at his position. Williams is a hard worker who can pass and shoot, and he brings an edge on defense. Kessler is a stout rim protector who has shown flashes of a perimeter shot. Terry is a big guard as a 6-7 playmaker. McGowens is a long and crafty shot creator with intriguing potential. LaRavia is big who plays physical but can also step outside and knock down 3s. Moore is a do-it-all, jack-of-all-trades player who could fit multiple roles in the league. Brown is a fast and high-flying athlete who can defend multiple positions.
Best of the rest
| Rank | Player | Position | Age | Class | Height/Weight | Team | Plays Like |
| 36. | Andrew Nembhard | G | 22 | SR | 6-5, 193 lbs. | Gonzaga | Tyus Jones |
| 37. | Ryan Rollins | G | 19 | SO | 6-4, 180 lbs. | Toledo | Fred VanVleet |
| 38. | Caleb Houstan | F | 19 | FR | 6-8, 205 lbs. | Michigan | Darius Bazley |
| 39. | Ismael Kamagate | C | 21 | – | 6-11, 220 lbs. | Paris Basketball | Hassan Whiteside |
| 40. | Justin Lewis | F | 19 | FR | 6-7, 245 lbs. | Marquette | Nassir Little |
| 41. | Hugo Besson | G | 20 | – | 6-3, 196 lbs. | NZ Breakers | Bogdan Bogdanovic |
| 42. | Dereon Seabron | F | 22 | SO | 6-7, 180 lbs. | NC State | Gerald Green |
| 43. | Peyton Watson | F | 19 | FR | 6-8, 200 lbs. | UCLA | Cody Martin |
| 44. | Max Christie | F | 19 | FR | 6-6, 190 lbs. | Michigan State | Danny Green |
| 45. | Josh Minott | F | 20 | FR | 6-8, 205 lbs. | Memphis | Derrick Jones Jr. |
| 46. | Patrick Baldwin Jr. | F | 19 | FR | 6-9, 220 lbs. | Milwaukee | Otto Porter Jr. |
| 47. | Michael Foster | F | 19 | – | 6-9, 220 lbs. | G League Ignite | JaMychal Green |
| 48. | David Roddy | F | 21 | JR | 6-5, 252 lbs. | Colorado State | Evan Turner |
| 49. | Dominick Barlow | C | 18 | – | 6-9, 214 lbs. | Overtime Elite | Precious Achiuwa |
| 50. | Khalifa Diop | C | 20 | – | 6-11, 231 lbs. | Gran Canaria | Isaiah Stewart |
| 51. | Jean Montero | G | 18 | – | 6-2, 170 lbs. | Overtime Elite | Dennis Schroder |
| 52. | Alondes Williams | G | 22 | SR | 6-5, 210 lbs. | Wake Forest | Delon Wright |
| 53. | Jabari Walker | F | 20 | SO | 6-9, 215 lbs. | Colorado | Torrey Craig |
| 54. | Ron Harper Jr. | F | 22 | SR | 6-6, 245 lbs. | Rutgers | Nicolas Batum |
| 55. | Trevion Williams | C | 21 | SR | 6-10, 255 lbs. | Purdue | Xavier Tillman Sr. |
| 56. | JD Davison | G | 19 | FR | 6-3, 195 lbs. | Alabama | Dennis Smith Jr. |
| 57. | Gabriele Procida | F | 20 | – | 6-7, 194 lbs. | Fortitudo Bologna | Max Strus |
| 58. | Moussa Diabate | F | 20 | FR | 6-11, 210 lbs. | Michigan | Jarred Vanderbilt |
| 59. | Yannick Nzosa | C | 18 | – | 6-10, 174 lbs. | Unicaja | Udoka Azubuike |
| 60. | Matteo Spagnolo | G | 19 | – | 6-4, 185 lbs. | Cremona | Evan Fournier |
"The rest" rundown: Nembhard is a savvy playmaker who will make for a great reserve guard as a second-round pick. Rollins is a shifty guard who excels in pick-and-rolls and can shoot it from deep. Besson is a fluid and crafty shot creator. Seabron was another big winner at the combine who proved he can make an impact as a hard-playing athlete. The freshman trio of Watson, Christie and Minott are all developmental projects with solid potential. Williams (Purdue) is an elite passing center with a great feel for the game.
