The 2022 NBA Draft lived up to the hype with plenty of trades and surprise picks. The draft was thrown off from expectations right from the opening selection and this theme continued throughout. Here are some early grades for each 1st-round selection.

2022 NBA Draft Grades For Every 1st-Round Pick

1)Magic- Paolo Banchero

Grade- B+

Despite the seeming certainty that Jabari Smith was the surefire number one pick, the Orlando Magic elected to go with Paolo Banchero. There were growing whispers leading up to the draft and they proved to be correct. The Magic deserve credit for targeting their guy and keeping it under wraps. It has been surprising the lack of number one buzz for Paolo Banchero considering he is clearly the most complete player in the draft class. The Duke product will be an excellent cornerstone piece in Orlando and his NBA-ready body and passing ability distinguish him from the other top picks.

2)Thunder- Chet Holmgren

Grade- A

The Oklahoma City Thunder clearly still has the long-term view in mind. Chet Holmgren has the greatest upside of any prospect in this NBA Draft and the franchise is sure to allow time for him to develop. The 7-footer fits the Thunder’s model of having all players as capable ball-handlers and passers. His unique frame has overshadowed what a complete and talented basketball player Holmgren truly is. Slam dunk pick.

3)Rockets- Jabari Smith

Grade- A

The Rockets must have been absolutely jumping for joy when finding out Jabari Smith was on the board with the third pick. The seemingly surefire top prospect will also be a better fit in Houston than he would have been in Orlando. The 6’10” and 42% three-point shooter will provide valuable spacing to the Rockets' young core. Smith will be an excellent long-term partner to Jalen Green and the Rockets now have their core in place.

4)Kings- Keegan Murray

Grade: D+

It was clear leading up to the draft that Jaden Ivey did not want to play in Sacramento. The Purdue product refused to send over his medicals and would have been a questionable fit alongside De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell. Regardless he was the best prospect on the board and the Kings instead selected Keegan Murray. There was plenty of interest in trading for the pick which could have provided the Kings with the win-now player they seemingly desired. While Murray is one of the more NBA-ready rookies and will make a nice complementary piece, the Kings could have played their cards much better. Either selecting Jaden Ivey or trading down to add a win-now player would have been better options.

5)Pistons- Jaden Ivey

Grade: B+

Taking the best prospect on the board in the NBA Draft was the right decision, especially considering he projects well alongside Cade Cunningham. Jaden Ivey is not the perfect prospect as he needs to improve defensively and cut down on turnovers, but playing alongside Cunningham will take a great deal of the playmaking responsibility off of him. Ivey will be able to focus on attacking the basket and filling up the score sheet. The Cunningham-Ivey backcourt has sky-high potential and the Pistons now have their long-term cornerstones.

6)Pacers- Bennedict Mathurin

Grade: B+

The fit isn’t necessarily great as the Pacers have somewhat of a crowded backcourt. Their work for the offseason is far from over. Even so, Bennedict Mathurin is a perfect fit on any NBA roster and is sure to make an impact. His ability to effectively score off screens and create with the ball in his hands will add a dynamic aspect to the Pacers' offense. Buddy Hield is an excellent player for Mathurin to learn from but his potential is significantly higher.

7)Trail Blazers- Shaedon Sharpe

Grade: C-

The Portland Trail Blazers continue to toe the middle ground of winning now and building for the future. Portland was rumored to be doing everything possible to trade the pick as they focus on competing this season. They seemingly did not find an offer during the NBA Draft that satisfied them and instead selected Shaedon Sharpe. While he certainly could still be on the move and the thought process is likely the value of his potential, it is still a risk. Sharpe has an NBA frame and athleticism but has not played high-level competitive basketball in over a year. He does not change the Blazers' playoff hopes in the short term.

8)Pelicans- Dyson Daniels

Grade: B

The Pelicans impressed greatly last season and are looking to continue to build off the impressive season. Their core pieces are pretty much in place with the return of Zion Williams. Dyson Daniels will be a nice connective piece to add to their core. He is a high-IQ passer and high-level rebounder who does a lot of the little things on the court. Daniels will not be rushed in his development and will fit nicely alongside the more shot-hungry Pelicans stars.

9)Spurs- Jeremy Sochan

Grade: B+

While the offensive development will be the biggest swing skill in Jeremy Sochan’s NBA ceiling, his defense will make an immediate impact. The Baylor product can guard positions 1-5 on the court and will bring an important splash of versatility to the Spurs big man unit. His motor and hustle will be impactful right away and he fits into the model of players the Spurs have been targeting. The first of multiple solid picks for the Spurs in this year’s draft.

10)Wizards- Johnny Davis

Grade: B-

The outlook of the Wizards franchise is significantly different depending on Bradley Beal’s contract decision. Regardless, Johnny Davis will be a productive member of Washington’s future. His defensive ability is especially intriguing but he also averaged 19.7 points per game this year. Davis is a big-time player who rebounds well and plays with a high motor. The Wisconsin product is a high-character guy and will be a positive addition to the organization no matter what his role expectation is.

11)Knicks (traded to Thunder)- Ousmane Deing

Grade: C+

The Thunder traded into this pick to add another player cut from the mold they are targeting. Ousmane Deing stands 6’9” with the ability to ball-handle and pass. His fluid movement and large frame paired with his high basketball IQ have intriguing potential. It will take Deing a few years to get close to his potential but time is not an issue for Oklahoma City.

12)Thunder- Jalen Williams

Grade: F

Jalen Williams has been this NBA Draft's biggest riser in this year’s class. The Santa Clara product was projected as an early second-round pick just a few weeks ago before his off-the-charts combine measurements. His 7’2” wingspan and Kawhi Leonard-sized hands give him an intriguing physical profile. The concerns fall that it took him three years to establish himself as a high-level college player. The NBA leap is an even larger jump considering he did not face the highest level of competition at Santa Clara. Williams also played a very ball-dominant role in college. While this is clearly something the Thunder prioritize, it is unlikely this will be the best way to utilize Jalen Williams at the next level. Their roster is also getting crowded with these types of players.

13)Hornets (traded to Pistons)- Jalen Duren

Grade: B-

The Pistons have clearly been in the market for a big man as evidenced by their connection to DeAndre Ayton this offseason. Detroit instead elected to trade for the 13th pick and add the best big man in the draft in Jalen Duren. His 7’5” wingspan gives him a massive catch radius where he effectively slams home lobs. The best asset in Duren’s game is his defensive ability. He is an elite shot-blocker with great timing and instincts. The Memphis product does a great job staying vertical and deterred far more shots than the 2.1 blocks per game he averaged.

14)Cavs- Ochai Agbaji

Grade: C+

One of the more surefire selections of prospects in the drafts, Ochai Agbaji had an incredibly accomplished college career. The Cavs outperformed expectations last season and they had room to take more of an upside swing here. Regardless, Ochai Agbaji is a plug-and-play three-and-D prospect who can contribute immediately. The 22-year-old will be ready to play minutes from day one and will be a nice floor spacing asset.

15)Hornets- Mark Williams

While it was disappointing for the Hornets not to add Jalen Duren as a lob threat partner for LaMelo Ball, they made up for it by adding Mark Williams. The Duke product has a ton of fans in NBA circles and was projected to go to the Hornets for several weeks. His 7’2” frame and 7’7” wingspan is set to create some electrifying highlights in Charolette.

16)Hawks- AJ Griffin

Grade: B+

There are some major concerns with AJ Griffin on the defensive side of the ball. But, he will be a terrific fit next to Trae Young offensively. The gravity and passing ability of Young are sure to set him up with clean looks and Griffin is a terrific spot-up shooter. The Duke product shot 44.7% on three-pointers and was also in the 19th percentile in jumpers off the dribble. The Hawks still have needs they must address, but AJ Griffin is a promising long-term piece.

17)Rockets- Tari Eason

Grade: A-

The Houston Rockets may walk away with the best defender from this NBA Draft with Tari Eason. The LSU forward is switchable on all five positions and also has an intriguing offensive game. Eason averaged 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks. His money will be made on the defensive side of the ball but if his 35.9% three-point percentage translates he is a scary prospect.

18)Bulls- Dalen Terry

Grade: B+

Dalen Terry has been another late draft riser and is a seamless fit on any NBA team. His numbers do not pop off the page, but his impact goes far beyond this and he was overshadowed by a very talented Arizona team. Terry brings a game-changing intensity that is infectious to his teammates. He will slap the floor and get in an opponent's face in a way that fires up those around them. The 6’7” wing also has intriguing playmaking potential and is comfortable playing within his role.

19)Timberwolves- Jake LaRavia

Grade: C-

A high IQ forward out of Wake Forest, Jake LaRavia is an intriguing prospect. He is an active defender who finds a way to get his hands on the ball and also connects on 38.4% of his three-point attempts. The concern with the 20-year-old is he is a bit of a tweener between the stretch four and wing positions. He lacks some lateral quickness and foot speed and has the potential to be taken advantage of by more athletic players.

20)Spurs- Malaki Branham

Grade: A-

The Spurs took advantage of one of this year's NBA Draft fallers by snatching up Malaki Branham with the 20th pick. The Ohio State product has a polished style of play and is effective with or without the ball. He shot 41.6% on three-point attempts and has a 7’1” wingspan. Branham has an impressive pull-up jumper and will be a great addition to the Spurs.

21)Nuggets- Christian Braun

Grade: C+

It was a slightly higher draft selection than expected, but Christian Braun has everything you could want in an NBA role player. The Kansas product is a more complete player than he gets credit. Braun shot 38.6% on three-point attempts and is capable of attacking the basket as well. He will be a nice fit on any contending team and the Nuggets are certain to rely on him for rotational minutes.

22)Grizzlies (traded to Timberwolves)- Walker Kessler

Grade: C

The Timberwolves gained possession of the 22nd pick and secured a long-term backup center. Walker Kessler is a terrific shot-blocker who averaged a ridiculous 4.6 blocks per game. His monstrous 7’1” frame is appealing although there are questions about his foot speed on the perimeter. There is a belief that he can develop a jump shot but his offensive game is fairly basic at this point. This is a long-term pick that the Timberwolves will look to develop.

23)Sixers (traded to Grizzlies)- David Roddy

Grade: C-

The Grizzlies traded back into the NBA Draft in order to select David Roddy out of Colorado State. This trade satisfied the Sixers as they added De’Anthony Melton who will be a valuable member of the bench unit. For the Grizzlies, they added an intriguing prospect who competes hard and plays bigger than his frame. He likely will need to do some work on his body but averaged 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and over a steal and block per game. It was earlier than he was expected to come off the board but his motor will surely make an impact.

24)Bucks- MarJon Beauchamp

Grade: B+

One of the more unique paths to the draft, MarJon Beauchamp took a stop at Yakima Valley Community College before finding his way to the G-League Ignite. The former top-50 high school recruit averaged 15.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.6 steals in his lone season with the G-League Ignite. Teams were scared off by the 27.3% three-point percentage, but Beauchamp still finds ways to assert himself offensively. He is an impactful defender who makes an impact with his 7’1” wingspan and can swallow up smaller defenders. Beauchamp is a nice long-term addition to Milwaukee.

25)Spurs- Blake Wesley

Grade: B-

Given the additions of Jeremy Sochan and Malaki Branham, the Spurs could afford to take an upside swing here. Blake Wesley flashes many of the tools of an impactful NBA player but has yet to put the pieces fully together. He has great size at 6’5” and intriguing shot-making potential. Wesley must improve his efficiency but the Spurs could be rewarded if they are patient with his development.

26)Mavericks (traded to Rockets)- Wendell Moore Jr

Grade: C+

The Houston Rockets traded back into the first round to add a long-term rotational piece and selected Wendell Moor Jr. With Jabari Smith and Tari Eason already in hand, Moore is the more sure selection with a much lower upside. He showed great development during his three seasons at Duke. The Rockets have improved their defensive identity in this draft and Wendell Moore fits this category.

27)Heat- Nikola Jovic

Grade: D+

Nikola Jovic is a high IQ player with impressive passing ability. He is an advanced shot-maker with a mature overall game. Jovic stands 6'10” but does not have a clear positional fit in the NBA. There also is concern surrounding his defensive ability. The Serbian does not exactly fit what most would consider to be a “Heat Culture” guy, and Miami also has too many guys who are better off on one side of the ball already. His passing ability could earn him some time, but there were better-fitting players on the board at this draft slot.

28)Warriors- Patrick Baldwin Jr

Grade: C

If the Warriors were taking Patrick Baldwin Jr with the belief he could make an impact this year this would be a terrible pick. However, there is already little room in the rotation for guys like Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman. Baldwin Jr is still very raw and underperformed in college. The Warriors will surely give him some time in the G-League and have their sights set on the long-term. The Milwaukee product is still a high-caliber prospect and Golden State could be greatly rewarded by allowing him time to grow into the best version of a player he can be.

29)Grizzlies (traded to Timberwolves)- TyTy Washington

Grade: A-

It has become a theme in recent drafts for Kentucky guards to outplay their draft slots. This could become the case with Tyty Washington who had a solid one-and-done season in college. Washington stands 6'4″ and projects as a combo guard at the NBA level. He has an impressive midrange and floater game while also shooting 35% on three-point attempts. TyTy Washington also set a Kentucky record by recording 17 assists in a game this season. He projects as either a low-end starting guard or an impactful member of the bench unit which is great value at this stage.

30)Thunder (traded to Nuggets)- Peyton Watson

Grade: C-

Peyton Watson rose up draft boards during the pre-draft process due to his versatility and high potential. Despite the intriguing ceiling, Watson averaged just 3.3 points and 2.9 rebounds in 12.7 minutes per game at UCLA. It was expected for Watson to be a second-round pick due to the lack of minutes he saw in college. While the last pick in the first round is not much of a difference, this is a slightly bigger risk than the Nuggets should have taken.