Redrafting The 2022 NBA Draft Lottery Picks

The 2022 NBA Draft did not have a clear-cut No. 1 pick heading into it, but three years later, it has proven to be one of the deepest classes in recent memory. With two lottery picks already winning championships as key contributors and several others establishing themselves as high-level starters, there's plenty to reconsider. Let's redraft the lottery with the benefit of hindsight, knowing what these players have become and projecting where their careers are headed.

Averaging 25.9 points last season despite Orlando's spacing issues, Banchero has proven to be the franchise centerpiece the Magic needed. His 28 points per game in two playoff series show he is capable of elevating his game even more. Orlando gets to keep a franchise building block, as continuity has been crucial for building its young core around a legitimate go-to scorer.

A ten-spot leap for the Santa Clara product who became the Thunder's championship co-star. Williams’ 40-point Finals performance and All-NBA selection validate this jump. The ideal secondary creator next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. His versatility on both ends would remain the perfect complement to SGA’s on-ball dominance, giving the Thunder two elite shot-creators who can switch across multiple defensive positions.

Imagine Holmgren next to Alperen Şengün in Houston's frontcourt; the Rockets would have an incredibly skilled big-man pairing with complementary skill sets. Holmgren's rim protection would cover Şengün's defensive limitations, while both could operate as hubs in the high post. The spacing from a 7-footer who shoots over 37% from three would unlock Houston's young guards.

Smith drops just one spot in this redraft. The 6-foot-11 floor spacer has been solid for Houston, shooting 34.6 percent from three while providing defensive versatility across multiple positions. In Sacramento, Smith would give the Kings exactly what they need: a modern stretch four who can guard multiple positions. Playing alongside De'Aaron Fox (later Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan) and Domantas Sabonis, Smith's floor spacing and transition defense would be perfect for their uptempo system. 

An eight-spot jump for the Memphis product. Averaging 12.3 points and 10.3 rebounds for his career, Duren's a nightly double-double threat with a solid low-post game and high-level screening ability. Detroit gets to keep its young anchor, who provides a presence on the boards on both ends of the floor, and Duren remains the vertical threat and lob finisher that complements Cade Cunningham's playmaking perfectly. The Pistons' rebuild stays on track with their rim-running center locked in.

Mathurin proved his worth during the Pacers' Finals run, showcasing his microwave scoring ability. Indiana keeps their explosive bench scorer who can take over games in spurts. The Arizona product’s aggressive attack on the basket perfectly complements Tyrese Haliburton's pick-and-roll wizardry, and his ability to create his own shot gives the Pacers a legitimate secondary option when the offense stalls. 

It may have taken a while to get going, but the rebuilding Blazers drafted Sharpe based on his upside, not immediate production. An explosive athlete who has increased his scoring average by at least three points in each of the last three seasons, Sharpe is now providing Portland with 21.8 points per game. His athleticism and scoring bursts provide the Trail Blazers with much-needed firepower during their rebuild.

Ivey drops three spots but remains in the lottery. The dynamic Purdue guard has averaged 15.4 points and 4.2 assists in his career, showing real potential as a crafty playmaker despite the recent knee injury. In New Orleans, Ivey would give the Pelicans an explosive backcourt option with his downhill driving and transition scoring. His ability to play with or without the ball would complement Dejounte Murray and Jose Alvarado while also providing a perfect pick-and-roll option with Zion Williamson. 

A massive 13-spot jump for the Auburn rim protector. Kessler's elite defense and 2.4 career blocks per game make him one of the draft's best values. His 11.1 points and 12.2 rebounds last season prove he's a two-way force. Kessler's drop coverage would anchor a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league, and his rebounding would give and limit second chances accordingly. Paired with Myles Turner or as his eventual replacement, Kessler would give the Pacers a legitimate defensive identity while finishing lobs from Haliburton.

Daniels drops slightly despite last year's breakout season. "The Great Barrier Thief" won Most Improved Player and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting after averaging 14.1 points and a record-breaking 415 deflections with three steals per game. Daniels' 6-foot-8 frame and elite instincts would allow the Trail Blazers to hide weaker defenders while wreaking havoc in passing lanes. His secondary playmaking would complement their young guards, and his on-ball defense would give Portland a legitimate wing defender for the first time in years.

Championships with Kansas and Denver as a rookie, followed by a breakout 15.4-point season, bump Braun up the redraft ladder. Making all the connective plays and little things that winning teams need, OKC would add another championship-pedigreed winner who fits their defensive identity perfectly. Braun's hustle plays, transition finishing, and athleticism would make him an ideal glue guy in the Thunder's rotation. His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down corner threes would give OKC even more versatility in their championship core.

Murray drops eight spots despite being a perfect modern role player. The Kings' recent five-year, $140 million extension validates his elite 3-and-D production at 36.6 percent from deep. Sacramento keeps its ideal complementary piece, a low-maintenance wing who spaces the floor and guards opposing scorers. Murray's ability to thrive without heavy offensive usage makes him perfect alongside ball-dominant players. 

A four-spot jump for one of the league's most disruptive defenders. A 6-foot-8 forward, Eason’s rim-attacking and rebounding would give Detroit a versatile defensive menace they need on the wing. Eason's ability to guard 2 through 4 and create transition opportunities through deflections would transform the Pistons' defense. His crashing the glass would give Cade Cunningham more offensive rebounding support, and his energy would set the tone for a young team building an identity.

A 17-spot rise for the Gonzaga guard who's proven to be a playoff riser. Nembhard averaged 13.5 points and five assists in the postseason with elite shooting splits, showcasing his value as a secondary creator and on-ball defender. Nembhard's composure and decision-making would provide the Rockets' second unit with a steady hand, and his playoff experience would be invaluable for a team trying to take the next step.