2022 NBA Mock Draft: Detroit Pistons choose 3rd but get best player

Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) defends against Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) defends against Duke Blue Devils forward Paolo Banchero Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Detroit Pistons, 2022 NBA Draft
Auburn Tigers forward Jabari Smith Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

2022 NBA Mock Draft: Pick #2

Jabari Smith is another guy whose skillset would fit with almost any roster, as he is a 6-foot-10 forward who can defend and shoot the lights out from long range.

He and Jalen Green would instantly be a dynamic pairing in the pick-and-roll and he’d give the Houston roster an interesting combination of size, skill and defense.

The Rockets won’t draft for need, but they do need 3-point shooting, so Smith would immediately fill a need as well as give them another high-ceiling player to build around.

Like the Magic and Detroit Pistons, Houston is building something nice with young talent and people had better not sleep on Jalen Green next season, as he has come on of late and played more like the guy that some people felt should have been the number one pick. (How’d that turn out btw?)