We are only a couple of weeks removed from the 2021 NBA draft and it’s silly to publish a mock draft for next year. But let’s do it anyway.

Because frankly, far away as though it may seem, ten months can go by fast. Although a lot is going to change, some things stay the same. For example, I published my first mock draft of the 2020 cycle in May 2019 and all three of the first projected picks heard their names called within the first three picks nearly fifteen months later. Much of the rest, of course, is utterly wrong and embarrassing. But it is still helpful to track progression and regression.

Before we discuss the next crop of future NBA talent, however, let’s address the elephant in the room. You have probably noticed that the headline said this mock draft highlights 59 picks. No, that isn’t a typo.

Allow me to explain. The Milwaukee Bucks have forfeited the rights to their second-round pick in the 2022 NBA draft due to violating league rules regarding an attempted transaction made back in Nov. 2020. While it sucks for the additional person who is going to go undrafted, undrafted free agency isn’t the worst thing.

Otherwise, the order of this draft was determined by reversing the NBA futures odds courtesy of Tipico SportsBook. The teams whose odds fell outside the eight best in each conference composed the projected lottery. Meanwhile, all picks involved with previous trades were included in the order as well.

Another quick housekeeping note: My mock drafts tend to be fairly data-driven. But that can sometimes lead to some blind spots for evaluating prospects playing outside the NCAA (e.g. high school, AAU, FIBA, etc.), which made pre-season mock drafts particularly difficult.

That’s no longer the case thanks to the help from our fantastic new partners over at Cerebro Sports, a stats and analytics resource that scrapes box scores to determine how top basketball prospects have stacked up against all their previous competition.

With all that in mind, far away as we may be from draft night on June 22, here is how I see everything shaking out just based on what we know so far:

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 22.3 pts, 11.5 reb, 6.2 ast, 5.1 blk, 53.8 3P% (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team USA)

The race for No. 1 overall in the 2022 NBA draft is far from solidified but it’s going to be hard for teams to pass on Chet Holmgren. The U19 FIBA World Cup MVP is more than able to space the floor as a shooter and — thanks to his 7-foot-6 wingspan and surprising agility — he is an otherworldly rim protector.

Chet covers just an insane amount of ground with his go go gadget length pic.twitter.com/Bz22KdTnQK

— Corey Tulaba 🤙 (@thehardwoodmag) August 7, 2021

© USA Today via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 28.0 pts, 14.0 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.9 blk (2019 Nike EYBL, 17 GP — Seattle Rotary)

Another candidate for No. 1 overall is Paolo Banchero, who is an extraordinarily talented shot creator off the dribble for someone his size. The game comes naturally for Banchero, who is an above-average passer and who projects best as an oversized wing.

Note: This pick is protected 1-16 and will otherwise go to the Oklahoma City Thunder

6'10 Paolo Banchero at The Crawsover Pro Am @thecrawsover @Pp_doesit pic.twitter.com/42jWdfly5g

— Home Team Hoops (@HomeTeamHoops) August 1, 2021

Westchester Journal News via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 40.5 pts, 5.9 reb, 2.0 ast, 2.5 stl, 63.2 3P% (2019 Nike EYBL, 4 GP — PSA Cardinals)

Due to injuries and COVID-19 restrictions, the on-court sample size hasn’t been as large for Adrian Griffin Jr. as it has been for other top prospects. But the flashes he showed on the AAU circuit and in high school while at Archbishop Stepinac in New York will make him a must-watch moving forward.

Despite his high school season being canceled, AJ Griffin has made strides after spending the past nine months in Tampa working out privately with his father Adrian Griffin, a long-time NBA player and Toronto Raptors assistant coach.

Full ESPN analysis: https://t.co/zbDkohYcPY pic.twitter.com/Udep0XPQBi

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2021

© Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 23.6 pts, 15.1 reb, 3.3 ast, 4.0 blk (2021 Nike EYBL, 15 GP — Team Final)

Jalen Duren was considered the top junior in the nation before reclassifying and committing to play for Memphis and head coach Penny Hardaway. From a physicality standpoint, the recent Montverde Academy (FL) center has one of the best profiles you can imagine.

Jalen Duren’s highlights make him look like a NBA JAM character. Human momentum shifter on both sides of the floor. Enormous pick-up for Penny Hardaway and Memphis. pic.twitter.com/mJQclKDvcr

— Matt Pennie (@matt_pennie) August 6, 2021

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 28.9 pts, 5.6 reb, 4.0 ast, 1.9 stl, 35.7 3P% (2019 Nike EYBL, 18 GP — Vegas Elite)

The inaugural G League Ignite proved a viable pipeline for Jalen Green to earn the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft and in its second campaign, the squad is set to feature the excellent scoring prowess of Coronado High School (NV) star Jaden Hardy.

Note: This pick is protected 1-14 and will otherwise go to the Atlanta Hawks

Diving into HS games and picked a good one to watch Jaden Hardy. Awesome mix of athleticism, handles for creation and shooting skill: pic.twitter.com/gdEQqlPoFr

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) June 9, 2020

© Grace Hollars/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 29.8 pts, 7.3 reb, 5.2 ast, 3.8 stl, 1.7 blk (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team USA)

Purdue’s Jaden Ivey was arguably the best prospect who played college basketball this past season who did not declare for the 2021 NBA draft. Now, after helping lead Team USA to win gold at the U19 World Cup, don’t be surprised if Ivey takes another leap forward and catapults himself into the early lottery conversations due to the value he adds on both sides of the ball.

Jaden Ivey was one of the most productive players at the @FIBA U19 World Cup on a per-minute basis, averaging 29.8 PTS per-40 MINS to go w/ 7.3 REBS, 5.2 ASTS + 3.8 STLS. He regularly made highlight-reel worthy plays in front of @DraftExpress in Latvia >> https://t.co/UFBSoHORBL pic.twitter.com/kQiTN7MjMV

© Curt Hogg via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 17.9 pts, 11.6 reb, 4.3 ast, 1.3 blk, 32.1 3P% (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team USA)

Next season, Patrick Baldwin Jr. will take the road less traveled for a projected lottery pick and opted to play for his father, who is the head coach for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in the Horizon League conference. Baldwin should continue to thrive as a sharpshooter who has stellar height and length, especially given the usage rate he will have in college.

Some intriguing flashes from @MKE_MBB-bound @_pbaldwin23 in the U19 🏆 game vs. 🇫🇷 on Sunday. The 18-year-old is a special shooting prospect at 6’10. pic.twitter.com/0weGojFefi

— Pro Insight™️ (@_proinsight) July 14, 2021

Every NBA team wants big guys who can spread the floor and Jabari Smith, who is committed to play for Auburn next season, perfectly fits that mold. He was a Naismith First Team All-American this past season and it’s easy to imagine him finding success in the NBA.

NBA scouts and GM’s are going to love Auburn commit 2021 F Jabari Smith Jr. (@jabarismithll) of Sandy Creek (GA) next season at Auburn.

A 6-foot-10+ skilled forward. Tremendous footwork, stretch four, runs the floor, can hit 3’s, score in the post, and an elite shot blocker. pic.twitter.com/ooF5S4oli6

— Samad Hines (@Samad_Hines) February 21, 2021

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 21.4 pts, 7.2 reb, 3.1 ast, 2.9 stl (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team Canada)

Another Montverde Academy (FL) standout, Caleb Houstan utilized his time representing the Canadian national team during the U19 World Cup well. He showcased an ideal 3-and-D skill set for the modern NBA and led the squad to the bronze medal, losing just once during tournament action.

caleb houstan is a bonkers shooter not a lot of guys with his height+volume+versatility+age pic.twitter.com/F2bApKVFeH

— Ben Pfeifer (@Ben_Pfeifer_) July 4, 2021

© Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 12.9 pts, 11.1 reb, 8.8 ast, 3.7 blk, 1.8 stl (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team USA)

After a run to the Final Four this past season, UCLA will add a local talent in incoming freshman Peyton Watson. The former Long Beach Poly (CA) star is a point forward who, with credit to his effectiveness on defense, manages to have a massive impact on the game even if the offense isn’t run through him.

Note: This pick is protected 1-18 and will otherwise go to the New York Knicks

Just in case nobody else got it, here's Peyton Watson defending an entire team for 15 seconds and forcing a shot clock violation pic.twitter.com/JgVlATbGAQ

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 22.9 pts, 5.7 reb, 2.6 ast, 0.6 stl, 34.5 3P% (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team Canada)

We wrote extensively about Bennedict Mathurin when he was a freshman this past season. But he took another leap forward this summer while playing for the Canadian national team during the U19 World Cup. He scored at least 30 points in multiple games, including in the final match against Serbia that helped Canada secure bronze.

🇨🇦 Bennedict Mathurin drops a light 30 for @CanBball in their win over Japan, going 6/9 from three and 11/15 overall! 🔥🔥🔥#FIBAU19 | @ArizonaMBB pic.twitter.com/OIpsqOX90B

— FIBA | #Basketball #Tokyo2020 (@FIBA) July 4, 2021

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 23.4 pts, 10.7 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.2 blk, 36.4 3P% (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team Serbia)

One of the most fascinating international prospects is Serbia’s Nikola Jovic, who has a good feel for the game — especially for someone who is 6-foot-10 — and a smooth jump shot absolutely worth betting on as he continues his development.

Will be interesting over the next year to see how Nikola Jovic develops as an athlete and shooter.

Pretty special move and gather here for a 6-foot-9 guy at just 18 years old. pic.twitter.com/ZniyaljeGl

— Ethan Piechota (@EthanPiechota) July 20, 2021

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 19.7 pts, 11.5 reb, 3.4 ast, 1.9 stl, 0.8 blk (2021 Croatian A-1 Liga, 31 GP — KK Cibona)

Perhaps the most surprising players to withdraw from the 2021 NBA draft was rising Croatian star Roko Prkacin. Still young, Prkacin has one of the most unique blends of size and passing evaluators will see from any prospect.

Unfortunately won't get to see it in the NBA this year, but excited to see 2022 lottery prospect Roko Prkacin build & expand on some of these fun passing flashes. pic.twitter.com/QLyDeNxNBl

— Draft Dummies (@DraftDummies) July 31, 2021

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 24.4 pts, 7.8 reb, 6.0 ast, 3.3 stl, 30.1 3P% (2021 Spanish LEB Silver, 24 GP — CB Gran Canaria II)

You’re not going to find many scorers who are more explosive than Jean Montero, who will be a trailblazer as the first prospect to potentially make the jump from the Overtime Elite program to the NBA.

Jean Montero just dropped 31 POINTS in a half 🤯 @jeanmontero03 pic.twitter.com/JU7mUX9gml

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 13.9 pts, 9.3 reb, 1.1 ast, 3.2 blk, 1.2 stl (2021 Spanish ACB, 23 GP — Unicaja Malaga)

While he is one of the youngest prospects in this class, Yannick Nzosa has proven that he is also already one of the most imposing and promising defensive prospects in recent memory as well. His athleticism, movement, verticality and length already jump off the page for evaluators.

My first video for the 2022 NBA draft class.

Do not be surprised if Yannick Nzosa from the Democratic Republic of the Congo ends up being a top 3 pick next summer.

NBA Draft Junkies International Prospects | Yannick Nzosa Scouting Report https://t.co/4jH7jXEU9m

— Rafael Barlowe (@Barlowe500) August 6, 2021

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 21.0 pts, 7.9 reb, 6.9 ast, 3.4 stl, 30.2 3P% (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team Australia)

Australia’s Dyson Daniels is someone who moves extremely well with the ball in his hands and can check multiple boxes as someone who stuffs the stat sheets as a scorer, playmaker and defender. His game should translate well to the G League, even while playing against top competition.

Dyson Daniels is very fun. pic.twitter.com/wCllMsNtXe

— PD Web (@abovethebreak3) July 10, 2021

New Zealand Breakers – Australia, 6-9 (International)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 16.4 pts, 7.8 reb, 3.5 ast, 1.7 stl (2021 French NM1, 17 GP — Centre Federal Du Basket-Ball)

French wing Ousmane Dieng became the first European prospect to join Australia’s Next Stars program in the NBL. He first rose to prominence when he showed off his versatility during the U16 European Championships in 2019 and will have a chance to show his progress on an even bigger stage.

Note: The Charlotte Hornets landed this pick as part of the deal for Devonte’ Graham but the New Orleans Pelicans will keep if it lands 1-14

Spent the morning watching French wing Ousmane Dieng work out before he heads to New Zealand to join the Breakers of the NBL. First time seeing the projected lottery pick since the 2019 U16 Euros. Has grown to 6-10 in shoes. Super fluid and skilled for his size. Big time talent. pic.twitter.com/gbsz5g8ckb

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) August 6, 2021

© Alex Driehaus/Naples Daily News

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 22.3 pts, 6.0 reb, 10.8 ast, 6.0 stl, 47.6 3P% (2021 St James NIBC Invitational, 7 GP — Sunrise Christian Academy)

Tennessee’s Kennedy Chandler is the type of player who is going to punish you if you let him have the ball in his hands in the open court. He is insanely quick and his speed in transition barely makes sense the first time you see it.

No secret Kennedy Chandler is just a stud/winner. Keeps getting better. Shiftiness for creation, great passer, improved shooter, quick defensive hands/anticipation. Tough to find a worrisome hole outside of physical tools. Top 8 on my early 2022 board. pic.twitter.com/mziRuzzuMf

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) April 30, 2021

(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 12.0 pts, 5.0 reb, 5.8 ast, 3.1 stl, 1.0 blk (2021 NCAA, 28 GP — Syracuse)

Kadary Richmond joined James Harden, Jrue Holiday and Ben Simmons as the only high-major freshmen since 2007-08 to reach a two-point percentage above 40.0 percent, a three-point percentage above 30.0 percent, an assist rate above 20.0 percent, a steal rate above 3.0 percent and a block rate above 2.0 percent (via Bart Torvik).

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 21.6 pts, 12.3 reb, 1.3 stl, 1.3 blk, 52.3 3P% (2021 NCAA, 26 GP)

Colorado’s Jabari Walker looked excellent during his NCAA tournament debut. He recorded 24 points while shooting 9-for-10 from the field, connecting on all five of his three-point attempts while securing a win over Georgetown. As we noted earlier this year, he finished the season 23-for-44 (52.3 percent) from three, the best mark among all the high-major players who stood 6-foot-8 or taller.

© Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 17.5 pts, 6.3 reb, 7.4 ast, 2.7 stl, 30.4 3P% (2021 U19 World Cup, 7 GP — Team USA)

While he flew a bit under the radar during his freshman campaign for TCU, Mike Miles put on a show during his time in the U19 World Cup earlier this summer. He showed off his intelligence as both a capable floor general and facilitator, especially when operating out of the pick-and-roll.

Mike Miles had his 4th 20+ point game yesterday in a signature performance vs Mizzou, going for 28-5-5-3-1 on 12/20 (2/4 from 3)

3 level scoring potential, IQ, space creator, and just a winning player all around pic.twitter.com/l0Mq5mKbra

— Mavs / Magic Draft (@MavsDraft) January 31, 2021

© Meg Potter/The Republic via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 23.2 pts, 6.3 reb, 6.3 ast, 3.4 stl, 0.8 blk (2021 Montverde Academy Invitational, 3 GP — AZ Compass Prep)

Thanks to his incredibly clean jumper, TyTy Washington had a meteoric rise in notoriety in the recruiting scene over the past season. If he keeps trending in such a positive way, he will assuredly be one of the first guards to hear his name called in the 2022 NBA draft.

TyTy Washington (@tytywashington3) continues to impress in all facets and make the case as one of the class’s top guards. Vision, feel, and here the easy stroke from three. pic.twitter.com/rHbRd8HH4o

— Derek Murray (@dmurrayNBA) May 9, 2021

St. John’s, 6-8 (Junior)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 24.1 pts, 9.0 reb, 1.8 stl, 1.2 blk, 38.0 3P% (2021 NCAA, 25 GP)

St. John’s Julian Champagnie showed a ton of promise during his sophomore campaign, shooting well both off the catch and the bounce. Since 2007-08, the only other high-major freshman to finish the season with a free throw percentage above 80 percent, three-point percentage above 35 percent, steal percentage above 3.0 percent and block percentage above 2.0 percent is just Phoenix Suns wing Mikal Bridges.

Saint Joseph’s, 6-7 (Sophomore)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 13.3 pts, 7.4 reb, 7.1 ast, 1.6 stl, 35.1 3P% (2021 NCAA, 20 GP)

After testing the waters in the 2021 NBA draft, Jordan Hall will return for another season of college basketball. There is plenty of reason to believe the hype when it comes to his game. Hall is the only underclassman on record 6-foot-7 or taller to record an assist percentage above 35.0 percent, per Bart Torvik.

Note: The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired this pick in the Chris Paul trade

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 20.6 pts, 3.5 reb, 5.1 ast, 1.0 stl, 43.3 3P% (2021 NCAA)

Alabama’s program has had a player selected in the first round in three of the past four drafts and Jahvon Quinerly could continue on that momentum. He is a good playmaker and shooter who scored 1.31 points per possession on his jumpers in a set offense, per Synergy, which ranked 97th percentile among NCAA players. Meanwhile, he showed excellent self-creation skills as an absurdly low 6.8 percent of his connections at the rim were assisted.

Note: The Oklahoma City Thunder acquired this pick in the Paul George trade

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 22.3 pts, 3.8 reb, 7.5 ast, 1.5 blk, 40.4 3P% (2021 St James NIBC Invitational, 7 GP — Wasatch Academy)

Coming off an undefeated regular season and a trip to the national championship, Gonzaga needs to retool their backcourt as Jalen Suggs is now in the NBA. Nolan Hickman, who is a top-tier passer in his own right, will look to replicate that success and continue on what Suggs started.

Note: The Utah Jazz will keep this pick if it lands 1-6 

Speaking of playmaking windows, here’s Nolan Hickman absolutely threading the needle pic.twitter.com/TFU1TRgsz8

— Jake Rosen (@JakeInThePaint) April 11, 2021

(Sholten Singer /The Herald-Dispatch via AP)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 20.7 pts, 6.6 reb, 3.2 ast, 0.8 stl, 41.3 3P% (2021 NCAA, 22 GP)

Marshall’s Taevion Kinsey has led all college players 6-foot-5 or shorter for total dunks in 2018-19 (55), 2019-20 (36) and then again in 2020-21 (46). In addition to his high-flying attacks at the basket, as a junior, he averaged 19.5 points per game while shooting 41.3 percent from beyond the arc.

© Joe Rondone/The Commercial Appeal via Imagn Content Services, LLC

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 24.6 pts, 6.7 reb, 3.7 ast, 2.0 stl, 37.5 3P% (2021 Montverde Academy Invitational, 6 GP — Sunrise Christian Academy)

The first thing people talk about when they talk about incoming Baylor freshman Kendall Brown is his strength, athleticism and explosiveness. His knack for defensive playmaking gives him an immediate impact tool for the pros.

Sunrise Christian's Kendall Brown had 5 steals vs. IMG, turned 4 into fastbreak dunks the other way. Future Baylor SF, potential 2022 first-rounder. pic.twitter.com/e0aBW8lwv5

— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) January 21, 2021

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 18.0 pts, 5.4 reb, 3.4 ast, 0.7 stl, 44.2 3P% (2021 NCAA, 22 GP)

Among those with at least 100 attempts from beyond the arc, Davidson’s Hyunjung Lee was one of just two players in D-I college basketball to shoot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from the three-point line and 90 percent from the free-throw line this past season (via Sports Reference).

Note: Memphis will only acquire this pick if it falls outside of 1-10

(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

STAT SNAPSHOT (Per 40): 17.0 pts, 7.4 reb, 7.8 ast, 1.7 stl (2021 NCAA, 31 GP)

Last season, playing in the second unit for Illinois, Andre Curbelo led all high-major freshmen with an assist rate of 34.4 percent. Since 2007-08, the only other high-major freshman to reach thresholds that Curbelo met for assist percentage (30 percent) and defensive rebound percentage (15 percent) was just D’Angelo Russell.

31. Cleveland Cavaliers (via HOU): Matthew Cleveland

32. Washington Wizards (via DET): JD Davison

33. New Orleans Pelicans (via CLE): Tristan Vukcevic

Real Madrid – Spain, 6-10 (International)

35. Oklahoma City Thunder: Max Christie

38. Cleveland Cavaliers (via WAS): Khalifa Diop

Gran Canaria – Spain, 6-11 (International)

39. Cleveland Cavaliers (via SAS): Mojave King

Adelaide 36ers – Australia, 6-5 (International)

41. Golden State Warriors (via TOR): Mark Williams

42. Orlando Magic (via IND): Matthew Mayer

44. Portland Trail Blazers: Scotty Pippen Jr.

45. Sacramento Kings (via CHI): Jaime Jaquez Jr.

46. New York Knicks: Marcus Bagley

47. New Orleans Pelicans: Johnny Juzang

51. Indiana Pacers (via MIA): Keegan Murray

52. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DEN): Drew Timme

53. Miami Heat (via PHI): Azuolas Tubelis

55. L.A. Clippers: Trayce Jackson-Davis

56. New Orleans Pelicans (via UTA): Andrew Nembhard

57. Golden State Warriors: Jermaine Samuels

58. Chicago Bulls (via LAL): Ron Harper Jr.

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The Brooklyn Nets will meet the Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day NBA action from the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The Nets will be going for their 22nd win of the season but might be a little rusty having not played since last Saturday. They will be missing Kevin Durant tonight but will see if James Harden can carry the load. As for the Lakers, they come into this one having lost their last four games and will look for LeBron to have another Christmas Day game like in years past.

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