2022 NBA mock draft: A breakdown of where Kansas' NBA draft hopefuls could land
Two big parts of Kansas’ national championship run are hoping to hear their names called in the 2022 NBA Draft. With the lottery in the books, mock drafts are starting to narrow down projections for Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun.
Agbaji is all but certainly a first round pick based on three early mock drafts from ESPN, CBS Sports and USA Today. But Braun is a borderline first-round talent with a little more than a month to go until the draft. Still, he has time to improve his stock.
Here’s where the experts think the duo can go in the draft.
Where 2022 NBA Draft analysts project Kansas players to land
ESPN: No. 15 overall to the Charlotte Hornets
CBS Sports: No. 7 overall to the Portland Trail Blazers
USA Today: No. 14 overall to the Cleveland Cavaliers
Agbaji was an absolute force for the Jayhawks in 2021-22, averaging 18.8 points to lead the Kansas offensive charge and win the Final Four Most Outstanding Player award. He’s a lethal shooter, and that could translate well to the NBA game. Plus, he’s 22 years old — a big factor in his maturity as a player.
CBS Sports puts him right in the midst of the lottery, but ESPN and USA Today have him going mid-first round. Either way, Agbaji could get an opportunity to make an impact right away at the professional level.
ESPN: No. 28 overall to the Golden State Warriors
CBS Sports: No. 25 overall to the San Antonio Spurs
USA Today: N/A
One of the Kansas’ best defenders last year, Braun is a proven two-way player. He shot 38% from three-point territory during his career in Lawrence and showed off a great passing ability, as well. He’s an interesting prospect, which is why he’s projected to be a borderline first-round pick.