2022 NBA Mock Draft: What is going to happen on June 23?

The Sacramento Kings sit at number 4 with a lot to think about. Do they trade the pick away and move back in the draft? Select the best available? Or go with another less talented prospect that may fit the team better?

While I believe the Kings do trade this pick away, I still have Jaden Ivey going off the board here at 4.

The Kings traded Tyrese Haliburton, already have De’Aaron Fox (who has some of the same qualities as Ivey), and selected Davion Mitchell in 2021. So, to me, that eliminates them from the Ivey sweepstakes.

This is just one of many examples of how Ivey can pick a speed boost and finish ferociously at the rim. In some of these plays, I see a combination of Russell Westbrook and Ja Morant. Time will tell if Ivey can reach the potential of those guys. I know I’ll be watching with a bucket of popcorn waiting to see what team comes up to grab him.

Ivey is explosive, freakishly athletic, a pesky defender, and someone who will always get to the cup. His first step leaves defenders in the rear view mirror possession after possession, even if they know it’s coming.

I have the Detroit Pistons taking a risk and a potential reach. The Pistons will be selecting “Kentucky” guard Shaedon Sharpe, although he never played in a game for the Wildcats.

Sharpe is an interesting player. There is no college film on him because he essentially chose to sit out to “prepare himself for next year.” The whole situation is a little unknown, or at least to me.

But what I do know is that he was the number one recruit in the 2022 class and is very gifted. Sharpe made a name for himself (if there wasn’t one already) at the draft combine. Like Ivey, he is very athletic and can jump out of the gym, and isn’t afraid to shoot the ball.

Sharpe not having played in big-time games or environments will scare some teams, but if there is any team who is willing to wait for the reward, it’s the Pistons.