2022 NBA Draft Primer: Team Needs

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  • Isn’t it going to be strange to have a normal offseason after the last couple of condensed summers we’ve had in the NBA? It’ll be like a breath of fresh air for fantasy managers as they’ll have a little bit more time to digest all of the offseason movement that happens around the league. And it all starts with the NBA Draft.

    The 2022 NBA Draft will be here before you know it and the draft is one of the primary tools that teams have at their disposal to address their needs ahead of free agency. This can happen by making the pick or trading draft capital to acquire veterans. In this feature, we’ll be looking at all 30 teams and analyze what their needs are before diving into potential draft-day fits. Want more draft coverage? Take a look at our 2022 first-round mock draft here.

    Travis Schlenk
    General Manager, Atlanta Hawks

    Draft Picks: No. 16, 44

    Expiring Contracts: Delon Wright (UFA), Kevin Knox (RFA), Lou Williams (UFA), Gorgui Dieng (UFA), Skylar Mays (RFA), Sharife Cooper (RFA) Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (UFA)

    Team Needs: Depth, backup PG, defensive stopper on the wing

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Hawks should focus on draft-day including best positional fits at No. 16 & 44, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up! 

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    Brad Stevens
    General Manager, Boston Celtics

    Draft Picks: No. 53

    Expiring Contracts: Luke Kornet (UFA), Brodric Thomas (RFA), Matt Ryan (RFA), Sam Hauser (TO), Juwan Morgan (TO)

    Team Needs: Overall depth, offensive creation in the half-court, 3-point shooting

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Celtics should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 53, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Sean Marks
    General Manager, Brooklyn Nets

    Draft picks: N/A

    Expiring Contracts: Kyrie Irving (PO), Patty Mills (PO), Bruce Brown (UFA), Andre Drummond (UFA), Blake Griffin (UFA), Nic Claxton (RFA), Goran Dragic (UFA), LaMarcus Aldridge (UFA), David Duke Jr. (RFA)

    Team Needs: Rebounding, rim protection, backup SF

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Nets should focus their attention leading up to the draft after they deferred the Sixers pick to 2023, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Mitch Kupchak
    General Manager, Charlotte Hornets

    Draft picks: No. 13, 15, 45

    Expiring Contracts: Miles Bridges (RFA), Montrezl Harrell (UFA), Jalen McDaniels (TO), Cody Martin (RFA), Isaiah Thomas (UFA), Scottie Lewis (RFA), Arnoldas Kulboka (RFA)

    Team Needs: C, backup PG, reliable rebounding, rim protection

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Hornets should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 13, 15 & 45, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Marc Eversley
    General Manager, Chicago Bulls

    Draft picks: No. 18

    Expiring Contracts: Zach LaVine (UFA), Derrick Jones Jr (UFA), Troy Brown (RFA), Tristan Thompson (UFA), Tony Bradley (PO), Matt Thomas (RFA), Malcolm Hill (RFA), Tyler Cook (RFA)

    Team Needs: SG, C, secondary scoring threat if LaVine leaves in free agency

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Bulls should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 18, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Koby Altman
    General Manager, Cleveland Cavaliers

    Draft picks: No. 14, 39, 56

    Expiring Contracts: Collin Sexton (RFA), Rajon Rondo (UFA), Ed Davis (UFA), Dean Wade (TO), Brandon Goodwin (UFA), Moses Brown (RFA), R.J. Nembhard (RFA)

    Team Needs: SG, backup PG, backup SG, a 3-and-D floor spacer

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Cavs should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 14, 39 & 56, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Nico Harrison
    General Manager, Dallas Mavericks

    Draft picks: No. 26

    Expiring Contracts: Jalen Brunson (UFA), Trey Burke (PO), Frank Ntlikina (UFA), Theo Pinson (UFA)

    Team Needs: C, PG, rebounding, rim protection

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Mavs should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 26, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Calvin Booth
    General Manager, Denver Nuggets

    Draft picks: No. 21

    Expiring Contracts: Facundo Campazzo (RFA), Austin Rivers (UFA), DeMarcus Cousins (UFA), JaMychal Green (PO), Bryn Forbes (UFA), Jeff Green (PO), Vlatko Cancar (RFA), Davon Reed (RFA), Markus Howard (RFA)

    Team Needs: Backup C, SG, backup PF, 3-point shooting

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Nuggets should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 21, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Troy Weaver
    General Manager, Detroit Pistons

    Draft picks: No. 5, 46

    Expiring Contracts: Marvin Bagley III (RFA), Hamidou Diallo (TO), Cory Joseph (PO), Frank Jackson (TO), Rodney McGruder (UFA), Luka Garza (TO), Carsen Edwards (TO), Jamorko Pickett (RFA)

    Team Needs: PF, C, rim runner, rim protector, secondary scorer

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Pistons should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 5 & 46, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Bob Meyers
    General Manager, Golden State Warriors

    Draft picks: No. 28, 51, 55

    Expiring Contracts: Kevon Looney (UFA), Andre Iguodala (UFA), Otto Porter Jr. (UFA), Nemanja Bjelica (UFA), Gary Payton II (UFA), Damion Lee (UFA), Juan Toscano-Anderson (RFA), Quinndary Weatherspoon (RFA), Chris Chiozza (UFA)

    Team Needs: Rebounding, perimeter defense, rim protection, PF/C depth

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Warriors should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 28, 51 & 55, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Rafael Stone
    General Manager, Houston Rockets

    Draft picks: No. 3, 17

    Expiring Contracts: John Wall (PO), Dennis Schroder (UFA), Bruno Fernando (RFA), Jae’Sean Tate (TO), Anthony Lamb (RFA), Trevelin Queen (RFA)

    Team Needs: Backcourt and frontcourt depth, another reliable scorer, someone who can run the floor and push the pace

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Rockets should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 3 & 17, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Chad Buchanan
    General Manager, Indiana Pacers

    Draft picks: No. 6, 31, 58

    Expiring Contracts: Ricky Rubio (UFA), T.J. Warren (UFA), Jalen Smith (UFA), Oshae Brissett (TO), Lance Stephenson (UFA), Nate Hinton (RFA), Gabe York (RFA)

    Team Needs: PG, go-to scorer, 3-and-D wing

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Pacers should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 6, 31 & 58, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Michael Winger
    General Manager, Los Angeles Clippers

    Draft picks: No. 43

    Expiring Contracts: Ivica Zubac (TO), Nicolas Batum (PO), Rodney Hood (UFA), Isaiah Hartenstein (UFA), Amir Coffey (RFA), Moses Wright (RFA), Xavier Moon (RFA), Jay Scrubb (RFA)

    Team Needs: Big man, pass-first point guard

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Clippers should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 43, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Rob Pelinka
    General Manager, Los Angeles Lakers

    Draft picks: N/A

    Expiring Contracts: Russell Westbrook (PO), Kendrick Nunn (PO), Dwight Howard (UFA), Carmelo Anthony (UFA), Wayne Ellington (UFA), Malik Monk (UFA), Austin Reaves (TO), D.J. Augustin (UFA), Kent Bazemore (UFA), Avery Bradley (UFA), Stanley Johnson (TO), Wenyen Gabriel (TO), Jay Huff (RFA), Mason Jones (RFA), Mac McClung (RFA), Quincy Douby (RFA)

    Team Needs: C, PG, overall depth, youth

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Lakers should focus on draft-day when they are without any draft capital, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Zach Kleiman
    General Manager, Memphis Grizzlies

    Draft picks: No. 22, 29, 47

    Expiring Contracts:  Kyle Anderson (UFA), Tyus Jones (UFA), Jarrett Culver (UFA), Yves Pons (RFA)

    Team Needs: Backup PG, C, SF

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Grizzlies should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 22, 29 & 47, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Andy Elisberg
    General Manager, Miami Heat

    Draft picks: No. 27

    Expiring Contracts: P.J. Tucker (PO), Udonis Haslem (UFA), Markieff Morris (UFA), Dewayne Dedmon (UFA), Victor Oladipo (UFA), Caleb Martin (RFA), Kyle Guy (RFA), Dru Smith (RFA)

    Team Needs: PF, C, frontcourt depth

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Heat should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 27, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Jon Horst
    General Manager, Milwaukee Bucks

    Draft picks: No. 24

    Expiring Contracts: Serge Ibaka (UFA), Pat Connaughton (PO), Bobby Portis (PO), Wesley Matthews (UFA), Jordan Nwora (RFA), Thanasis Antetokounmpo (PO), Jevon Carter (UFA), Lindell Wiggington (RFA)

    Team Needs: Backup PG, another scoring threat, perimeter defender who can score

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Bucks should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 24, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Sachin Gupta
    General Manager, Minnesota Timberwolves

    Draft picks: No. 19, 40, 48, 50

    Expiring Contracts: Taurean Prince (UFA), Josh Okogie (RFA), Jake Layman (UFA), Naz Reid (TO), Jaylen Nowell (TO), Greg Monroe (UFA), Nathan Knight (RFA), McKinley Wright IV (RFA)

    Team Needs: Reliable passing PG, 3-point shooter

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Wolves should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 19, 40, 48 & 50, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Trajan Langdan
    General Manager, New Orleans Pelicans

    Draft picks: No. 8, 41, 52

    Expiring Contracts: Tony Snell (UFA), Jared Harper (RFA), Gary Clark (UFA)

    Team Needs: PG, backup PF, versatile defender

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Pelicans should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 8, 41 & 52, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Scott Perry
    General Manager, New York Knicks

    Draft picks: No. 11, 42

    Expiring Contracts: Mitchell Robinson (UFA), Ryan Arcidiacono (UFA)

    Team Needs: PG, facilitator on offense, reliable center

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Knicks should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 11 & 42, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Sam Presti
    General Manager, Oklahoma City Thunder

    Draft picks: No. 2, 12, 30, 34

    Expiring Contracts: Mike Muscala (TO), Isaiah Roby (TO), Luguentz Dort (TO), Melvin Frazier (RFA)

    Team Needs: C, PF, secondary scorer, 3-point shooter

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Thunder should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 2, 12, 30 & 34, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    John Hammond
    General Manager, Orlando Magic

    Draft picks: No. 1, 32, 35

    Expiring Contracts: Mo Bamba (RFA), Robin Lopez (UFA), Bol Bol (RFA), Gary Harris (UFA), Admiral Schofield (RFA), Ignas Brazdeikis (RFA)

    Team Needs: Elite scoring, versatile defender, wing or a big man

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Magic should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 1, 32 & 35, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Daryl Morey
    General Manager, Philadelphia Sixers

    Draft picks: 23

    Expiring Contracts: James Harden (PO), Paul Millsap (UFA), Shake Milton (TO), DeAndre Jordan (UFA), Myles Powell (RFA)

    Team Needs: PF, 3-point shooting

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Sixers should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 23, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    James Jones
    General Manager, Phoenix Suns

    Draft picks: N/A

    Expiring Contracts: Deandre Ayton (RFA), JaVale McGee (UFA), Aaron Holiday (RFA), Elfrid Payton (UFA), Bismack Biyombo (UFA), Ish Wainright (RFA)

    Team Needs: C, PF, low-post scoring, rebounding

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Suns should focus leading up to the draft while they have no draft picks in 2022, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Joe Cronin
    General Manager, Portland Trail Blazers

    Draft picks: No. 7, 36, 57

    Expiring Contracts: Joe Ingles (UFA), Jusuf Nurkic (UFA), Anfernee Simons (RFA), Ben McLemore (UFA), CJ Elleby (RFA), Elijah Hughes (RFA), Keljin Blevins (RFA)

    Team Needs: Rim protection, scoring, on-ball defense, C

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Blazers should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 7, 36 & 57, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Monte McNair
    General Manager, Sacramento Kings

    Draft picks: No. 4, 37, 49

    Expiring Contracts: Jeremy Lamb (UFA), Josh Jackson (UFA), Donte DiVincenzo (RFA), Damian Jones (UFA), Trey Lyles (TO), Neemias Queta (RFA)

    Team Needs: Floor-spacing 3-point shooter, 3-and-D wing, third scoring option

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Kings should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 4, 37 & 49, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Brian Wright
    General Manager, San Antonio Spurs

    Draft picks: No. 9, 20, 25, 38

    Expiring Contracts: Lonnie Walker IV (RFA), Devontae Cacok (RFA), Joe Wieskamp (RFA), Robert Woodard II (RFA), D.J. Stewart Jr. (RFA)

    Team Needs: PF, go-to scorer

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Spurs should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 9, 20, 25 & 38, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Bobby Webster
    General Manager, Toronto Raptors

    Draft picks: No. 33

    Expiring Contracts: Chris Boucher (UFA), Thaddeus Young (UFA), Svi Mykhailiuk (TO), Yuta Watanabe (RFA), Isaac Bonga (UFA), David Johnson (RFA), Justin Champagnie (RFA)

    Team Needs: C (either traditional or stretch-five), rebounding, rim protection

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Raptors should focus on draft-day including the best positional fit at No. 33, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Justin Zanik
    General Manager, Utah Jazz

    Draft picks: N/A

    Expiring Contracts: Hassan Whiteside (UFA), Eric Paschall (RFA), Danuel House (UFA), Trent Forrest (RFA)

    Team Needs: PG, backup C, SF, PF

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Jazz should focus their attention on draft-day and they could be a significant player through the trade market even if they are devoid of any draft picks, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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    Tommy Sheppard
    General Manager, Washington Wizards

    Draft picks: No. 10, 54

    Expiring Contracts: Thomas Bryant, Raul Neto, Tomas Satoransky

    Team Needs: Playmaking point guard, defensive stopper, perimeter defender

    Want to dig a bit deeper? To get more in-depth analysis on where the Hawks should focus on draft-day including the best positional fits at No. 10 & 54, you’ll need to have a FANTASYPASS membership. Click here to learn more and sign up!

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