The pre-draft process was a tumultuous one for Kentucky guard TyTy Washington Jr. He started the process as a late lottery pick, transitioned into a top-20 pick and heading into Thursday’s 2022 NBA draft with widely varying judgments of where he would get taken.
Many mock drafts had Washington projected to Houston with its second of three first-round picks (No. 17). However, Houston selected LSU forward Tari Eason with that mid-round selection.
In the end, the Rockets landed Washington. However, it came at a much friendlier price. Rockets general manager Rafael Stone selected Washington at No. 29 after trading the No. 26 pick to Minnesota. In return for moving down three spots, Houston netted two second-round picks. The No. 26 pick, which Minnesota used on Duke guard Wendell Moore, was originally acquired from Dallas in the Christian Wood trade.
