27/05/2024 20:22
The 2024 NBA Draft is one month away. At this point, the only given is that the Atlanta Hawks own the first overall pick for the moment. Plenty of movement up and down the draft board is expected on June 26, especially since scouts and executives continue to have questions about the overall talent in this year’s class. While there are certainly impressive prospects in this draft class, the overall feel coming out of the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago was that this is truly going to be a draft that revolves around potential. Alex Sarr continues to be the overwhelming favorite to be the first overall pick by the Hawks in a variety of NBA mock drafts, but Zaccharie Risacher continues to dazzle overseas.
Currently in the midst of the French League playoffs with JL Bourg, Risacher has been putting on a show ever since Atlanta secured the top overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft via the draft lottery on May 12. Over his last five games, Risacher has averaged 16.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 58.2 percent from the floor and 36.0 percent from three-point range. The 6-foot-10 forward recently scored a career-high 28 points in a quarterfinal game.
Sarr, a fellow Frenchman, is still the favorite to be the first pick despite, all of the success Risacher has found in recent weeks. At the draft combine in Chicago, Sarr measured well, and he displayed his athletic abilities during the strength and agility training. There is no doubt that he will be one of the first names called on June 26 by commissioner Adam Silver. However, Risacher continues to gain ground on Sarr, and the Hawks are weighing all of their options during the pre-draft process. Do not expect a firm decision to be made on who they will be selecting until hours before the draft.
Besides Sarr and Risacher, there are a ton of other interesting names to consider in this year’s draft. Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle are a pair of UConn Huskies that will more than likely be lottery picks, and the international game continues to gain traction with players such as Nikola Topic and Tidjane Salaun being locks for the first round. It may not be the most talented draft, but there are a lot of players who could wind up having 10-plus-year careers.
There is a lot to discuss in terms of what is being said around the league coming out of the combine and pre-draft workouts. After previously assembling his 2024 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0 and Mock Draft 1.0, ClutchPoints’ NBA insider Brett Siegel has updated his mock draft, which is filled with projections for all 58 picks based on intel from scouts, agents, and executives from around the league.
1. Atlanta Hawks – PF/C Alexandre Sarr – France (Perth Wildcats – NBL)
The Hawks have franchise-altering decisions to make, not only involving the first overall pick but also regarding Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, De’Andre Hunter, and Clint Capela. Early indications ahead of the NBA Draft, as well as what rival executives are saying coming out of the draft combine, are that Sarr is still at the forefront of the Hawks’ minds. The French big man has the length, physicality, and defensive abilities to make an impact with the Hawks upon being drafted. Although he may not be a double-double-like player, Sarr has those intangible traits and versatility that teams look for in modern-day big guys, hence the reason behind the Hawks decision to make Capela available in trade talks.
A frontcourt containing Sarr, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu may just give the Hawks the most dynamic group of big men in the league. He is the safer pick over Risacher, but the French wing certainly possesses the potential to become the best player in this draft class.
2. Washington Wizards – SF Zaccharie Risacher – France (JL Bourg – LNB)
At this moment in time, Risacher could truly be who the Hawks are targeting. Should Sarr be the first pick by the Hawks, the Washington Wizards would be foolish to pass up on Risacher given the two-way potential and immediate scoring presence he would provide on the wing next to Bilal Coulibaly in the long term. Michael Winger and Will Dawkins are currently rebuilding the Wizards, but they are doing so with the mindset of being aggressive in their pursuit of talent. If that means trading Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, or anyone else, Washington is going to entertain all of their options if it presents a path to growth. As for who their next head coach will be, momentum continues to sway towards Brian Keefe being promoted from interim head coach to full-time head coach.
Regardless of who goes first overall, the Wizards will be keeping this pick unless they are able to land a king’s ransom. While they could always take a long look at Donovan Clingan, who would provide immediate production in the frontcourt moving forward, it seems like Sarr or Risacher will be the pick here.
3. Houston Rockets – PG/SG Reed Sheppard – Kentucky
The first change from my 2024 NBA Mock Draft 1.0 to this Mock Draft 2.0 is Reed Sheppard moving up two spots and finding his way to the Houston Rockets. Ime Udoka and the Rockets want to win right now. In addition to being aggressive in trades this offseason, where this third overall pick will be shopped, the Rockets are going to want to add a dynamic player who can immediately help them on the offensive side of the ball if they keep this selection. Sheppard is arguably the best shooting weapon in this draft, and his ability to play with or without the ball in his hands makes him a valuable backcourt piece next to Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, and Amen Thompson.
What makes Sheppard such a special player for a team like Houston is his mentality of always giving it his all and never backing down. Those are the types of players Udoka wants playing for him, which is why Sheppard could help this team win and get back to the playoffs right away. Should the Rockets trade this selection, a team would likely move up with the mindset of grabbing Clingan from UConn, assuming both Sarr and Risacher are off the board.
4. San Antonio Spurs – PG Nikola Topic – Serbia (Crvena zvezda – Serbia)
The San Antonio Spurs will be addressing the point guard position in the NBA Draft. Whether it be with the fourth overall or eighth overall selection is the question at hand. It is possible that the Spurs wait a few picks before taking a guard since the top 10 of this draft class is very guard heavy. Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, and Stephon Castle are all in consideration for the Spurs, as is Serbian guard Nikola Topic. Although he recently suffered a knee injury while playing for his Serbian club, Topic avoided a major injury and is still viewed by many as the best playmaking guard in this draft. He would be able to supply the Spurs with stability and facilitating duties at the point guard position, allowing Victor Wembanyama to thrive as the star of the team.
Coming out of the NBA Draft Combine, the talk around the league is that the Spurs will be open for business with both of their draft picks. In addition to the team being open to discussing trade ideas with both the fourth and eighth overall picks, the Spurs will be willing to hear offers involving Keldon Johnson, league sources told ClutchPoints. However, the Spurs still view Johnson as a key building block next to Wembanyama, and have given teams no indication that he is currently on the trade block. As far as this fourth pick goes, the Spurs are very high on the two Kentucky guards — Sheppard and Dillingham. If he is on the board, San Antonio will have a lot of interest in taking Sheppard, sources said.
5. Detroit Pistons – SF Ron Holland – G League Ignite
Like the Spurs, the Detroit Pistons are open for business. Current New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon is set to become the head of basketball operations for the Pistons, and he will be tasked with finding ways to immediately improve this roster around Cade Cunningham, who has flashed his All-Star potential. Perhaps this is a spot where Langdon would look to make his first big move as leader of Detroit’s front office by going out and trading for Brandon Ingram, an All-Star he acquired during his first season as general manager of the Pelicans. Nonetheless, the Pistons have a clear need for more help on the wing, which is why Ron Holland is a sneaky target for them here.
There are some scouts around the league who believe Holland has the most upside in this draft class because of his natural scoring abilities and feel for the game, despite not turning 19 until July. A very quick athlete who can hold his own against multiple positions defensively, Holland is the perfect mold of play to put next to Cunningham as the team’s second-best scoring option. If the team was to make a big trade and sacrifice frontcourt talents like Isaiah Stewart or Jalen Duren, then Clingan still being on the board could be an attractive play for the Pistons.
6. Charlotte Hornets – C Donovan Clingan – UConn
It is hard to imagine Donovan Clingan falling past sixth overall to the Charlotte Hornets. Despite already having Mark Williams and Nick Richards, Clingan is by far the best talent on the board in this position, and should he be here at sixth overall, the Hornets will have options to play with. They could realistically take the UConn big man here and figure out their lockjam at center in the offseason, possibly moving Richards, who could be a great addition for teams around the league such as the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, and Memphis Grizzlies. Although, there is certainly a chance the Hornets look to trade down from this spot with Clingan on the board. The Portland Trail Blazers and Grizzlies also hold strong interest in Clingan, league sources said.
The Hornets are truly a wildcard in the top 10 of this draft because of all the changes they are going through as an organization. Potentially moving down a spot or two would allow Charlotte to still draft a high-level guard, which they have interest in doing, while also adding future assets. Improving defensively must be a point of emphasis for this group in the offseason, which is why Clingan would be the obvious choice in this spot. Keep an eye on Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, and possibly even Tidjane Salaun being in play here with the No. 6 pick.
7. Portland Trail Blazers – SF Matas Buzelis – G League Ignite
If there is one team that doesn’t need backcourt talent inside the top 10, it’s the Portland Trail Blazers. They not only have Scoot Henderson, whom they drafted to be their point guard of the future last year, but the Blazers still have Malcolm Brogdon, Anfernee Simons, and Shaedon Sharpe. The addition of another guard wouldn’t necessarily make sense, seeing as the team hasn’t shown a willingness to part with Brogdon. Simons has quietly been mentioned as a possible trade candidate, yet Portland would likely hold a very high asking price for the soon-to-be 25-year-old this summer.
Keeping this pick and targeting a player like Matas Buzelis in the NBA Draft is advantageous for the Blazers due to the 19-year-old wing’s scoring abilities. At about 6’10” with shoes, Buzelis can put the ball on the ground and get to his spots as a scorer, as well as be a catch-and-shoot threat from the wing. His long frame also gives Buzelis the tools to grow into an impactful defender in Portland. Dalton Knecht could also be in play with this pick should the Blazers want a more established and older wing.
8. San Antonio Spurs – SF/PF Tidjane Salaun – France (Cholet Basket – LNB)
Drafting a guard fourth overall would signal that the Spurs will be looking for potential with their second top-10 pick in this draft. It also signals that they are open to dealing said pick in attempts to gather more future assets. San Antonio’s main goal this offseason is to not only add future value to their franchise but also find ways to surround Wembanyama with winning talent right now. Tidjane Salaun is a 6’10” forward who is still very young and very raw in terms of what he can be, but he has drawn the attention of teams due to what he has achieved defensively overseas. Salaun has shown flashes of his abilities as a terrific on-ball defender.
There has been more and more talk about Salaun rising up NBA Draft boards in recent weeks, possibly even being in play for the Pistons with the fifth overall pick. Of course, if San Antonio truly wants him, they could consider taking Salaun fourth overall and waiting to take a guard with this eighth selection. After taking one French phenom last year, another could join the Spurs’ ranks this offseason.
9. Memphis Grizzlies – PG Rob Dillingham – Kentucky
Rob Dillingham has seen his draft stock slip slightly since the combine due to some teams being concerned about his size and frame at 6’1″ and 164 lbs. Still, it is hard to overlook what Dillingham has done on the court, given his dynamic nature of play. Dillingham showed clear growth as a facilitator and playmaker at the point guard position, and he projects to be a strong bench presence immediately. The Memphis Grizzlies could really use an Immanuel Quickley-like scorer on their bench behind Ja Morant, especially given all the injury concerns this organization has had to deal with through the last year. This would be a move to finally replace Tyus Jones’ lost production in the backcourt.
Regarding the Grizzlies as a whole, this is an organization that still believes they are in contention in the Western Conference when at full strength. The Grizzlies’ struggles this past year are concerning, but Memphis and GM Zach Kleiman, according to league sources, maintain full confidence in Taylor Jenkins’ abilities to lead this organization. With this ninth overall pick, the Grizzlies are a candidate to move both up and down the draft board. Clingan is the player that would make the most sense for them to try and grab, but if he and wings such as Buzelis and Holland are not available in this spot, Memphis will very likely entertain the idea of moving down a few spots and saving a little bit of money in the process.
10. Utah Jazz – SG/SF Dalton Knecht – Tennessee
The Utah Jazz can really go anywhere with their lottery selection in the NBA d=Draft. Even though they just selected Keyonte George last season, who they believe will be the face of their backcourt moving forward, the Jazz could realistically add another guard to complement George’s play if they have interest in moving on from either Jordan Clarkson or Collin Sexton. Both Clarkson and Sexton would hold high value in trade talks around the league, with playoff-contending teams vying for their services. The key for Utah is finding players who can aid Lauri Markkanen on offense, which is why Dalton Knecht is a strong target for them.
Knecht is the highest-rated senior and an experienced player who could be a key role player alongside a star talent like Markkanen right away. He thrives playing off the ball as a shooting wing, and Knecht is not afraid to put the ball on the ground in order to get to his spot in the mid-range area. Although Knecht is not the best athlete and doesn’t have much more potential for growth, he is a very safe pick in the sense that any team who drafts him will know they’re getting a competitor who only cares about winning. Outside of Markkanen and Brice Sensabaugh, a first-round pick from last year’s draft, the Jazz don’t have much talent on the wing right now. Knecht’s positional versatility would be of value in Utah.
11. Chicago Bulls – PG/SG Stephon Castle – UConn
It is hard to project where Stephon Castle will end up in the draft because, while he possesses top-five potential, he has left some teams with major question marks about his mindset due to the fact that he isn’t accepting every workout offered to him. Castle and his representation are wanting to go to a situation where he can be the lead guard. Unfortunately, there aren’t many teams outside the Spurs and maybe the Wizards where Castle would be this type of player inside the top 10 of the NBA Draft. In the case of the Chicago Bulls, it looks likely that they will be using this selection to address their backcourt, hopefully finding a long-term playmaker next to Coby White.
Of course, this pick will be very telling as to what the Bulls plan to do in the offseason, with DeMar DeRozan being a free agent and Zach LaVine’s future still in question. While they could target a wing to possibly replace restricted free agent Patrick Williams, Castle would provide the Bulls with yet another impactful defensive guard like Alex Caruso. Perhaps drafting Castle allows the Bulls to move Caruso for a plethora of assets, such as more first-round draft picks. Castle is the best player on the board in this spot, and he has the potential to grow into a really strong two-way guard who can be a pillar of a franchise.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – SF Cody Williams – Colorado
How great would this be? Last season, the Sacramento Kings were going to take Kris Murray and pair him with his brother, Keegan Murray, with the 24th overall pick if he wasn’t selected 23rd by the Blazers. Now, the Oklahoma City Thunder have a chance to pair brothers with one another, as Cody Williams is the younger brother of rising star Jalen Williams. In his freshman year at Colorado, Cody displayed his athletic versatility as a defender, and he exhibits a lot of the same qualities as Jalen in terms of being able to handle the ball on the wing.
The Thunder are always looking for high-IQ players who are willing to adapt for the betterment of the team. Williams appears to be the type of prospect who fits this description, and he would be yet another dynamic playmaker across from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Although he is not as good of a playmaker or ball-handler as Josh Giddey, there is a chance that drafting a player like Williams would signal that the Thunder are strongly considering trade packages involving Giddey this offseason. Do not be shocked if the younger Williams brother is at the top of Oklahoma City’s draft board.
13. Sacramento Kings – PG/SG Devin Carter – Providence
One prospect receiving a lot of love from various lottery teams right now is Devin Carter. The only question revolves around whether a team will be willing to gamble and take him inside the Top 10. Carter has had some incredible workouts in front of NBA personnel recently, and teams have been extremely impressed with his scoring abilities from the perimeter. An athletic guard with great defensive instincts, Carter would be the perfect addition next to De’Aaron Fox on a Kings roster that needs help defensively.
With the Kings expected to lose Malik Monk in free agency, Carter would immediately slide into a key role for Sacramento, providing two-way play from the backcourt off the bench. Based on conversations around the league, the Kings may have to be willing to trade up in order to grab Carter, because several teams are beginning to eye him as one of the best guards in this class next to the likes of Sheppard and Topic, who were selected inside the top five in this NBA mock draft.
14. Portland Trail Blazers – PG Jared McCain – Duke
I know we already said earlier that the Blazers don’t need another guard, but they need shooters. Jared McCain enters the 2024 NBA Draft as one of the best shooters available. He is also a very crafty ball-handler who doesn’t need others to set things up for him offensively. McCain’s best attribute that he would bring to the table in Portland is his ability to find open shooting gaps off the ball, allowing Scoot Henderson to thrive as a playmaker. Of course, a move to bring in McCain would raise serious questions about Anfernee Simons’ future with the organization, given their similar style of play.
What Portland decides to do with this pick is a mystery right now, as there is even a belief from some around the league that the Blazers will consider Zach Edey in this position at the back of the lottery to potentially replace Deandre Ayton in due time. It is certainly a possibility that the Blazers look to gain some future assets and move down a handful of spots by leveraging this selection if prospects like Williams, Carter, or Knecht are off the board.
15. Miami Heat – SF/PF Tristan Da Silva – Colorado
Every year, the Miami Heat tend to find versatile talents who can fill a variety of needs. Jaime Jaquez Jr. turned out to be a steal for them with the 18th pick last year, and Tristan Da Silva can be that type of player for them this year. Da Silva enters the NBA Draft after spending four seasons at Colorado, where he evolved from a guy sitting on the end of the bench to a player of the year type of talent. He is a very sound and smart player, as well as one who can shoot from virtually anywhere beyond the three-point line. The best part about Da Silva is that he can pretty much play any position given his defensive abilities and length.
Adding depth on the wing wouldn’t be a terrible idea for the Heat in this spot, especially with Caleb Martin’s future being unknown.
16. Philadelphia 76ers – SG Ja’Kobe Walter – Baylor
The Philadelphia 76ers simply need talent around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. As the offseason begins, Daryl Morey and the Sixers front office will be busy in terms of coming up with a game plan for their course of attack in free agency, seeing as they’ll have the most cap space in the league. Keep an eye on a player like Gary Trent Jr. being on the 76ers’ radar entering free agency. In the NBA Draft, the belief coming from other teams is that the 76ers will be shopping this pick in order to try and add more established talents to their roster, sources said. Drafting Ja’Kobe Walter could be advantageous for Philadelphia, though, as he is a lengthy shooter on the perimeter who showed flashes of his 3-and-D potential at Baylor.
While he is still 19 years old and not as experienced, Walter could be one of the only young talents the 76ers have on their roster in the midst of competing for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Even though they want experienced players, the Sixers must find ways to still build some sort of young group on their bench for future value. Walter can absolutely be a player who grows into an X-factor for a team like the 76ers because of his perimeter scoring prowess.
17. Los Angeles Lakers – PG Isaiah Collier – USC
Isaiah Collier continues to drop down draft boards across the league due to concerns about his overall impact, especially on defense. While he is a very fast-paced player and has drawn some slight comparisons to Russell Westbrook at times, Collier is expected to slip out of the lottery with teams in that region not really needing a point guard with his skill set. At 17th overall, this would be a value pick for the Los Angeles Lakers, who could be without D’Angelo Russell entering free agency, seeing as he may opt out of his contract. Regardless of what happens with Russell, the Lakers need to begin planning for life without LeBron James. Collier and his natural scoring abilities at the point guard position would be valued on the Lakers’ bench.
Los Angeles is in win-now mode, but many of the experienced collegiate talents such as Knecht, Carter, and Da Silva are off the board at this point. Kyle Filipowski is another name to consider in this spot if the Lakers look to add a big man via the draft. Still, it appears likely that the Lakers will do everything in their power to move this 17th overall pick and a player on their roster during the offseason. Expect to see the Lakers linked to virtually every All-Star that hits the trade market between now and the NBA Draft.
18. Orlando Magic – SF/PF Bobi Klintman – Sweden (Cairns Taipans – NBL)
Like the 76ers, the Orlando Magic will be aggressive in their pursuit of more talent in the offseason, specifically during free agency. Markelle Fultz is a free agent, opening up minutes for Anthony Black to step into a bigger role, and Gary Harris is also going to be a free agent. There is a clear need for shooting in Orlando. At the same time, the Magic are also going to need to add versatility at the forward positions next to Paolo Banchero, with Jonathan Isaac’s contract being non-guaranteed. Although Bobi Klintman is a player that still needs time to develop and work on his craft, he checks off all the boxes for being a player the Magic would fall in love with.
Klintman is athletic, he can play multiple positions, and he can realistically guard every position on the court, which fits the Magic’s style of play on defense perfectly. A high-potential player who can make an impact on both ends of the floor, Klintman is certainly the type of talent who would thrive in a defensive-minded system in Orlando. It is also possible that the Magic look to target more well-equipped shooting weapons in this draft, but Klintman holds the most upside with this pick.
19. Toronto Raptors – SG Kyshawn George – Miami (FL)
Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, and Scottie Barnes are the three building blocks the Toronto Raptors have right now. In the frontcourt, Kelly Olynyk and Jakob Poeltl remain heading into the 2024-25 season. The one area the Raptors must address moving forward is depth on the wing, particularly players who can provide an immediate boost in terms of shooting. Gradey Dick is expected to step into a bigger role during his second season, and Kyshawn George would fit this mold of player the Raptors like. Standing 6’7″ with a 6’10” wingspan, George is a 20-year-old swingman who would be a great catch-and-shoot option during his rookie season.
Moving forward, George has the chance to evolve into a multidimensional offensive player who can put the ball on the ground to score as well as dictate the flow of his team’s offense. Under Darko Rajakovic and his defensive scheme, there is also a lot to like about George’s length and potential impact on defense. Toronto always tends to target lengthy players with two-way potential, and that is what they would be getting here.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers – SG/SF Kevin McCullar – Kansas
After firing JB Bickerstaff, the Cleveland Cavaliers now have questions to answer about whether they will split up their core of Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. The Cavs hold zero interest in dealing either Mitchell or Mobley, and Koby Altman recently told reporters in his end-of-season press conference that the team doesn’t really see a need to give up either Garland or Allen. Those are obviously the two players league personnel are keeping an eye on, especially Allen with his team-friendly contract and instant impact as a double-double threat. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Memphis Grizzlies are two teams that have known interest in Allen.
As they look to find their new head coach before the NBA Draft, the Cavs will be searching for talents who can improve their playoff outlook immediately this offseason. Kevin McCullar is a proven winner at Kansas, and he is a two-way wing that would provide instant depth on Cleveland’s bench. It is possible that the Cavs could target a guard to potentially replace Garland, but McCullar checks off the boxes for being a player who can fit Cleveland’s approach on defense. McCullar is the best two-way player on the board in this spot.
21. New Orleans Pelicans – PF Tyler Smith – G League Ignite
Whether or not the New Orleans Pelicans truly want to move on from Brandon Ingram will dictate what they do with this pick, especially since they could end up with more picks in this NBA Draft. Trajan Langdon packing his things and moving to Detroit weeks before the 2024 NBA Draft also puts the Pelicans in a tough position. Still, this organization believes they have the talent to win in the Western Conference, especially if Zion Williamson is healthy. That is why David Griffin and the front office are going to look to leverage some draft picks and younger talents outside of Trey Murphy III, whom they have no interest in giving up whatsoever, to pursue more win-now players. Dejounte Murray is certainly a player the Pelicans will revisit trade conversations for, sources said, after inquiring about his availability at the trade deadline.
Tyler Smith is one of the question marks in this draft in terms of what type of player he will turn out to be. Still, he is a lengthy power forward who shot 36.4 percent from three-point range this past year and is a true pick-and-pop threat from the perimeter. With Jonas Valanciunas on his way out, the Pelicans could use a three-point shooting threat in their frontcourt. Smith is athletic enough and has the potential to fit into this team’s system.
22. Phoenix Suns – PF/C Kyle Filipowski – Duke
The Phoenix Suns need talent in their frontcourt. Jusuf Nurkic didn’t prove to be the answer for them this season, which is why going after a guy like Kyle Filipowski in this year’s draft makes a whole lot of sense. There has been some talk about the Suns considering Bronny James with the 22nd overall pick due to his scheduled workout, but this is nothing more than a pipe dream for Phoenix. Of course, the Suns would want LeBron James, but their attempts to lure him will be unsuccessful, as there is very little chance of him leaving Los Angeles. Not to mention, the Suns can’t make the acquisition of James work unless they sign him to a minimum contract, which would result in LeBron forfeiting upwards of $50 million, something he won’t do. Saying Phoenix has a real chance of landing James is nothing more than engagement farming from aggregators on social media.
Filipowski is a sound big man who is not getting the respect he deserves during the pre-draft process. After being told to go back to college last year to work on his defensive efforts and footwork, Filipowski has evolved into a useful frontcourt option who can stretch the floor and help initiate an offense from the perimeter. Unlike other players in this spot, the Duke product provides immediate upside for a Suns team that is looking to win right now. If the Suns decide to target a point guard, which they could utilize right away, Carlton Carrington and Tyler Kolek would be the best names on the board.
23. Milwaukee Bucks – C Zach Edey – Purdue
Next to Bronny, Zach Edey was one of the biggest winners at the 2024 NBA Draft Combine. In front of NBA scouts and executives, Edey displayed his new and improved jumper from the perimeter, which actually looked really good. Edey is confident in his play, and everyone knows about his skills as a rim protector. The Milwaukee Bucks have multiple needs as an organization, one of which lies in the frontcourt behind Brook Lopez. Bobby Portis has been great for the Bucks, but this team really needs another true center who can be effective on defense when Lopez isn’t in the game. Edey is the player who makes a ton of sense in this position.
Whereas other centers like Kel’El Ware and Yves Missi would be players the Bucks would need to spend time developing further, Edey is ready to play and win right now. Next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lopez, Edey would become a much stronger interior presence than he already is. While there are still questions about his motor and athleticism, Edey would be a really solid addition to Milwaukee’s roster as a rotational player who can positively impact their defense off the bench.
24. New York Knicks – C Kel’El Ware – Indiana
The New York Knicks may just be in the most unique position in this draft, seeing as they own the 24th and 25th overall selections, two picks that could always be packaged together in attempts to land a star player. While there are numerous scenarios for the Knicks in this draft, it wouldn’t come as a shock to see them add some frontcourt help. Mitchell Robinson is always injured, and Isaiah Hartenstein is going to be a heavily pursued free agent. Kel’El Ware wouldn’t be able to replicate either player’s production right away, but he is a strong one-on-one player who can be a great defensive anchor for a team given his 7’4″ wingspan. Ware’s length and ability to be an avid shot blocker who can shoot threes are what make him intriguing for a team like the Knicks, who would benefit from receiving more scoring from their frontcourt.
The key to this offseason for the Knicks is figuring out their cap situation, especially with Hartenstein and OG Anunoby hitting the open market. Anunoby is going to be pursued by several teams, including the 76ers, sources said. However, the Knicks are not prepared to let their biggest trade deadline acquisition in recent memory go to waste. New York is going to do everything in their power to make retaining Anunoby their priority, sources said, regardless of whether other teams drive up his price. In doing so, this may lead to the team strongly entertaining the idea of a trade involving Julius Randle, not only for roster purposes but as a cost-saving move as well. The Knicks value Anunoby more than Randle at this juncture, yet they have not put the All-Star forward on the trade block.
25. New York Knicks – PG Carlton Carrington – Pittsburgh
Already addressing their frontcourt, the Knicks can now go ahead and beef up their backcourt with a skilled guard like Carlton “Bub” Carrington. When the Knicks traded Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors, they lost their boost in scoring production on the bench. Miles McBride stepped up late in the year and in the postseason, but Carrington would be that crafty scoring guard to replace Quickley’s lost production. He can bring the ball up the floor and would be a true playmaker behind Jalen Brunson on the Knicks’ depth chart. Carrington has a lot of upside and potential as a potential lead guard in the league one day. Also keep an eye on Ryan Dunn out of Virginia in this spot, as he is a player the Knicks could take a stab at with one of their two first-round picks or possibly trade up to grab early in the second round.
Circling back to Anunoby, the belief around the league is that Anunoby will be opting out of his $19.9 million contract for the 2024-25 season to become an unrestricted free agent and seek the best deal possible. Should things come down to Anunoby going to the 76ers or the Knicks offering him a max deal, New York will not let their two-way forward leave for their immediate rivals, sources said. In this scenario, the Knicks would match any offer and keep Anunoby out of Philadelphia’s hands. One team that has been whispered of as a possible sneaky suitor for Anunoby is the Oklahoma City Thunder. The addition of Anunoby alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be one of the best moves any team could possibly make this summer.
26. Washington Wizards – C Yves Missi – Baylor
After grabbing Risacher earlier, who could turn out to be the best wing in this year’s NBA Draft class, the Wizards now have options with the 26th overall pick. In addition to possibly moving back and grabbing extra assets, Washington can also address their frontcourt with Marvin Bagley III and Richaun Holmes. Yves Missi is another high-upside swing that the Wizards can take, and in terms of his potential, this would be a home run pick by the Wizards at 26th overall.
Missi is a prospect that is hard to project right now because not many teams are looking to add a true center who is a bruiser in the paint. There are also some questions about Missi being a long-term project rather than someone who can impact winning right now. At the combine, Missi measured in at just under 6’11” with a 7’2″ wingspan. His lateral quickness is above average for a big man, and Missi has a strong knack for finishing once he gets going downhill. All of a sudden, the Wizards would have three athletes with a lot of size: Coulibaly, Risacher, and Missi.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves – PG Tyler Kolek – Marquette
An appearance in the Western Conference Finals shouldn’t be taken lightly. The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, have proven that they can be legitimate contenders in the West. Adding more shooting depth with a player like Baylor Scheierman could make a lot of sense in this scenario, but the Timberwolves do have some problems to address in their backcourt next to Edwards. Mike Conley is not going to be around forever, and this team has virtually no depth behind him right now. Tyler Kolek is an all-around facilitator at the point guard spot who would really fit in well with Minnesota given his ability to also be a shooter.
Kolek has the ability to be a lead point guard for any team in the league, especially teams that have solidified stars that he can get the ball to and make their lives easier. He is great in pick-and-roll situations, and the 23-year-old would be best for a team looking to win right now rather than develop for the future. Think of Kolek as a player with a similar build and mindset as TJ McConnell, only he is better than the Indiana Pacers guard as a shooter. If they had him right now in the conference finals, Kolek would be seeing at least 15 minutes a game.
28. Denver Nuggets – SG Baylor Scheierman – Creighton
We could actually see a scenario here where Kolek and Scheierman go 27th and 28th overall in no particular order. The Denver Nuggets are always looking for experienced collegiate talents, and both players seem to fit the mold for secondary talents they want. In Scheierman’s case, he is one of the best shooters in this draft class and has flown up draft boards after some stellar performances and workouts at the NBA Draft Combine. At Creighton, Scheierman shot 38.1 percent from three-point range, and he has the ability to play off the ball on the wing.
“Teams have been really impressed with his movement and confidence on the wing,” one scout told ClutchPoints during the NBA Draft Combine. “With the way he has shot during the scrimmages, there is a lot of buzz about him being a sure-thing first-round pick.”
If Scheierman is not a first-round pick at this juncture, I would be shocked. He is the perfect shooter to put alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in Denver.
29. Utah Jazz – SG/SF Johnny Furphy – Kansas
You can never have too many shooters and scoring weapons on offense. Knecht was their pick at 10th overall, and now the Jazz can take a look at Johnny Furphy, a high-upside prospect who certainly has the potential to turn into a two-way wing. There is no telling where Furphy will end up, as his stock fluctuates from the lottery to the very end of the first round. Furphy could also opt to return to school and look to become a sure-thing lottery pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Even though there are still a lot of unknowns surrounding Furphy, he projects to be a solid three-point shooting weapon. If he were to end up with Utah, Furphy would be an energetic perimeter player who will look to shoot threes and crash the glass. Should he decide to stay in the draft, this will likely signal that Furphy has a promise near the end of the first round that he is comfortable with. That team could realistically be the Jazz in this scenario.
30. Boston Celtics – SG/SF Jaylon Tyson – California
Another player whose NBA Draft stock is all over the place with a wide array of teams as possible suitors is Jaylon Tyson from California. A solid scorer who is comfortable taking jumpers on the wing, Tyson may wind up being a gem near the end of the first round. Given his abilities to bring the ball up the floor and initiate an offense, Tyson is going to be utilized as a hybrid wing in the league, where he will more oftentimes than not be a guard than a forward on the perimeter. With a team like the Boston Celtics, the 21-year-old would thrive given his sound approach to the game.
The Celtics hit a home run by grabbing an athletic swingman from the Golden Bears once before. Perhaps Tyson could be yet another great pickup for them.
2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Picks No. 31-58
31. Toronto Raptors – PF DaRon Holmes II – Dayton
A projected first-round pick in some scouts eyes, DaRon Holmes II presents a lot of upside as a Bobby Portis-like big man. His length and ability to stretch the floor would be advantageous for the Raptors, who don’t have a stretch big man right now outside of Olynyk. There is certainly potential for Holmes to be a solid two-way power forward in this league.
32. Utah Jazz – SG/SF Justin Edwards – Kentucky
Once thought to be a potential lottery pick, Justin Edwards is likely to be an early second-round selection. At the combine, Edwards showcased his abilities to impact scoring both inside and outside the arc. Any team, like the Jazz, that can spend time developing his offensive game will like what they see in Edwards.
33. Milwaukee Bucks – SG Terrence Shannon Jr. – Illinois
Terrence Shannon Jr. currently faces a felony rape trialthat is set for June 10. What happens in this trial will decide his fate ahead of the NBA Draft. From a basketball perspective, Shannon is an athletic shooting guard who has a similar style of play to that of Kelly Oubre Jr, in terms of getting to the paint from the perimeter. The Bucks need a scorer who can create shots for themselves in their second unit, hence why Shannon would be a value pick for them in this spot from a talent perspective.
More information on Shannon’s trial will be provided throughout the pre-draft process.
34. Portland Trail Blazers – PF/C Ulrich Chomche – Cameroon (Basketball Africa League)
Ulrich Chomche is rising up the draft boards. Standing 6’10” with a 7’4″ wingspan, Chomche has the intangibles to be a terrific defensive big man in the NBA. However, he is still only 18 years old and very raw in terms of having a feel for a complete offensive game. The Blazers, who need more talent in their frontcourt, would need to be devoted to developing Chomche if they were to target him, as he would be a wok in progress for a few years. Overall, he could wind up being the best player selected in the second round of this draft.
35. San Antonio Spurs – PG/SG Hunter Sallis – Wake Forest
Not scrimmaging at the combine definitely hurt Hunter Sallis’ chances of being a first-round pick. Still, he is a versatile two-way combo guard who uses his size well to get past his defenders. The Spurs need more backcourt help, and Sallis can aid them by being a reliable secondary ball-handler.
36. Indiana Pacers – SG AJ Johnson – USA (Illawarra Hawks – NBL)
Unlike Sallis, AJ Johnson thrived and rose up the draft boards with his scrimmage performances at the combine. Johnson decided to play in the NBL this past year instead of going to college, which is why teams wanted to get a closer look at him. With a 6’8″ wingspan and being one of the best athletes on the floor in the scrimmages, there are murmurs about Johnson being one of the better two-way players available in the second round. It will take a little bit of time, but Johnson certainly checks off the boxes for being a possible star one day.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves – C Oso Ighodaro – Marquette
Oso Ighodaro may be one of the best defensive big men in this draft class. The Timberwolves don’t necessarily need another player in their frontcourt, but the team is going to be looking to cut costs. If they move Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, or someone else, Ighodaro could slide in and see minutes immediately, given his defensive-oriented approach.
38. New York Knicks – SF Ryan Dunn – Virginia
If there is one perfect fit in this draft class, it is Ryan Dunn with the Knicks. Dunn is a defensive-minded wing who will immediately be able to guard almost every position on the court in the NBA. The questions for Dunn revolve around his jumper and three-point shooting numbers. At the combine, he did not leave a great impression on NBA personnel during his shooting workouts. Overall, there will be teams willing to take a swing on the Virginia product because defense matters, especially in terms of secondary talents.
39. Memphis Grizzlies – C Adem Bona – UCLA
At some point, the Grizzlies will grab a big man either in free agency or during the NBA Draft. Assuming they don’t end up with Clingan, Adem Bona could be a solid fit in Memphis, given the aggressiveness and strength he plays with. Honestly, there are some similarities that can be drawn to Xavier Tillman here. Bona is a strong big man who tends to play well in pick-and-roll sets as well as in the paint as a rebounder on both sides of the court. There isn’t much reason to believe that Bona can’t make a difference defensively early on in his career.
40. Portland Trail Blazers – SG/SF Nikola Djurisic – Serbia (KK Mega Basket – ABA)
Nikola Djurisic was one of the only international prospects to take part in the scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine, and this paid off for him. Displaying his ability to be a lead ball-handler as well as a passer for his team, Djurisic impressed scouts with his decision-making. Essentially, we are looking at a 6’7″ wing who can act as a guard at times on offense. There is also potential for his three-point shot to come around and be deadly.
41. Philadelphia 76ers – PG KJ Simpson – Colorado
There is a strong possibility that KJ Simpson goes earlier than 41st overall, as he too impressed many at the combine with his playmaking abilities at the point guard position. Simpson would be a great pick for the 76ers in order to secure more depth behind Maxey in the backcourt. The 21-year-old can get past defenders while driving to the rim, and he is just a very smart player when he has the ball in his hands. He is also a hard-nosed defender who can guard multiple positions despite being slightly undersized. I like this spot a lot for Simpson if he is available for Philadelphia to grab.
42. Charlotte Hornets – SG Cam Christie – Minnesota
The brother of Lakers guard Max Christie, Cam Christie made a name for himself during his freshman season at Minnesota by being a lengthy wing with upside as a shooter. The Hornets, who could use some depth on the wing, would take swing at Christie and look to develop his talents further in the G League.
43. Miami Heat – PG/SG Ajay Mitchell – UC Santa Barbara
Ajay Mitchell is a bigger combo guard who has a high understanding of the game. He knows when to give the ball up, and he uses pick-and-roll sets efficiently to keep defenders behind him. Although he needs to improve his three-point shooting numbers, Mitchell would provide stability in the backcourt for the Heat and another option that they can mold into the type of player they need.
44. Houston Rockets – PF Izan Almansa – G League Ignite
The Rockets are going to likely add one more big man to their frontcourt this offseason, with Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams both coming off of injuries. Izan Almansa is a high-upside swing given his youth and defensive abilities. More of a power forward than a center, the 6’9″ big man has great footwork in the low post and can be tough to stop from crashing the glass on either end of the court. He is still a work in progress, and will likely spend a year or two developing before he is ready to compete in the NBA on a nightly basis.
45. Sacramento Kings – SF Dillon Jones – Weber State
The Kings are looking for two-way factors, especially out on the wing. Dillon Jones is not necessarily known for his defense, but his 6’11” wingspan has drawn the attention of league personnel. He is a tough rebounder and a dependable player when the ball is in his hands offensively. Jones would provide the Kings with depth on the wing.
46. Los Angeles Clippers – PG Bronny James – USC
NBA scouts and executives have been fixated on Bronny James throughout the pre-draft process, not only because he is LeBron’s son but also because he has actually impressed a lot of people. At the combine, Bronny stood out in the scrimmages with his leadership and defensive instincts. Everyone who has been in attendance for his workouts and saying that Bronny will be drafted and he could wind up gaining consideration near the end of the first round.
“The kid has potential,” one NBA executive who was granted anonymity to speak freely told ClutchPoints following Bronny’s pro day. “It’s great to see him healthy, and more importantly, it’s great to see him be his own player. So much has been made about him following in LeBron’s footsteps, but over the last week, we’ve seen a young man who is a lot more mature than others in this draft. He can actually be an impactful bench player early on in his career. You can’t teach athleticism and defensive instincts. Those are two major strengths we’ve checked off for James leading up to the draft.”
Still, James has a lot of work to do if he is to ever make an impact in the NBA, which is why he is still rated as a second-round prospect. There is certainly a lot of potential for a player like Bronny to succeed. There has truly never been a player in the NBA Draft who has a range of 20-50 like Bronny has right now.
47.Orlando Magic – PF Jonathan Mogbo – San Francisco
Expect to hear Jonathan Mogbo’s name called during the second round of the 2024 NBA Draft. At the combine, Mogbo proved to be a skilled forward who could initiate his team’s offense while also being a focal point on defense. The Magic are always looking for athletes with length, and that is what they would be getting in a power forward like Mogbo.
48. San Antonio Spurs – SG/SF Trentyn Flowers – USA (Adelaide 36ers – NBL)
Like AJ Johnson, Trentyn Flowers decided to play in the NBL instead of playing college basketball this past year. At the combine, Flowers proved to be one of the better athletes in attendance. There is a lot of momentum surrounding him right now, and there are various teams interested in taking a swing on him in the second round. The Spurs have one of the best development teams in the league, and they could truly get the most out of the 19-year-old wing given the talent he possesses. Not playing much in the NBL has resulted in Flowers flying under the radar.
49. Indiana Pacers – SF Harrison Ingram – North Carolina
Harrison Ingram is a really steady player in this draft class. He is one of the better rebounding forwards, and can be a secondary playmaker alongside solid guard play. Ingram should be a solid rotational player given his 7’0″ wingspan and defensive instincts.
50. Indiana Pacers – SG Melvin Ajinca – France (Saint-Quentin – LNB)
Due to their plethora of second-round picks, the Pacers will likely take a look at an international player in this spot. Melvin Ajinca is another lengthy French wing, who has a strong feel for where to position himself beyond the three-point line. Teams will view him as a 3-and-D prospect in the second round of the NBA Draft.
51. Washington Wizards – PG Jamal Shead – Houston
While at the combine, Jamal Shead scored a total of 27 points across two scrimmages. Out of all the guards who played, Shead impressed the most in terms of how calm and collected he was with the ball in his hands. Not to mention, he was very strong on the defensive side of the court. After taking two higher upside picks, the Wizards would be smart to add a veteran presence like Shead to their young core. No matter where Shead ends up, he can play right away.
52. Golden State Warriors – SF Alex Karaban – UConn
Money is going to be a problem for the Golden State Warriors this offseason, which is why they could wind up trading this pick if value doesn’t present itself. However, they should strongly consider Alex Karaban. At UConn, Karaban was the glue in their championship equation, as he provided the Huskies with strong defensive play and three-point shooting. He is certainly one of the more underrated perimeter scorers in this draft class. Karaban simply has a high IQ for making the right plays on the wing, which is why he would be a strong addition for Golden State.
53. Detroit Pistons – SG Pacôme Dadiet – France (Ratiopharm Ulm – Bundesliga)
Pacome Dadiet is one of the youngest players in the NBA Draft. Dadiet already possesses a strong shooting form and he projects to be a shooting guard at the NBA level. However, he is still very raw in terms of being a dependable playmaker with the ball in his hands. The French guard is a prospect that has drawn interest all across the draft board, making his value and projection unknown at this time.
54. Boston Celtics – PF Trevon Brazile – Arkansas
Whether they do so in the first round or later on, the Celtics will add a frontcourt piece. Trevon Brazile is a lengthy power forward that is not only a lob threat in pick-and-roll sets, but he has turned into a three-point shooter that teams will need to respect. A torn ACL at the end of his sophom*ore season has resulted in Brazile’s stock dropping into the second round.
55. Los Angeles Lakers – SG Cam Spencer – UConn
The Lakers need winners. With Bronny off the board in the second round, Cam Spencer would emerge as a very attractive name for Los Angeles to consider taking here. Spencer was the leader of UConn’s national title run this past year, and he is a very competitive player. Oftentimes, Spencer will yell at himself on the court because of his desire to win. He can play with or without the ball in his hands, and Spencer has proven to be a reliable shooter.
56. Denver Nuggets – SF Jalen Brides – Baylor
Jalen Bridges could be another experienced college player finding his way to the Nuggets. At Baylor, Bridges displayed his brilliance as an on-ball defender who is very smart with his decision-making. Offensively, Bridges shot 41.2 percent from deep during his senior season. With the Nuggets, Bridges would be a player they look to mold further, especially working on his ball-handling skills.
57. Memphis Grizzlies – SF Payton Sandfort – Iowa
Payton Sanfort is one of the better perimeter shooters in this draft class. Whether it is coming off screens, dribble handoffs, or simply moving without the ball, Sandfort can do a lot of damage on the perimeter. The Grizzlies are going to be looking to add shooting depth on the wing in addition to Luke Kennard, making Sandfort a valuable asset.
58. Dallas Mavericks – PG Juan Nunez – Spain (Ratiopharm Ulm – Bundesliga)
Juan Nunez is a really solid playmaker who can be a serviceable backup point guard in the NBA. Whether or not he is a draft-and-stash guy or someone who comes over right away is yet to be known. The Dallas Mavericks are going to need to consider building some depth behind Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving in the backcourt, making Nunez an experienced international player who could come over within the next few years to provide stability and leadership on the bench.
The post 2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hawks strongly considering Zaccharie Risacher over Alex Sarr appeared first on ClutchPoints.
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