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With the 2024 NBA draft rapidly approaching, it’s time for another mock draft! We’ve included a few hypothetical trades this time, aligning with some of the rumors swirling around during this time of year.
As always, this 2024 NBA mock draft is predictive and combines my player evaluations with synthesizing available intel around the league.
1. Atlanta Hawks - Alex Sarr, C, Perth
As the draft continues to approach nearer, rumors swirl around the top pick. Quite a few prospects have been linked to Atlanta including Donovan Clingan, Zaccharie Risacher and others in trade-down scenarios. Alex Sarr still makes the most sense as the best prospect available and the highest-upside defender in the class. There isn’t a perfect option for the Hawks but Sarr’s upside fits the bill for a number one overall pick.
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2. Washington Wizards - Zaccharie Risacher, F, Bourg
Many mock drafts predict Zaccharie Risacher to land at number one to Atlanta, so the Wizards will be happy to draft him here. There isn’t an elite creator prospect in this class, so the Wizards can continue building their core of complementary pieces. Risacher might not sport elite upside given his lack of creation and high-end traits. He projects as a smooth three-and-D player who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to succeed, perfect for a Washington team still missing key pieces.
3. Memphis Grizzlies (via Hou) - Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Reports indicate Memphis believes strongly in Donovan Clingan who likely won’t be available at the ninth pick. In this mock draft scenario, they trade up with the Rockets, giving up picks nine, 39 and whatever other future assets are required to complete the deal. The Grizzlies hope to pair Clingan with Jaren Jackson Jr. to create a formidable frontcourt, adding another dynamic rim protector to an already stout Memphis defense.
4. San Antonio Spurs - Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Sheppard was the best shooter in college basketball this past season, burning down the nets from deep all season. The Spurs would love to pair Victor Wembanyama with a dynamic shooter like Sheppard who also provides passing and scoring upside. He’s not the biggest or most athletic defender, but rostering a monster defender like Wembanyama makes up for that limitation in a big way.
5. Detroit Pistons - Matas Buzelis, F, Ignite
The Pistons roster is still fairly far away from contention despite their stack of prospects and new GM Trajan Langdon might have a trade or two on the way. They’ll target the high-upside Buzelis in the top five, enticed by his movement skill and driving flashes as well as impressive rim protection. His shooting is a big question mark, which may scare the Pistons off given their lack of spacing on the roster, but new shooting coach Fred Vinson will help Buzelis reach his potential as a shooter.
6. Charlotte Hornets - Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet
Deep in their rebuild, the Hornets still need wings with long-term upside to pair with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Salaun is raw, which makes sense given he’ll be 18 on draft night. The Frenchman flashed a competent three-point jumper along with incredible motor, energy and defense, suggesting impressive upside. Playing next to two great backcourt players should help his offense thrive even more.
7. Portland Trailblazers - Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee
The Blazers are stacked with young developmental talent, so they turn to a safer prospect in Knecht here. Knecht’s age might limit his upside and that plus his poor defensive ability are possibly limiting. He’s a surefire bet to shoot the ball at a high level and score without the ball and won’t need time to develop. That presence will be invaluable next to Scoot Henderson and the rest of the young Blazers as they keep growing.
8. San Antonio Spurs - Stephon Castle, F/G, UConn
San Antonio doesn’t have a long-term point guard locked in, meaning Castle could get his wish of playing as the team’s floor general. With Sheppard off of the ball and Wembanyama roaming in the paint, Castle’s passing could thrive and the talent around him could mitigate the scoring concerns. Even if Castle never develops a reliable jumper or scoring method, he should be a solid complementary piece for an exciting Spurs team.
9. Houston Rockets (via MEM) - Rob Dillingham, G, UConn
Houston trades down with Memphis in this scenario, happy to acquire future assets given their current roster. Rob Dillingham seems to be sliding late in the draft process, with teams concerned about his size and physicality. He might be the most dynamic offensive player in the draft though, dominating with his handle, shot and playmaking flare. And Houston has the defensive pieces to insulate Dillingham, allowing him to flourish on both ends of the floor.
10. Utah Jazz - Ron Holland, F, Ignite
Holland falling to 10 marks a dream scenario for the Jazz, a young team desperate to acquire more talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The young wing has slid in the process likely due to poor efficiency for Ignite, though he made the most out of a poor situation. Holland is the best athlete in the draft with elite upside on both ends and the Jazz would benefit from his addition in a trade or building up the roster for the future.
11. Chicago Bulls - Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
After treading water for years, the Bulls desperately need an infusion of youth and talent. Ware’s upside is extremely high, even if there are concerns with his motor and how good the three-point shot actually is. He’s a high-ceiling defender with incredible leaping and movement for a true seven-footer with silky touch on the interior. Chicago needs a new direction and a defensive anchor, both of which Ware could help provide.
12. OKC Thunder - Cody Williams, F, Colorado
The idea of pairing Cody Williams with his superstar brother is enticing, making it tough for us to see OKC passing o him here. Williams fits the Thunder’s type given his long wingspan and athleticism, showcasing incredible touch finishing around the basket and flashes of creation and playmaking on the perimeter. The Thunder will hope Chip Engelland’s shooting development mastery turns Cody Williams into a threatening shooter as well.
13. Sacramento Kings - DaRon Holmes, C, Dayton
The Kings have needed frontcourt help next to Domantas Sabonis for years now and Holmes makes sense as a partner. He’s a supremely versatile big, thriving on the perimeter with his tight handle and three-point shooting ability. Holmes can also bang on the interior, drawing fouls and scoring in the post. Holmes’ versatility on both ends of the floor will allow him to play the four next to Sabonis and hold down the paint as a lone big at times.
14. Portland Trailblazers - Yves Missi, C, Baylor
Portland missed out on a center like Clingan or Ware in the top 10, so they draft Missi as their defensive anchor of the future. The 6’11 big leaps above the rim to catch lobs and block shots. His defensive upside is superb, as Missi moves like a wing and exhibits the potential to switch and defend all pick-and-roll coverages. Drafting Knecht in the top 10 lets them take a riskier, higher-ceiling prospect with their second lottery pick.
15. Miami Heat - Isaiah Collier, PG, USC
Isaiah Collier could be the best talent available outside of the lottery, perfect for a team like Miami with an excellent player development environment. They’ll work to develop his shooting as Collier stars with his powerful, explosive driving and creative playmaking. If everything breaks right for the Heat, Collier’s star upside could extend Miami’s contention window as Jimmy Butler ages while planning for the future.
16. Toronto Raptors (via PHI) - Nikola Topic, PG, Red Star
Toronto stops Nikola Topic’s slide in the draft, trading up a few spots with the 76ers to secure the Serbian guard. Topic’s injuries are cause for some concern, but his upside as a driver is immense given his great burst, layup-making and playmaking out of the pick-and-roll. Masai Ujuri is no stranger to aggressive maneuvering in the offseason and he may be willing to do what it takes to acquire a star prospect if that opportunity presents itself.
17. Los Angeles Lakers - Devin Carter, G, Providence
Some scouts view Carter as one of the most league-ready players in the entire draft, perfect for a Lakers team hoping to extend their title window. His shooting evolution this season makes him an ideal second guard next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis focusing most on defense and shooting off of the ball. Carter’s incredible defense on and off of the ball will be supremely valuable, allowing him to play whatever defensive role LA needs from him as well as providing shooting on offense.
18. Orlando Magic - Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
Orlando will prioritize shotmaking with their first-round pick as one of the league’s worst shooting teams. Walter’s shot versatility is NBA level, sprinting off of movement into jumpers and pulling off of the dribble. The Magic will hope Walter can develop into a positive defender as he ages, as well as improve his handle, passing and finishing at the basket. He wouldn't need to do much outside of shooting, though, making his life easier in Orlando.
19. Philadelphia 76ers (via TOR) - Jared McCain, G, Duke
The 76ers are happy to move down a few spots to secure Jared McCain, a prospect who they likely would have considered at their original slot. McCain is a knockdown shooter, pulling from well beyond NBA range off ball and off of the dribble. He’s a solid passer, driver and defender as well and his skillset will pair well as a complementary piece next to Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Tristan Da Silva, F, Colorado
The postseason exposed the extent to which the Cavaliers need more wing depth, especially to help withstand injuries. Instead of Georges Niang and Marcus Morris, the Cavs could draft Da Silva to operate on the perimeter. The 6’9 wing shoots off of the dribble and off of the catch, showcasing secondary pick-and-roll playmaking rare for a player of his height. Though he’s not the strongest or most physical player, Cleveland’s menacing defense would help counter that.
21. New Orleans Pelicans - Jaylon Tyson, F, Cal
New Orleans needs more offensive consistency, especially on the wing, and Tyson brings the scoring juice they crave next to Zion Williamson. Tyson is one of the draft’s best pull-up shooters, creating shots with his handle and footwork to shoot over defenders with his height. The Pelicans have an excellent recent track record for player development and should be able to squeeze the best out of Tyson, helping him progress his consistency as a playmaker and defender.
22. Phoenix Suns - Kyle Filipowski, F/C, Duke
The Suns don’t have the depth to compete with the best teams in the West, especially struggling on the interior. Kyle Filipowski’s size, passing skill and dribbling would be hugely beneficial for a Suns team that often runs stagnant offense and struggles against taller teams. If Filipowski develops into a solid shooter, he’d fit as a perimeter threat who could play off of the gravity of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.
23. Milwaukee Bucks - Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Milwaukee selects the national player of the year as their center of the future, betting on his size and touch around the bucket. Some scouts have questions about how Zach Edey’s game will translate to the NBA, but his size and scoring in the paint are undeniable. The Bucks will bet on Edey as their long-term replacement for Brook Lopez, hoping his college dominance can produce similar results in the NBA.
24. New York Knicks - Tyler Smith, F, Ignite
Smith profiles as a high-upside throwback stretch four, shooting the ball at an NBA level. He’s dynamic shooting off of the pop or off screens and can pull up off of the bounce from deep and from the mid-range. He’s a developing defender, which the Knicks' excellent defensive coaching and infrastructure should help accelerate as much as possible. New York’s excellent depth will allow them to wait for Smith to be ready to contribute.
25. New York Knicks - Bub Carrington, G, Pittsburgh
After adding Smith, the Knicks drafted another dynamic offensive player with lots of potential in Carrington. The 18-year-old is one of the draft’s most dynamic playmakers with the ball, flashing versatile shooting and pick-and-roll playmaking ability. He’ll need to add strength to better pressure the rim and defend, but the Knicks should feel fine taking a project with a high ceiling given their incredible depth and track record for player development.
26. Washington Wizards - Jonathan Mogbo, C/F, San Francisco
Washington didn’t land a big in the top two, so they swing on Jonathan Mogbo’s unique skillset late in the first round. Despite standing at 6’6 without a reliable jump shot, Mogbo’s incredible wingspan and athleticism, rebounding, passing and defensive ability all suggest he could find unique utility for an NBA team. With Mogbo, the Wizards round out their collection of young role-playing talent, ripe to plop in an established star or a young creator prospect in the coming years.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves - AJ Johnson, PG, Illawarra
Some scouts regard Johnson’s upside highly after he showcased his skillset in the NBL and at the NBA combine. The Timberwolves need more long-term offensive juice at the guard spot and Johnson’s great movement skills and handle will aid him as a facilitator as he continues to develop.
28. Denver Nuggets - Johnny Furphy, F, Kansas
Furphy’s youth, three-point shooting and athleticism in the open court have enticed some scouts, possibly indicating some future three and D upside. The Nuggets will hope to bolster their wing rotation and get Furphy ready to play as soon as possible, spacing the floor for Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
29. Utah Jazz - Nikola Djurisic, F/G, Mega
Utah takes a bet on Djurisic late in the first, who rose in the eyes of scouts after a strong combine and late-season performance. As the Jazz hope to continue stacking talent, a 6’8 wing who’s flashed advanced shotmaking, playmaking and driving flashes makes sense here. He’s another high-upside bet who the Jazz can utilize however they see fit to improve their roster for the long term.
30. Boston Celtics - Dillon Jones, G, Weber St
The Celtics just won the NBA title and their roster reflects that. Boston might have to make difficult decisions about who to pay in the coming seasons and will turn to the draft to keep adding young, cost-friendly talent. The 6’4 guard sports an enormous frame and wingspan and pairs that with excellent playmaking, ball handling and downhill scoring.
2024 NBA Mock Draft Second round
31. Philadelphia 76ers (via TOR) - Pacome Dadiet, F, Ulm
The Sixers add a young, high upside two-way wing to develop in the coming years.
32. Utah Jazz - Kyshawn George, G, Miami
The Jazz draft George to add more shooting and size to their guard room.
33. Milwaukee Bucks - Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
Dunn is one of the best defenders in the draft and will inject athleticism into the Bucks roster.
34. Portland Trailblazers - Cam Christie, F, Minnesota
The Blazers add another young, high-upside wing in Christie who shoots the ball well.
35. San Antonio Spurs - Baylor Scheierman, F, Creighton
Scheierman is one of the draft’s best shooters who the Spurs select here.
36. Indiana Pacers - Harrison Ingram, F, UNC
Indiana adds another do-it-all wing to add depth to the rotation.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves - Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara
Minnesota doubles down on point guards, turning to the high-octane driver Ajay Mitchell.
38. New York Knicks -Terrence Shannon Jr., F, Illinois
The Knicks add more depth on the wing in Shannon, who was found not guilty in a recent trial.
39. Houston Rockets (via MEM) - Ulrich Chomche, C, NBA Academy Africa
Houston bets on Chomche’s sky-high ceiling and athletic tools in the second round.
40. Portland Trailblazers - KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado
The Blazers add to their guard room with a steady, all-around player in Simpson.
Final picks of the 2024 NBA mock draft
