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With the draft mere hours away, let’s get into our final mock draft of the cycle. We’ll include a few trade predictions in here, including a trade for the number one overall pick. As usual, picks are mostly based on what I think will happen with a bit of my own insight baked in.
1. San Antonio Spurs (via ATL)- Zaccharie Risacher, F, Bourg
The Spurs package their picks to move up for Zaccharie Risacher, pairing Victor Wembanyama with a fellow Frenchman. His influence would likely weigh heavily and the Spurs need more reliable shooting and defense on the wing. Risacher might not sport elite upside given his lack of creation and high-end traits, but he’d slot in on a Spurs team whose top priority is building around Wembanyama.
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2. Washington Wizards - Alex Sarr, C, Perth
Alex Sarr and the Wizards both seem connected at this point; Washington drafting their defensive anchor of the future makes tons of sense. Sarr’s incredible mobility, ground coverage, switchability and rim protection all project elite defensive upside, with enough offensive flashes to suggest some development based on his athletic tools.
3. Houston Rockets - Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Sheppard was the best shooter in college basketball this past season, scorching defenses from deep all season. The Rockets would love to pair Reed Sheppard’s passing and scoring upside with their athletic young core. He’s not the biggest or most athletic defender, but rostering monster potential defenders like Amen Thompson and Tari Eason make up for that limitation in a big way.
4. Atlanta Hawks (via SAS) - Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
In this scenario, the Hawks still land a potential primary target in Clingan after a trade down, as the Rockets seem unlikely to draft a traditional center. He’d fit snugly in Quin Snyder’s preferred drop defensive scheme, adding much-needed rim protection to a porous Atlanta defense. Trae Young’s elite passing would open up Clingan as a roller and finisher as well.
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 Matas 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 - Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee
The Hornets 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 he won’t need time to develop. That presence will be invaluable next to Ball, Miller and the rest of the young Hornets as they keep growing.
7. Portland Trailblazers - Cody Williams, F, Colorado
To pair with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe, the Blazers add a high-upside wing prospect in Williams. Williams fits the bill given his long wingspan and athleticism, showcasing incredible touch finishing around the basket and flashes of creation and playmaking on the perimeter. The Blazers will hope they can develop his shooting to the point where he can space the floor reliably.
8. Atlanta Hawks (via SAS) - Ron Holland, F, Ignite
Atlanta continues to load up on defense and athleticism, drafting Ron Holland with the second of their Spurs picks. 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 Hawks would benefit from his addition long term.
9. Memphis Grizzlies - Devin Carter, G, Providence
Some scouts view Carter as one of the most league-ready players in the entire draft, perfect for a Grizzlies team hoping to begin their title chase. His shooting evolution this season makes him an ideal second guard next to Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, 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 Memphis needs him to.
10. Utah Jazz - Stephon Castle, F/G, UConn
Castle’s desire to play point guard limits his potential landing spots, but the Jazz may want to bet on his upside. Even if he can’t play point because of shooting limitations, he should thrive as an on-ball defender and connective passer next to Utah’s other talented players. Pairing Castle with a creative coach like Will Hardy makes sense to maximize his unique talents.
11. Chicago Bulls - Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet
Desperate to hit the reset button, the Bulls still need wings with long-term upside to pair with Coby White and newly acquired Josh Giddey. Tidjane 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 solid backcourt players should help his offense thrive even more.
12. OKC Thunder - DaRon Holmes, C, Dayton
OKC turns to Holmes to add to their frontcourt rotation. 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 Holmgren and hold down the paint as a lone big at times.
13. Sacramento Kings - Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
After re-signing Malik Monk to a long-term deal, the Kings use their lottery pick to upgrade the frontcourt. 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 a silky touch on the interior. That possible shooting upside is critical, hopefully allowing him to pair with Domantas Sabonis.
14. Portland Trailblazers - Yves Missi, C, Baylor
Portland missed out on a center like Clingan 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 Yves Missi moves like a wing and exhibits the potential to switch and defend all pick-and-roll coverages. With Williams and now Missi, the Blazers go all in on upside to build the strongest core they possibly can.
15. Miami Heat - Nikola Topic, PG, Red Star
Nikola Topic could be the best talent available outside of the lottery, perfect for a team like Miami with an excellent player development environment. 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. Miami will take this chance to swing for a future needle-moving star.
16. Philadelphia 76ers - Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
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. Outside of the lottery, he’s well worth a pick given his extreme offensive upside, forming a dynamic backcourt pairing with Tyrese Maxey.
17. Los Angeles Lakers - Tristan Da Silva, F, Colorado
As the Lakers push to extend their title window, they draft an NBA-ready contributor in Tristan Da Silva. 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, Los Angeles’s strong defense anchored by Anthony Davis would help counter that.
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. Toronto Raptors - Isaiah Collier, PG, USC
With the Raptors still in talent acquisition mode, they sprint to the podium to draft a talented initiator prospect in Collier. They’ll work to develop his shooting as Collier stars with his powerful, explosive driving and creative playmaking. If everything breaks right for the Raptors, Collier’s star upside could pry open Toronto’s contention window as the rest of the young core develops.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Jaylon Tyson, F, Cal
Cleveland needs more offensive consistency, especially on the wing, and Tyson brings the scoring juice they crave on the wing. 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. After injuries decimated their wing depth, the Cavs will hope Tyson can hold up offensively in the postseason.
21. New Orleans Pelicans - Jared McCain, G, Duke
The Pelicans still need reliable offense in the backcourt, especially lacking guards who get up a high volume of three-point attempts. 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 Zion Williamson.
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. Denver Nuggets (via MIL) - Zach Edey, C, Purdue
With Edey sliding a bit down the board, the Nuggets trade up to secure their second big of the future. They haven’t found a competent platoon for Nikola Jokic and Zach Edey would offer that, maintaining incredible interior scoring with solid paint protection. Drafting Edey would help the Nuggets stay afloat in the minutes Jokic sits on the bench.
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 draft 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 - 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. Washington adds to their treasure chest of young wing players, hoping Johnny Furphy can develop alongside Alex Sarr and the rest of the core into a useful rotation piece as they get closer to playoff contention.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves - Nikola Djurisic, F/G, Mega
Minnesota takes a bet on Djurisic late in the first, who rose in the eyes of scouts after a strong combine and late-season performance. Given the Wolves’ need for more dynamic perimeter offensive players, a 6’8 wing who has flashed advanced shotmaking, playmaking and driving flashes makes sense here. He’s another high-upside bet who the Wolves can develop to hopefully contribute sooner rather than later.
28. Milwaukee Bucks (via DEN) - Jonathan Mogbo, C/F, San Francisco
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. The Bucks are happy to trade down a few spots with Denver to pick up future assets while still adding another elite athlete to their aging roster.
29. Utah Jazz - Pacome Dadiet, F, Ulm
Utah continues to stack high-upside talent on the wing with Dadiet late in the first. He’s one of the youngest players in the draft with an excellent jumper, providing floor spacing upside along with his athleticism and physical profile. He’s a developing defender but the Jazz wouldn’t need Dadiet to contribute any time soon.
30. Boston Celtics - Terrence Shannon Jr., F, Illinois
Shannon continued with the draft process after being found not guilty in his recent trial. The athletic wing was one of the most dynamic scorers in college basketball, winning in the open floor with his athletic tools and improved jumper. The defending champions could draft Shannon to further bolster their wing depth for the near future.
2024 NBA Mock Draft- Round 2
31. Toronto Raptors - Ulrich Chomche, C, NBA Academy Africa
Masai Ujuri loves high-upside athletes, so landing Chomche will be a win. He’s raw, but the athletic tools and feel for the game are enticing.
32. Utah Jazz - Kyshawn George, G, Miami
George adds to the list of raw, long-term projects the Jazz are collecting. At 6’8, Kyshawn George is a high-volume shooter with some solid passing feel who will need to make big improvements to his frame to hold up against NBA bodies.
33. Milwaukee Bucks - Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
Ryan Dunn might be the best defender in the draft class, though his offense might be the worst of any prospect. For a Bucks team that needs athletes on the wing, injecting Dunn will supercharge the defense.
34. Portland Trailblazers - Cam Christie, F, Minnesota
Portland swings on a young shooting wing in Christie, hoping to add more floor spacing to a roster that lacks consistent shooters. Christie’s versatile shotmaking and handling flashes could help him develop into a solid role player.C
35. Atlanta Hawks (via SAS) - Dillon Jones, G/F, Weber St
Jones is a bit of a statistical anomaly, largely as a result of playing the five on defense while shouldering an enormous offensive load for his team. Regardless of his college situation, Jones’s excellent passing, mid-range creation and wingspan could all be useful NBA tools.
36. Indiana Pacers - Harrison Ingram, F, UNC
The Pacers' great depth means most prospects they could pick here wouldn’t play much. Their need for wing depth might let Ingram see earlier minutes than most, as his well-rounded skillset would fit any team.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves - Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara
As the Wolves continue to upgrade their offense, they add a dynamic driver who lives at the rim in Mitchell. If Mitchell sticks in the league, the Wolves could turn to him as a long-term replacement for Mike Conley.
38. New York Knicks - Baylor Scheierman, F, Creighton
The Knicks continue to stack offense, this time drafting an NBA-ready contributor in Baylor Scheierman. The sweet-shooting lefty can play NBA offense from day one with his excellent movement shotmaking and secondary passing.
39. Memphis Grizzlies - Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette
Kolek was one of the best point guards in college basketball, dominating teams in the pick-and-roll. The Grizzlies may want to add another high-octane playmaker to add to their chest of NBA guards.
40. Portland Trailblazers - KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado
The Blazers could use a long-term backup point guard to spell Scoot Henderson. Simpson’s offense is as dynamic as anyone in the class despite his lack of height, scoring at all three levels and playmaking for others.
41. Philadelphia 76ers - Kevin McCullar, F, Kansas
After drafting a high upside guard in the first round, the Sixers add a ready-made wing contributor in the second. McCullar’s well-rounded skillset and off-ball defensive capabilities should let him soak up minutes and impact winning early in his career.
42. Charlotte Hornets - Adem Bona, C, UCLA
Bona’s motor always runs hot and that plus his movement skills, length and stout frame allow him to be impactful defensively. He projects smoothly as a long-term backup and an occasional starter when the need is there.
43. Miami Heat - Bobi Klintman, F, Cairns
NBA teams will be enticed by Bobi Klintman’s 6’9 frame, movement skills and open-court athleticism. In the second round, the Heat will again bet on their player development infrastructure to turn Klintman into a viable rotation wing.
44. Houston Rockets - Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
The Rockets draft Edwards as they continue to fill out depth on the wing. The 6’6 lefty can nail open catch and shoot jumpers and defend the ball, which could get him on the floor in a bench role at the next level.
45. Sacramento Kings - AJ Johnson, PG, Illawarra
AJ Johnson improved in the NBL this past season, showcasing advanced pacing and ballhandling for a tall, young point guard. Sacramento will bet on his movement skills in hopes he can enter the guard rotation one day.
46. LA Clippers - Oso Ighodaro, C, Marquette
The Clippers' center position is a revolving door behind Ivica Zubac and Ighodaro’s connective offensive skillset makes sense with a star-heavy roster. He’s an excellent passer from the middle of the floor who could help set up LA’s shooters and scorers out on the perimeter.
47. Orlando Magic - Melvin Ajinca, F, Saint Quentin
Ajinca gives the Magic another potent wing shooter, as he excels sprinting around screens and firing off of the catch. His length and defensive capabilities fit Orlando’s usual type, making this a synergistic option on both ends of the floor.
48. San Antonio Spurs - Jamal Shead, G, Houston
Shead’s tenacious defense and playmaking skills are ready-made to fit on an NBA roster the moment he steps into the NBA. Though Shead’s size and shooting limitations may hurt him, NBA teams will love his motor and effort level that never dips no matter the game or situation.
49. Indiana Pacers - Keshad Johnson, F, Arizona
Indiana continues to stack up defensive-minded wings, as Johnson’s stout frame, lateral quickness and long wingspan help him shut down other handlers at the point of attack. If he can develop a reliable three-point jumper, he projects as a solid two-way wing option off the bench for the Pacers.
50. Indiana Pacers - Isaiah Crawford, F, Louisiana Tech
The Pacers have a history of drafting talented players with major injury histories and Crawford fits that bill. He’s an elite defensive talent and a reliable floor spacer, but his history of ACL injuries may scare teams off. In the late second round, his talent is too great to miss.
51. Washington Wizards - Trentyn Flowers, F, Adelaide
Flowers brings constant energy when he’s on the floor, always moving and trying to impact the game in positive ways. As a later second-round pick, the Wizards will bet on his motor and driving to parlay Flowers into a rotation piece one day.
52. Golden State Warriors - Bronny James, G, USC
Golden State drafting Bronny James will spark discussion about LeBron’s potential move to the Dubs, but James is a worthy prospect on his own merit. If the shooting improves, James’ passing and defense are ideal in a complementary guard role.
53. Detroit Pistons - Jaylen Wells, F, Washington St
The Pistons continue to add shooting on the wing late in the second, as Wells showcased the ability to shoot from deep range off of the dribble and off of movement at Washington State. If his defense improves, Wells could slot into an NBA rotation sooner rather than later.
54. Boston Celtics - Juan Nunez, G, Ulm
Nunez might be the best pure passer in the draft, toying with defenders with passing manipulation and advanced vision out of the pick-and-roll. The Celtics would likely stash Nunez in Europe until he’s ready to potentially contribute in the NBA.
55. Los Angeles Lakers - Pelle Larsson, F, Arizona
Larsson is an all-around wing with an effective handle, spacing the floor and scoring at the hoop while providing solid defensive impact. Taking wing fliers is always good process in the hopes a player like Larsson could find a long-term rotation slot in LA.
56. Milwaukee Bucks - Trey Alexander, G, Creighton
Alexander’s long wingspan and quick feet help him hound the ball on defense, perfect for Milwaukee’s deep drop scheme. He projects as a useful three and D guard who will space the floor in an off-ball role while occasionally scoring in the mid-range.
57. Memphis Grizzlies - Tristen Newton, G, UConn
Newton captained the national title-winning Huskies this past season and his well-rounded skillset on both ends of the floor should translate to the NBA if given the opportunity.
58. Dallas Mavericks - Cam Spencer, G, UConn
Spencer will be one of the older rookies in the class but he’s a bonafide elite shooter who knows how to play within the flow of offense. He’d fit well as an off-ball scorer next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
Final 2024 NBA Mock Draft
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