The 2024 NBA Draft isn’t seen because the strongest class within the league’s historical past, however between Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Reed Sheppard, Nikola Topic, Ron Holland and the various different gamers who might be chosen within the first spherical on Wednesday evening, there’ll certainly be a number of extra difference-makers than anticipated.
And in a continuation of an annual custom, specialists from round our NBA group communities and nationwide writers tried to choose them out from the gang by making a variety for his or her membership within the first spherical of our annual SB Nation NBA mock draft.
Trades weren’t allowed.
For extra draft protection, try the most recent mock drafts from our personal Ricky O’Donnell, who projected all the first spherical and ranked the highest 60 prospects right here, and you’ll find full draft protection from our group communities at our NBA draft hub.
The Atlanta Hawks had been on the clock first with the No. 1 choose, and made issues fascinating proper off the bat.
1. Atlanta Hawks – Alex Sarr, C/F, Perth Wildcats
Wes Morton, Peachtree Hoops — With the primary total choose within the 2024 NBA Draft, I choose for the Atlanta Hawks: Victor Wembanyama! …I’m not allowed to try this? Dang.
Well, this choose isn’t practically as a lot of a surefire choice. Both Zaccharie Risacher and Donovan Clingan had been closely thought of right here, however Sarr’s defensive versatility, mobility expertise, and (all too transient) offensive flashes simply barely win out. With the best way the NBA sport is trending, banking on a bouncy, rangy, 7’1 marvel who can guard on the perimeter offers you a stable defensive flooring.
There are some clear downsides to his sport, greater than most want to admit: he’s slender, has inconsistent palms for catching passes, and might’t reliably set screens for a group that desires to pick-and-roll you to loss of life with Trae Young. On prime of that, his jumper and deal with are far more theoretical than sensible at this stage.
But the Hawks don’t have management of their subsequent three first-round picks, so it might be sensible to seize as a lot younger expertise as doable and hope for a spring ahead in manufacturing by the third or fourth 12 months. If he can decide to enjoying the 5 a great portion of time — given the presence of final 12 months’s breakout star Jalen Johnson — it’s onerous to go up on Sarr right here.
2. Washington Wizards – Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg
Gabe Ibrahim, Bullets Forever — Zaccharie Risacher’s excessive flooring and positional worth wins the day for the Wizards. His efficiency over 64 video games for JL Bourg offers a great view of what he might do within the NBA. He put up 11 factors and 4 rebounds whereas capturing 39% from three in 23 minutes a sport. That’ll get the job carried out offensively for a 3-and-D participant within the NBA, and he ought to be capable to scale his manufacturing up as he grows.
Risacher additionally shines defensively along with his size and really feel for the sport. He might flip into Mikal Bridges if all the pieces goes completely, however, extra importantly, he needs to be a great wing if all the pieces goes simply okay. Of course, there are dangers. Richaser struggled to persistently hit threes as a junior and rode an early capturing sizzling streak to his stats this season. If his capturing isn’t actual, he’ll wrestle to do something offensively as a result of his lack of shot creation. The Wizards take Risacher as a result of he’s a stable wager to be stable and he can match into no matter they construct going ahead.
The different gamers I thought of for this choose — Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, and Reed Sheppard — merely didn’t have sufficient upside or versatility to go on Risacher.
3. Houston Rockets – Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Darren Yuvan, The Dream Shake — If I’m the Rockets, I commerce this choose. Houston has a plethora of younger expertise all combating for court docket time, and injecting one other child (he’s 19) won’t be ideally suited. I’d desire the Rockets transfer this choose both for a vet or, higher but, property in a future draft.
But since we are able to’t commerce for our functions, Sheppard it’s. He’s the most effective shooter on this draft, and Houston is brief on them. Despite his dimension (6’3), he’s additionally an lively defender and an sufficient distributor, and will discover enjoying time at backup level guard, with Amen Thompson sliding to ahead. I’d additionally take into account Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, and Matas Buzelis right here, however Sheppard is the choose.
4. San Antonio Spurs – Stephon Castle, G, UConn
Jesus Gomez, Pounding the Rock — Castle’s rumored want to be a degree guard within the NBA might scare off a number of groups, however most likely not the one which trotted out Jeremy Sochan as initiator final season. The questionable capturing is a severe concern, however Castle’s defensive versatility and secondary playmaking needs to be helpful it doesn’t matter what place he finally ends up enjoying.
5. Detroit Pistons – Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Sean Corp, Detroit Bad Boys — The Pistons want a number of assist, and so they can’t actually do higher than having Clingan fall to them at 5. Not solely does it enable them to draft a defensive anchor on a group desperately on the lookout for consistency on that finish of the ground, it opens up a world of commerce down potentialities with groups wanting so as to add the massive man themselves.
Clingan additionally offers the group flexibility to consolidate some youth already on the roster like Jalen Duren right into a multi-player bundle for a extra established participant to fit alongside Cade Cunningham. You hold him, it’s a win. You commerce him to the very best bidder, it’s a win. Winning has been briefly provide, so the Pistons could be thrilled to see the draft board shake out like this.
6. Charlotte Hornets – Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
James Dator, SB Nation Writer and Hornets Fan — In an ideal world Charlotte would have entry to somebody like Donovan Clingan to strengthen their inside protection, or Stephon Castle to supply depth on the guard spot — however with each gone they choose the next-best choice. The Hornets have myriad youth at a number of positions, however an athletic wing is one thing the group wants a future plan for.
It’s unclear whether or not Miles Bridges will stay with the Hornets long-term, so there’s quite a bit to love about imagining rotations with Buzelis alongside Brandon Miller. There’s work to be carried out for certain, as Buzelis’ 27% from three wont suffice within the NBA — however in a weak draft he’s the most effective long-term upside choose at this place.
7. Portland Trail Blazers – Cody Williams, F, Colorado
Steve Dewald, Blazer’s Edge — The Blazers’ Colorado mind belief lands one in every of their very own by deciding on Cody Williams. As a participant, Williams is unproven with a small pattern dimension of efficient manufacturing, however he has body made for the NBA. If Williams develops like his brother on the subsequent degree, he may very well be the steal of the draft. The stakes are low and this prospect pool leaves quite a bit to be desired. At least Williams is a high-ceiling participant at a premium place. Williams can even take time to develop, which retains the Blazers on monitor for the 2025 NBA Draft.
8. San Antonio Spurs – Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet Basket
Jesus Gomez, Pounding the Rock — At this stage, Salaun appears too uncooked to contribute a lot as a rookie however his youth, dimension, motor and budding skillset make him a worthwhile challenge. If he reaches his ceiling, Salaun may very well be a do-it-all ahead who presents capturing, passing and protection whereas additionally with the ability to play heart for stretches on small lineups. The Spurs would must be affected person with him, however they might mould him right into a uniquely precious participant.
9. Memphis Grizzlies – Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
Clint Nielson, SLC Dunk Draft Expert — Ron Holland was as soon as thought of the highest prospect for the 2024 draft, earlier than the G-League Ignite’s abysmal season. His elite athleticism, measurements, protection each on the perimeter and within the paint, potential to get to the rim, and motor make him an awesome alternative for the Grizzles. In a draft missing star potential, Holland actually has the potential to make a number of all-star video games, although he wants to enhance his 3-point share.
While some say the Grizzles want a beginning heart, Jaren Jackson Jr. may very well be a full-time beginning heart and Ron Holland might begin on the energy ahead spot in at this time’s small-ball period. Morant and Holland on the fastbreak may very well be one of the terrifying sights for opposing groups all season.
10. Utah Jazz – Nikola Topic, G, Red Stars
James Hansen, SLC Dunk: Danny Ainge in his postseason presser stated that he’s unsure that Keyonte George is a degree guard, and drafting Topic might doubtlessly fill that want. Topic had some underwhelming current measurements just lately together with a unfavorable wingspan. He’s additionally recovering from a partial ACL tear. Those issues mixed are why it’s doable he’s there for the Jazz at 10.
But regardless of all that, he’s arguably the most effective level guard prospect on this draft, with good dimension and numbers whereas enjoying in a great league. Even if it takes time for Topic to return again from his damage, the Jazz aren’t below big presssure to hurry to any wins. With a unbelievable 2025 draft coming, the Jazz can stand to present Topic loads of time to get better and develop this season.
11. Chicago Bulls – Isaiah Collier, G, USC
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation Draft Expert — I made this choose earlier than the Bulls traded Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, and admittedly it doesn’t make a lot sense now. Giddey has to play on the ball due to his lack of capturing, and that makes it unlikely the Bulls draft one other on-ball participant with a shaky jumper in Collier. Chicago’s loss might be another person’s acquire: the USC freshman is without doubt one of the finest creation bets on this class as a speedy guard who can persistently stress the rim, and brings plus passing imaginative and prescient. Providence’s Devin Carter makes much more sense now if he’s nonetheless on the board at No. 11.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation Draft Expert — Dillingham is the most effective participant out there on the board, and the Thunder would have good purpose to finish his slide. Oklahoma City misplaced a bit little bit of shot creation in the Josh Giddey trade, and Dillingham would instantly fill that gap by including capturing at the price of dimension.
The Kentucky freshman is without doubt one of the finest shooters on this class — whether or not he’s on or off the ball — with a fast set off, deep vary, and glorious relocation chops. He’s additionally among the finest ball handlers and passers on this class. Dillingham is simply very small, however OKC has sufficient dimension and size to insulate him on the defensive finish.
This would really feel like one thing of a luxurious choose for the Thunder, however they’ve cap area and so many potential draft picks to commerce to fill larger wants later this summer time — beginning with including some extra dimension and rebounding on the inside.
13. Sacramento Kings – Devin Carter, G, Providence
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation Draft Expert — There’s a lot to love about Carter’s sport: he’s a monster athlete, a lockdown defender, a unbelievable rebounder, and an improved shooter who proved he can rise up three-pointers with quantity this previous 12 months at Providence. Though he solely measured simply over 6’2 barefoot on the mix, Carter performs a lot larger than his dimension with lengthy arms, a robust chest, and explosive leaping potential. He can play subsequent to both De’Aaron Fox or Malik Monk within the Kings’ backcourt, and add a tenacious defender and one other shooter.
14. Portland Trail Blazers – Dalton Knecht, F, Tennessee
Steve Dewald, Blazer’s Edge — Ideally, the Blazers keep away from making two lottery picks this 12 months. If Portland is unable to commerce out of this slot, Dalton Knecht is a serviceable choice. Knecht is a confirmed scorer and would increase the Blazers’ flooring spacing instantly.
Knecht was a subpar defender in school and that weak spot might function a bonus for Portland subsequent 12 months. In order to extend their lottery odds for the loaded 2025 class, the Blazers might characteristic Knecht early and infrequently.
15. Miami Heat – Jared McCain, G, Duke
JP Acosta, SB Nation Writer and Heat fan — The Heat want some extra spacing and capturing from their guards, and with Terry Rozier lacking the final stretch of the season as a result of damage and Tyler Herro being a little bit of an issue defensively, I might see the Heat going with a sweet-shooting guard like McCain right here. He would open the ground up a bit extra for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, whereas additionally having the upside of a second or third-option scorer.
16. Philadelphia 76ers – Ja’Kobe Walter, F, Baylor
Paul Hudrick, Liberty Ballers — If this situation presents itself on draft evening, anticipate Daryl Morey to commerce again — possibly even out of the primary spherical completely to maximise cap area and gather extra draft capital — however Walter is the choose right here for me.
His flooring is a high-level 3-and-D wing, one thing that’s all the time coveted within the NBA. While the consensus appears to be that his ceiling isn’t that top, he’s solely 19 years outdated. Some will recommend a plug-and-play prospect right here, however Morey’s monitor document suggests he’ll take the most effective participant out there, no matter age or place.
17. Los Angeles Lakers – Tristan da Silva, F, Colorado
Jacob Rude, Silver Screen and Roll — The Lakers have a handful of how they might go within the draft, whether or not it’s drafting an enormous or a wing. As has been their method for fairly a while, they’ll take the most effective participant out there, and that turned out to be da Silva on this draft.
He’s a wing that may step in and contribute from day one, whether or not by his 3-point capturing or his protection. And there isn’t a such factor as too many 3-and-D wings, particularly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
18. Orlando Magic – Bub Carrington, G, Pitt
Sven Karabogovic, SLC Dunk draft skilled — During their post-season run, the Orlando Magic displayed their most obvious wants: shot creation and playmaking. While the guard core of Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, and Cole Anthony provided a valiant conglomerate effort at addressing these points, their sub-par capturing led to their offense missing sufficient torque to chop by the Cleveland Cavaliers’ protection.
Bub Carrington, whereas inefficiant at occasions, confirmed the flexibility to generate offense for the Pittsburgh Panthers by inventive shot creation and stable court docket imaginative and prescient. With this choose, the Magic can hope that Carrington develops right into a serviceable lead ball handler who decreases the stress on Wagner and Banchero when the offense stalls.
19. Toronto Raptors – Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
JD Quirante, Raptors HQ — The Toronto Raptors have been looking for the perfect heart to pair with Siakam (failed), and now, not simply with the soon-to-be-extended Scottie Barnes, however would additionally match coach Darko Rajakovic’s offense.
Kel’el Ware’s a “fashionable large starter pack” with loads of upside. He’s a lottery expertise hidden exterior of the lottery, as it might take the correct group to carry out his upside into actuality. The Raptors have a stable developmental document, and given how they dropped the ball for the previous two or three years, and the way the NBA’s new wage cap guidelines are affecting roster building, we’ve to imagine that getting again into producing diamonds within the tough is one thing that was a mandate for President Masai Ujiri when he made a training change final 12 months.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers – Johnny Furphy, F, Kansas
Jackson Flickinger, Fear the Sword — The Cavs lack of wing choices was uncovered of their collection with the Celtics. They want wings that may stretch the ground and slot in alongside different high-usage gamers. Cleveland additionally wants group defenders who can guard opposing wings with out being bodily outmatched. Furphy isn’t the proper answer, however he’s probably the most effective that may be discovered within the backside third of the primary spherical.
21. New Orleans Pelicans – Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette
Lake Hale, SLC Dunk Draft Expert — If Brandon Ingram leads your group in assists with simply 5.7 a sport, issues may very well be higher for you from a playmaking perspective. Tyler may very well be a real, pass-first level guard who can arrange lobs with Zion Williamson, hit CJ McCollumn and Trey Murphy III coming off screens, and might shoot the ball nicely himself.
He might need some weight loss plan TJ McConnell in him, however his potential to push the tempo and go forward feels extra like Lonzo Ball to me.
22. Phoenix Suns – Yves Missi, C, Baylor
John Voita, Bright Side of the Sun — What do the Suns want (exterior of an perspective adjustment)? Athleticism. Defense. Size. Yves Missi from Baylor offers Phoenix all three on the twenty second choose. While we had our eyes and hearts set on Tyler Kolek (we want a plug-and-play level guard, rattling you Pelicans), drafting Missi offers Phoenix an upside play as Missi oozes with potential.
His affinity for offensive rebound — coupled along with his rim-running potential — could be a welcome sight within the Valley of the Sun. He might change Drew Eubanks by the top of coaching camp. Yay!
23. Milwaukee Bucks – Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
Kyle Carr, Brew Hoop — The Bucks’ struggles for all the season had been on the defensive facet, and their playoff collection loss to the Indiana Pacers uncovered how their lack of athleticism performed a big function in that.
Ryan Dunn’s defensive potential has been extremely praised by scouts, and he’s somebody who can are available in and assist Milwaukee instantly — particularly if paired with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez. There are considerations about his offensive talents, however the potential defensive influence is just too good to go up.
24. New York Knicks – Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Russell Richardson, Posting and Toasting — Zach Edey, the reigning two-time Naismith College Player of the Year, matches Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s desire for conventional large males. Offensively, Edey excels within the submit, though he wants enchancment in passing and ball safety. Defensively, he’s a robust rim protector however lumbers a bit and will wrestle with the NBA’s tempo and spacing.
But regardless of his limitations, Edey’s work ethic, sturdiness, and offensive rebounding might make him a precious asset for the Knicks, particularly with the looming possibility of losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free company.
25. New York Knicks – Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
Russell Richardson, Posting and Toasting — With Precious Achiuwa probably departing this offseason, the Knicks may have one other energy ahead of their steady.
Meet 19-year-old Tyler Smith of G League Ignite. Ranked No. 12 amongst 2024 prospects by our personal Ricky O’Donnell, Smith is a 6’10 ahead who averaged 13.7 factors and 5.1 rebounds per sport, capturing 36% on 3-pointers. Plus: A seven-foot-one wingspan! Gimmie these offensive boards!
Smith goals to emulate gamers like Jabari Smith, Kyle Kuzma, and Michael Porter Jr. — which is likely to be a stretch (pun form of meant) — however he does have promise. At finest, he begins out giving Julius Randle 10-Quarter-hour of relaxation per evening; at worst, he chops it up with the Westchester Knicks for a season.
26. Washington Wizards – KJ Simpson, G, Colorado
Renzo Salao, Bullets Forever — Picking Colorado level guard KJ Simpson this early could also be a attain. But given the state of the Wizards’ backcourt, Simpson is definitely worth the further stretch. The 21-year-old junior was the highest scorer on a group with projected top-20 picks Cody Williams and Tristan Da Silva.
Simpson averaged 19.7 factors on stellar effectivity: 47.5% from the sector, 43.4% from three, and 87.6% from the road. Standing below 6’1 with out footwear, Simpson might be restricted defensively on the subsequent degree. But he does possess NBA vary, can shoot off the bounce, and is adept off the ball. He was additionally a top-15 rebounder within the Pac-12 averaging 5.8 per sport – the one participant on the listing below 6’6”. Adding Simpson to arguably the worst guard rotation within the NBA is a simple name.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves – Baylor Scheierman, G, Creighton
Thilo Widder, Canis Hoopus — I don’t assume it’s bodily doable for this draft to have gone worse for the Wolves’ wants.
Mike Conley is older than the web and Nickeil Alexander Walker is getting into 2025 on an expiring contract. Unfortunately for everybody concerned (me), plainly the remainder of the league is taking a look at level guards as nicely. While it was actually formidable to hope for a Rob Dillingham to fall, seeing as KJ Simpson was the final draftable level guard on my board, I used to be pressured to pivot.
That brings us to Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman. Before any quantity of basketball evaluation, earlier than a dialogue of skillset and match, we have to discuss in regards to the numbers. Not the statistics, however about Scheierman’s desire for quantity 55. That’s proper of us, I drafted a participant to have him play in opposition to Luka Garza for a jersey quantity.
But Baylor is a wonderful shooter and off-ball mover and would add a motion shooter to buoy the offense that the Wolves have lacked ever for the reason that departure of Malik Beasley. While Conley’s successor could have been the clear want, Scheierman offers a special method to fixing the offensive issues {that a} younger level guard would have been requested to repair.
28. Denver Nuggets – DaRon Holmes II, F/C, Dayton
Ricky O’Donnell, SB Nation Draft Expert — Holmes was one of the productive gamers within the nation as a junior for Dayton, packing the field rating with blocks, rebounds, assists, free throw makes an attempt, and constant scoring all season lengthy. At 6’8.75 barefoot with a 7’1 wingspan, Holmes knew he couldn’t bully opponents endlessly and wanted so as to add extra ability to his sport.
He got here again as a a lot improved 3-point shooter, ball handler, and passer. Holmes might play some minutes on the 5 backing up Nikola Jokic, and it’s doable he might additionally play with him at occasions if his shot continues to develop. Holmes has confirmed himself to be an excellent basketball participant, and people guys often discover a option to make it work.
29. Utah Jazz – Kyshawn George, F, Miami
James Hansen, SLC Dunk — The Utah Jazz want dimension and capturing and that’s what Kyshawn George brings. There’s some questions on his manufacturing, or at the very least the shortage thereof, however he shot 40% from three and appears like he can likley get his shot off being 6’8, however he’s not explosive, and so there are some considerations about getting his personal seems reliably.
That stated, there are flashes of playmaking to his sport in addition to some high-IQ performs on the defensive finish. If he’s artful within the league, he might doubtlessly be a secondary shooter/playmaker within the mould of former Jazzman Joe Ingles.
30. Boston Celtics – Kyle Filipowski, C, Duke
Jeff Clark, CelticsWeblog — What do you get the group that has all the pieces? Well, given how expensive this team is going to get, the reply might be cap aid. So don’t be too stunned if the Celtics commerce out of this spot in an effort to keep away from locking right into a assured wage for somebody which may not contribute subsequent season.
However, in the event that they hold the choose, they need to look so as to add long-term, cost-controlled depth. There’s no Al Horford alternative within the draft (or in the entire world for that matter), however the Celtics might all the time use some extra depth on the large man spot. Filipowski has the instruments to be a stretch choice with good offensive expertise.
And he can swap Duke tales with Tatum on the bus, which is likely to be as near sport motion as he’ll get.
How shut did we get to how this factor will really shake out? Find out when the primary spherical of the 2024 NBA Draft begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 26 on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+.
