NBA mock draft 2024: Alex Sarr to Hawks in first post-lottery projection

The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery has come and gone, with what’s seen as an unpredictable draft additionally that includes an unpredictable lottery.

The Atlanta Hawks spiked all the best way as much as the No. 1 general choose regardless of having the Tenth-best odds and solely a 3 p.c likelihood at profitable. The Washington Wizards had been the one staff with one of many league’s 4 worst information to remain within the high 4; they’ll choose second. The Houston Rockets will choose third after leaping into the highest 4 from the No. 9 odds utilizing a choose they acquired from the Brooklyn Nets. The San Antonio Spurs will choose fourth and eighth after receiving the Toronto Raptors’ first-round choose amid all the chaos.

This draft class continues to be seen as weak amongst NBA groups, notably these on the high. I cannot rank anybody in my Tier 1 or Tier 2, the primary time that’s occurred since I started utilizing this technique. During the last two years, I’ve ranked 9 gamers that extremely, however this class doesn’t have anybody I’d think about a top-three choose in a standard draft.

NBA groups consider various gamers within the high 10 might help fill out their rosters and spherical out their cores. This draft is gentle on taking pictures, particularly inside the high group of gamers, however it possesses stable wing depth close to the highest, various smaller guards who profile as potential starters and a few bigs as far down because the late-first, early-second-round vary who needs to be rotation gamers sooner or later.

There are gamers to be present in each class. This yr simply may be riskier than prior seasons.

Right here’s the place we stand now that we formally have a draft order.

1. Atlanta Hawks

Alex Sarr | 7-1 huge | 19 years outdated | Perth Wildcats

Sarr emerged early on this draft cycle as a possible No. 1 choose. His efficiency in opposition to the G League Ignite in early September had scouts coming away believing he was the very best prospect on the court docket.

Sarr is a difference-maker on protection who covers a ton of floor along with his arms and fast toes, just like bigs equivalent to Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton. He flies round rotating off the ball and may deal with himself in a wide range of ball-screen coverages, starting from switching to drop. If he’s ready on the rim and opponents problem him, odds are he’ll get contest the shot, if not outright block it.

The opposite finish is the query. Sarr has proven potential as a rim runner in ball screens, however for essentially the most half, his offensive sport includes pick-and-pops, and he doesn’t make nice display screen contact. He’s not a high-impact defensive rebounder, which has led to some questioning if he can constantly play heart within the NBA. If Sarr certainly requires a extra bodily heart alongside him, his restricted offensive sport could also be uncovered. He’s finest served taking part in subsequent to a floor-spacing 5, or he’d must change into a harmful perimeter shooter himself.

There’s not likely a consensus amongst groups about what the Hawks will do on the high. I’ve given them Sarr right here as a result of they completed within the backside 4 on protection final season and have Clint Capela coming into the ultimate yr of his contract. Sarr makes essentially the most sense, a minimum of.

2. Washington Wizards

Nikola Topić | 6-6 lead guard | 18 years outdated | Crvena zvezda

Topić returned to play for Crvena zvezda not too long ago following a knee harm that stored him out three months. He’s coming off the bench for a loaded staff that options various EuroLeague stalwarts, and his video games to date have been extra in step with a mid-first-round choose versus a top-three man.

Why is he positioned this extremely, then? As a result of in 13 Adriatic League video games for Mega Basket earlier than his switch to Crvena zvezda, Topić averaged 18.6 factors and 6.9 assists whereas taking pictures 52.4 p.c from the sector. He’s a dynamic ball-screen distributor and constantly lives within the paint within the Adriatic League, which consists of groups from the six international locations that after made up Yugoslavia. He can execute practically each cross within the ebook as soon as he will get a downhill benefit and hits teammates with aptitude and creativity. Topić additionally scores proficiently on the rim, utilizing creative contact to complete excessive off the glass and round rim protectors.

Scouts have constantly introduced up two points with Topić’s sport: First, the place is he as a shooter? He makes his free throws however is an inconsistent marksman from 3-point vary. If he can’t make sufficient jumpers to maintain defenses sincere, how will that have an effect on the remainder of his sport? The second query is whether or not he can get separation from NBA opponents who’re faster than the slower gamers who make up the Adriatic League. Alternatively, Topić could profit from the broader spacing of an NBA sport.

The Wizards have proven a willingness to go worldwide beneath common supervisor Will Dawkins and want some extent guard with Tyus Jones hitting free company and never essentially being a top-half-of-the-league starter.

3. Houston Rockets

Donovan Clingan | 7-2 heart | 20 years outdated | Connecticut

Clingan had a monster end to his season, serving to to guide Connecticut to the nationwide title whereas averaging 13.7 factors, 8.6 rebounds and a pair of.9 blocks over his final 18 video games, together with 16 factors, 9.4 rebounds and three blocks per sport in his final seven. After getting back from ankle and foot accidents and getting again up to the mark, he was one of the dominant gamers in school basketball.

Utilizing his monumental body, Clingan shuts down the paint when he’s within the sport. He strikes properly for his dimension and is elite in drop protection defensively, stopping ballhandlers from turning the nook on him and attending to the rim. His capacity to backpedal on-balance is uncommon for his dimension. When not defending the ball, he makes his presence felt when crucial.

The opposite a part of Clingan’s sport that impressed evaluators was his passing. Within the again half of the season, he grew to become a wonderful dribble-handoff huge, in addition to a playmaker for cutters and shooters off kickouts. He’s a pointy screener and is aware of the way to play in a contemporary offense.

Clingan is firmly within the combine, together with all the gamers above him, to go No. 1. He was inside the NBA’s top-six prospects within the memo to groups outlining who might be allowed entry to his medical data.

The Rockets traded for Steven Adams within the spring, however the veteran heart solely has one yr left on his deal. That commerce may very well be taken as an indication that Rockets coach Ime Udoka desires to discover a defensive difference-maker on the inside even with Alperen Şengün within the fold. The Rockets are extraordinarily well-stocked with younger gamers throughout the board, so this choose is a luxurious with which they’ll take the very best affect participant accessible.

4. San Antonio Spurs

Zaccharie Risacher | 6-8 wing/ahead | 19 years outdated | JL Bourg

The French wing has produced at a excessive degree in EuroCup competitors. By way of Might 10, he’s averaging 10.7 factors throughout EuroCup and French League video games whereas taking pictures 46 p.c from the sector, 38.7 p.c from 3 and 71.9 p.c from the free-throw line. He’s rebounding at an inexpensive fee for a wing and has proven some passing and decision-making chops, however he’s in the course of a critical downturn, having made simply 22 p.c of his 3s since Jan. 31. He has struggled to constantly make an affect in video games since then.

The opinions NBA staff and scouting personnel have shared with me on Risacher are all around the map. Some nonetheless view him as a contender for the No. 1 choose and attribute his downturn to fatigue from taking part in practically 60 skilled video games already this season as an adolescent. Others rank him nearer to the center of the highest 10, whereas others view him extra within the Nos. 8-12 vary. The fear is Risacher may not have sufficient on-ball upside to warrant a top-five choose, even on this class.

Huge wings with ball abilities, taking pictures capacity and off-ball defensive protection, nonetheless, are onerous to seek out. In case you consider in Risacher’s jumper translating regardless of its current downturn, his future has a fairly excessive flooring.

The Spurs now have two top-10 picks and may simply look to bolster their depth throughout the wings and backcourt round Victor Wembanyama. Right here, I’ve them taking Risacher, one other Frenchman whose really feel for the sport, taking pictures and size would make loads of sense.

Matas Buzelis | 6-10 wing/ahead | 19 years outdated | G League Ignite

Buzelis has benefited from a number of elements all occurring without delay on this class.

First, his dimension, off-ball capabilities and athleticism with the ball in transition make him a high-upside swing in a draft class missing in them. Second, larger wings with considerably comparable profiles, equivalent to Charlotte’s Brandon Miller, Memphis’ G.G. Jackson, Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly and Houston’s Cam Whitmore, put collectively promising rookie seasons whereas displaying abilities they didn’t constantly showcase of their pre-draft seasons.

Nonetheless, Buzelis didn’t have an excellent pre-draft marketing campaign taking part in on a catastrophically dangerous G League Ignite staff that struggled to compete in video games. He averaged 14.1 factors per sport however solely shot 45.5 p.c from the sector and 26.1 p.c from 3, although he upped these numbers to 17.1 factors, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a pair of.5 blocks over his final 13 video games. He additionally gained some plaudits from scouts for his play within the Rising Stars occasion at All-Star Weekend, the place he helped the G League staff upset a roster of NBA rookies and sophomores that included Victor Wembanyama.

There are definitely questions on Buzelis even after his in-season enchancment, and taking pictures is the one which comes up most. Buzelis shot the ball properly the season earlier than at Dawn Christian Academy in Kansas however hasn’t been constant throughout his youth profession. Whereas Buzelis was capable of match into an offensive function with G League Ignite as an alternative of urgent the problem, scouts want they’d have realized extra about his capacity to create on his personal. Moreover, whereas Buzelis’ off-ball protection has largely gained over scouts, he struggled on the ball this previous season largely as a result of a scarcity of power.

The Pistons desperately want a 4 of their core, and Buzelis profiles properly as a very good match subsequent to Cade Cunningham so long as the staff believes in his jumper.

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6. Charlotte Hornets

Stephon Citadel | 6-6 wing | 19 years outdated | Connecticut

Citadel’s efficiency within the NCAA Event, together with a 21-point Last 4 sport and a 15-point nationwide title sport, appears to have cemented his standing as a top-eight choose. He was included within the No. 2 by No. 6 vary of the NBA’s current memo to groups outlining which might be granted entry to his medical data.

NBA launched a 78-player checklist for the 2024 Draft Mix in Chicago this month. Groups vote on individuals, which embrace Bronny James.

New “High 10 Gamers” ranked for which groups are capable of entry Mix data: pic.twitter.com/AoRpaSnCFw

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) Might 3, 2024

As soon as the calendar turned to 2024, Citadel averaged 11.9 factors, 4.8 rebounds and three assists over 27 video games whereas taking pictures 47.6 p.c from the sector. He was the connective tissue for the very best staff within the nation, taking part in high-level protection throughout a number of totally different participant varieties and initiating the staff’s offense at occasions. He was the one freshman within the nation who constantly made an affect for a high-major profitable staff on each ends of the court docket.

Citadel is seen largely as a secondary ballhandler, so his future might be tied to his capacity to enhance his jumper. Can he constantly knock down photographs? He solely made 26.7 p.c from 3 this previous season, and whereas nothing is damaged along with his jumper mechanically, he additionally didn’t constantly knock down photographs from distance up to now. If he could make perimeter photographs, he has vital upside.

Citadel makes a ton of sense for the Hornets as a secondary ballhandler between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. He’s additionally a tough-minded defender who can take troublesome assignments throughout the perimeter.

Dalton Knecht | 6-6 wing | 23 years outdated | Tennessee

Knecht scored at a dizzying tempo, averaging 25.5 factors in 18 SEC video games whereas taking pictures 48.4 p.c from the sector and 42.4 p.c from 3. General, he averaged 21.7 factors per sport on 46 p.c from the sector, however these stats are dragged down by a stretch throughout which he performed at lower than one hundred pc following an ankle harm in opposition to North Carolina.

Nice school gamers aren’t all the time nice NBA gamers, however the type of Knecht’s sport makes him a probable lottery choose. Every thing he does offensively ought to translate to NBA settings. Not solely is he a terrific shooter, proficient in spot-up conditions and off motion, however he’s additionally a higher-end athlete than most flooring spacers. He can sky in transition and end inside with grasp time. He merely has a knack for scoring.

The draft will get a bit wild right here. I’m unsure any of the remaining high prospects included within the 7-10 vary within the NBA’s memo outlining medical data entry make a ton of sense for the Blazers. Knecht can knock down photographs at a excessive degree subsequent to Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe long run, which might be very helpful.

Dalton Knecht elevates for a floater over Florida’s Alex Condon. (Randy Sartin / USA Right this moment)

8. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Raptors)

Reed Sheppard | 6-3 guard | 20 years outdated | Kentucky

Evaluators who work for NBA groups stay all around the map with Sheppard. Some see him as a professional top-five prospect, whereas others peg him extra within the later lottery.

The great things: Sheppard averaged 12.5 factors, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists whereas taking pictures an absurd 53.6 p.c from the sector and 52.1 p.c from 3. He additionally blocked practically a shot per sport and grabbed 2.5 steals. Offensively, Sheppard is potent main the quick break or delivering hit-ahead passes to his teammates. These attributes, when mixed along with his elite taking pictures, make Sheppard the most effective connective gamers on this class. His video games in opposition to Mississippi State (32 factors, seven assists and 5 rebounds on Feb. 27) and Tennessee (27 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists on March 9) had been eye-openers for NBA personnel who needed to see him play extra of a main level guard function.

Questions definitely stay. Sheppard is listed at simply 6-3, and scouts are skeptical he’s that tall. He lacks the size or athleticism typical of a top-10 choose, and he left a nasty remaining impression by struggling mightily in Kentucky’s first-round NCAA Event loss to Oakland. His protection may be hit and miss; he’s disruptive and reads performs extremely early but additionally suffers off-ball lapses and may be focused for mismatches in opposition to switches.

Groups should resolve in the event that they consider in his manufacturing, taking pictures and basketball IQ or fear that his instruments gained’t translate? I consider in Sheppard, however I’m not the one making the picks.

The Spurs can get a guard of the longer term right here to pair with Wembanyama. Sheppard would tick a number of bins for the Spurs, and it could be a house run for them to finish up with one of many larger wings within the lottery.

9. Memphis Grizzlies

Ron Holland | 6-8 wing | 18 years outdated | G League Ignite

Holland was the Ignite’s best participant this previous season, averaging 19.5 factors, 6.7 rebounds and a pair of.9 assists per sport whereas being one of many staff’s few offensive creators. Most of these factors, nonetheless, got here in transition or inefficiently in half-court settings. He had a below-average true taking pictures share and extra turnovers than assists as he struggled along with his decision-making. That’s considerably to be anticipated from an 18-year-old taking part in professionally for the primary time, however it additionally left evaluators in a tough spot as they attempt to decide the place to fit him. He additionally ended up lacking the tip of the G League season with a thumb harm that held him out of competitors as he was enhancing.

Holland’s motor is what excites NBA groups most. He consistently performs onerous, getting essentially the most out of his terrific athleticism by going one hundred pc at each second. His vitality can generally chew him on protection, when he will get overaggressive and overly bodily. However amid the Ignite’s poor season, Holland confirmed an actual capability for development that impressed many scouts.

Holland’s vary is kind of broad, as groups are nonetheless attempting to determine his precise NBA area of interest if his jumper by no means improves; he hit simply 24 p.c of his 3s this previous season. But it surely was a very good signal that he was positioned inside the NBA’s top-10 prospects within the memo to groups outlining who might be granted entry to his medical data.

Rob Dillingham | 6-3 guard | 19 years outdated | Kentucky

Dillingham is a prospect with dizzying highs and vital query marks. Scouts love his contact and elite velocity with the ball in his fingers. He averaged 15.2 factors and three.9 assists per sport this season whereas taking pictures 47.5 p.c from the sector and 44.4 p.c from 3. He maintains management properly regardless of taking part in at a quick tempo, makes use of a bevy of fast crossovers and maximizes his velocity with well-timed hesitation strikes to alter tempo. Evaluators are assured he’ll be capable of separate from his man within the NBA.

He’s additionally listed at 6-3, and lots of scouts aren’t satisfied he’ll even measure that tall on the mix. That lack of dimension impacts Dillingham as a finisher at occasions and causes points on the opposite finish. Dillingham often is the worst defender within the class, given his struggles getting over screens on the level of assault and points coping with any mismatch. He can also get distracted off the ball, with poorly timed digs and rotations.

Can Dillingham be a place to begin guard, or is he extra of a bench sparkplug? Is he a ok distributor to be the previous, or is he an excessive amount of of a score-first guard? Can he maintain up on protection properly sufficient to shut key video games? I really feel assured Dillingham will produce within the NBA, however we’ll see if his output impacts profitable.

The Jazz might use one other inventive guard inside the youngest a part of their core. Dillingham’s electrical energy with the ball in his fingers, combined with Keyonte George’s shot making, can be a really enjoyable offensive combo for coach Will Hardy.

Collier is without doubt one of the hardest gamers to guage on this class. He began the season on fireplace and seemed like a candidate to be the No. 1 general choose however tailed off as USC fell aside. He struggled with turnovers and protection earlier than hurting his hand and lacking time.

As soon as he returned, he took the Pac-12 by storm. As USC closed the season as one of many higher groups within the Pac-12, Collier averaged 18.7 factors and 4.3 assists in his remaining seven video games whereas taking pictures 46.3 p.c from the sector and 35.7 p.c from 3. He was the bruising, highly effective, bowling-ball-like driver we noticed early in school and all through his highschool profession, reaching the foul line to the tune of seven free-throw makes an attempt per night time.

Collier is a formidable downhill athlete who lives within the paint and has the wherewithal to hit kickouts and dump-offs for assists. Regardless of his dimension and power, he has not been an impactful defender in any approach, struggling to remain in entrance of opposing guards and wings. There are nonetheless questions on his really feel for the sport and taking pictures capacity. And but, it’s onerous to seek out gamers who stay on the free-throw line and possess Collier’s sheer power and athleticism.

The Bulls are one of many harder groups to determine within the NBA. They’ve larger points to give attention to this summer time, together with DeMar DeRozan’s free company and Zach LaVine’s future.

The brother of Thunder wing Jalen Williams, Cody Williams profiles because the sort of prized high-end prospect who can stress the rim, cross, make performs and probably defend a number of positions.

At 6-8 with lengthy arms, Williams has proven the power to play some level guard this previous season along with attacking in transition and slashing from the wing in a straight line. He struggled to complete after an ankle harm sapped loads of his explosiveness, however in his earlier 14 video games, he’d been averaging 15.4 factors, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists whereas taking pictures 60.6 p.c from the sector.

Scouts fear extra about Williams’ self-creation upside. Today, NBA wings should be capable of create and knock down pull-up jumpers. That’s not part of Williams’ sport proper now, and it wasn’t in highschool, both. If he can present any upside as a pull-up shooter, NBA groups would really feel higher about taking him within the high three. Even so, many evaluators have him within the top-six vary. Nonetheless, it was telling that Williams was left off the NBA’s consensus top-10 prospects on this class within the memo to groups outlining who might be allowed entry to his medical data.

Oklahoma Metropolis can afford to take a flier on one other wing like this, and it doesn’t harm that Williams’ wildly aggressive brother can be round to push him.

McCain was seen as a possible one-and-done lottery prospect coming into the season, however a sluggish begin made evaluators pause as they waited to see how he’d settle in. During the last two-thirds of the season, McCain was the most effective freshman scorers in high-major school basketball. Beginning with Duke’s Dec. 9 sport in opposition to Charlotte, McCain averaged 16.2 factors, 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists over his final 28 video games. He made 41.6 p.c of his 6.4 3-point makes an attempt per sport throughout that span and was constantly entering into the lane in transition or when driving closeouts. Many scouts see McCain being a high-level shooter even by NBA requirements, typically invoking Seth Curry’s title as a possible comparability.

The important thing for McCain might be exhibiting he can affect video games in different methods. He rebounds properly for a small guard and makes good selections, however there isn’t a lot margin for error for him contemplating he’s 6-3 and doesn’t possess a ton of size. The Kings may lose Malik Monk this summer time in free company. McCain can be a very good get for this staff along with his capacity to run and supply spacing round De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis.

14. Portland Path Blazers (by way of Warriors)

Tidjane Salaun | 6-9 wing/ahead | 18 years outdated | Cholet

Salaun is an enormous ahead with some perimeter talent. The 6-9 prospect has been productive within the French League and Basketball Champions League this season, averaging 9.5 factors and three.8 rebounds whereas taking pictures 32 p.c from behind the 3-point line. He has a easy stroke and likewise reveals some upside dealing with the ball in transition.

Groups fear about Salaun’s really feel for the sport and general talent degree, however he’s monumental, performs onerous and defends. I get the sense that staff evaluators are greater on him than people within the public. The Blazers like to take photographs on upside, as proven by their run of picks beneath Joe Cronin’s entrance workplace, and Salaun would symbolize an enormous swing.

Devin Carter | 6-3 guard | 22 years outdated | Windfall

Carter was the most effective gamers in school basketball this previous season. The son of former NBA level guard Anthony Carter, Devin was terrific within the 2022-23 season after transferring from South Carolina however leapt to a different degree this previous marketing campaign.

Carter has all the time been a terrific defensive participant, rightfully nominated as a semifinalist for Nationwide Defensive Participant of the Yr. He’s aggressive on the level of assault and has elite off-ball defensive instincts. His athleticism is basketball-functional and permits him to fly across the court docket. Plus, he processes the sport in addition to one would count on because the son of a former NBA participant.

His largest bounce this previous season got here on offense. After years of being a questionable shooter, Carter hit 37.7 p.c of his practically seven 3-point makes an attempt per sport. His shot is one thing of a moon ball that arcs excessive within the air earlier than falling, however it went on this season. He averaged 19.7 factors and eight.7 rebounds.

His NBA function tasks as a 3-and-D guard who can perform a little bit extra. That’s an ideal participant for the Warmth round Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier and others of their backcourt. It additionally doesn’t harm that Anthony Carter performed 4 seasons for the Warmth and was a participant improvement coach with them for 5 seasons earlier than being employed by the Grizzlies final yr.

Walter had an up-and-down season, averaging 14.5 factors and 4.4 rebounds per sport. He was an inconsistent shooter, though groups don’t fear about his long-term upside there. His shot seems to be clear and he could make them from a wide range of conditions.

Groups, nonetheless, fear about the whole lot else. Walter isn’t actually a lead guard as a result of he doesn’t see the ground properly as a passer. Defensively, Walter struggled at occasions to remain in entrance of gamers.

Scouts are cut up on Walter’s upside. Most don’t see him as a star, however they disagree on whether or not he’s a long-term NBA starter or merely a rotation participant. Those that consider he’ll a high-level shooter regardless of making simply 34.1 p.c from 3 final season are usually consumers. However his vary is someplace from No. 11 all the way down to No. 22 or so, which is decrease than what it was earlier within the season.

The 76ers are seen league-wide as a candidate to commerce their choose. Both they might want to transfer their choose for a star, or they’ll must create sufficient cap house so as to add a star and extra expertise in free company.

Ja’Kobe Walter rises within the paint for a shot over Seton Corridor guard Dre Davis. (Tony Gutierrez / Related Press)

Kyle Filipowski | 7-0 huge | 20 years outdated| Duke

The New Orleans Pelicans can select to take the Lakers’ choice this yr or wait to take it in 2025. That selection must be made by the beginning of June. I mission the Pelicans defer to what’s perceived as a stronger draft in 2025.

If the Lakers get the choose, Filipowski makes a ton of sense as an enormous man who can shoot and both pair properly with Anthony Davis or function a 3rd huge. Filipowski averaged 16.4 factors, 8.3 rebounds and a pair of.8 assists whereas taking pictures about 50 p.c from the sector and 35 p.c from 3 this season. He carried Duke by lengthy stretches of video games along with his capacity to catch the ball on the block and rating, however professional scouts discover his well-rounded perimeter sport extra interesting. Filipowski can shoot from the perimeter, assault heavy closeouts and produce the ball up the court docket in grab-and-go conditions. His passing took a pleasant leap this previous season, and he was extra snug studying the court docket.

I additionally suppose Filipowski’s protection is best than its popularity. The Blue Devils had a top-16 protection within the nation this previous season, and he normally positions himself properly, contests sufficient photographs and may slide his toes a few occasions on an island to stick with wings and even some guards. It’s troublesome to seek out 7-footers who can dribble, cross and shoot. Filipowski can do all three.

Tristan da Silva | 6-9 ahead | 23 years outdated | Colorado

Da Silva has lengthy been one in all my favorites, however scouts have lastly come round following his robust end to the yr and play within the NCAA Event. Over his remaining 14 video games, da Silva averaged 17.1 factors whereas taking pictures 51.4 p.c from the sector and 42.6 p.c from 3. He grabbed 4.6 rebounds, dished out 2.2 assists and grabbed 1.3 steals.

Da Silva is an especially well-rounded participant. He’s made practically 40 p.c from 3 during the last two seasons. He strikes properly with out the ball however can even deal with it himself and make good passing selections. He processes the sport rapidly and performs at a excessive velocity even when he doesn’t have nice athletic instruments himself. He isn’t an elite defender, however he’s sensible, sufficient in opposition to different forwards and sharp off the ball. He ticks loads of bins that make him profile properly as a stable rotation participant in as we speak’s NBA.

He hits loads of what the Magic might use within the frontcourt.

19. Toronto Raptors (by way of Pacers)

Yves Missi | 7-0 huge | 20 years outdated | Baylor

Missi is a mission, however he’s one with elite instruments that mission to a transparent NBA function. As a professional 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan, Missi might need the very best body of any low-usage heart prospect within the class. He’s a terrific athlete who strikes his toes fluidly in house, given his dimension, and may sky for spectacular lob finishes in transition and from the dunker spot beneath the ring. He blocks photographs properly and has potential to stay with guards for a number of slides on protection. He made the Huge 12 All-Protection staff as a freshman whereas averaging 10.7 factors per sport on 61 p.c from the sector.

He profiles as a Clint Capela-style NBA huge man who can guard a bit in house as soon as he picks up the nuances of ball-screen protection and shield the rim along with his bodily body. He must placed on some weight in his decrease half and get stronger by his base, as he too typically will get moved on the block and may wrestle on the defensive glass. However he has the look of a reliable defensive beginning heart if he can attain his ceiling.

The Raptors might use big-man depth behind Jakob Poeltl. They tried to fill that gap by drafting Christian Koloko early within the second spherical in 2022, however his blood clot concern pressured the staff to launch him.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers

Bub Carrington | 6-5 guard | 18 years outdated | Pittsburgh

Carrington was the speak of the scouting neighborhood after convention championship week, when he put collectively a number of monster video games as Pittsburgh made a late push for an NCAA Event berth that got here up brief. His finest video games make him seem like a future lottery choose. His worst video games make him look like a participant who might be caught within the G League for a number of years as he learns the way to assault and make selections.

I’ve come round on Carrington after digging deeper into his tape as soon as the season ended. He’s a monster pull-up shooter, a pointy passer and improved defender all year long. He was productive at Pittsburgh this season in averaging 13.6 factors, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists, although he shot simply 41.2 p.c from the sector and 32.2 p.c from 3. He’s additionally the youngest high-level school participant within the class, not turning 19 years outdated till July.

Any staff that takes him will must be affected person and keen to undergo some rising pains, however these keen to take action could find yourself with a lottery-level expertise. His vary is seen as being No. 15 to No. 35, however I wager he goes within the first spherical. The Cavs might use extra scoring depth off the bench behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, on condition that Caris LeVert is a free agent this summer time.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (by way of MIL)

Zach Edey | 7-4 heart | 22 years outdated | Purdue

Edey was the very best participant in school basketball, averaging 25.2 factors, 12.2 rebounds and greater than two blocks per sport on his strategy to back-to-back Nationwide Participant of the Yr awards. He establishes place anyplace and in all places on the court docket due to his dimension and power, but possesses exceptional contact across the rim. He’s by some means underrated in ball-screen actions. One might make the case that he’s the very best screen-setter within the nation with the best way he constantly crushes guards attempting to get by and rolls to the rim for deep post-ups or simple buckets. Edey has improved defensively over his time in school. He change into a very good, impactful drop-coverage pick-and-roll defender and takes up sufficient house to dissuade guard from driving and ending across the basket.

The problem along with his match within the NBA are apparent: He’s a 7-4 supergiant who doesn’t transfer notably properly laterally. Can he cease ballhandlers from turning the nook on him defensively? Can he get again in transition within the up-and-down NBA?

The Pelicans might need a big want at heart with Jonas Valančiūnas hitting free company. I’d quite have a middle who can shoot from 3 subsequent to Zion Williamson, however Edey is clearly the very best huge on the board at this level.

Furphy has loads of the attributes NBA groups search when attempting to establish tasks value a long-term funding. It’s onerous to seek out wings with Furphy’s dimension and athleticism. He’s come a good distance in simply 18 months to even get up to now. His athleticism and taking pictures capacity all the time made him an intriguing upside swing, however when he performed on the Heart of Excellence in Australia, he didn’t appear to know the way to affect the sport. He was up and down this previous season at Kansas, however he clearly earned Invoice Self’s belief, which isn’t notably simple for freshmen to do. Nonetheless, he averaged 9 factors per sport in whole and solely 8.6 factors in half-hour per night time with a 44.1 true taking pictures share over his remaining seven video games.

Furphy is projected by scouts as a probable first-round choose, however I’ve positioned him right here largely as a result of there’s little leaguewide perception within the Suns being the staff to might be making this choice. Proprietor Mat Ishbia is clearly in win-now mode, and the staff can bundle this choose with its 2031 first-rounder to get a participant who can present extra quick worth. Moreover, staff president and GM James Jones just isn’t recognized to worth the draft extremely.

Pacome Dadiet | 6-8 wing | 18 years outdated | Ratiopharm Ulm

Dadiet is rising quick up the board for groups after a powerful stretch of video games in Germany, the place he has averaged about 10 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 54 p.c from the sector and 45 p.c from 3 in restricted makes an attempt. An enormous French wing with lengthy arms, Dadiet’s offensive sport has impressed scouts most. He seems to be to have a workable NBA shot in addition to sharp offensive instincts as a cutter. Nonetheless, he doesn’t play as much as his instruments on protection at this stage and hasn’t proven a ton as a playmaker for his teammates.

The Bucks are in a troublesome spot, and it’s onerous to inform precisely what they’ll do with this choose. Buying and selling it ought to definitely be on the desk given their dedication to profitable now. Alternatively, common supervisor Jon Horst’s entrance workplace has actually prioritized the project-wing archetype lately with picks equivalent to Andre Jackson Jr., MarJon Beauchamp and Chris Livingston. It’s clear they’re looking for a participant to fill that huge wing function.

Tyler Kolek | 6-3 guard | 23 years outdated | Marquette

Kolek was exploding onto the scene earlier than struggling an indirect harm that held him out the Huge East event. From Jan. 15 till Feb. 25, Marquette went 10-1 as Kolek averaged 16.9 factors and 9.6 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 48.6 p.c from the sector and 44 p.c from 3. In whole, Kolek rightfully gained All-American honors on his strategy to 15.3 factors and seven.7 assists per sport.

Kolek is a artful guard. I’m not satisfied he may even dunk, however he is aware of precisely the way to play off two toes and is an elite distributor in ball screens. He made an enormous leap as a shooter this previous season, drilling 38.8 p.c from 3 whereas trying way more assured pulling up when alternatives come up. Kolek should show he has the foot velocity to carry up on protection within the NBA, and he’ll must show he can create separation with the ball in his fingers in opposition to higher defenders. However any staff in search of a backup guard might plug Kolek in early.

Indiana’s T.J. McConnell is a reputation that usually comes up as a comparability for Kolek.

25. New York Knicks

DaRon Holmes | 6-10 huge | 21 years outdated | Dayton

Holmes had an excellent season at Dayton this previous yr, profitable All-American honors by averaging 20.4 factors, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a pair of.1 blocks whereas hitting 54.4 p.c from the sector and 38.6 p.c from 3. He a flexible huge who has loads of solutions for what groups current him in ball screens. He can pick-and-pop, brief roll to cross, brief roll to complete himself or roll all the best way to the rim to catch a lob. Defensively, he’s a very good shot blocker on the inside and has flashed potential to stay with guards for a few slides on the perimeter.

The Knicks are one other staff seen league-wide as a possible commerce accomplice, as coach Tom Thibodeau just isn’t more likely to need a number of first-round rookies on his staff. Moreover, the Knicks have typically tried so as to add extra belongings for the longer term to create extra potential avenues to finish trades involving future draft picks.

DaRon Holmes celebrates a bucket in the course of the Shriners Kids’s Charleston Traditional. (Mitchell Layton / Getty Photographs)

26. Washington Wizards (by way of Clippers)

Bobi Klintman | 6-9 wing/ahead | 20 years outdated | Cairns Taipans

Klintman had an up-and-down season within the Nationwide Basketball League. Enjoying for Cairns as a member of the league’s Subsequent Star improvement program, Klintman had some huge video games, particularly within the first half of the season when Cairns was rolling. Nonetheless, he missed sporadic time coping with a couple of accidents over the again half of the season as Cairns fell out of competition.

Klintman can knock down photographs from the perimeter, having made 35.4 p.c from 3 this season and 80 p.c from the road. He’s wonderful on the break, the place he can deal with and make good passes. He’s nonetheless studying his personal capabilities as he grows into his body, and his really feel for the sport continues to be growing after he picked up the game late in his youth. In whole, he averaged 9.7 factors and 4.8 rebounds per sport final season.

Not each staff likes Klintman, however the ones who do have a tendency to love the thought of an enormous wing who can shoot. I feel someplace within the No. 20 to No. 35 vary is his almost certainly touchdown spot.

Sallis has been one in all this draft cycle’s largest risers. The previous Gonzaga guard averaged 18.3 factors per sport whereas taking pictures 49.9 p.c from the sector and 41.6 p.c from 3 in his lone season with Wake Forest. The three-point taking pictures is the large leap. In his two seasons at Gonzaga, Sallis by no means hit greater than 27 p.c of his 3s. Now, Sallis has confidence and drilled his practically six 3-point makes an attempt per sport at a excessive degree. If he can maintain that up — and his free-throw percentages have lengthy indicated some taking pictures potential — he has an opportunity to be the sort of scoring combo guard who litters NBA benches league-wide. He’s athletic and shifty and may play on or off the ball constantly.

At this level within the draft, groups are simply in search of a helpful rotation participant. Sallis ticks loads of bins for the Timberwolves if his taking pictures is actual, contemplating their want for scoring off the bench.

Alex Karaban | 6-8 wing | Connecticut

Karaban is without doubt one of the gamers who is basically testing their draft inventory this season. He could or is probably not on this draft, and an enormous a part of that call should do along with his efficiency at this week’s NBA Draft Mix. Karaban can actually shoot the ball and has drilled 39 p.c of his practically 400 3-point makes an attempt the final two seasons. He averaged over 13 factors and 5 rebounds final season whereas reducing at a excessive degree and defending off the ball in a staff idea at a terrific degree.

He’s an especially excessive IQ participant in a approach that will translate exceptionally properly towards taking part in with Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets. Beneath common supervisor Calvin Sales space, the Nuggets have tended to draft older prospects who profile as winners off the bench.

29. Utah Jazz (by way of Thunder)

Tyler Smith | 6-11 huge | 19 years outdated | G League Ignite

Smith is an upside swing for a staff looking for an enormous with perimeter abilities. He’s an unfinished participant, however it’s onerous to seek out huge athletes who can shoot like him. At 6-11 with a couple of 7-1 wingspan, Smith strikes properly in transition and off the ball on offense. He’s a powerful backdoor cutter and has the leaping capacity to play successfully out of the dunker spot. Greater than that, Smith has a good looking jumper that ought to translate properly to the NBA as he will get stronger and extra constant. He hit 36 p.c from 3 on his strategy to 13.8 factors and 5.1 rebounds per sport.

Smith’s protection, nonetheless, wants loads of work, whether or not he’s defending energy forwards or facilities. He’s messy in assist conditions and must get way more snug executing inside a staff’s scheme. It’s onerous to see him logging loads of minutes early in his NBA profession, however the former five-star prospect might change into a difference-maker down the street if his staff is affected person.

Jaylon Tyson | 6-7 wing | 21 years outdated | California

Tyson has gone on an actual journey. After coming into school as a top-40 participant in his recruiting class, Tyson went from Texas to Texas Tech to Cal in three years. He lastly emerged as an NBA prospect this previous season. At 6-7 with lengthy arms, he has nice measurements for the NBA. He’s not an explosive athlete, however he’s highly effective and isn’t all that bothered by contact, permitting him to get essentially the most out of his size and athleticism. He averaged 19.6 factors, 6.8 rebounds and three.4 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 47 p.c from the sector and 35.8 p.c from 3.

He’s one other man scouts are on the fence about. His decision-making may be irritating, as he typically predetermines his reads, and his taking pictures stays in query as a result of he’s by no means taken a excessive quantity of 3s. Someplace between picks No. 20 and No. 40 seems to be about proper at this stage, though I feel he might transfer up within the pre-draft course of.

Second Spherical

31. Toronto Raptors (by way of Pistons): Ryan Dunn | 6-8 wing | 21 years outdated | Virginia

32. Utah Jazz (by way of Wizards): Kyshawn George | 6-8 wing | 20 years outdated | Miami (Fla.)

33. Milwaukee Bucks (by way of Path Blazers): Kel’el Ware | 7-0 huge | Indiana

34. Portland Path Blazers (by way of Hornets): Cam Christie | 6-6 wing | Minnesota

35. San Antonio Spurs: Baylor Scheierman | 6-7 wing | Creighton

36. Indiana Pacers (by way of Raptors): Payton Sandfort | 6-7 wing | Iowa

37. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of Grizzlies): Cam Spencer | 6-4 guard | Connecticut

38. New York Knicks (by way of Jazz): Melvin Ajinca | 6-7 wing | Saint-Quentin

39. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Nets): P.J. Corridor | 6-10 huge | Clemson

40. Portland Path Blazers (by way of Hawks): A.J. Johnson | 6-5 guard | Illawarra

41. Philadelphia 76ers (by way of Bulls): Oso Ighodaro | 6-11 huge | Marquette

42. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Rockets): Trey Alexander | 6-4 guard | 21 years outdated | Creighton

43. Miami Warmth: Jamal Shead | 6-2 guard | Houston

44. Houston Rockets (by way of Warriors): Antonio Reeves | 6-4 wing | Kentucky

45. Sacramento Kings: Kevin McCullar | 6-7 wing | Kansas

46. LA Clippers (by way of Pacers): Pelle Larsson | 6-6 wing | Arizona

47. Orlando Magic: Justin Edwards | 6-8 wing | 20 years outdated | Kentucky

48. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Lakers): Dillon Jones | 6-6 wing | Weber State

49. Indiana Pacers (by way of Cavaliers): Ajay Mitchell | 6-5 guard | UC Santa Barbara

50. Indiana Pacers (by way of Pelicans): Ok.J. Simpson | 6-2 guard | Colorado

51. Washington Wizards (by way of Suns): Ariel Hukporti | 7-0 huge | Melbourne United

52. Indiana Pacers (by way of Bucks): Adem Bona | 6-10 huge | UCLA

53. Detroit Pistons (by way of Knicks): Nikola Djurisic | 6-7 wing | Mega

54. Boston Celtics (by way of Mavericks): Tristen Newton | 6-5 guard | Connecticut

55. Los Angeles Lakers (by way of Clippers): Ulrich Chomche | 6-11 huge | NBA Africa Academy

56. Denver Nuggets (by way of Timberwolves): Juan Nunez | 6-3 guard | Ratiopharm Ulm

57. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Thunder): Jalen Bridges | 6-8 wing | Baylor

58. Dallas Mavericks (by way of Celtics): Nique Clifford | 6-6 wing | Colorado State

(High images: Paul Kane / Getty Photographs, David Becker / NBAE by way of Getty Photographs, Altan Gocher / Center East Photographs / AFP by way of Getty Photographs. Illustration by Sean Reilly / The Athletic)