It’s formally 2024 NBA Draft week.
The Atlanta Hawks maintain all of the playing cards with the No. 1 decide, and league sources are nonetheless uncertain of their plans. The Hawks appear to have a number of potential choices as they kind by means of a draft class that doesn’t have typical high quality on the high.
As one NBA government informed me just lately, this class, not like most, has an inordinate variety of eye-of-the-beholder abilities. Do you consider Zaccharie Risacher has vital athletic upside? Do you assume Donovan Clingan can keep on the court docket within the playoffs? Do you consider Alexandre Sarr’s offensive sport will hold creating? Do you assume Stephon Citadel will change into a minimum of a reliable perimeter shooter? Do you assume Reed Sheppard’s dimension is a major hindrance? These are the highest 5 gamers on my board, but questions like these have dominated front-office discussions. How key decision-makers reply them — in addition to a number of others concerning the gamers I rank beneath these high 5 — will decide the result of this draft.
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NBA groups largely agree this can be a down class by means of the highest 10. Many, nevertheless, consider the center of the primary spherical, going to the No. 20-25 vary, options intriguing choices earlier than the category ranges out once more within the second spherical. A lot of the intriguing wings are prone to be taken close to the highest of the category, with that center portion of the primary spherical suffering from huge males and guard depth that might yield a number of long-term NBA gamers. I anticipate fewer All-Stars this season than the six or in order that come from a standard draft class, however the variety of gamers who stick within the NBA could also be about the identical.
One different notice: If the board breaks proper Wednesday, we may see a stable variety of draft-night trades as groups look to lock within the gamers they need. Some groups see worth in buying and selling again. Others see potential diamonds within the tough, particularly in that aforementioned No. 10 to No. 25 vary, wherein some fascinating gamers are projected to slide on draft night time. In that vein, I’ve added a number of trades to this mock. This was a mandatory adjustment to account for the Clingan impact, the place quite a lot of groups beneath the No. 3 to No. 6 vary might be seeking to commerce into that space to accumulate him if he’s nonetheless on the board.
Right here’s the place we stand a few days earlier than the draft. (Ages listed are as of draft night time; heights listed are NBA Draft Mix or G League Elite Camp measurements with out footwear, when obtainable):
Zaccharie Risacher | 6-8 wing/ahead | 19 years outdated | JL Bourg
The dialog across the Hawks has been fascinating to trace. Regardless of normal supervisor Landry Fields saying the workforce is snug deciding on at No. 1, league sources proceed to get the impression Atlanta is open to provides for the precise deal.
Not one of the league sources The Athletic has consulted has really feel on the path they’ll take. Clingan was the identify linked with the Hawks most frequently final week, with many league sources noting he may match higher as a possible trade-down goal. Nonetheless, since Risacher’s exercise in Atlanta final week, his identify has been raised more and more typically in conversations across the league. Sarr’s identify sometimes comes up as nicely, however that might be an try to persuade a commerce up from Washington, the workforce most frequently linked with Sarr. In fact, that very same logic may apply to any prospect; if different groups sense some doubt the participant they need might be obtainable — be it Risacher, Clingan or Sarr — they might be extra apt to achieve out to gauge Atlanta’s worth for dealing the No. 1 decide.
I’ve Risacher for now if Atlanta retains No. 1, however buckle up for a wild trip. If the Hawks do commerce down in some vogue, Clingan could be a possible goal, they usually couldn’t transfer down all that far to safe him. On the identical time, league sources inform The Athletic it could be troublesome for Atlanta to maneuver off the decide, if solely as a result of the expertise differential among the many high six or so picks is taken into account to be minimal.
Alex Sarr | 7-0 huge | 19 years outdated | Perth Wildcats
League sources proceed to attach Sarr to Washington if he falls to No. 2. The Wizards, beneath Monumental Basketball president Michael Winger and normal supervisor Will Dawkins, are out there for upside swings, based on league sources. Dawkins comes from the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder tree, the place positional dimension, talent and on-court intelligence reign supreme. The Thunder chosen one other perimeter 7-footer at No. 2 (Chet Holmgren) throughout Dawkins’ tenure there, and it’s attainable Dawkins sees Sarr as a distinct, but stylistically related participant. At 7-feet tall with lengthy arms and noteworthy athleticism, Sarr matches that invoice if his growth comes collectively.
Sarr is a defensive difference-maker who covers a ton of floor along with his arms and fast ft, very similar to Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton. Sarr flies round off the ball and might thrive in quite a lot of ball-screen coverages, starting from switching to drop. If he’s ready on the rim and opponents problem him, odds are he’ll contest the shot, if not outright block it.
The opposite finish of the ground is the query. Sarr has proven potential as a rim runner in ball screens, however for probably 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 is perhaps uncovered. He’s greatest served enjoying subsequent to a floor-spacing 5, until he can change into a harmful perimeter shooter himself.
The Rockets don’t have a “want” amongst their younger core positionally, which permits them to discover a number of avenues. Unsurprisingly, league sources proceed to consider the Rockets will discover buying and selling it with a objective of including property to their cache of draft picks to additional facilitate a possible star commerce down the highway. With all of their younger expertise, along with this decide and management of the Nets’ picks in 2025 (swap), 2026 (outright) and 2027 (swap), there is perhaps no workforce higher positioned to make a star commerce already. Nonetheless, buying further property in a trade-down state of affairs could enable the Rockets to facilitate additional offers with out surrendering what they have already got and even doubtlessly purchase extra win-now expertise this summer season.
For now, I’ve gone with Sheppard. His inventory is polarizing, with extra analytically inclined organizations seeing him as a No. 1 decide contender and others viewing him as a late lottery decide on account of his lack of dimension. At this level, it appears seemingly he’ll be drafted someplace throughout the high half of the lottery. The Rockets can afford to take an opportunity on him as a result of he is a perfect connective piece for his or her younger expertise. He’s an elite shooter, which is the one talent this younger core lacks. Whereas Jabari Smith Jr. can hit from the perimeter, Jalen Inexperienced has had stretches of nice shot making and Cam Whitmore has the potential to fill it up, groups don’t guard Tari Eason, and neither Alperen Şengün nor Amen Thompson is a proficient marksman.
Sheppard additionally thinks the sport at an elite stage and rapidly strikes the ball to get everybody concerned. He averaged 12.5 factors, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists whereas capturing an absurd 53.6 p.c from the sector and 52.1 p.c from 3 final season. He additionally blocked almost a shot per sport and grabbed 2.5 steals.
Stephon Citadel | 6-6 wing | 19 years outdated | Connecticut
League sources have related Citadel to the Spurs for a pair months now, and it appears clear that the group, in some capability, likes the 6-foot-6 guard from Connecticut. The Spurs are eager about Risacher, based on league sources, and Sheppard’s identify has come up in latest days as nicely.
Citadel is prone to come off the board someplace between the No. 4 and No. 8 picks. He’s an incredible defender with dimension and attributes that assist groups win video games. He received publicity on the NBA Draft Mix for saying he views himself as a degree guard, however NBA groups largely classify him as a secondary playmaker who may develop into extra on-ball reps in time.
Sources related to the Connecticut program rave about Citadel’s character and competitiveness; many cherished his willingness to do no matter it took for the Huskies. He took on the defensive stopper function at occasions on gamers corresponding to Alabama’s Mark Sears on the Remaining 4 or Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman throughout the season. He shared duties for initiating the offense, showcasing passing talent and a capability to get to the rim. He moved the ball nicely throughout the perimeter and was a high-impact participant on each ends regardless of making solely 27 p.c of his 3s. He stepped up in virtually all of their huge video games, together with a 21-point Remaining 4 efficiency and a 15-point nationwide title sport exhibiting.
5. TRADE: Detroit Pistons commerce No. 5 to Memphis Grizzlies
Donovan Clingan | 7-2 heart | 20 years outdated | Connecticut
(Projected commerce particulars: Pistons commerce No. 5 to Memphis for No. 9 and a future frivolously protected first-round decide.)
This decide is a key swing spot within the draft. League sources are struggling to find out the preferences of recent Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, since he wasn’t operating the present in New Orleans. Matas Buzelis is probably the most constant identify that comes up with the Pistons. The workforce has a necessity on the 4, and Buzelis’ agent, Michael Tellem, is the son of Pistons’ vice chairman Arn Tellem. Nonetheless, Langdon has made it clear, each publicly and privately in conversations with league executives, that the workforce desires so as to add extra property to its cache. In regard to No. 5, Langdon opened the door to shifting the decide if it meant including worth to its asset cache.
“We’re on the lookout for the man we really feel has one of the best upside out of this draft,” Langdon mentioned throughout his introductory information convention final week. “And if that man’s not there at No. 5, and there’s a workforce that’s keen to present us an asset worth to flip again, then perhaps that’s a chance as nicely. However as of proper now, our imaginative and prescient is to not be out of this draft. We need to draft a participant, and if we do flip again, it’s not going to be that far.”
The workforce is down one first-round decide following the Isaiah Stewart commerce within the 2020 draft, so dealing No. 5 this season to achieve extra draft capital would supply Detroit extra flexibility sooner or later. On this hypothetical commerce, Detroit accomplishes that objective by shifting down 4 spots.
Memphis, in the meantime, replenishes its heart place with a terrific prospect. Clingan is a drop-coverage huge man who would companion with Jackson to doubtlessly create one of the best defensive frontcourt within the NBA in a few years.
If Clingan dropped into the No. 3 to No. 6 vary, quite a lot of groups selecting beneath that vary would have severe curiosity in shifting as much as purchase Connecticut’s star 7-footer, league sources inform The Athletic.
Dalton Knecht | 6-5 wing | 23 years outdated | Tennessee
The Hornets’ decide is seen as one other inflection level, as groups across the league are unclear on the path new head of basketball operations Jeff Peterson will take. Peterson was an assistant GM in Brooklyn and Atlanta, and his groups made diverse picks throughout his time there.
Charlotte appears to have curiosity, to various levels, in Sheppard, Citadel, Knecht and doubtlessly others, league sources inform The Athletic. In Knecht, the Hornets could be deciding on a participant to assist house the court docket for younger stars Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball. Knecht scored at a dizzying tempo in school, averaging 25.5 factors in 18 SEC video games whereas capturing 48.4 p.c from the sector and 42.4 p.c from 3. His season averages have been 21.7 factors per sport on 46 p.c from the sector, however these stats have been dragged down by a stretch the place he performed at lower than 100% following an ankle harm. His offense ought to translate to NBA settings. Not solely is he a terrific shooter, particularly off motion, however he’s additionally a higher-end athlete than most shooters. He can sky in transition and end inside with hold time.
If Detroit used its decide on anybody however Clingan, there could be a major bidding struggle from groups making an attempt to leap forward of Portland at No. 7 to accumulate him. Charlotte might be in asset-accumulation mode beneath its new head of basketball operations.
7. Portland Path Blazers
Matas Buzelis | 6-9 wing/ahead | 19 years outdated | G League Ignite
On this state of affairs, Portland would lose out on two potential targets in Clingan and Knecht however would seemingly be joyful to get a shot at Buzelis, a high-upside wing/ahead. He would tick an actual field for the Blazers as an even bigger wing ahead with the flexibility to slip to the 4 sooner or later so long as his jumper continues to develop.
Gamers with considerably related profiles in final yr’s class, corresponding to Miller, Memphis’ G.G. Jackson, Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly and Whitmore, put collectively promising rookie seasons whereas flashing abilities they didn’t constantly show of their pre-draft seasons. Maybe that can occur with Buzelis, too, after a G League Ignite season wherein he averaged 14.1 factors per sport however solely shot 45.5 p.c from the sector and 26.1 p.c from 3. (He upped these numbers to 17.1 factors, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and a couple of.5 blocks over his final 13 video games.)
8. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Raptors)
Cody Williams | 6-7 wing | 19 years outdated | Colorado
The Spurs’ No. 8 choice is the one to which league sources have related the widest vary of gamers. Devin Carter had an incredible exercise in San Antonio. Tidjane Salaun remains to be seen as an choice. All year long, the Spurs have been related with Nikola Topić as a possible long-term reply at lead guard, although Topić’s partially torn ACL has thrown that impression for a loop. Buzelis has been raised as an choice if he have been to fall to No. 8. Knecht has additionally been related right here (pun meant) on account of his standout capturing capacity for a workforce that was among the many worst within the league in that respect final season. This additionally seems to be Citadel’s ground if he falls. Every time a workforce is related with this many gamers, it signifies to league sources (and me) that the Spurs have carried out an incredible job of setting smoke screens. It’s troublesome to gauge their plans.
Williams is one other participant who has been linked to this decide. The youthful brother of blossoming Thunder wing Jalen Williams, Cody profiles because the type of prized high-end prospect who can stress the rim, go, make performs and doubtlessly defend a number of positions. Standing 6-7 with a 7-1 wingspan, Williams confirmed the flexibility 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 a few of his explosiveness, however in his 14 video games earlier than the harm, he averaged 15.4 factors, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists whereas capturing 60.6 p.c from the sector.
9. TRADE: Memphis Grizzlies commerce No. 9 to Detroit Pistons
Tidjane Salaun | 6-9 wing/ahead | 18 years outdated | Cholet
(Projected commerce particulars: Pistons commerce No. 5 to Memphis for No. 9 and a future frivolously protected first spherical decide.)
Since taking the Pistons’ job, Langdon has been publicly clear he desires to take an upside swing with the Pistons’ decide, be it at No. 5 or elsewhere. Salaun could be that. At 6-foot-9 with an extended 7-foot-2 wingspan, Salaun improved drastically over the course of his season in France. He’s an enormous ahead with some perimeter talent who has been productive for his age within the French League and Basketball Champions League this season, averaging 9.5 factors and three.9 rebounds whereas capturing 32 p.c from behind the 3-point line. He has a easy stroke and likewise exhibits some upside dealing with the ball in transition. Defensively, he improved a ton all through the season.
Extra importantly, Salaun performs arduous and has terrific basketball character. He’s aggressive and keen to play bodily within the paint regardless of a still-developing body. He fills a long-term positional want on the 4 for the Pistons, who may signal an even bigger ahead in free company and let Salaun develop at his personal tempo into the long-term reply on the place.
Devin Carter | 6-2 guard | 22 years outdated | Windfall
No potential lottery choice has helped themselves extra all through the pre-draft course of than Carter. He’s taken an “anyplace, anytime” strategy to exercises, feeling assured he can measure as much as one of the best gamers within the class. Like Jaime Jaquez final season, Carter is an older prospect who has proven up in entrance of groups and given anybody he’s confronted issue along with his athleticism, elite protection and work price. League sources have additionally touted him as leaving one of many strongest impressions in pre-draft interviews.
Carter was among the finest gamers in school basketball this previous season. The son of former NBA level guard Anthony Carter, Devin improved in every of his final 5 seasons. Nonetheless, Carter’s greatest bounce this previous marketing campaign got here on offense. After years of being a questionable shooter, Carter hit 37.7 p.c of his almost seven 3-point makes an attempt per sport. His shot is one thing of a moon ball that arcs excessive within the air, however it went in constantly this season. A number of groups within the No. 9 to fifteen vary are excited by Carter, and he may hear his identify referred to as increased than this.
Zach Edey | 7-4 heart | 22 years outdated | Purdue
Edey was one of the 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 all over the place on the court docket due to his dimension and energy, but possesses outstanding contact across the rim. One may make the case he was one of the best screen-setter within the nation with the way in which he crushed guards making an attempt to get by means of and rolled to the rim for deep post-ups or straightforward buckets. Edey improved defensively over his time in school, changing into an impactful drop-coverage pick-and-roll defender who took up sufficient house to dissuade guards from driving and ending across the basket.
The problem along with his match within the NBA is clear: He’s 7-4 and doesn’t transfer significantly nicely laterally. Can he cease ballhandlers from turning the nook on him? Can he get again in transition within the up-and-down NBA?
Regardless of these issues, Edey seems to be rising up the board. It might be a shock to see him get outdoors of the highest 20. The Bulls needs to be out there for a long-term reply at heart; league sources have related them with Clingan if they’ll commerce up into his vary. If the Bulls miss on him, Edey is smart as a backup choice, though it will be intriguing to see what they might do with this decide if the board fell this fashion. They’re an especially troublesome workforce to challenge proper now as a result of sheer variety of shifting elements with their roster, together with DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball’s contract and well being standing, and their potential curiosity in buying and selling Zach LaVine.
12. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder (by way of Rockets)
Bub Carrington | 6-4 guard | 18 years outdated | Pittsburgh
The Thunder have a loaded core with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, in addition to a ton of efficient function gamers. However additionally they may use one other backcourt scorer, even after shifting Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. Cason Wallace, final yr’s first-round decide, had a terrific rookie season and will become that type of participant. In right now’s sport, although, you may’t have sufficient gamers with actual dribble/go/shoot attributes.
Carrington was the speak of the scouting neighborhood after NCAA convention championship week, when he put collectively a number of monster video games as Pittsburgh made a late bid for the NCAA Match. He’s additionally had a powerful begin to his pre-draft course of, with a number of groups noting his spectacular professional day. There’s an expectation he might be chosen someplace throughout the first 20 picks.
Carrington is a monster pull-up shooter and sharp passer and have become an improved defender all through the season. He was productive in averaging 13.6 factors, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per sport, although he shot 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 till July. Regardless of that youth, he processes the sport exceptionally nicely.
Ron Holland | 6-7 wing | 18 years outdated | G League Ignite
League sources consider the Kings need to intensify their readymade core with different gamers who can assist them win now. They solely fell to 46 wins this season after successful 48 and establishing themselves as a workforce to reckon with in 2022-23. Nonetheless, the Western Convention received higher round them, and the Kings don’t need to keep within the Play-in place they discovered themselves in following that breakout season. That thought course of may end result on this decide being obtainable for the precise veteran.
Having mentioned that, this can be a nice positional match if Holland will get to No. 13. He was the Ignite’s most efficient participant final season, averaging 19.5 factors, 6.7 rebounds and a couple of.9 assists per sport whereas being one of many workforce’s few offensive creators. Most of these factors, nevertheless, got here in transition or inefficiently in half-court settings. He had a below-average true capturing proportion and extra turnovers than assists as he struggled along with his decision-making. These points are considerably to be anticipated from an 18-year-old enjoying professionally for the primary time, however additionally they have made it tough for evaluators to fit him. He additionally missed the tip of the G League season with a thumb harm that occurred as he was starting to enhance.
Holland’s motor excites NBA groups probably the most. He always performs arduous, getting probably the most out of his athleticism. His power can generally trigger him to be overaggressive and overly bodily on protection, however amid the Ignite’s poor season, Holland confirmed a capability for progress that impressed many scouts.
His vary is seen as fairly vast proper now. He hasn’t had a powerful pre-draft course of; he didn’t impress groups throughout visits and at his professional day, based on league sources. Nonetheless, Holland isn’t the kind of participant who sometimes shines in these conditions, so groups could be clever to not over-index on that portion of the method.
Rob Dillingham | 6-1 guard | 19 years outdated | Kentucky
(Projected commerce particulars: New Orleans acquires No. 14 from Portland for No. 21 and the worst of the 2 first spherical picks that they personal in 2026 [NOP or MIL].)
It’s arduous to search out the touchdown spot for Dillingham on draft night time with the current order. Portland, Sacramento, Memphis and Chicago all have backcourts of the long run in some respect, and Dillingham doesn’t match Oklahoma Metropolis’s mannequin of choosing gamers with a minimum of common (if not nicely above-average) positional dimension. All of this has led to league sources questioning if a workforce will commerce as much as take Dillingham if he slides into this space.
Dillingham averaged 15.2 factors and three.9 assists per sport this previous season whereas capturing 47.5 p.c from the sector and 44.4 p.c from 3. He maintains management nicely regardless of enjoying at a quick tempo, utilizing a bevy of crossovers and well-timed hesitation strikes to maximise his velocity. Evaluators are assured he’ll have the ability to separate from his man within the NBA.
I’ve moved New Orleans as much as No. 14 to pick its level guard of the long run. Why Dillingham over one other guard who drops right here in Topić? As a result of Dillingham’s capturing meshes a bit higher with Zion Williamson and the workforce’s willingness to play its star because the nominal level guard. The Pelicans even have a ton of size throughout the positional spectrum with Dyson Daniels, Trey Murphy and Herb Jones that might assist account for Dillingham’s dimension on protection.
Nikola Topić | 6-6 lead guard | 18 years outdated | Crvena zvezda
Topić’s draft vary is among the greatest speaking factors across the league now. There appears to be uncertainty about when he’s picked. That has loads to do along with his knee harm, which was identified as {a partially} torn ACL earlier this month.
It additionally has to do with groups’ makes an attempt to get a deal with on his sport. 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 capturing 52.4 p.c from the sector. He’s a dynamic ball-screen distributor and constantly lived within the paint within the Adriatic League, which consists of the highest groups from the six nations that after made up Yugoslavia. He can execute almost each go within the guide as soon as he will get a downhill benefit and hits teammates with aptitude and creativity. Topić additionally scores proficiently on the rim, utilizing ingenious contact to complete excessive off the glass and round rim protectors.
Nonetheless, after shifting over to Crvena zvezda (often known as Pink Star) for the second half of the season, he wasn’t fairly as impactful, even earlier than getting damage.
Miami tends to take whichever extremely ranked participant falls to them on draft night time. Additionally they have a latest historical past with prospects who performed for Mega in Serbia, having chosen Nikola Jović two years in the past. Topić would additionally give the Warmth some dimension and passing capacity of their backcourt, worthwhile attributes subsequent to Terry Rozier and Tyler Herro.
Many league sources consider the 76ers may transfer their first-round decide to get quick assist. Philadelphia has cleared vital cap house to go star-hunting, so, if the precise deal turns into obtainable, this decide might be used to additional that objective. Even when the Sixers consider they may doubtlessly signal a star in free company, filling out the roster with ready-made veterans round Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey might be crucial.
McCain was seen as a possible one-and-done lottery prospect getting into the season earlier than a gradual begin made evaluators pause. Nonetheless, over the past two-thirds of the season, McCain was among the finest 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 constantly received into the lane in transition or when driving closeouts. I additionally thought he improved drastically on protection over his ultimate 15 or so video games.
His match with Tyrese Maxey just isn’t perfect due to their dimension, however I don’t count on Daryl Morey to draft primarily based on match when the Sixers have so few gamers beneath contract subsequent season.
The Pelicans had an choice to take the Lakers’ No. 17 decide this yr or defer the decide to 2025. They determined to do the latter, which allowed the Lakers to retain this choice. That is one other decide many consider is ripe to be moved because the Lakers scour the commerce marketplace for quick upgrades round LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In the event that they hold it, da Silva is an oft-mentioned choice. Different scouts have lastly come round following his sturdy end to the yr and play within the NCAA Match. Over his ultimate 14 video games, da Silva averaged 17.1 factors whereas capturing 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. He’s made almost 40 p.c from 3 over the past two seasons.
Da Silva strikes nicely with out the ball however also can 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. He isn’t an elite defender, however he’s good, enough in opposition to different forwards and sharp off the ball. He ticks lots of bins that make him profile nicely as a stable rotation participant in right now’s NBA.
Johnny Furphy | 6-8 wing | 19 years outdated | Kansas
Furphy determined to remain within the draft after flirting with a return to Kansas and can seemingly be rewarded by being one of many high 20 picks. It’s straightforward to see why scouts are enthusiastic about his sport. He has lots of the attributes NBA groups search when figuring out tasks price a long-term funding. It’s arduous to search out wings with Furphy’s bodily profile.
He’s come a great distance in 18 months to get thus far. Whereas his athleticism and capturing capacity at all times made him an intriguing upside swing, he didn’t appear to know methods to influence the sport when he performed on the Middle of Excellence in Australia. He was up and down this previous season at Kansas however earned Invoice Self’s belief, which isn’t straightforward for freshmen to do. He averaged 9 factors and 5 rebounds whereas ending nicely on the rim and capturing 35 p.c from 3.
He ticks lots of the bins Orlando president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman tends to hunt: positional dimension, a powerful work ethic and character. His capacity to shoot at his dimension would even be a pleasant wrinkle, and perhaps the Magic can deliver again fellow Australian Joe Ingles (who has a $11 million workforce choice) to assist ease Furphy’s rookie transition.
19. Toronto Raptors (by way of Pacers)
Yves Missi | 6-11 huge | 20 years outdated | Baylor
Missi is a challenge, however with elite instruments that challenge to a transparent NBA function. As a 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan, Missi may need one of the best body of any low-usage heart prospect within the class. He’s a terrific athlete who strikes his ft fluidly in house given his dimension. He can sky for spectacular lob finishes in transition and from the dunker spot. He blocks photographs nicely and has potential to stay with guards for a number of slides on protection. He made the Large 12 All-Protection workforce as a freshman whereas averaging 10.7 factors per sport on 61 p.c from the sector.
He profiles as a Clint Capela-style huge man as soon as he picks up the nuances of ball-screen protection. He must placed on weight and get stronger by means of his base, as he typically will get moved on the block and might battle on the defensive glass. However he has the look of a reliable defensive beginning heart if he can attain his ceiling.
The Raptors are a troublesome workforce to gauge. Their No. 31 decide is seen as a worthwhile one league-wide, because the addition of a second night time of the draft permits Toronto to have an in a single day bidding struggle for the choice.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
Walter had an up-and-down season, averaging 14.5 factors and 4.4 rebounds per sport. He was an inconsistent shooter, though groups have few issues about his long-term upside as a result of his movement seems clear and he could make photographs from quite a lot of conditions. Groups, nevertheless, fear about every little thing else. Walter isn’t a lead guard as a result of he doesn’t see the ground nicely 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 might be a high-level shooter regardless of making 34.1 p.c from 3 final season are usually believers, however his vary is kind of vast. Some groups close to the tip of the lottery are contemplating him, whereas others really feel he may drop into the 20s.
The Cavaliers are doing due diligence on quite a lot of wings and guards on this class, with the principle objective being to proceed to search out capturing round its core of gamers who made progress this previous season by reaching the second spherical of the playoffs.
21. TRADE: New Orleans Pelicans commerce decide to Portland Path Blazers
Kyshawn George | 6-7 wing | 20 years outdated | Miami (Fla.)
(Projected commerce particulars: New Orleans acquires No. 14 from Portland for No. 21 and the worst of the 2 first spherical picks that they personal in 2026 [NOP or MIL.].)
I’m not this excessive on George, however he was invited to the NBA Draft inexperienced room and is seen as a possible choice to be chosen within the high 20 someplace, with even a few lottery groups doing due diligence to be taught extra about him. Portland is a kind of lottery groups considered , and it is smart why: George is an enormous wing who can shoot, dribble for his dimension and go. Nonetheless, he’s not significantly explosive athletically and has by no means been productive at any stage of his journey. He scored lower than three factors per sport within the French second division in 2022-23 and averaged fewer than double-figures for a Miami workforce that was one of many worst high-major groups within the nation by the tip of the season.
Nonetheless, George is a late bloomer who grew as much as his present 6-7 dimension over the past 18 months. He’s seen as an upside swing who might be worthwhile for groups who like wings with dimension and capturing capacity.
Tyler Kolek | 6-1 guard | 23 years outdated | Marquette
(Projected commerce particulars: Phoenix trades No. 22 to New York for No. 25 and No. 38 in 2024 NBA Draft.)
The Knicks have been eager about Kolek all through the season, league sources inform The Athletic, and it is smart why. Even with the emergence of Miles McBride as an incredible backup guard on a discount deal, the Knicks have been typically one shot creator brief within the playoffs and compelled to depend on Jalen Brunson to do every little thing always. In Kolek, the workforce may envision a long-term backup level guard who may have the ability to scale back the wear and tear and tear on Brunson.
Kolek was an All-American this season however suffered an indirect harm that held him out of the Large East event. From Jan. 15 to Feb. 25, Marquette went 10-1 as Kolek averaged 16.9 factors and 9.6 assists per sport whereas capturing 48.6 p.c from the sector and 44 p.c from 3. He received All-American honors on his strategy to season averages of 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 methods to play off two ft and is an elite distributor in ball screens. He made an enormous leap as a shooter this season, drilling 38.8 p.c from 3 whereas trying extra assured pulling up when alternatives arose. Kolek should show he has the foot velocity to carry up on protection, and he’ll must show he can create separation with the ball in his fingers in opposition to higher defenders. However any workforce on the lookout for a backup guard may plug Kolek in early.
Phoenix’s objective, assuming a participant it loves isn’t on the board at No. 22, needs to be to build up as many decide property as attainable. Don’t be stunned to see them attempt to commerce down and decide up further picks to re-stock their cabinet. Within the subsequent six drafts (together with this one), the Suns are solely in a position to commerce No. 22 this yr and their 2028 second-round decide. Even only for extra maneuverability, the Suns want to search out methods so as to add extra picks. Extra on that at No. 25.
The Bucks want depth throughout the board, particularly within the type of youthful gamers who can match particular long-term wants round Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Brook Lopez solely has one yr left on his contract earlier than hitting free company once more, and it’s arduous to search out gamers like him for a discount on the open market, which is the pool the Bucks might want to swim in given their contractual obligations to Antetokounmpo, Lillard and Khris Middleton.
Ware ticks the field of a drop-coverage huge they may develop beneath Lopez’s tutelage for a yr earlier than hopefully giving him extra enjoying time to change into an efficient NBA participant. He must work on bringing the identical defensive depth on each possession, however his instruments are elite at 7-foot with a close to 7-5 wingspan. If he hit beneath Doc Rivers, it will be an infinite win for the group to resolve a possible drawback down the highway on the heart spot.
Ryan Dunn | 6-6 wing | 21 years outdated | Virginia
Dunn is among the greatest defensive gamers I’ve ever evaluated. He’s a real All-Protection candidate long-term if his offense turns into enough to remain on the court docket. Together with Houston’s Jamal Shead, Dunn was one of many two most disruptive defenders within the nation this previous season. He averaged 1.3 steals and a couple of.3 blocks per sport whereas enjoying for a slow-paced Virginia workforce. He covers an distinctive quantity of floor defensively and is a monster help-side defender. On high of that, he’s extremely switchable.
Offense is the large query. Dunn didn’t play confidently on that finish of the court docket by the tip of the season and appeared to eliminate the ball rapidly. He additionally struggled to shoot, making 23.5 p.c of his 3s whereas making an attempt lower than one per sport. Nonetheless, Dunn has carried out nicely in exercises with a number of groups, based on league sources, and may go even increased.
The Knicks are one other workforce that might commerce a minimum of considered one of their three picks within the high 40. Previously, the Knicks have tried so as to add future draft picks to create extra potential avenues to finish trades. Don’t be stunned to see them attempt to prolong these property additional out into the long run once more or attempt to consolidate them to get gamers they need. I’ve carried out that on this hypothetical, with them ending the night time with Dunn and Kolek.
25. TRADE: Phoenix Suns commerce decide (by way of Knicks) to Portland for No. 34, No. 40, and a future second spherical decide
Kyle Filipowski | 6-11 huge | 20 years outdated | Duke
(Potential commerce particulars: New York trades No. 25 and No. 38 to Phoenix for No. 22; Phoenix then trades No. 25 to Portland for No. 34, No. 40 and a future second-round decide.)
On this state of affairs, in alternate for No. 22, the Suns add decide Nos. 34, 38 and 40, on high of 1 further future second-rounder. The Suns may then attempt to push one or two of these picks within the second spherical out into future draft capital once more from groups seeking to transfer into the highest 40, of which there are anticipated to be a lot on Thursday. They may finish this course of with 5 – 6 second-rounders in the event that they play their playing cards proper and discover the precise companions.
If this all appears difficult, it’s, however it has occurred just lately. Boston executed this technique final season, buying and selling down a number of occasions from No. 25 and receiving what amounted to 5 second-rounders within the course of. That course of included buying and selling the No. 25 decide for No. 31 and two future seconds; basically, the identical worth level as this hypothetical deal. Given Phoenix’s asset scenario, that is the neatest technique for the Suns to make use of Wednesday.
As an enormous man who can shoot, Filipowski may pair nicely with a beginning heart or function a 3rd huge. The Duke product averaged 16.4 factors, 8.3 rebounds and a couple of.8 assists whereas capturing about 50 p.c from the sector and 35 p.c from 3 this previous season. He carried the Blue Devils by means of lengthy stretches of video games along with his capacity to catch the ball on the block and rating, however professional scouts are extra intrigued by his well-rounded perimeter sport. Filipowski can shoot from 3, assault heavy closeouts and convey the ball up the court docket in grab-and-go conditions. His passing took a leap this previous season, and he was extra snug studying the court docket.
Filipowski’s protection is best than its status. Duke had a top-16 protection this previous season, and he normally positions himself nicely, contests sufficient photographs and might slide his ft a few occasions on an island to stick with wings and even some guards. It’s troublesome to search out 7-footers who can dribble, go and shoot. Filipowski can do all three.
Portland is in search of huge males on this draft class, and Filipowski would make a pleasant long-term complement on the 4 and the 5 to what they have already got, significantly off the bench.
26. Washington Wizards (by way of Clippers)
This is able to symbolize an extended slide for Collier, however league sources are having hassle discovering his ground. At the same time as he began the season on hearth and seemed like a candidate to be the No. 1 decide, scouts apprehensive about his model of play. He then tailed off as USC’s season fell aside, battling turnovers and protection, and missed time after hurting his hand. As soon as he returned in February, he took the Pac-12 by storm, averaging 18.7 factors and 4.3 assists over his ultimate seven video games whereas capturing 46.3 p.c from the sector and 35.7 p.c from 3. He was the bruising, highly effective driver we noticed early in school and all through his highschool profession, producing seven free-throw makes an attempt per night time. Collier is a powerful downhill menace who lives within the paint and has the wherewithal to hit kickout passes and dump-offs.
Nonetheless, Collier didn’t take a look at or measure nicely on the mix, and evaluators marvel if his ending and power-based sport will translate to the NBA. At slightly below 6-3 with out footwear and missing elite size or a constant jumper, can he constantly be the downhill, power-based participant we noticed at decrease ranges? The Wizards could be thrilled with this end result, as they may use a high-upside choice on the lead guard spot.
Baylor Scheierman | 6-6 wing | 23 years outdated | Creighton
I’ve maintained a first-round grade on Scheierman because the finish of the faculty basketball season. He averaged 18 factors, 9 rebounds and 4 assists whereas drilling a number of 3s off vital motion. He’s among the finest shooters within the class, with a flexible movement that enables him to fireplace from distance off any type of footwork. He’s a fast ball-mover and passer, and his protection is best than most consider. Return and watch the workforce’s Candy 16 sport in opposition to Tennessee, the place he held Knecht to 6-of-17 capturing from the sector as the first defender.
Scheierman can also be having one of many higher pre-draft processes of any prospect. He was one of the best participant within the five-on-five portion of the draft mix, impressing groups along with his capacity to fill a number of roles. I believe he hears his identify referred to as within the first spherical at this level, as NBA groups usually see him as a participant who can assist sooner quite than later.
DaRon Holmes | 6-9 huge | 21 years outdated | Dayton
Holmes had an excellent season at Dayton, successful All-American honors by averaging 20.4 factors, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and a couple of.1 blocks whereas hitting 54.4 p.c from the sector and 38.6 p.c from 3. He’s a flexible huge who has lots of solutions for opponents’ ball-screen coverages. He can pick-and-pop, brief roll to go, brief roll to complete himself or dive to the rim to catch a lob. Defensively, he’s shot blocker and has proven the potential to stick with guards for a few slides on the perimeter.
The Nuggets are likely to draft older gamers beneath normal supervisor Calvin Sales space, so it wouldn’t be stunning in the event that they considered Holmes because the type of participant who may assist them when Nikola Jokić is on the bench — or doubtlessly even in minutes with Jokić alongside him.
29. Utah Jazz (by way of Thunder)
Tyler Smith | 6-9 huge | 19 years outdated | G League Ignite
Smith averaged 13.7 factors and 5.1 rebounds this season whereas drilling 36 p.c from 3 and measured at 6-9 with out footwear to pair with a 7-1 wingspan. He was efficient inside a restricted function the place he pick-and-popped, reduce to the rim and dove to the ring out of ball screens. His jumper is silky easy; it seems like he may change into one of many higher shooters within the league at this dimension.
The Jazz went smaller at No. 10 with Carter on this mock and will bolster their frontcourt with Smith, utilizing him as a legit shooter who may research and be taught behind Lauri Markkanen for a few years within the G League earlier than hopefully changing into a rotation participant.
Jaylon Tyson | 6-6 wing | 21 years outdated | California
Tyson has gone on an actual journey. After getting into school as a top-40 participant in his recruiting class, Tyson went from Texas to Texas Tech to Cal in three years earlier than lastly rising 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 participant, however he’s highly effective and isn’t bothered by contact, permitting him to get probably the most out of his size and athleticism. He averaged 19.6 factors, 6.8 rebounds and three.4 assists per sport whereas capturing 47 p.c from the sector and 35.8 p.c from 3.
Defensively, there are some worries. It’s going to take him time to maintain creating on that finish, and I wouldn’t be assured placing him on an NBA ground from day one. However Boston may deliver him alongside slowly, and his energy and shot-creation capacity may give them some fascinating choices down the highway.
Second Spherical
31. Toronto Raptors (by way of Pistons): Cam Christie | 6-5 wing | 18 years outdated | Minnesota
32. Utah Jazz (by way of Wizards): Terrence Shannon Jr. | 6-6 wing | 23 years outdated | Illinois
33. Milwaukee Bucks (by way of Path Blazers): A.J. Johnson | 6-4 guard | 19 years outdated | Illawarra
34. TRADE: Phoenix Suns (by way of Hornets and Path Blazers): Ajay Mitchell | 6-3 guard | 22 years outdated | UC Santa Barbara
35. San Antonio Spurs: Pacôme Dadiet | 6-8 wing | 18 years outdated | Ratiopharm Ulm
36. Indiana Pacers (by way of Raptors): Bobi Klintman | 6-9 wing/ahead | 20 years outdated | Cairns Taipans
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (by way of Grizzlies): Juan Núñez | 6-3 guard | 20 years outdated Ratiopharm Ulm
38. TRADE: Phoenix Suns (by way of Jazz and Knicks): Adem Bona | 6-8 huge | 21 years outdated | UCLA
39. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Nets): Nikola Djurišić | 6-7 wing | 20 years outdated | Mega
40. TRADE: Phoenix Suns (by way of Hawks and Path Blazers): Pelle Larsson | 6-5 wing | 23 years outdated | Arizona
41. Philadelphia 76ers (by way of Bulls): Enrique Freeman | 6-7 ahead | 23 years outdated | Akron
42. Charlotte Hornets (by way of Rockets): Jonathan Mogbo | 6-6 huge | 22 years outdated | San Francisco
43. Miami Warmth: Cam Spencer | 6-3 guard | 24 years outdated | Connecticut
44. Houston Rockets (by way of Warriors): Jamal Shead | 6-0 guard | 21 years outdated | Houston
45. Sacramento Kings: Jaylen Wells | 6-7 wing | 20 years outdated | Washington State
46. LA Clippers (by way of Pacers): Oso Ighodaro | 6-10 huge | 21 years outdated | Marquette
47. Orlando Magic: Harrison Ingram | 6-5 wing | 21 years outdated | North Carolina
48. San Antonio Spurs (by way of Lakers): Melvin Ajinca | 6-6 wing | 20 years outdated | Saint-Quentin
49. Indiana Pacers (by way of Cavaliers): Trey Alexander | 6-3 guard | 21 years outdated | Creighton
50. Indiana Pacers (by way of Pelicans): P.J. Corridor | 6-8 huge | 22 years outdated | Clemson
51. Washington Wizards (by way of Suns): Tristen Newton | 6-3 guard | 23 years outdated | Connecticut
52. Golden State Warriors (by way of Bucks): Kevin McCullar | 6-5 wing | 23 years outdated | Kansas
53. Detroit Pistons (by way of Knicks): Antonio Reeves | 6-5 wing | 23 years outdated | Kentucky
54. Boston Celtics (by way of Mavericks): Jalen Bridges | 6-7 wing | 23 years outdated | Baylor
55. Los Angeles Lakers (by way of Clippers): Bronny James | 6-1 guard | 19 years outdated | USC
56. Denver Nuggets (by way of Timberwolves): Justin Edwards | 6-6 wing | 20 years outdated Kentucky
57. Memphis Grizzlies (by way of Thunder): Ariel Hukporti | 6-11 huge | 22 years outdated | Melbourne United
58. Dallas Mavericks (by way of Celtics): Ok.J. Simpson | 6-0 guard | 21 years outdated | Colorado
Required Studying
(Prime photograph: Kena Krutsinger / NBAE by way of Getty Photos)