2024 NBA MOCK DRAFT

2024 NBA MOCK DRAFT

 

FIRST ROUND 
1. ATLANTA HAWKS
Donovan Clingan-C-UConn       
7'3''/282/7'6.75''                   
13.0 PTS       7.4 REB         2.46 BLK        1.51 AST      
So./20.3
Hometown: Bristol, CT
NBA Comparison: Marc Gasol/Mark Eaton/Brook Lopez
ROLE: Starting Center with All Defensive Potential
BEST TOOLS: Elite Length/Shot Blocking/Rebounding   

Clingan was an integral piece to UConn’s back-to-back title teams. He made a big leap from year one to two at UConn as well. He led them in rebounding and was among the best shot blockers in the country. He should instantly have role as a shot blocker and rim protector. Like Mark Eaton he has the tools to become an All Time shot blocker. I see a lot of a young Marc Gasol with him in terms of body type, defensive instincts and basketball IQ. 

Currently, the odds favorite to be drafted first is Zaccharie Risacher. However, I think Clingan makes too much sense in terms of fit with Trey Young. The Hawks are likely to trade Dejounte Murray and it is very likely they could trade him for a star wing like Brandon Ingram or Bradley Beal. They also already have forwards in De'Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson. I think Clingan is the pick tonight and I think it’s the right choice.

2. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Alex Sarr-F/C-France       
7'1''/224/7'4.25''
9.6 PTS          4.5 REB         1.53 BLK       71.0-FT%      
INT/19.2        
Hometown: Toulouse, France
NBA Comparison: Jaren Jackson/Serge Ibaka/Marcus Camby 
Sarr fits as the modern-day big man that can defend, rebound and hit open shots. He is still very raw and limited on offense. He was seen as the top prospect for much of the draft process but it has been made clear that he does not want to play in Atlanta for whatever reason.

The fact that he WANTS to play in Washington is obviously a plus for the Wizards. He and fellow Frenchmen Bilal Coulibaly provide the Wizards with some nice building block for what looks like a very long rebuild.

3. HOUSTON ROCKETS
Reed Sheppard-CG-Kentucky   
6'3''/181/6'3.25''
12.5 PTS       4.1 REB         52.1% 3PT    83.1%-FT       4.50 AST       2.5 STL         
Fr./20.0
Hometown: London, KY
NBA Comparison: Kirk Hinrick/Fred Vanvleet/Mark Price 
ROLE: Starting Guard with All Defense potential.
BEST TOOLS: Long Range Shooting/Defense/Athletic Ability

Shepard was the SEC Freshman of the Year. He is arguably the best shooter in the draft, as evidenced by his insane shooting percentages in his one year at Kentucky. He is also a pesky defender and elite athlete. Ironically, I compare him to Vanvleet who he would backup if drafted by Houston. I see a lot of Kirk Hinrich to his game. Hinrich was an elite defender that made an All-Defense Team in 2007. He put up great shooting percentages his entire career. Like both guys, Sheppard is more of a combo guard than a guy then playmaker.

Houston could be very active tonight and there are a lot of rumors that they could trade for Kevin Durant. This pick could easily be on the move tonight in order to get more assets to acquire a star like Durant. If they stand pat, I think Sehppard makes the most sense and is the odds on favorite to get drafted here.

4. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Zaccharie Risacher-SF-France 
6'10''/202/6’10.5″     
10.9 PTS       3.8 REB         38.8% 3PT    70.9%-FT                
INT./19.2
Hometown: Lyon, France/Málaga, Spain,
NBA Comparison: Brandon Ingram/Danilo Galinari/Michael Porter Jr.   
ROLE: Starting Wing Sharpshooter
BEST TOOLS: Long Range Shooting/Playmaking/Defense

Risacher is a great shooter that plays well off of others. He is elite at catch and shoot threat that can also provide some playmaking. To me his ceiling is Brandon Ingram and he is actually a better passer than Ingram was coming out of Duke.

Victor Wembanyama was everything the Spurs could have hoped for as a rookie and should make an All-NBA team as early as next year. Many (including myself) felt he should have been the NBA Defensive Player of the year in addition to winning Rookie of the Year. Risacher would be a very nice player to pair with Wemby. The Spurs are in a prime position to really help spring board the rebuild with two picks in the top eight.

5. DETROIT PISTONS
Matas Buzelis-PF-Ignite  
6'10/197/6'10"
14.4 PTS       6.9 REB         2.08. BLK      1.96 AST      
GL/19.7
Hometown: Chicago
NBA Comparison: Andrei Kirilenko/Josh Smith/Jonathan Isaac
ROLE: Starting power forward and small ball five
BEST TOOLS: Defensive Versatility/Playmaking/Rebounding    

Buzelis stuffed the stat sheet in a variety of ways in his one season in the G-League. He is a very good shot blocker for someone with average length. Like Kirilenko, Smith and Isaac, he can guard multiple positions and protect the rim. Buzelis really struggled with his shot has solid form and could develop into a floor spacer eventually. 

He would fit very nice with Cade Cunningham and the Pistons young core. Detroit had the worst record in the league last season. They were disappointed to drop to the number five pick, but they still get a very good player here in Buzelis.

6. CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Stephon Castle-CG-UConn        
6'7''/210/6'9'' 
11.1 PTS       4.7 REB         2.91 AST      
Fr./19.6          
Hometown: Covington, GA
NBA Comparison: Dejounte Murray/Markelle Fultz/Eric Snow
ROLE: Versatile Starting Guard with All Defense Potential
BEST TOOLS: Defense/Versatility/Playmaking/Toughness

Castle came in and fit right in with the veteran roster at UConn. He is a winning player that was the best defender for the national champions. The long-range shooting woes are real (hence the Fultz comparison) but that should not stop him from having a major role in the NBA. The Hornets are limbo given LaMelo Ball’s health. Brandon Miller was great as a rookie and looks like a number one scoring threat. Castle is exactly what Charlotte needs in terms of toughness, defense and versatility.

7. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Dalton Knecht-SG-Tennessee  
6'6''/212/6'9'' 
21.7 PTS       4.9 REB         39.7%-3PT    77.2%-FT      
Sr./23.1
Hometown: Thornton, CO
NBA Comparison: Buddy Hield/Duncan Robinson
ROLE: Starting Wing Sharpshooter
BEST TOOLS: Long Range Shooting/Defense/Hustle

Knecht burst onto the national radar after transferring from Northern Colorado. He was the SEC player of the year and first team All American. A team knows exactly what they are getting once they draft Knecht. Portland was DEAD LAST in the league in three point shooting last year. Portland has some really nice athletic guards but obviously need more shooting. They could trade up for Clingan if he slips past the top 3. It is very likely they draft a shooter here then take a big with the 14^th pick.

8. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
Devin Carter-CG-Providence     
6'3''/193/6'8.75''       
19.1 PTS       8.4 REB         3.53 AST       37.7%-3PT    1.71 STL
Jr./22.2
Hometown: Miami
NBA Comparison: Derrick White/Devin Harris   
ROLE: Versatile Starting Guard and Defensive Stopper
BEST TOOLS: Defense/Versatility/Length/Rebounding

The Spurs win the draft if this comes to fruition. Carter is the perfect combo guard type to play under Greg Popovich. He has emerged as the biggest winner in the draft process and really improved his stock during the season as well. He had a huge jump in production as a scorer and rebounder. The Spurs drafted and developed White and we saw how important he was to the Celtics title run. Carter reminds me of another 6’3” Devin in Devin Harris. He has very similar tools and game to Harris coming out of Wisconsin in 2004.

9. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
Ron Holland-G/F-Ignite    
6'8''/197/6'10.75''     
19.5 PTS       6.6 REB         3.0 AST          2.5 STL                     
GL/19.0
Hometown: Duncanville, TX
NBA Comparison: Stephen Jackson/Jaden McDaniels  
ROLE: Starting Wing with great two-way potential
BEST TOOLS: Elite Athletic Ability/Playmaking/Defense

Holland is the perfect young player that can develop in Memphis. He also is a tough slasher and defender that fits perfectly into the Grizzles’ culture. He is the perfect role player to play alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane. He was productive in the G-League but has question marks as a shooter.

10. UTAH JAZZ
Rob Dillingham-PG-Kentucky   
6'2''/164/6'3'' 
15.2 PTS       2.9 REB         3.88 AST       79.6%-FT%   44.4%-3PT
Fr./19.4
Hometown: Hickory, NC
NBA Comparison: Lou Williams/Immanuel Quickley
ROLE: 6^th/7^th Man and Instant Scoring Option
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Speed/Playmaking

Dillingham is small but is as shifty as any player in this draft. He has some Tyrese Maxey to his game but is likely more of a Lou Will or Quickley as a projection. The Jazz need more scoring if they are to take another step in the West, Dillingham would have time to develop in Utah behind Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson.

11. CHICAGO BULLS
Tidjane Salaun-SF-France          
6'9''/203/7'0.75''       
9.8 PTS          3.9 REB         1.07 STL       
INT./18.8
Hometown: Paris
NBA Comparison: Nic Batum/Trevor Ariza
ROLE: Starting Wing with great two-way potential
BEST TOOLS: Defense/Length/Versatility

The Bulls are in a complete rebuild now so it would not surprise if the took one of the youngest prospects in the draft in Salaun. Like Batum and Ariza, Salaun can be a high end role player that uses his length and is a very willing defender.

12. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Kel'el Ware-C-Indiana      
7'1''/230/7'4.5''                      
15.9 PTS       9.9 REB         1.87 BLK      
So./20.1
Hometown: North Little Rock, AR
NBA Comparison: Christian Wood/Myles Turner
ROLE: High End Backup Big and Floor Spacer
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Length/Rebounding   

This is a need pick for the Thunder as the one thing they lack is rebounding. Ware would take pressure off of Chet Holmgren and would be the perfect backup for Holmgren. He can shoot and block shots, the Thunder could potentially use him the way Minnesota uses Naz Reid.

13 SACRAMENTO KINGS
Zach Edey-C-Purdue       
7'5''/299/7'10.75''     
25.2 PTS       12.2 REB       2.15 BLK       2.03 AST       71.1-FT%                  
Sr./22.1
Hometown: Toronto
NBA Comparison: Boban Marjanović/Yao Ming
ROLE: Starting power forward and small ball five
BEST TOOLS: Elite Length/Scoring/Power/Feel   

Edey has been the best player in college basketball the past two seasons. He knows how to use his freakish length to get his own shot and alter others. His projection is tough as he may only be able to play 20 minutes per game because of his size. However, he could also become the modern-day Yao Ming. He is worth the risk here for Sacramento where he can backup Dom Sabonis and even play some minutes alongside him in a jumbo package up front.

14. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Cody Williams-SF-Colorado       
6'8''/178/7'1'' 
11.9 PTS       3.0 REB         1.58 AST       71.4-FT%       41.5%-3PT   
Fr./19.6
Hometown: Gilbert, AZ
NBA Comparison: Darius Miles/Trey Murphy
ROLE: Starting Wing with great two-way potential
BEST TOOLS: Elite Length/Shooting/Versatility
Williams has elite length and is a very good shooter. He came in very thin at the combine at only 178 pounds. His stock is slightly falling, and I have a hunch that is why Washington made the trade for this pick. 

15. MIAMI HEAT
Nikola Topic-PG-Serbia  
6'6''/200                                                         
14.5 PTS       5.52 AST       3.2 REB         87.8% -FT%
INT/18.8
Hometown: Novi Sad, Serbia and Montenegro
NBA Comparison: Ricky Rubio/Goran Dragic
ROLE: High End Backup Point Guard/Solid Starter
BEST TOOLS: Playmaking/Size/Passing

Topic could go in the top ten but I doubt he slips past Pat Riley here. He is the type of high IQ player that Miami loves. He is an elite passer that could be the true point guard that the Heat currently lack.

16. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
Jared McCain-SG-Duke   
6'3''/203/6'3.5''          
14.3 PTS       5.0 REB         41.4%-3PT    88.5%-FT      
Fr./20.3
Hometown: Corona, CA
NBA Comparison: CJ McCollum/Malik Monk
ROLE: Starting Wing Sharpshooter
BEST TOOLS: Long Range Shooting/Defense/Hustle

McCain is a strong guard that is a great shooter and willing defender. He has the skill set to become an All Star but he clearly has physical limitations. He is undersized as a shooting guard, so that is why he will likely fall out of the lottery. This would be a smart pick for Philly as McCain is an older one and done prospect that has a ready-made skill set for the NBA.     

17. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
Tristan da Silva-SF-Colorado    
6'8''/217/6'10.25''     
16.0 PTS       5.1 REB         39.5%-3PT    83.5%-FT       2.41 AST      
Sr./22.1
Hometown: Munich, Germany
NBA Comparison: Cameron Johnson/Rudy Gay
ROLE: Wing Sharpshooter with Playmaking
BEST TOOLS: Shooting/Playmaking/Versatility  

Tristan da Silva is an experienced player that can impact the game in a variety of ways. The Lakers are in win now mode and he can help them in a variety of ways. AD and King James could always use more guys that can hit open shots

18. ORLANDO MAGIC
Ja'Kobe Walter-SG-Baylor          
6'5''/198/6'10''           
14.5 PTS       4.4 REB         34.1%-3PT    79.2%-FT      1.43 AST      
Fr./19.4
Hometown: McKinney, Texas
NBA Comparison: Wes Matthews/Keldon Johnson
ROLE: Starting Wing Sharpshooter
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Defense/Hustle

Walter was a top ten recruit that came in a contributed right away for Baylor. He was Baylor’s leading scorer and was the Big 12 Rookie of the Year. If the Magic are to take another step, they need more sharpshooting from their role player. Walter would be the perfect pick here.

19. TORONTO RAPTORS
Kyle Filipowski-C-Duke   
7'0''/230/6'10.5''       
16.4 PTS       8.3 REB         1.50 BLK       2.78 AST      
So./20.6
Hometown: Middletown, NY
NBA Comparison: Kelly Olynyk/Cody Zeller
ROLE: Starting Center
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Playmaking/Rebounding   

The Raptors are in a rebuild and Filipowski would be an ideal pick and pop big to pair with Scottie Barnes. He can hit open shots and is a very advanced passer for a big man. He lacks upside, but you will not find a safer pick this late in the draft.

20. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
DaRon Holmes-PF-Dayton         
6'10''/236/7'1''                       
20.4 PTS       8.5 REB         2.06 BLK       2.61 AST       71.3-FT%      
Jr./21.8
Hometown: Goodyear, AZ
NBA Comparison: Kris Humphries/Mike Muscala
ROLE: Starting power forward and small ball five
BEST TOOLS: Scoring/Power/Length 
The Cavs stay in state and get a readymade player that can backup Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Holmes stuffed the stat sheet at Dayton and can be a very solid player at the next level. 

21. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS
Yves Missi-C-Baylor         
7'0''/229/7'2''             
10.7 PTS       5.6 REB         1.50 BLK                   
Fr./19.4
Hometown: Yaounde, Cameroon
NBA Comparison: Nerlens Noel/Nic Claxton
ROLE: Starting power forward and small ball five
BEST TOOLS: Shot Blocking/Length/Athletic Ability   

Missi was a solid contributor for Baylor as a Freshman. He would be a very good defensive center to pair with Zion Williamson.

22. PHOENIX SUNS
Tyler Kolek-PG-Marquette          
6'2''/197/6'2.75''
15.3 PTS       4.9 REB         7.71 AST       38.8%-3PT    85.1%-FT                  
Sr./23.2
Hometown: Cumberland, Rhode Island
NBA Comparison: Payton Pritchard/Chris Duhon
ROLE: Backup Point Gaurd
BEST TOOLS: Long Range Shooting/Passing/Toughness 

Kolek is a true point guard that can also light it up as a shooter. He is the perfect role player for the Suns as he is NBA ready and could provide them instant offense off of the bench.

23. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
Isaiah Collier-CG-USC     
6'4''/205/6'4.75''                               
16.3 PTS       2.3 REB         4.26 AST       1.48 STL
Fr./19.4          
Hometown: Atlanta
NBA Comparison: Cole Anthony/Andre Miller  
ROLE: Backup Guard
BEST TOOLS: Playmaking/Power/Toughness

Collier was the number one rated player in the class of 2023 according to most recruiting services. He is a throwback guard that is more of a playmaker than athlete. Milwaukee would be a perfect fit for him where he would have time to develop playing under Dame Lillard.

24. NEW YORK KNICKS
Carlton Carrington-CG-Pittsburgh       
6'5''/195/6'8'' 
13.8 PTS       5.2 REB         4.12 AST       78.5%-FT%  
Fr./19.0          
Hometown: Baltimore  
NBA Comparison: Jordan Poole/Malik Beasley
ROLE: Backup Guard
BEST TOOLS: Playmaking/Scoring

Carrington would be a great pick here with his ability to create. He could become an ideal backup to Jalen Brunson. He could also be developed slowly on a deep Knicks team. 

25. NEW YORK KNICKS
Ryan Dunn-CF-Virginia   
6'8''/214/7'1.5''          
8.1 PTS          6.9 REB         1.29 STL       
So./21.4
Hometown: Freeport, NY
NBA Comparison: Andre Roberson/Herb Jones
ROLE: Defensive Stopper
BEST TOOLS: Defense/Length

The Knicks get arguably the best on ball defender in the draft in Dunn. Dunn has a NBA skill as a defender which is important because he’s probably the worst shooter in the draft. This would be a great story as he is a New York native and fits perfectly with the culture.

26. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
Tyler Smith-PF-Ignite       
6'10''/224/7'1''           
13.4 PTS       5.1 REB         36.4%-3PT    72.5%-FT      
GL/19.7
Hometown: Houston/New Orleans
NBA Comparison: Richaun Holmes/Perry Jones
ROLE: Floor Spacer
BEST TOOLS: Long Range Shooting/Defense/Hustle

Smith is a mystery man in the 2024 Draft. He played on both Overtime Elite and G-League Ignite. He can hit open shots and looks like a solid defender. With the Wizards taking Sarr at #2, Smith makes a lot of sense here as he is also a long term developmental prospect

27. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Baylor Scheierman-CF-Creighton        
6'7''/202/6'8.25''       
18.5 PTS       9.0 REB         38.1%-3PT    87.6%-FT       3.94 AST      
Sr./23.8
Hometown: Aurora, NE
NBA Comparison: Rondae Hollis Jefferson/Morris Peterson
ROLE: Starting Wing Sharpshooter
BEST TOOLS: Shooting/Defense/Hustle

Scheierman is a very versatile player. He is a crafty lefty that can really rebound. Minnesota could use another player like this in their rotation. The Nebraska native started his college career at South Dakota St before coming back to Nebraska to play at Creighton. He can stay near home if he is drafted by Minnesota.

28. DENVER NUGGETS
KJ Simpson-PG-Colorado          
6'1''/187/6'4'' 
19.7 PTS       5.8 REB         4.89 AST       43.4%-3PT      87.6%-FT%                        
Sr./21.8
Hometown: Los Angeles
NBA Comparison: TJ McConnel/Monte Morris
ROLE: Backup Point Starting Guard
BEST TOOLS: Playmaking/IQ/Scoring

Simpson was the leading scorer for Colorado this past season. He can create and score and is a very good all around player. The Nuggets need a quality backup given Jamal Murray’s injury concerns. It will be smart to draft readymade prospect if they want to get back to the NBA Finals.

29. UTAH JAZZ
Jaylon Tyson-SF-California       
6'7''/218/6'8'' 
19.6 PTS       6.8 REB         3.45 AST       1.19 STL        79.6% -FT%
Jr./21.5
Hometown: Plano, TX
NBA Comparison: Matt Barnes/Georges Niang
ROLE: Backup Wing  
BEST TOOLS: Defense/Toughness/Versatility

Tyson is among the most versatile players in the draft. He can come in and compete for minutes early on in Utah. The Jazz need depth in the wings and up front. 

30. BOSTON CELTICS
Terrence Shannon-G/F-Illinois  
6'7''/219/6'8.75''       
23.0 PTS       4.0 REB         2.28 AST       1.03 STL                   
Sr./23.9
Hometown: Chicago
NBA Comparison: Arron Afflalo/Quentin Richardson
ROLE: Starting Wing with great two-way potential
BEST TOOLS: Elite Athletic Ability/Playmaking/Defense

Shannon was one of the best players in all of college basketball. He is a downhill scorer. that has improved every year in college. He had good shooting splits at 47.5%/36.2%/80.1%. He could be a solid contributor early on for the defending champs.