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