The 2024 NBA Draft is here.
While this year’s draft class doesn’t have a headliner like Victor Wembanyama, there are still plenty of prospects worth monitoring who will contribute to NBA rotations. The uncertainty around this class should create some chaos on draft night, with less clarity on how the order will shake out than normal.
Who will the Hawks take with the No. 1 pick? Who will San Antonio add around the French phenom with two top-10 picks? Where will the likes of Zach Edey and Bronny James end up?
The Sporting News dives into all the possibilities with its final 2024 NBA Mock Draft below.
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NBA Mock Draft 2024
1. Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 195 lbs.
Risacher overtakes Sarr for the No. 1 overall pick after reports surfaced that the Hawks have not gotten Sarr in for a pre-draft workout. ESPN says UConn center Donovan Clingan is also in the running for the top selection, but Risacher feels like a higher upside swing.
Risacher was streaky from beyond the arc for JL Bourg but still shot a respectable 35.2 percent from 3 in 32 LNB Pro A games. Averaging 10.1 points as a teenager in one of the best leagues in the world is still no easy feat.
Atlanta could trade any of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray or Clint Capela this offseason, but Risacher’s shooting and two-way potential would be a good fit next to a star playmaker like Young.
2. Wizards: Alexandre Sarr, Perth (Australia)
Age: 19
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 224 lbs.
The Wizards have been one of the worst defenses in the NBA for years. Sarr falling into their lap at No. 2 would be a gift, giving Washington a starting center of the present and future.
The 7-foot center is an athletic and powerful shot-blocking big with budding offensive skills who held his own playing professionally in Australia’s NBL overseas. He would give the Wizards a much-needed defensive anchor, rim protector and lob catcher.
3. Rockets (via BKN): Donovan Clingan, UConn
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-2, 282 lbs.
The fit between Clingan and Rockets rising star Alperen Sengun isn’t very smooth, but the UConn star would fill Houston’s void for a rim protector.
Clingan put on a two-way clinic in the NCAA Tournament, anchoring UConn to its second straight national championship. His performance against Illinois in the Elite Eight was the most dominant defensive game of March Madness. The Illini only had two made field goals when Clingan was on the floor going into the final 10 minutes of a 30-point blowout.
The UConn sophomore is a massive presence at 7-2 and 282 pounds with a reported 7-7 wingspan. He’s an elite shot blocker, rebounder and lob catcher who has the rim-running ability to hang in the NBA.
MORE: Why Clingan is in running for No. 1 pick in 2024
4. Spurs: Stephon Castle, UConn
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 210 lbs.
The Spurs desperately need a point guard, and Castle’s desire to play the one at the NBA level makes this an easy fit.
Castle defends at a high level, can score at the rim off the dribble and create for others. He showed even more versatility in the NCAA Tournament, playing off the ball and doing some dirty work in the paint on both ends of the floor.
He’ll need to improve his jumper to thrive next to Victor Wembanyama, but his intangibles and IQ would be invaluable for a San Antonio team looking to expedite a rebuild.
5. Pistons: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 197 lbs.
The Pistons are viewed as the “likely landing spot” for Buzelis. “Other teams are viewing this as a likely marriage,” per ESPN.
Buzelis was once considered in the running for the No. 1 overall pick in this class, so a top-five selection shouldn’t be a surprise. The 6-10 forward is a versatile floor spacer who showed improvement on the defensive end in his lone season with the Ignite.
Detroit’s core could use a long, athletic forward with untapped potential. Buzelis fits that bill.
MORE: Everything you need to know about Buzelis
6. Hornets: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 182 lbs.
The Hornets already have a promising core in place with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. Sheppard would be a great addition as a combo guard who can easily slot next to Ball.
Sheppard’s stock was skyrocketing as the biggest darling in this draft before a disappointing performance in the NCAA Tournament. He is still one of the most reliable two-way prospects in this class.
Sheppard offers the perfect blend of ball-handling, playmaking, perimeter shooting and hard-nosed defense to give Charlotte another building block in its backcourt. A 52.1 percent 3-point shooter at Kentucky, his ability to space the floor at a high level would only make life easier for Ball and Miller.
7. Trail Blazers: Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 197 lbs.
Portland has some young pieces in place like Scoot Henderson, Deandre Ayton, Shaedon Sharpe and Anfernee Simons. Holland would add a necessary slashing offensive threat and versatile defensive presence to that group.
Holland is a relentless defender and growing scorer with unlimited energy. He is one of the best defenders in this class and averaged 20.6 points for the Ignite even without a reliable jump shot or polished shot-creation skills.
MORE: Holland believes he can be the No. 1 pick season with Ignite
8. Spurs (via TOR): Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 212 lbs.
The Spurs need spacing for Wembanyama, and Knecht is one of the safest bets in this draft class.
The senior wing established himself as one of the nation’s most consistent three-level scorers, averaging 21.7 points per game on 39.7 percent shooting from deep.
Knecht’s 37-point scoring clinic in Tennessee’s Elite Eight loss to Purdue should leave a lasting memory in the minds of NBA scouts, showing how seamlessly his game should translate to the next level.
9. Grizzlies: Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Age: 18
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 203 lbs.
The Grizzlies were mauled by injuries this past season but the result was a top-10 pick in this draft. Memphis will prepare to get back to title contention with a healthy roster next season, so it can afford to be patient with the prospect it targets here.
Topic might need a redshirt rookie season after being diagnosed with a partially torn ACL a few weeks before the draft, but he would be a great backup to Ja Morant when healthy.
Topic is a 6-6 pick-and-roll maestro and a smart, physical defender. He’s the best pure point guard in this class, even if he doesn’t offer NBA-level perimeter shooting yet.
10. Jazz: Cody Williams, Colorado
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 178 lbs.
The rebuilding Jazz should be looking to acquire the best player available, and Williams has as much potential as anyone still on the board.
The brother of Oklahoma City rising star Jalen Williams is a long, versatile and athletic wing who can defend at a high level, rebound and score off the ball. His offensive game needs developing, but at his floor, he can still bring energy as a slashing scorer and defender to Utah.
11. Bulls: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 176 lbs.
The Bulls have initiated change on their roster after trading Alex Caruso to the Thunder for Josh Giddey. It feels safe to assume more moves could be on the way, so they shouldn’t be drafting for fit.
MORE: Thunder clear winners in Josh Giddey-Alex Caruso swap
Even though Chicago still has a plethora of guards between Giddey, DeMar DeRozan, Coby White, Zach LaVine and, if he can get healthy, Lonzo Ball, that shouldn’t stop them from taking a prolific scorer like Dillingham if he falls out of the top 10.
Dillingham could provide some offensive insurance to Chicago’s backcourt. He is one of the most dangerous scorers in this class as a gifted shot creator, confident shooter and tough-shot maker. His offensive creativity would be a huge asset for a Bulls team that should be looking to hit the reset button.
12. Thunder (via HOU): Jared McCain, Duke
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 203 lbs.
The Thunder bolstered their backcourt with the Caruso trade but they still need more perimeter shooting. McCain is as accurate as anyone in this draft.
The Duke star knocked down 41.4 percent of his 210 3-point attempts as a freshman and his two 30-point explosions in the NCAA Tournament launched him into lottery consideration.
He is a connective playmaker who can play on or off the ball with a skill set that should seamlessly translate to the NBA. Even though he is only 20 years old, McCain plays with poise and confidence that is beyond his age, making him a strong fit for an OKC team that is ahead of schedule.
13. Kings: Devin Carter, Providence
Age: 22, Junior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 193 lbs.
The Kings are looking to take the next step as a playoff contender, so why not target one of the most NBA-ready players in this class?
Carter is a physical defender and competitor who made a major jump as a scorer this past season. The 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year was extremely productive, averaging 19.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He isn’t quick or shifty but he has found a way to maximize physicality to score inside.
Carter would be a perfect backup for De’Aaron Fox.
14. Trail Blazers (via GSW): Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 217 lbs.
The Trail Blazers can afford to take a big swing with two lottery picks in this draft. Salaun is more than worth the roll of the dice as a long and athletic slashing forward with a limitless ceiling.
The 18-year-old is already a versatile defender who does most of his damage as a scorer in transition and off of cuts. If he can improve as a perimeter shooter and shot creator, he will be the diamond in the rough of this draft class.
15. Heat: Isaiah Collier, USC
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 205 lbs.
A hand injury derailed Collier’s freshman season and it seems his draft stock has taken a slight hit because of it. Even so, he still showed flashes of a player who was the No. 1 recruit in the country.
Built like a running back, Collier is a bulldozer when he puts his head down to get to the rim. He’s consistently improved as a passer and defender, and he’ll be a well-rounded threat if he can develop his jump shot.
The rest of the NBA would regret letting him fall to the Heat with this pick.
16. 76ers: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 198 lbs.
The 76ers could use some perimeter shooting around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Walter fills that hole as one of the best shooters in this draft.
Even though he only hit 34.1 percent of his 3s this season, Walter showed plenty of upside and confidence as a shooter off the dribble, catch and off of movement. Philadelphia would be an ideal situation for the Baylor freshman to maximize his biggest strength while he improves other facets of his game.
17. Lakers: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 217 lbs.
The Pelicans deferred their Lakers pick to 2025, so Los Angeles will be on the clock at No. 17. Da Silva would be a prime target as an upperclassman who is ready to contribute to an NBA rotation.
da Silva is a fluid 6-9 wing who handles the ball well for his size, can defend multiple positions and shot 39.5 percent from 3 on nearly 300 attempts over his past two seasons. His ability to fill a variety of roles makes him a fit for almost any NBA team.
18. Magic: Kyshawn George, Miami
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-8, 209 lbs.
The Magic have a thing for big guards and wings who can handle the ball and defend multiple positions. George is exactly that, but he also provides a desperate need for perimeter shooting.
The Miami freshman projects as a high-upside jumbo guard who has a budding offensive game. He can create his own shot and offer some ball-handling depth, and he converted a promising 40.8 percent of his 130 3-point attempts as a freshman.
19. Raptors (via IND): Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-4, 195 lbs.
The Raptors need more creators on offense and, entering a retooling phase, they can be patient with a young scorer like Carrington.
The 18-year-old is a super-talented shot-creator who has already shown pro-caliber moves to shake defenders. His scoring prowess and playmaking would be a major boost for Toronto’s second unit, offering a similar playstyle to starting point guard Immanuel Quickley.
20. Cavaliers: Johnny Furphy, Kansas
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and Weight: 6-8, 189 lbs.
The Cavaliers need a floor spacer to take pressure off Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Furphy only shot 35.2 percent from 3 as a freshman but he had hot streaks that teased his capabilities. He might not be ready to play in the NBA from Day 1, but he is still an intriguing fit as a 6-8 sharpshooting forward.
21. Pelicans (via MIL): Zach Edey, Purdue
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-4, 299 lbs.
Just when you thought Edey’s potential as an NBA prospect hit a ceiling, the two-time National Player of the Year proved everyone wrong during the NCAA Tournament.
Edey was even more dominant than usual on Purdue’s run to the national championship, averaging 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He showed that his conditioning and mobility improved tremendously, playing all but two minutes and 50 seconds from the Sweet 16 through the title game.
With Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas in the latter stage of his career, Edey could provide a similar dominant interior presence.
MORE: Zach Edey is the most polarizing player in 2024 NBA Draft
22. Suns: Tyler Kolek, Marquette
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-2, 197 lbs.
The Suns need point guard depth, relying on shooting guards Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to handle that responsibility this season. Kolek is the type of NBA-ready floor general who could provide instant help to a thin Phoenix roster.
Kolek is a patient playmaker who would play well off the Suns’ stars as a reliable perimeter shooter and crafty finisher. The 23-year-old senior is one of the few players in this class who could handle the transition to the NBA right away.
MORE: Kolek has clear blueprint to succeed at next level
23. Bucks (via NOP): Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 230 lbs.
Bucks starting center Brook Lopez is turning 37 years old next season. It would be in the team’s best interest to start planning for the future of their frontcourt.
24. Knicks (via DAL): Terrence Shannon Jr.
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and Weight: 6-6, 219 lbs.
The Knicks landed back-to-back first-round picks. As a win-now team with championship expectations, it’s hard to believe they would make both selections. If they do, Shannon could provide instant help off the bench as a 23-year-old senior.
The Illinois star was an explosive scorer this past season. He averaged a career-best 23.0 points per game, flashing a quick first step with a strong build and elite body control to finish through traffic. His incremental improvements as a perimeter shooter only help his NBA potential.
25. Knicks: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Age: 21, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-7, 214 lbs.
Dunn has a case as the best perimeter defender in this draft class. Even though he only made seven 3-pointers all regular season, his IQ and tools on the defensive end are too good to pass up in the first round.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau would love having a versatile stopper like Dunn at his disposal.
26. Wizards (via LAC): Yves Missi, Baylor
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Center
Height and weight: 6-11, 229 lbs.
In this scenario, the Wizards lock up their center rotation of the future. Missi would be a great backup to Sarr.
Energy is the name of the game for Missi. His relentless effort and explosive athleticism turned him into a projected first-round pick this season. He’s still a raw prospect, but he’s a quick leaper who crashes the glass, blocks shots and throws down lobs.
27. Timberwolves: Jaylon Tyson, California
Age: 21, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 218 lbs.
The Timberwolves could use another ball-handler, and Tyson offers a blend of size and playmaking as a 6-6 point forward.
The 21-year-old made a massive leap as a scorer at Cal, averaging a career-high 19.6 points and 3.5 assists per game. He’s a physical offensive threat and versatile defender who can fill multiple roles on both ends of the floor.
Tyson would be an asset to a Minnesota team looking to get back to the Western Conference Finals — and beyond.
28. Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Age: 21, Junior
Position: Center
Height and weight: 6-9, 236 lbs.
There are suspicions that the Nuggets have made a promise to Holmes. Denver needs a backup behind Jokic, and the Dayton junior is ready to fill that role.
Holmes was one of the most productive big men in the country, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game en route to winning A-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this season. He’s a fluid and athletic big with active hands on defense and an improving game on offense.
29. Jazz (via OKC): Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-11, 230 lbs.
Filipowski’s draft stock took a bit of a hit after a plateauing sophomore season, but this would be a great value pick this late in the first round.
The Duke star is a floor-stretching big man who can pick and pop, score with his back to the basket, handle and pass. If he can shoot the 3-ball with more consistency, he might project as a better NBA player than a college player.
MORE: Did Filipowski increase his stock from 2023 to 2024?
30. Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 202 lbs.
Brad Stevens said he anticipates the Celtics using both of their draft picks, which would be a change in strategy after Boston traded back into the second round several times last year.
Scheierman would be a great fit for head coach Joe Mazzulla’s scheme as a versatile forward who can shoot the 3, make read-and-react passes off the dribble and defend multiple positions.
Second round
31. Raptors (via DET): Pacome Dadiet, F, Ulm (Germany)
Dadiet is one of the youngest players in this draft class. The 18-year-old is a fluid 6-8 forward with promising shot creation skills. He is easily worth a swing in the first round and shouldn’t fall much further than here.
32. Jazz (via WAS): Kevin McCullar, G, Kansas
33. Bucks (via POR): Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
34. Trail Blazers (via CHA): Dillon Jones, G, Weber State
35. Spurs: KJ Simpson, G, Colorado
Simpson is only listed at 6-1 but his playmaking skills are undeniable. The Colorado junior is a poised floor general who makes winning plays. He’d be a great fit for a Spurs team that needs guard depth.
36. Pacers (via TOR): Trey Alexander, G, Creighton
37. Timberwolves (via MEM): Harrison Ingram, F, North Carolina
Every “win now” team with a second-round pick should have Ingram on their draft board. The North Carolina forward is a long and versatile defender, elite rebounder and shot an improved 38.5 percent from 3 this past season.
38. Knicks (via UTA): Bobi Klintman, F, Cairns Taipans (Australia)
39. Grizzlies (via BKN): Melvin Ajinca, F, Saint-Quentin (France)
40. Trail Blazers (via ATL): Oso Ighodaro, F, Marquette
41. 76ers (via CHI): Pelle Larsson, F, Arizona
42. Hornets (via HOU): Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
43. Heat: Nikola Djurisic, F, Mega Basket (Serbia)
44. Rockets (via GSW): AJ Johnson, G, Illawarra Hawks (Australia)
45. Kings: PJ Hall, F, Clemson
46. Clippers (via IND): Jalen Bridges, F, Baylor
47. Magic: Cam Christie, F, Minnesota
48. Spurs (via LAL): Cam Spencer, F, UConn
— 76ers forfeited second-round pick
49. Pacers (via CLE): Tristan Newton, F, UConn
50. Pacers (via NOP): Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara
51. Wizards (via PHX): Jamal Shead, G, Houston
The Wizards may need backcourt help with Tyus Jones set to become an unrestricted free agent. After taking two bigs in this Mock Draft, an NBA-ready guard like Shead would be a great fit. The Houston star is a physical perimeter defender coming off a decorated season, winning Big 12 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
53. Pistons (via NYK): Antonio Reeves, G, Kentucky
54. Celtics (via DAL): Trentyn Flowers, F, Adelaide 36ers (Australia)
55. Lakers (via LAC): Bronny James, G, USC
All eyes will be on James on the second day of the NBA Draft. LeBron’s son reportedly has interest from a variety of teams in the second round but it seems most likely that others will be told to stand down so the Lakers can select him with this pick.
MORE: Bronny’s agent gives update on possible landing spots
56. Nuggets (via MIN): Jonathan Mogbo, F, San Francisco
57. Grizzlies (via OKC): Adem Bona, C, UCLA
— Suns forfeited second-round pick
58. Mavericks (via BOS): Juan Nunez, G, Ulm (Germany)
