| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 |
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
No one knows which direction Atlanta will go here -- not even Atlanta -- but Risacher seems like the most appealing of the options at this stage given his 6-foot-9 frame, developing shot and strong finish to his season. Alex Sarr should be in the mix here as well. |
||||||
| 2 |
 |
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
The draft cycle has thus far featured a "top two" of Sarr and Risacher in some order. Here, the Wizards get the one still remaining in Sarr, a 7-foot-1 center who has immense defensive potential with room to grow into a switch-everything anchor on that end. |
||||||
| 3 |
 |
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
Houston grabs the most lethal 3-point shooter in the draft. Sheppard rated in the 100th percentile (!) in jump shots as a true freshman at Kentucky and was aces as a catch-and-shoot weapon to boot. He adds playmaking on both ends as a passer and defender. |
||||||
| 4 |
 |
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
Spurs need backcourt help, and they get it here with a potential star in Stephon Castle. He's a defensive stalwart at the point of attack and a selfless do-it-all guard who can create when necessary. |
||||||
| 5 |
 |
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
Detroit whiffed on securing the No. 1 pick -- again -- but take a big swing at No. 5 with former No. 1 recruit Ron Holland. He's a highlight machine with a big frame, and he showed improvement with G League Ignite as a passer and scorer last season. |
||||||
| 6 |
 |
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
Charlotte hit big with Brandon Miller last draft and goes back into the wing well for another do-it-all prospect in Buzelis to add to its roster. Buzelis has a huge frame and potential to grow into a versatile combo forward who can dribble, pass and shoot. |
||||||
| 7 |
 |
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
This feels like the floor for Clingan. He drew significant interest during the pre-draft process after anchoring UConn's 37-4 team en route to a second consecutive national title. He was second in college basketball in block rate and a defensive monster on the back end. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
San Antonio balances out its backcourt after adding an elite defender (Castle) at No. 4 with an elite offensive maestro in Dillingham. He flashed star potential at Kentucky and his playmaking and scoring could complement Victor Wembanyama and Castle nicely. |
||||||
| 9 |
 |
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
Memphis has never been scared off from taking older prospects who produce -- and Knecht fits both categories. He spent five years in college but developed into an eventual All-American in his final season with Tennessee. |
||||||
| 10 |
 |
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
Utah has talent but its backcourt could stand to inject some young juice around Keyonte George, who flashed last season. Collier could serve as a lead guard in that pairing with his downhill style of attacking; getting to the rim is something this team lacks. |
||||||
| 11 |
 |
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
Topic enters the last few weeks of the draft process as a wild card after being diagnosed earlier this month with a partially torn left ACL. He's the best passer in this draft and was a top-five talent prior to the injury, though, so a smart team might be wise to take the discount and think longer term. |
||||||
| 12 |
 |
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
Chet Holmgren is the starting center of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Period. But the Thunder lack size, which was exposed in the playoffs. Filipowski gives them a different look at the center spot and provides much-needed depth at a thin position. |
||||||
| 13 |
 |
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
San Antonio is a popular potential landing spot for Salaun given his ties to Wemby, but Sacramento scoops him here after a further-than-expected fall. There's a lot to like long-term with Salaun. The Kings may not be able to plug him in immediately, but he could pay off big down the line by helping the team stay out of the lottery. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
Williams is a bit of a mystery box prospect, but the ascension of his older brother, Jalen Williams, into an All-Star producer should have NBA teams digging deep. He has ideal size, shoots it well and fits the mold of a power wing with multi-positional versatility. |
||||||
| 15 |
 |
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
Being a shot-maker at the guard spot in the NBA is a must. Being one who can make TOUGH shots in the NBA is a plus. That's what McCain brings to the table. Electric shooting weapon who can make shots off movement, and he's a relentless rebounder for a guard his size. |
||||||
| 16 |
 |
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
Few have had a better pre-draft process than Carter, who broke a Combine record in the 3/4-court sprint and tied for the best max standing vertical leap at 42 inches. He's coming off a Big East Player of the Year season for Providence and has improved as a shooter. That could make him a ready-made 3-and-D weapon with playmaking to boot. |
||||||
| 17 |
 |
Tyler Kolek | PG | |||
|
Smooth lefty who might be the most skilled college facilitator in this draft class. Kolek plays an unselfish style and is coming off a career year in which he led the sport in assists per game. |
||||||
| 18 |
 |
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
Walter showed all the tools that made him a five-star prospect during his one season at Baylor. He has the array of athleticism and quick-trigger shooting to make for an easy NBA projection. He'll need to improve his shooting and touch overall, but at 19 years old with his track record as a gunner, I'd buy into him here at the back of the lottery. |
||||||
| 19 |
 |
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
A Toronto-born superstar, Edey heads back home to play for the Raptors after back-to-back National Player of the Year campaigns at Purdue -- the first to do so since Ralph Sampson. He's 7-foot-4 and a bit of a throwback stylistically, but his production and size should get him looks in this range of the draft. |
||||||
| 20 |
 |
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
You have to do some projecting here to buy into Furphy because of his limited role at Kansas and hit-or-miss production. However, he can shoot it great from anywhere on the floor and has the ball skills to be an attacker off the bounce. Could be a nice developmental piece for the Cavs, who don't quite have a player stylistically who plays like him. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
Carrington began the season ranked just inside the top 100 of his own recruiting class but heads to the draft as a possible top-30 selection after a big year at Pitt. He led the team in assists and finished second in scoring and minutes played. |
||||||
| 22 |
 |
DaRon Holmes II | PF | |||
|
Holmes might be the leading "Hiding in Plain Sight" candidate of the cycle. He dominated at Dayton inside and out; he has ridiculous range as both a defender and offensive weapon. His experience and ready-made game should make an immediate impact in Phoenix. |
||||||
| 23 |
 |
Kyshawn George | SG | |||
|
The counting stats don't pop off the page, but NBA teams are quite interested in George, who shot 40.8% from 3 and rated in the 92nd percentile in catch-and-shoot opportunities as a freshman at Miami. He shoots it well and has a background as a point guard, which brings a unique perspective for a 6-foot-7 wing. |
||||||
| 24 |
 |
Ryan Dunn | SF | |||
|
If Tom Thibodeau was allowed to create a player in a lab, that player would look a whole lot like Ryan Dunn. I talked to Dunn at the NBA Combine, where he gushed about his love for playing defense and doing the grimy work to earn minutes. This guy is ready to play 48 minutes every night with no load-management breathers. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
New York may look to add at the center position here with Isaiah Hartenstein headed to free agency. Ware has a nice pedigree as a former five-star who broke out at Indiana last season, averaging 15.9 points, 1.9 blocks and shooting 42.5% from 3. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Justin Edwards | SF | |||
|
Washington could stand to take some big swings given its situation -- in the doldrums of the NBA standings for years -- and Edwards presents as one of the biggest available on the board. He's a 6-foot-7 wing who was active and aggressive at the combine after an up-and-down year at Kentucky with theoretical upside as a future starter. |
||||||
| 27 |
 |
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
A raw prospect with tremendous upside, Missi brings size, skill and shot-blocking ability. He's a developmental-type prospect, which may not be appealing for a team flush with talent at center and competing right now; however, the flashes of "wow" he put together might be worth taking a gamble on in this range. |
||||||
| 28 |
 |
Dillon Jones | SF | |||
|
The modus operandi of Denver's front office over the years -- drafting the likes of Jalen Pickett and Nikola Jokic -- has been to lean into unconventional prospects. That's Jones. He was the best player in the Big Sky last season and produced like an All-American in four years at Weber State as a passer, defender and all-around Swiss Army Knife. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Bobi Klintman | SF | |||
|
Klintman has a great frame and a shot that looks like it will project. At 6-foot-9 with his movement skills, there's a lot to like about his long-term potential as a do-it-all wing. |
||||||
| 30 |
 |
Baylor Scheierman | SG | |||
|
Scheierman was one of the big winners of combine week after standing out in the scrimmages. He's an older prospect but could produce instant value for a contenting Celtics team that has shown it values size and shooting. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
The Hawks are reportedly still early in the evaluation process that has them considering multiple players with the first pick — in addition to possibly trading it. For now, I'll stick with Atlanta selecting Sarr, the high-energy and versatile frontcourt piece who is viewed by most as the best prospect available and often compared to 2023 NBA Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
Sheppard is my favorite prospect in this draft thanks to a diverse skill-set highlighted by a unique ability to make shots from all over the court. His lack of size is an obvious concern — but the great stuff is so great that, if I were running a Washington franchise in need of basically everything, I'd have a hard time passing on the reigning CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year who shot 52.1% from the 3-point line in his one season at Kentucky. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
Risacher is among the candidates to go No. 1 overall, which by definition makes him a reasonable option for Houston with the third pick. He's a teenager who pieced together enough nice performances late this season in France to solidify his status as a top-five pick after shooting nearly 40% from the 3-point line in the playoffs. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
Victor Wembanyama is such a unique talent comfortable floating all around the court despite being 7-4 that him someday playing with a traditional center like Clingan isn't hard to envision. The UConn alum was a monster in the NCAA Tournament while helping the Huskies win a second straight national championship, and he projects as an incredible defensive presence who could help make the Spurs very difficult to score on for years to come. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
Is Buzelis a reliable 3-point shooter like he seemed to be during his senior year of high school (43.1%) or a below-average 3-point shooter like he was this season for the G League Ignite (27.3%)? How front offices answer that question will determine the 6-11 forward's future — but he's clearly dripping with upside that should be intriguing for the 14-win Pistons if Buzelis is still available at this point in the draft. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
Castle projects as a combo guard at the next level with nice positional size and all of the intangibles you could want. The main concern is an unreliable jumper that led to the one-and-done standout shooting just 26.7% from 3-point range while helping UConn win a second straight national championship, but everything else is in place for him to be a difference-maker alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in Charlotte. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
Knecht was fabulous in his fifth year of college basketball — averaging 21.7 points while shooting 39.7% from 3-point range on 6.5 attempts per game on his way to earning SEC Player of the Year honors at Tennessee. The 6-6 wing should be one of the most impactful rookies on offense next season, and he's also a nice fit in Portland, where the Blazers continue to rebuild after sending Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
Topic is an 18-year-old point guard from Serbia who has already been a professional for multiple years. He would fill an obvious need in San Antonio and provide nice value this low in the draft — but concerns about two knee injuries suffered this season will keep Topic's range muddied until his medical report provides a clearer picture. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
The Grizzlies are hopeful that a healthy Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. will allow them to compete at the top of the Western Conference again next season, which makes trading this pick or using it on a plug-and-play option both sensible moves. Carter has real fans in the organization (that also employs his father as an assistant coach), and it's possible the 22-year-old reigning Big East Player of the Year could play a role in the rotation as a rookie given his defensive ability and improved shooting. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
Holland skipped college to play for the G League Ignite but only shot 24.0% from 3-point range and was the face of a team that finished 2-32. Both things are concerning — but most evaluators remain open to the idea that this 18 year-old is still a top-10 prospect in this draft and a reasonable option for a Utah franchise rebuilding and in need of high-ceiling talents. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
Collier was once a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in this draft but won't be after shooting just 33.8% from 3-point range and averaging 3.3 turnovers per game in his one season at USC. Regardless, the top-ranked recruit from the Class of 2023 still possesses all of the things that once made him the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023 and is worth a serious look this deep in this draft as a lead guard who could theoretically back up Coby White or even play beside him. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
Williams is the brother of Oklahoma City standout Jalen Williams — but taller and a lot more heralded at the same age. He needs to add weight and continue to develop as a 3-point threat, but there are reasons to believe he'll do both things in time and prove to be a steal outside of the top 10 after averaging 11.9 points in his one season at Colorado. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
Dillingham was one of two projected lottery picks coming off of Kentucky's bench this season for reasons that remain confusing. There are concerns about his size and defensive shortcomings, but the 6-1 guard could be a legitimate scoring option early in his career for a Sacramento franchise that has won 94 games in the past two regular seasons. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
The 21-win Blazers have two lottery picks and would be wise to take a big swing on an intriguing young talent with at least one of them. It's unclear if Salaun will be available this deep in the draft, but he's an 18 year-old wing with size and emerging shooter who could become a real building block in Portland alongside Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
Filipowski improved as a sophomore and made 34.8% of the 3.1 3-pointers he attempted per game while helping Duke advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. That's among the things the 6-11 center needed to do to solidify his status as a top-15 pick, and he would be interesting in Miami playing with Bam Adebayo given that they're two completely different players whose skill-sets could compliment each other. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Tristan da Silva | SF | |||
|
For a Sixers franchise in win-now mode, adding a 23 year-old like da Silva who can guard his position and reliably make 3-pointers should be preferable to selecting a teenager who needs time to develop. The 6-8 forward will be a plug-and-play addition for basically anybody on Day 1. |
||||||
| 17 |
 |
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
The Lakers can never have too much shooting on the court with LeBron James and Anthony Davis — and McCain can really shoot it. The 6-2 point guard averaged 14.3 points while making 41.4% of the 5.8 3-pointers he attempted per game in his one season at Duke and could be an important piece in Los Angeles even after the NBA's all-time leading scorer has called it a career. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
I'm personally higher on Walter than the majority — but most indications are that he's more likely to land outside of the lottery than inside of it. The Magic were last in the league in 3-pointers made this season. Walter has a reputation as a reliable shooter and could improve Orlando's perimeter scoring following his one up-and-down season at Baylor. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
Toronto ranked 27th out of 30 teams in 3-point field-goal percentage this season, which is something Furphy could improve in time. The 6-8 guard is young and a work in progress but undeniably talented and a sensible option for a Toronto franchise rebuilding. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
Carrington won't turn 19 until nearly a month after the draft, making him one of the youngest players available. The 6-4 guard was merely a borderline top-100 prospect coming out of high school, but he quickly showed enough promise as a shooter and passer with good positional size to emerge as a reasonable first-round option. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
Missi is an incredible physical specimen who is excellent at the rim on offense and in possession of enough athleticism, size and strength to excel defensively. The native of Cameroon would be fortunate to land in New Orleans, where he could support Zion Williamson and eventually serve as a suitable replacement for Jonas Valanciunas. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Tyler Kolek | PG | |||
|
Kolek has some obvious issues as an NBA prospect -- most notably a lack of athleticism relative to what's desired from lead guards. Regardless, the All-American from Marquette is adequately sized for his position, terrific in pick-and-rolls, an A-plus passer, a reliable 3-point shooter an an intriguing option for a Phoenix franchise that clearly needs point guard help. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG | |||
|
McCullar's season came to an end early because of a nagging knee injury that derailed Kansas' season — but before that he was clearly KU's best player in his fifth year of college. The 6-7 wing is an elite defender and should be, at the age of 23, a solid plug-and-play option for a Milwaukee franchise that doesn't need to waste any more of Giannis Antetokounmpo's prime years. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
As incredible as Edey was at Purdue over the past two years, he remains a divisive NBA prospect with what appears to be a pretty big range. He could go in the lottery or slip into the 20s. Either way, Edey would be a nice option for the Knicks if he's still available at this point in the draft considering they could be on the verge of losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Justin Edwards | SF | |||
|
Edwards was the highest-ranked prospect in Kentucky's top-ranked recruiting class but was largely disappointing all season. He finished sixth on the team in points, sixth on the team in scoring and averaged roughly as many turnovers as assists. Is he worth a flier at this point in the draft by a New York franchise with back-to-back picks? Sure. But Edwards did very little at UK to suggest he should be selected anywhere close to where most had him projected six months ago. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Tyler Smith | PF | |||
|
Smith making better than 36% of the four 3-pointers he attempted per game for the G-League Ignite this season is a huge positive for the Overtime Elite alum. To stick in the NBA, the defense will have to improve dramatically. But Smith's shooting alone could prove valuable for a Washington franchise that ranked 25th in 3-point percentage this season. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Bobi Klintman | SF | |||
|
Klintman is a two-way wing from Sweden who should be able to alternate between both forward spots. He initially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after one year at Wake Forest but ultimately withdrew to pursue a professional opportunity in Australia. With another year of development under his belt, and not many great options in the 20s, Klintman will have a better chance to get a guaranteed contract in this draft than he had last year. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
DaRon Holmes II | PF | |||
|
Holmes is the rare top-55 high school prospect who enrolled at an Atlantic 10 school. He's a reasonable option at this point in the draft in part because of the way he went from a non-shooter upon enrolling at Dayton to a real stretch-the-floor threat as a third-year player. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Ryan Dunn | SF | |||
|
Some consider Dunn a high-floor/low-ceiling prospect who has the potential to be an elite defender who guards multiple positions but will maybe never amount to much on offense. I don't completely disagree with the sentiment. But using the 29th pick in a weak draft on a high-IQ, high-energy player who projects as the best versatile defender in this draft doesn't seem like the type of thing a franchise would regret. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
Ware is reportedly in the top 10 of some franchise's big boards and an interesting prospect for a Boston franchise that just relied on a 38 year-old (Al Horford) to average 35 minutes per game in the Eastern Conference Finals while its starting center (Kristaps Porzingis) was sidelined by an injury. The physical tools alone make Ware worthy of a serious look from the Celtics, who obviously already have a championship-level roster. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
Sarr is an athletic rim protector with upside as a perimeter defender. His 3-point shooting percentages leave something to be desired. But for a young player of his size, he's ahead of the curve offensively in how he's flashed the ability to handle the basketball and create shots. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
Risacher brings great size and length to the wing with encouraging fluidity on his outside shot. Like any young international prospect, Risacher will need time to develop the physicality required to thrive in the NBA. In the absence of an obvious headliner from the class, he's as deserving as anyone to be taken with a high lottery pick. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
Castle is a big, versatile guard capable of facilitating the offense or playing off the ball. He also rated as UConn's No. 2 defender behind only 7-4 Donovan Clingan, according to evanmiya.com. His 3-point shot needs a lot of work, but Castle's significant contributions to college basketball's top squad as a freshman were an encouarging sign of things to come. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
Tre Jones has just one year remaining on his contract, and there's a chance he isn't San Antonio's point guard of the future. Enter Topic, who is a big European guard with a nifty handle and natural passing instincts. At just 18, he could develop in tandem with Victor Wembanyama. Whoever drafts him may need to be patient with his 3-point shot. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
The Pistons are picking at No. 5 for the third straight draft and selecting in the top 10 for a fifth consecutive year. Is there really an appetite for some long-term developmental play? Knecht is 23 and continued to elevate his game as he progressed from junior college to Northern Colorado and finally to Tennessee. He averaged 25.5 points on 42.4% 3-point shooting against SEC competition for the Volunteers and is a true three-way scorer who is ready to get buckets in the league as a rookie. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
Charlotte has its point guard of the future in LaMelo Ball and a promising young wing in Brandon Miller, who was the No. 2 pick in last year's draft. If Clingan is still available here, not only is he a steal, but he would also seem to fit nicely in the long-term picture. The behemoth center would immediately elevate the rim protection of a team that ranked 25th in the NBA in blocks per game during the 2023-24 season. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
Portland has young guards Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe under contract for years to come. High-dollar front court producers Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton are also on the books at least through 2025-26. The nexus between franchise fit and best available may be Holland. Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the high school class of 2023, he is loaded with tools and promise. They were evident in spurts during his season with G League Ignite. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
Carter's 19.3 points per game and efficient shooting splits catch the eye first. But there is depth and dimension to his game. He topped the vertical leap charts at the draft combine and won the three quarter sprint. Add the strong testing to the underlying metrics from his time at Providence and it's clear Carter is worthy of a top-10 pick. He rated as one of the best defenders in the Big East, is a great rebounder and can play on or off the ball. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
With Ja Morant on the floor for just nine games, it was a lost season in Memphis. Now, the urgency to win mounts as Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. navigate their primes with big contracts. In this scenario, the Grizzlies might consider trading up to land a multi-year college player such as Knecht, Clingan or Carter. But if not, Sheppard makes sense as a two-way combo guard with a sweet 3-point shot. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
Dillingham's stock took a hit at the combine. There were already concerns about his defense, and those were exacerbated when he measured small. But few players in college basketball proved to be more electric as scorers last season. Dillingham filled it up at a ridiculous clip for Kentucky, and he's got plenty of time to add bulk to his frame and develop in to a more well-rounded player. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
The big wing didn't shoot it great from 3-point range for G League Ignite, but he showed a well-rounded offensive game and defensive tools. He also measured taller than college "bigs" such as Adem Bona, PJ Hall and Coleman Hawkins at the combine. Players with his combination of skill and size are rare. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
Williams' offensive efficiency was excellent for a freshman as he converted 58.8% of his 2-pointers and 41.5% of his 3-pointers. His defense didn't pop, but he's got the physical tools and talent needed to develop into a proficient two-way wing. This would be a particularly meaningful destination for Williams as his older brother, Jalen Williams, is a blossoming star for OKC. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Tristan da Silva | SF | |||
|
Da Silva may be able to offer early help to a Sacramento team that is in compete-now mode. The 23-year old earned all-conference honors as a junior and senior at Colorado while showing his two-way chops. The sharpshooting forward hit 9-of-16 attempts from beyond the arc during the Buffaloes' three NCAA Tournament games as scouts payed close attention. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
The Trail Blazers aren't exactly hurting for promising young guards. But if Collier is around at No. 14, it may be tough to pass on a player with his upside. After missing roughly a month with a hand injury, Collier returned to average 17.6 points, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals on 47.2% shooting over USC's final 11 games. Included were plenty of glimpses of why he finished the 2023 recruiting cycle as the No. 1 overall player in the 247Sports Composite. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
McCain is a relentless worker who can play either guard spot, and he rebounds well for his size. McCain's defense isn't yet a strength, but his offensive upside makes up for it. He hit 16 of 32 attempts from beyond the arc in Duke's four NCAA Tournament games, and his personality seems like a natural fit with the Heat culture. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
Filipowski improved his 3-point shooting as a sophomore at Duke and blocked 54 shots while spending more time at the five than he did as a freshman. In Philadelphia, he could play alongside Joel Embiid as the four. Or, he could play some minutes as the backup five. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
Salaun is demonstrating encouraging potential as a 3-point shooter overseas, suggesting his floor would be as a rotational 3-and-D wing. If the flashes he's shown as an attacker and finisher translate to the next level, then he could be a dynamic NBA playmaker. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
Walter wasn't the world's most efficient offensive player in his lone season of college basketball. But he showed all the tools which made him a five-star prospect. He's athletic and rangy suggest with loads of long-term upside. If Walter falls to this range, he could go down as one of the steals of the 2024 draft. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
Furphy blossomed into a key player for Kansas as his freshman season progressed. He needs a couple years in an NBA strength training program before he's ready to withstand rigors of the league. But he's got a sweet jumper and a chance at developing into an NBA starter. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
DaRon Holmes II | PF | |||
|
Holmes is an athletic big man with a ton of variety in his game on both ends. He swats shots at the rim but can also move his feet to stay in front of smaller players. Offensively, he can score from the block or pull you out to the 3-point line with a sweet jumper. He can also put it on the deck and attack the closeout. Holmes is one of the most underrated players in this class. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Jaylon Tyson | SF | |||
|
Tyson is a two-way wing who delivered as the No. 1 offensive option for Cal in 2023-24. Perhaps the elite-level upside isn't there. But with a proven body of work in three seasons of college basketball and good size, he may able to proficiently fill a rotation role early in his pro career. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
Deciphering exactly how Edey will fit in the NBA will take some creativity. But he's an immensely gifted post scorer, and this would be a relatively low-pressure situation. If he can play some minutes as a backup big early for Phoenix, then great. But even if he proves too much of a defensive liability in the long run, there's no shame in taking a swing on the two-time Naismith winner. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
Carrington flew under the radar as a freshman on a Pitt team that missed the NCAA Tournament. But he made an impression on scouts with his late-season surge. He was a former top-100 prospect, and he was smart to enter the draft pool while his stock was high in a relatively weak class. He's the type of long-term play that could look like a steal four years from now. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
Missi is a lanky, athletic big man with great upside as a defender and lob threat. He's still learning the game, and 3-pointers aren't even close to being a part of his arsenal. But if he can hone a push shot/floater, he could find a home in an NBA rotation as a defense-first center. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Kyshawn George | SG | |||
|
Miami unearthed a gem in signing George, who came from Switzerland as an unheralded prospect. He developed into a key part of the Hurricanes' rotation as the season progressed, with his 3-point shooting becoming an impressive asset. He also ranked as Miami's top defender, per evanmiya.com, which makes him an appealing two-way wing prospect. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Ryan Dunn | SF | |||
|
Dunn stood out as one of college basketball's top defenders in the 2023-24. Though his perimeter shot needs loads of refinement, Dunn can finish at the rim. His defense may appears good enough to make up for the holes in his offensive game and could earn him a long-term home in the league. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Bobi Klintman | SF | |||
|
Klintman spent the 2023-24 season playing in Australia after a promising season at Wake Forest. He hit 35.7% of his 3-pointers in the NBL and could carve out a career in the league as a big wing if he continues to develop defensively. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
Transferring from Oregon to Indiana gave Ware the chance to shine as he made a significant sophomore leap. He shot it well from beyond the arc for the Hoosiers while demonstrating chops as a rebounder and shot blocker. Only Clingan and Edey measured with a greater standing reach at the NBA Draft combine. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Justin Edwards | SF | |||
|
Edwards is a project, but there's a reason he was a five-star prospect and McDonald's All-American. The left-handed wing owns a sweet shooting stroke that grew more consistent as the 2023-24 season progressed. If the game slows down for him, he could still develop into a version of the dynamic wing that he was expected to be coming out of high school. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Tyler Kolek | PG | |||
|
Kolek is a crafty ball-handler and elite distributor who commands the action by getting to his spots and finding teammates in rhythm. There will be concerns about his defense, but he's got the intangibles and savvy to profile as a lite version of Jalen Brunson in the league. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
I've gone back and forth on whether Atlanta will select Sarr or Risacher in recent weeks, which I believe is an appropriate reflection of some of the indecision happening in Atlanta. Sources also say Clingan not only worked out, but made an impression while doing so, fueling rumors of a potential trade down where they could target the big man and add another draft asset. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
If Atlanta does not take Sarr, the expectation is that Washington will. If not, this pick likely comes down to Clingan and Risacher. Given that Washington selected a developmental wing in last year's lottery, Bilal Coulibaly, saw 23-year-old Deni Avdija make a notable jump last year and have to allocate a significant amount of minutes to Kyle Kuzma – Clingan may make the most sense here. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
Here's where the dominoes matter, because if Sarr and Risacher are both off the board, Clingan is not expected to be the pick. Houston reportedly likes Reed Sheppard, but they're also very open to moving this pick. If Risacher is still on the board, the trade market could heat up and so while Houston already has a collection of young wings – Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith, Tari Eason – this pick could be made by someone else. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
Sheppard could very possibly be off the board at No. 3, but like Houston, San Antonio is not considered a fit for Clingan. So Castle could also be in play here. In this scenario, Sheppard gives them a heady, skilled and ultratough combo guard who can surround Wemby with some much-needed shooting. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
Right now, everybody seems to be projecting Buzelis to the Pistons and while it makes sense given the current complexion of their roster, the reality is that Trajan Langdon may have vastly different ideas than anyone else realizes in his first draft at the helm of the organization. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
If things play out differently, Castle could be off the board here, with San Antonio perceived as a very real landing spot at No. 4. If he's available, he makes a lot of sense in between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as a defensive stopper and ultraversatile on-off ball threat. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
It's not impossible Clingan is still on the board here since Houston, San Antonio and Charlotte are not perceived as fits. If he's available, he's expected to be the pick. If not, Knecht gives them one of the most NBA-ready perimeter scorers in the draft and a way to iterate out of a perimeter trio that might not fit as currently constructed. Tidjane Salaun is a sleeper here too. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
It's all about building around Wemby. Sheppard gives them shooting and intangibles. Salaun gives them a fellow Frenchman and high motored physical specimen who could grow into just the type of ideal complement up front, especially if his shooting potential hits. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
There's a narrative that Holland is falling in this draft…and I'm not sure I buy it. He's hypercompetitive and just the type of big wing that is coveted in the modern NBA. The shooting needs work, but it's trending in the right direction and he's a plus defender. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
Williams is a high-risk/high-reward type prospect and so it may take an executive with a high risk tolerance and plenty of job security to make this pick. Danny Ainge clearly checks both of those boxes and if Williams hits, this could go down as a steal. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
Carter is one of the most naturally competitive prospects in the draft. He is also one of the best overall athletes according to the data from the combine. The Bulls refuse to go into all-out rebuilding mode and Carter is a player who could both help right away and still have untapped long-term upside. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
Once projected as a potential top-three pick, Topic's partially torn ACL and the potential for surgery, is expected to hurt the 18-year-old's draft stock. OKC makes sense because it can afford to take a shot given its surplus of future draft picks, don't need an immediate impact player here and have an affinity for big guards who can touch the paint at will. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
Dillingham could certainly be off the board at this point, but if he's available, he makes sense for Sacramento. Malik Monk is a free agent and finding a potential replacement in the draft could be a priority. Carter could be an option if he's available, as too could Jared McCain. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
Filipowski could give them a skilled frontcourt piece who could potentially play either the four of the five, a vast contrast to both DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams. In tandem, the Knecht/Filipowski duo would give them two immediate impact, high floor prospects after high upside picks like Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson have yet to hit quite as hoped. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
McCain has a real chance of being a lottery pick, but if not, Miami could be a logical destination. The Heat put a premium on shooting and culture, two things that McCain should have a positive net effect on. If Carter is still on the board though, don't be surprised to hear his name called here. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
Collier is a big and physical lead guard who creates tempo, sees the floor and can thrive in pick-and-roll. The shooting remains a question mark and while he underachieved defensively this year, he has the tools to be effective on that end. On a Philadelphia team that lacks a long-term prospect at the point, he makes sense. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Tristan da Silva | SF | |||
|
Da Silva is a quality plug-and-play option at this point in the draft, meaning his versatility allows him to plug a variety of different holes in the lineup without disrupting the flow of the team. The Lakers are attempting to bridge the gap between winning now and finding some long-term building blocks. Da Silva can serve both. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
Carrington is a high-upside big guard who has been picking up steam in the pre-draft process, even though he may require some patience. Orlando has drafted plenty of guards in recent years, but maybe only Jalen Suggs is a clear part of their long-term future, so developing Carrington is a logical step. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
With some questions in Toronto's backcourt, the Raptors could use an infusion of perimeter depth and scoring to solidify their perimeter rotation. Walter gives them that as well as a prospect with some three-and-D potential. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
If Cleveland ever elects to break up their twin towers of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, this would give them a rim-running, shot-blocking, lob threat waiting in the wings to develop. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
Jonas Valančiūnas is a free agent and center is the one position that the Pelicans haven't invested any recent draft picks. Edey, who was as dominant a college center as we've seen in a long time, is the best one on the board, but DaRon Holmes could be another option. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Baylor Scheierman | SG | |||
|
This pick could very well be on the market, but if not, the Suns need someone capable of playing immediate rotation minutes. This may seem early for Scheierman, but he's the best plug-and-play option on the board. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
DaRon Holmes II | PF | |||
|
The Bucks have plenty of young wings to try to develop in the coming season, but lack similar assets up front. Holmes provides that with an athlete who showed growth with his shooting potential this past season. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
I know…this is the most un-Thibbs pick ever. But if Ware ever buys into Thibbs style and the Knicks culture, he could turn into a steal. They also may have a need up front if Isaiah Hartenstein leaves in free agency. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Tyler Kolek | PG | |||
|
If Kolek is healthy, he could be one of the most NBA-ready guards in the field. His toughness and competitiveness certainly fit from a culture standpoint and he helps them shore-up their perimeter depth. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Tyler Smith | PF | |||
|
Smith is a legitimate floor-spacing southpaw big and an underrated athlete on top of that. With Clingan and Smith, Washington walks away with two quality long-term assets up front. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
It's very possible Furphy is already off the board by now, but if not, he provides a young shooter who can add to the floor-spacing around Anthony Edwards for years to come. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Jamal Shead | PG | |||
|
Calvin Booth is always looking for value on the margins and Shead could be able to provide that with his toughness and defense…especially if he becomes a reasonably reliable spot-up shooting threat. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Ryan Dunn | SF | |||
|
The Jazz have drafted at least one young player at every position in recent years, so there's bound to be redundancy here. Dunn is a big-time athlete and defender. If he learns to shoot, he'll go down as a steal. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Bobi Klintman | SF | |||
|
A big and versatile wing who knows how to play and can make shots would seem to make sense as Brad Stevens looks for some young players to help solidify his team's depth. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
The Hawks could use another big man and drafting No. 1 gives them the opportunity to land arguably the draft's most naturally talented prospect in the 2024 draft in Sarr. The big man has a high-upside swing and will be used in various ways offensively as a lob-catcher and pick-and-pop scorer. Sarr can also move his feet on defense and protect the rim, which is attractive to NBA teams missing that type of player. Sarr will need time to continue piecing his game together and get stronger. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
In the midst of a rebuild, the Wizards need young talent on their roster and Zaccharie Risacher provides that. Risacher has great size on the perimeter and has shown some impressive flashes throughout the season, particularly with his shot-making. It's been a streaky season for the Frenchman, but he provides size and shot-making on the perimeter and there's upside to tap into as a scorer off the dribble. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
The Rockets have solid young talent and core pieces for the future on their roster as they move into win-now mode, so it would not be surprising to see them target a more known commodity here – albeit one further down the draft board. The Rockets need depth and shot-making on the wing and there's none better or more proven than the sniper Knecht. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
As the Spurs look to build around its superstar and last year's No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, there's not a more fitting player for the organization than Sheppard. Sheppard is an analytical darling who complements all of those around him with his skill, feel and IQ. He's a connector, playmaker and lethal shooter from deep. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
The Pistons need supplemental pieces to complement their young talent. Buzelis is a versatile forward who can provide shooting while connecting the pieces around him. He has shown promise in his development as a shooter and has continued to show flashes as a playmaker. There is an upside he can continue to tap. What the Pistons need more than anything is age and experience, so it wouldn't be a shock to see them make a trade here as well. |
||||||
| 6 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
The Hornets could use another guard to play alongside LaMelo Ball and the best available here is Dillingham. It would be a homecoming for Dillingham, who grew up an hour outside of Charlotte. An electric player and dynamic shot-maker, Dillingham with the Hornets would be must-see-TV alongside Ball and second-year star Brandon Miller. |
||||||
| 7 |
|
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
The Trail Blazers really need a wing but they could also use some frontcourt depth. With Clingan available at No. 7, it would allow Portland to pivot to the best available player while also addressing a need. Clingan will be a defensive anchor in the NBA and will bring great size and winning intangibles to the team that selects him. Like most young big men, the UConn product has a wealth of potential and a lot of room to develop and grow as a player. |
||||||
| 8 |
|
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
The Spurs are building a roster around superstar Victor Wembanyama and want to add young talent at No. 8 to grow alongside their Frenchman. While Castle isn't the best available on the board, there's a lot to like about his upside. He displayed versatility at UConn in 2023-24 and under the Spurs' development program, has a chance to be San Antonio's point guard of the future. |
||||||
| 9 |
|
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
The Grizzlies are ready to make another playoff run in 2024-25 and could use a proven big man to contribute. With Clingan off the board, Edey is the next best available. After testing well at the combine, Edey's stock has risen. We could see a team take a swing on him this early, especially given how proven he is as a scorer around the rim. |
||||||
| 10 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
The Jazz need both an injection of talent at the wing position and Williams is just that. Williams is a late-blooming wing who had impressive moments throughout the season for Colorado, despite fighting injury. He has high upside and continues to develop as a scorer and connector. Williams needs to get stronger to tap into his defensive potential and versatility on both sides of the ball. |
||||||
| 11 |
|
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
The Bulls are cracking on the door of the playoffs and could use a point guard to help alleviate some ball-handling responsibilities off of star guard Coby White. Topic is a sizey playmaker who sets the table for the offense and would be the best available here while also fitting a need for the Bulls. |
||||||
| 12 |
|
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
There's no telling what the Thunder could do come draft night. Oklahoma City is the most promising young team in the NBA with the assets to potentially make a trade to bolster its roster with more veteran experience. However, if the Thunder don't trade and do make a pick here at No. 12 look for them to add another battle-tested guard on the perimeter who can provide scoring, playmaking, defense, and the necessary winning intangibles. Carter fits here for the Thunder who are poised to make many runs at the NBA Finals in the near future. |
||||||
| 13 |
|
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
The Kings need to continue adding depth to the perimeter and under these circumstances, no one makes more sense than Walter. The wing fits a prototype as a 3-and-D player who can continue to expand his scoring package. |
||||||
| 14 |
|
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
The Trail Blazers need a wing and with Knecht and Walter already off the board, the next top available forward is Salaun. Salaun has been picking up steam during the predraft process with his size, athleticism, and upside. |
||||||
| 15 |
|
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
The Heat would benefit from an injection of offense in its roster for next season and particularly a player who can improve 3-point shooting percentages. McCain can help in both areas while also providing toughness and smarts to contribute on defense, serve as a secondary ball-handler, and complement those around him. |
||||||
| 16 |
|
Tyler Kolek | PG | |||
|
The 76ers need to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference and continue to make a push with star big man Joel Embiid. They could use additional playmaking and shot-making behind Tyrese Maxey and no one is more proven in those two regards than Kolek. Kolek's skill, IQ and toughness could allow him to play a Payton Pritchard or TJ McConnell-style role in the NBA. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Bronny James | SG | |||
|
It's decision time in Los Angeles. Do the Lakers want to keep LeBron James in purple and gold? Rich Paul's comments regarding LeBron's 'free agent' status has amplified the pressure, and if LA wants to keep him around, there's no better way to do that than by drafting his son, Bronny. If the Lakers let Bronny remain available, they could be opening the door for any team, like the Suns, to snag what is anticipated to be a father-son package deal. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
The Magic have a promising young team and could use a versatile guard that can blend both playmaking and shot-making with the current roster. Carrington provides both of those things and has the upside to tap into. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
The Raptors have various needs to address. Adding talent and versatility to its frontcourt is one of them. Ware makes sense here because the Hoosier big man has shown progress with his ability to protect the rim, move his feet in ball-screen coverages, flash as an inside-out scorer and is also a certified lob threat. Ware has all of the talent and tools and started to really tap into them this past season. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
After making a coaching change, the Cavaliers are expected to bring back their dynamic backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. With that set, the Cavs could use additional firepower on the wing. Holland led the Ignite in scoring this past season, tallying more than 20 points a game, and can continue to improve as a shooter. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
There is no telling what lies ahead for the Pelicans who are at a crossroads with their roster and could have some blockbuster trades in the near future. With that in mind, for the 2024 draft New Orleans could select the best available guard in Collier. He may be a poor shooter, but he has shown flashes of brilliance over the years with his vision and playmaking. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
The Suns are in a dangerous roster situation after they got swept in the playoffs with a roster built with high-salary, prolific scorers. They could use some versatility in the front court and Filipowski is both proven and able to provide that with his shooting, passing, and scoring in the post. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Tyler Smith | PF | |||
|
The Bucks need a versatile, scoring forward who can hit shots and develop on this roster. Smith, who spent the 2023-24 season with G League Ignite, is a southpaw with size and a smooth stroke who injects some scoring versatility and adds roster depth. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
The Knicks were good enough to make the Eastern Conference finals before they had their deep playoff run derailed by injuries and a lack of depth. New York has a team built to compete again next season, but they just need more roster depth. Missi has just played three years of organized ball, but has a motor that coach Tom Thibodeau would value with upside for the years ahead. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Kyshawn George | SG | |||
|
George makes sense for the Knicks, a team that should continue to add depth and potential to its roster. George is a prototype wing scorer who has a smooth jumper and has all the physical tools but just needs the time to develop. The timing works well because the Knicks have guys ahead of him which will allow George to gradually become a valuable piece and future asset for the franchise. He can contribute right now as a shooter off the bench. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Ryan Dunn | SF | |||
|
The Wizards need assets, upside and intangibles on their roster which is why Dunn makes sense here. Washington is not in a position to win now, so it shouldn't seek or expect to land a guy who impacts win totals now. Instead, getting a guy like Dunn, who has elite skill as a defender, but needs time and more reps to develop an offense game is a wise move. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Baylor Scheierman | SG | |||
|
The Timberwolves will be looking to continue to bolster their NBA Finals chances and can fill a void in the shooting and offense department with Scheierman. He's a sniper from 3-point range who can also contribute as a connector and rebounder with his feel and IQ for the game. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Kevin McCullar Jr. | SG | |||
|
The Nuggets are hungry to get back to the NBA Finals next season and need another battle-tested player who can help immediately. McCullar may not be a sharp-shooter but he has made progress from 3-point range. He also provides versatility on both ends of the court on top of being a proven winner. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
The Jazz are in a strong position for the future and have the luxury of being able to continue to load up on assets. Picking Furphy here can be exactly that for Utah. Furphy was a proven sniper from 3-point range this season and will continue to evolve with this young roster. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Justin Edwards | SF | |||
|
The Celtics have everything they need to win a championship now so they can take a swing here with the last pick in the first round. One of the best players in the 2023 high school class, Edwards had a very rocky freshman season, but showed some impressive flashes that will intrigue NBA front offices. Edwards has versatility and skill. The Celtics offer him an environment to continue to mature and evolve into the player he was projected to be out of high school, while they continue to compete for championships. |
||||||
| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
Worst-case scenario for Sarr? A 7-foot, athletic, rim-running, shot-blocking big with playmaking upside who can finish lobs in the vein of Dereck Lively II. Best-case scenario? The shot continues to develop and now we're talking about a truly special two-way player. One source I talked to said he believes Sarr can be a "franchise player" five or six years down the road, so the Hawks won't hesitate to take him No. 1 in a draft sorely lacking high-ceiling prospects. |
||||||
| 2 |
|
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
On film, Risacher stands out as possibly the best player in the draft because of his size, athleticism and varied skill set that seems perfectly tailored for the modern NBA. He's stepped his game up considerably overseas as more attention has been sent his way, and the rebuilding Wizards are desperately looking for a potential franchise player to build around. It's a big swing, but Washington could look to repeat the success they had with another French prospect, Bilal Coulibaly, whom they selected in last year's lottery. |
||||||
| 3 |
|
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
Do I think Castle is the third-best prospect in this class? No. However, the fit with the Rockets is too perfect to pass up. Ideally they'd like a better shooter here, but Castle's versatility and defensive upside make him a perfect Ime Udoka player as Houston attempts to climb into the postseason picture. I could see Castle having a Josh Hart-like impact on winning from day one with plenty of other Rockets to run the show offensively. |
||||||
| 4 |
|
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
The Spurs need a guard to run the show and, more importantly, deliver the ball to Victor Wembanyama in advantageous positions. Topic puts relentless pressure on the rim with his powerful frame and finishes at a high clip, which will open up passing angles to Wemby and the other Spurs -- plus he's an excellent pick-and-roll operator with great vision. Topic isn't a floor spacer, but if he can get up to league-average as a 3-point shooter, we could be talking about a future All-Star. |
||||||
| 5 |
|
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
Cade Cunningham needs a backcourt mate who can effectively space the floor, and that's exactly what Sheppard does as the best 3-point shooter in the draft. He's equally adept off the catch and off the dribble, landing in the 99th percentile in both areas during his only college season, per Synergy Sports. Sheppard may not be the best shot creator, but he's more than capable of being a secondary playmaker and is an underrated defender who should be able to hold his own at the NBA level. |
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| 6 |
|
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
In theory, Buzelis is the perfect next piece for the Hornets, surrounding LaMelo Ball with a long, versatile connector alongside the lob-catching Mark Williams and floor-spacing Brandon Miller. In practice, Buzelis will need to improve his shooting significantly if he's going to reach his ceiling, which could be a Franz Wagner type -- a big playmaker who can also get out and finish in transition. |
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| 7 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
Williams is just solid in pretty much every area and looks like he should be able to play right away, with the room to grow into a much more prolific offensive player. He won't rock the boat as Scoot Henderson takes the reins next season, and will fill much needed minutes on the wing with his 3-point shooting, playmaking upside and defensive potential. |
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| 8 |
|
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
The Spurs are going to be much better next season, and Clingan is just the type of known commodity who can come in and impact winning right away. As a backup to Victor Wembanyama (and possibly next to him in some Gregg Popovich lab-concocted super-gigantic lineups), the polished UConn product will provide shot-blocking, screen-setting, rebounding and finishing from the second he sets foot on the floor. Good luck scoring at the rim against San Antonio with at least one of these two monsters on the floor for all 48 minutes. |
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| 9 |
|
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
A bucket-getter with a sweet shooting stroke, Knecht is the perfect player to put next to Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. The 6-foot-5 wing is prolific movement shooter, which will add a new dimension to the Memphis offense. He's also a great cutter who can attack closeouts and finish above the rim with his 6-foot-9 wingspan. Already 23 years old, Knecht's NBA learning curve shouldn't be too steep for a Grizzlies squad hoping to get back into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. |
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| 10 |
|
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
Salaun is shooting up draft boards thanks to his versatile skill set and NBA-ready, athletic frame. He doesn't turn 19 until August, so this is clearly a long-term, upside play for Utah -- but they're certainly a team that can afford to be patient. One source who's seen him play in France told me he thinks Salaun will eventually be a better finished product than countrymen Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher. The Jazz would love to be the beneficiaries of that kind of talent at No. 10. |
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| 11 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
Nobody's quite clear on the Bulls' direction moving forward, so they should just take the best prospect available -- and here, that's Dillingham. An electric three-level scorer, the Kentucky product measured quite small at the Combine (6-foot-1, 164 pounds), but could still thrive in a current NBA landscape that tends to limit defensive physicality. It's hard not to see shades of Tyrese Maxey and Darius Garland when you watch Dillingham, but his lack of size could ultimately lower his ceiling. |
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| 12 |
|
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
The only thing really going against Carter as a prospect is his age (turned 22 in March), but his impressive performance at the combine certainly turned some heads. Owner of a 6-foot-9 wingspan, 42-inch vertical and a sturdy frame, he profiles as a potentially elite defensive prospect. He also averaged nearly 10 rebounds per 40 minutes last season at Providence, absolutely ridiculous for a 6-foot-2 guard and a clear indication of his high motor and basketball IQ. The difference-maker will be whether the 38% he shot from 3-point range last season can translate to the NBA. Either way, OKC will be glad to snatch him up at No. 12. |
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| 13 |
|
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
Not only is McCain an elite shooting prospect, but he also happens to be a Sacramento native. He should fit in perfectly as a movement shooter capable of running off of all those picks and dribble hand-offs from Domantas Sabonis, and McCain can capably serve as a secondary ball-handler when necessary. He's also a deadly pull-up 3-point marksman, a good piece for a team that wants to play fast. |
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| 14 |
|
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
Holland has the talent of a top-five prospect, but his inefficiency and inconsistent shooting might put him more of the "development" category. That's perfect for the Blazers, who aren't slated to compete any time soon. Holland could be a plus defender very quickly and, while the offensive end might take some work, he's an excellent shot creator -- now it's just a matter of making them a bit more often. |
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| 15 |
|
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
Once considered among the top players in the class, Collier's stock took a considerable hit during his only season at USC. Now he could become an absolute steal for a team drafting in the teens, and Miami seems like the perfect place for a talented, hard-nosed player with a chip on his shoulder. Collier uses his speed and power to get to the rim and, consequently, to the free throw line. His shooting, decision-making and defense are the main question marks, but you can't argue with the talent. |
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| 16 |
|
Tristan da Silva | SF | |||
|
The Sixers are in win-now mode during Joel Embiid's prime, and Da Silva is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft with the size, frame and skill set to contribute immediately. He's a great cutter who finishes creatively around the basket to make up for his lack of explosiveness, and he profiles as an average to above-average 3-point shooter. Defensively, his basketball IQ is constantly on display and he can guard multiple positions. Da Silva could easily step into a Philadelphia frontcourt rotation that lacks depth. |
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| 17 |
|
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
The Lakers may not keep this pick, but if they do it will be executed with a post-LeBron world in mind. Walter is an intriguing scorer who seems like a better shooter than his 34% mark last season at Baylor would suggest. It might take some time, but with his 6-foot-10 wingspan, he could develop into an elite defender in the vein of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope -- an archetype with which the Lakers are extremely familiar. |
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| 18 |
|
Kyshawn George | SG | |||
|
George is an Orlando Magic player if I've ever seen one, with size and skill to play and guard multiple positions. Most importantly, he was a knock-down shooter in his one season at Miami, particularly off the catch. He could serve as a floor-spacer in Orlando while he develops his ball-handling and playmaking skills -- which I find incredibly intriguing. |
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| 19 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
Ware's NBA fit jumps off the page (almost literally) when you watch his film. Lob threats/rim protectors like Dereck Lively II and Daniel Gafford have shown that players with Ware's profile (and 7-foot-5 wingspan) can immediately contribute to winning. That's his floor, but then you add in the fact that Ware shot 43% from 3-point range last season? This young man could be the steal of the draft, and he'll pair nicely with Toronto's young core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley. |
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| 20 |
|
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
If you're selecting Furphy it's because you believe in his potential, and his theoretical ceiling is nearly perfect for the Cavs as a 3-point shooter who can also get out and finish in transition. He's also shown signs of being a solid defensive playmaker with steals and blocks, and he'll have to contribute on that end if he's going to stay on the court for the Cavs. Most likely he'll spend most of his rookie year developing, and the benefits could be robust down the line. |
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| 21 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
Who knows what the Pelicans roster will look like come October, so they'll likely just draft the best prospect available at No. 21. To me that's Carrington (better known as Bub), who profiles as a heat-check bucket-getter with a deadly pull-up jumper who can also be a secondary playmaker (think Bones Hyland or Lou Williams, but bigger). He also doesn't turn 19 until this summer, so he likely has plenty of room to develop -- the most immediate area to address is his 3-point shooting. |
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| 22 |
|
DaRon Holmes II | PF | |||
|
Holmes just knows how to play basketball and he'll be 22 by the time his rookie season starts, so he should be able to immediately slot into a Phoenix rotation that desperately needs low-cost, impact players. He plays much bigger than his 6-foot-9 frame, as a smart roller and finisher who can also pop out to 3-point range. Holmes isn't going to create his own shot very often, but he's the perfect player to put next to all of the Suns' top-end scoring and playmaking. |
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| 23 |
|
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
The questions about Edey's NBA fit are valid, but there's no better player for him to learn from than Brook Lopez -- and it doesn't hurt that Milwaukee is a hop, skip and a jump from Purdue. In order to succeed, Edey will need to master the art of drop defense, which the Bucks have played for years with Lopez -- a similarly slow-footed 7-plus-footer. Edey should block shots immediately, but the danger comes when he's out in space against NBA-level speed and shot-making. His offensive role is a bit murky, but he should be able to get a few touches here and there in the post, where he dominated in college. |
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| 24 |
|
Baylor Scheierman | SG | |||
|
The Knicks were the second-best 3-point shooting team in the league last year, so they should happily jump at the chance to draft Scheierman, who was a marksman both off the catch and off the dribble at Creighton. He also displayed NBA range, which means there shouldn't be much of an adjustment curve, and he's shown flashes of some secondary playmaking ability. The question will be whether he can hold his own defensively enough to stay on the floor for Tom Thibodeau. |
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| 25 |
|
Ryan Dunn | SF | |||
|
Some might not see Dunn as a first-rounder due to his total lack of offensive production in college, but he's the type of game-changing defender who can immediately carve out an NBA role. The prototype for his development would be Herb Jones, who walked into the league as an excellent defender and has since developed into a 42% 3-point shooter. That might not be in Dunn's future, but even if he's more like Matisse Thybulle, he should be able to earn minutes on a contender. |
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| 26 |
|
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
Front office execs must love players like Missi, who have virtually no mystery to their game. He's a rim-runner and shot-blocker who wasn't foolish enough to even attempt a 3-pointer in his only season at Baylor. Instead he displayed the type of high motor that should get him a chance at minutes early in his career -- particularly with the rebuilding Wizards. |
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| 27 |
|
Tyler Smith | PF | |||
|
Smith fits Minnesota's intense craving for length (7-foot-1 wingspan), while also serving as a stretch big to learn from Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid. Defense will be the major issue for Smith, particularly on a team like the Timberwolves, but he could turn into an interesting piece down the line if and when the roster gets too expensive in Minnesota. |
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| 28 |
|
Jaylon Tyson | SF | |||
|
The Nuggets learned in their shortened playoff run that they need a little more help off their bench, and Tyson has the frame and experience to contribute right away. He might have been overextended a bit at Cal and got into the habit of overdribbling, but his role will be simplified at the NBA level, allowing him to shine as a big guard who puts pressure on the rim and can knock down the open 3-pointers created by Nikola Jokic and Co. |
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| 29 |
|
Bobi Klintman | SF | |||
|
Another draft pick, another development project for the Jazz. Klintman is as intriguing as any prospect in the class, but has yet to put it together at either the college or international level. Utah has plenty of patience, and will take a chance on a stretch-forward who can get out in transition and could eventually become a plus defender. |
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| 30 |
|
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
I've seen Filipowski much higher in some other mock drafts, and frankly I don't get it. I've certainly been proven wrong before, but he's not a particularly strong rim protector and his 3-point shot is shaky at best, which I think limits his NBA ceiling. He does have good touch around the basket and can move his feet defensively, so getting into a system like Boston's would likely to wonders for his development -- even if it takes a while. |
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| # | Team | Player | Pos | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Alex Sarr | C | |||
|
This draft class may not possess a true "generational" talent, but Sarr is still a solid consolation prize. Sarr is one of the best two-way talents in the draft, and his shooting can be a real swing skill. The Hawks will have a foundational piece to build around heading into a (likely) rebuild if Sarr lives up to the hype. |
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| 2 |
|
Rob Dillingham | PG | |||
|
Watching Dillingham at Kentucky last season reminded me of two former guards John Calipari coached during his tenure in Lexington: Malik Monk and Tyrese Maxey. Dillingham is an elusive playmaker who can get to the basket with ease. While there may be concerns about his size and defense at the next level, the upside makes him a candidate to become the best player in the class when it's all said and done. |
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| 3 |
|
Reed Sheppard | SG | |||
|
Sheppard compiled one of the most efficient seasons in college basketball history while coming off the bench for Kentucky. Sheppard is a gifted athlete and an elite shooter. Both of those skills will translate to the next level and could make him the point guard of the future for the Rockets. |
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| 4 |
|
Stephon Castle | PG | |||
|
The Spurs hit the lottery (literally and figuratively) last year when they selected Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 pick. The Spurs are in a prime position to make another splash with two top-10 picks. San Antonio's biggest need is point guard, and Castle has expressed a desire to play that position at the next level. If Castle improves his 3-point shooting, the Spurs will have another building block for their rebuild. |
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| 5 |
|
Zaccharie Risacher | SF | |||
|
Risacher is a skilled forward with tremendous shooting upside, which is why he's one of the top candidates to be selected No. 1 overall. The Pistons should take the best available player left on the board. If Risacher falls to No. 5, Detroit shouldn't hesitate to make him the selection. |
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| 6 |
|
Dalton Knecht | SG | |||
|
Knecht took college basketball by storm this past season by transforming from mid-major star to first-team All-American. In a draft filled with unproven prospects, Knecht is one of the safest bets because of his elite shotmaking ability. With the Hornets already having a franchise point guard in LaMelo Ball, Knecht would be a perfect 1-2 punch next to former No. 2 pick Brandon Miller. |
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| 7 |
|
Donovan Clingan | C | |||
|
With the Trail Blazers having a crowded backcourt filled with young stars, it makes sense to take Clingan here. The former UConn star can become the defensive anchor in the middle that every team covets. Clingan had a block percentage of 11.4% (per Kenpom.com) — good enough for seventh in the country. |
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| 8 |
|
Matas Buzelis | SF | |||
|
Buzelis' draft range seems to be a mixed bag. The Spurs shouldn't pass up the opportunity to draft a skilled wing. Buzelis will need to develop his isolation scoring, as he tends to turn the ball at a high rate when in isolation. |
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| 9 |
|
Devin Carter | PG | |||
|
The Grizzlies need a win-now type player from this class, and Carter fits that bill perfectly. Carter is a tough-nosed defender who can rebound at a high level. His testing numbers at the NBA Draft Combine were among the best in his class. |
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| 10 |
|
Nikola Topic | PG | |||
|
The latest injury news about Topić's knee is cause for concern and could result in him dropping on draft night. The Jazz appear to be in rebuild mode and would have the luxury of letting him take his time to heal (however long that may be) to be their point guard of the future. Topić isn't going to blow you away with his speed with the ball, but he plays in control. He's worth the swing at No. 10. |
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| 11 |
|
Ron Holland | SF | |||
|
It's pretty shocking how Holland isn't a consensus lottery pick. While Holland's athleticism is evident, his defensive potential intrigues me. He has quick hands and tends to get into passing lanes while defending off the ball. When in doubt, take the player who was formerly the top-ranked player in his recruiting class. |
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| 12 |
|
Cody Williams | SG | |||
|
Williams to the Thunder makes sense for a multitude of reasons. The obvious one is his older brother, Jalen Williams, is a rising star on the Thunder. The other is that he could be the best two-way wing in the class. The Thunder have a treasure chest of future picks, and drafting a player who once had buzz as a potential No. 1 overall pick is tremendous value at the end of the lottery. |
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| 13 |
|
DaRon Holmes II | PF | |||
|
Sacramento Kings general manager Monte McNair has tended to draft older players (Tyrese Haliburton, Davion Mitchell, Keegan Murray, Colby Jones, etc) with his draft picks since taking over the organization. Holmes fits that bill and would fill a need on Sacramento's roster for a rim-protecting stretch big. |
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| 14 |
|
Tidjane Salaun | SF | |||
|
Salaün is soaring up draft boards as of late, and there's a real chance he will end up as a lottery pick. In this mock, the Trail Blazers selected Clingan with their first lottery pick. Drafting Salaün at the end of the lottery fills the need for a wing on a roster full of talented guards. |
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| 15 |
|
Tristan da Silva | SF | |||
|
Da Silva is a big wing who was a great shooter at Colorado. Da Silva is one of the oldest prospects in the draft. He is also one of the most NBA-ready players because of his ability to score off cuts, catch and shoot attempts, dribble handoffs, and in isolation. |
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| 16 |
|
Jared McCain | PG | |||
|
Arguably the best 3-point shooter in his class, McCain was elite in knocking down shots from beyond the arc in transition. McCain projects as more of an off-ball guard at the next level, but his strong rebounding skills make him equipped to thrive at the next level. |
||||||
| 17 |
|
Zach Edey | C | |||
|
Edey is arguably the most polarizing player in this class because of how varied his draft range is. The two-time Naismith Player of the Year was the most dominant force in the sport because of his size and strength. Edey could serve as the Lakers' backup center to Anthony Davis or play next to him while holding down the paint. |
||||||
| 18 |
|
Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | |||
|
Walter's 3-point shooting will be his swing skill. As for everything else, he will need to be more aggressive in driving to the basket and getting to his spot on mid-range jumpers. Walter shot 214 3-pointers, compared to 160 shots from inside the arc. |
||||||
| 19 |
|
Isaiah Collier | PG | |||
|
The former No. 2 recruit from the 2023 cycle dealt with a hand injury mid-way through his season at USC that sidelined him for about a month. After his return, Collier showed why he was one of the best freshmen in his class. Collier is a point guard built like a middle linebacker, and his strong frame allows him to bully his way to the rim. The numbers also don't do it justice to how skilled of a passer Collier is. |
||||||
| 20 |
|
Tyler Smith | PF | |||
|
Smith knocked down 36% of his 3-pointers this past season for G-League Ignite. The southpaw can stretch the floor, and his wingspan (7-foot-1) could intrigue NBA decision-makers. |
||||||
| 21 |
|
Yves Missi | C | |||
|
Missi is one of my favorite prospects in this class because of his skill set as a rim runner and shot blocker who is also very fluid with his movements. Missi isn't going to knock down a ton of jumpers and 3-pointers in the NBA, but his athleticism can fill a need for a Pelicans team in need of a backup center. |
||||||
| 22 |
|
Carlton Carrington | PG | |||
|
In his first game as a college player, Carrington recorded a triple-double. He's a stat sheet stuffer who could give the Suns a cheap and reliable option at point guard. Carrington has been a draft riser throughout the process. His floor appears to be in the mid-to-late first round. |
||||||
| 23 |
|
Kyle Filipowski | C | |||
|
Filipowski is probably the most skilled player offensively his size in this class. He can stretch the floor and bruise inside. Filipowski is more of a four than a five at the next level, but his archetype is what NBA teams are looking for. |
||||||
| 24 |
|
Kel'el Ware | C | |||
|
With Isaiah Hartenstein set to become a free agent this offseason, the Knicks could benefit from drafting a center. After an up-and-down freshman season at Oregon, Ware transferred to Indiana, where he turned his career around and put himself back in the conversation as a first-round pick. |
||||||
| 25 |
|
Johnny Furphy | SG | |||
|
Furphy is still a raw prospect, but he showed flashes in his limited production at Kansas on why his skills can translate. Furphy has good size for an off-ball guard or big wing, and his 3-point shooting is his greatest strength. |
||||||
| 26 |
|
Bobi Klintman | SF | |||
|
The former Wake Forest forward took his talents overseas and played for the Cairns Taipans of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) this past season. Klintman is one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in the draft. He is a proven 3-point shooter, and his defensive versatility is a swing skill. |
||||||
| 27 |
|
Baylor Scheierman | SG | |||
|
Scheierman will turn 24 this September, which means he will have a chance to become the oldest first-round pick since Chris Duarte went 13th overall in 2021. Scheierman is a high-volume shooter from distance who can score in various ways from outside. |
||||||
| 28 |
|
Jaylon Tyson | SF | |||
|
Tyson would be the perfect pick for an experienced team less than a year removed from winning an NBA title. Tyson was Cal's No. 1 option last season. He is a proven two-way wing who could contribute to the rotation from Day 1. |
||||||
| 29 |
|
Dillon Jones | SF | |||
|
Jones is one of four players since the 1992-93 college basketball season to post at least 1,500 points, 1,000 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals in a career. The Jazz are heading toward a rebuild, so landing Topić and an in-state college star (Jones) would be a significant haul. |
||||||
| 30 |
|
Tyler Kolek | PG | |||
|
The Celtics are on the verge of winning their first title since 2008. There aren't many holes on one of the deepest rosters in the association, but they would benefit from adding a proven guard like Kolek, who can run the point in a backup role. |
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5:12NBA Mock Draft: Spurs Select Victor Wembanyama At No. 1