- The Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Finals, officially bringing the NBA season to a close.
- The offseason is now underway, with free agents eligible to sign deals starting on July 6.
- The NBA Draft will take place before then, with Round 1 on June 26 and Round 2 on June 27.
With the 2023-24 NBA season officially concluded and the offseason now underway, rumors surrounding the NBA Draft have begun to heat up. Unlike last season with Victor Wembanyama, the #1 pick is far from locked in. The potential selection of Bronny James will also be one of the top storylines as the draft rapidly draws near.
2024 NBA Mock Draft
#1 – Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr (F/C)
The Hawks lucked out in the Draft Lottery, moving up nine spots to #1 overall. Alexandre Sarr fits exactly what Atlanta needs as a capable interior defender. His offensive game needs work, but Atlanta has the backcourt to support him in Young and Murray. Sarr can provide a defensive identity that this team has been lacking. This selection could also be coupled with a trade of 30-year-old Clint Capela, allowing Atlanta to gain another pick.
#2 Portland Trail Blazers (mock trade w/ WAS): Donovan Clingan (C)
With no clear best option, this draft is bound to have several trades. Washington has many holes to fill, and would benefit from having multiple lottery selections. In this mock, the Wizards opt to trade picks #2 and #26 to Portland in exchange for picks #7, and #14, and #34. Portland’s desire to move up revolves around big man Donovan Clingan, who would immediately provide some much-needed stability to the Blazers frontcourt.
#3 – Houston Rockets: Zaccharie Risacher (F)
The Rockets are thrilled to see Risacher fall into their laps at #3. Considered by many to be the top player in this draft, Risacher would provide Houston with a talented wing capable of scoring in bursts and guarding every position. Coupled with Amen Thompson, the Rockets would have two young standout wings. Offloading the Dillon Brooks contract should also be a priority for Houston, especially if they snag a player like Risacher.
#4 – San Antonio Spurs: Matas Buzelis (F)
The Spurs will be one of the more interesting teams to watch in this draft, as they own picks #4 and #8. A trade down could definitely be in the cards for San Antonio, but there may not be a ton of suitors either. Without a good offer, the Spurs need to focus on building around Victor Wembanyama. Buzelis is a well-adjusted athlete that will play much smarter than most rookies. His size and versatility should help open the floor for Wemby.
#5 – Charlotte Hornets (mock trade w/ DET): Reed Shepard (G)
Watching Risacher and Buzelis get selected before them is not ideal for a Pistons team that very much needs a power forward. Instead of forcing a selection, Detroit opts to trade down one spot with the Hornets, netting pick #42 in the process. Charlotte makes this move with a clear selection in mind. Reed Shepard can play the 2 in between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, and provide the team with a smart and consistent player as a rookie.
#6 – Detroit Pistons (mock trade w/ CHA): Stephon Castle (G)
Having moved down one spot in the trade with Charlotte, the Pistons remain in a similar position. Their greatest need is at the 4, but it’s unlikely they’ll reach too far down the board to take one. Without another trade down, Detroit opts to take the best player remaining on the board in 6’7″ Stephon Castle. As an excellent perimeter defender, Castle would create a formidable backcourt duo with Cade Cunningham and his offensive ability.
#7 – Washington Wizards (mock trade w/ POR): Nikola Topić (G)
The Wizards need help across the board to improve. They netted the #7 and #14 picks in this mock’s trade with Portland, which will help accelerate their rebuild. At #7, Washington has several options. The raw athleticism of Rob Dillingham may be too much to pass up, but his smaller size and subpar defense may only compound their troubles. Instead, Nikola Topić provides them with a skilled passer that can instantly make the team better.
#8 – San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham (G)
After selecting Buzelis at #4, the Spurs will have their eyes set on a guard next. 19-year-old Rob Dillingham is still a raw prospect, but his explosiveness with the ball in his hands is something San Antonio desperately needs. While he wouldn’t be an ideal fit on some other teams, Dillingham’s age and stage of development is perfect for growing alongside Wembanyama, who will help make up for a potential lack of size or defense.
#9 – Memphis Grizzlies: Dalton Knect (F)
After a run of four guards taken in a row, the Grizzlies are primed to break that streak. With Ja Morant returning to a backcourt that already features Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, Memphis is far more likely to select a forward here. In this mock, the Grizzlies don’t need to go far, taking a Tennessee Volunteer. Dalton Knect is more experienced than others, and will be ready to contribute on a potential playoff team in the Grizzlies.
#10 – Toronto Raptors (mock trade w/ UTA): Tidjane Salaün (F)
With several good options on the board at this point, but no clear top option, the rebuilding Jazz opt to trade down. They move down 9 spots in this mock trade with Toronto, netting pick #31 and a 2025 2nd-rounder in the process. Meanwhile, the Raptors move up with a clear need in mind. The midseason trades of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam left Toronto desperate for a forward like Tidjane Salaün, who plays very similarly to Anunoby.
#11 – Chicago Bulls: Ron Holland (F)
The Bulls are another team needing help across the board. The trade for Josh Giddey added to their backcourt, but they still need to address a frontcourt full of holes. Ron Holland is not only the best player left on the board, but he also fits what the Bulls need. As one of the youngest players in the draft, Holland will have time to learn the ropes as Chicago works on rebuilding their entire roster. He may still be a day one starter, despite his age.
#12 – Oklahoma City Thunder: Cody Williams (G)
Oklahoma City was the other half of the Josh Giddey trade, receiving Alex Caruso in the process. With an experienced defender in Caruso added, the Thunder have the backup they needed for Shai. On the other hand, they still have some needs to address. With Cody Williams available at #12, the Thunder are salivating at the proposition of starting him at the 2 next to Shai. Williams has the potential to become a true two-way talent.
#13 – Sacramento Kings: Ja’Kobe Walter (G)
It’s very possible that the Kings explore a trade down in this spot, but they also may not receive many juicy offers. If they choose to stay put, Sacramento has a few intriguing options available. With Malik Monk now locked up for the next four years, the Kings are less likely to select his replacement. That being said, Ja’Kobe Walter could still provide them with a similar play style at a much lower price. He is also an excellent scorer.
#14 – Washington Wizards (mock trade w/ POR): Devin Carter (G)
The trade with Portland officially works out for Washington as they see both Devin Carter and Jared McCain fall into their laps. Deciding between the two will be tricky, but the Wizards will certainly be pleased with concluding the first round with two excellent players. After taking Nikola Topić at #7, Washington opts for another fluid passer and smart player in Devin Carter. The two should play a massive role in turning the Wizards around.
#15 – Miami Heat: Jared McCain (G)
Miami addressed their PG concerns with a midseason acquisition of Terry Rozier. However, they could still use stability at the position in the future. Rozier is 30 years old and on contract for two more seasons with Miami. With that it mind, 19-year old Jared McCain could be a great fit. He’s a hard-working player on both sides of the ball that fits the Heat mentality, and will still be 21 when Rozier’s contract expires. This is a steal for Miami.
#16 – Philadelphia 76ers: Tristan Da Silva (F)
The 76ers have a handful of needs to address after another first-round playoff elimination. With Joel Embiid exiting his prime, Philadelphia’s window to compete for a title with him is quickly closing. Because of that, the 76ers are much more likely to either trade this selection or pick an NBA-ready player over a young prospect. Tristan Da Silva fits that mold nicely at 23-years-old. He’d likely play 10-20 minutes off the bench as a rookie.
#17 – Los Angeles Lakers: Johnny Furphy (G)
With Da Silva off the board right ahead of them, the Lakers miss the chance to address their biggest need of SF. Instead, they opt for one of the draft’s best pure shooters in Johnny Furphy. He could immediately make an impact for a Lakers team that is still competing for a title. His size at 6’7″ also adds flexibility. Furphy is a catch-and-shoot talent that would space the floor for Los Angeles’ stars without taking the ball out of their hands.
#18 – Orlando Magic: Isaiah Collier (G)
Orlando is yet another team that could explore a trade down in this spot. At this point in the draft, the already murky board becomes even less clear. Teams will start taking flyers on lower ranked players that fit their personal scheme if unable to trade down. For the Magic, they need a young PG that can grow alongside their core. Isaiah Collier has the highest upside of any remaining guard, and would fit on Orlando’s roster nicely.
#19 – Utah Jazz: (mock trade w/ TOR): Carlton Carrington (G)
After moving down nine spots, the Jazz still have a host of potential options. They’re in need of a ball-handling PG, with starter Kris Dunn set to hit free agency and both Keyonte George and Collin Sexton more fit to play the 2. Carrington fills that need perfectly. He is a capable ball-handler that moves quickly and smoothly with the ball in his hands and could carry the ball up even as a rookie. Utah will still have selections at 29, 31, and 32 as well.
#20 – Cleveland Cavaliers: Yves Missi (C)
The Cavs have some decisions to make for their frontcourt during this draft. Both Evan Mobley and Jarett Allen will be off the books by the end of the 2025-26 season, should they not sign extensions. With that in mind, they may opt to add a big with this pick. Rather than adding an NBA-ready player like Zach Edey to a crowded mix, Cleveland is more likely to take a developmental player like Missi that will be ready to start in a couple of years.
#21 – New Orleans Pelicans: Tyler Kolek (G)
New Orleans is in a interesting spot right now. Their roster isn’t quite good enough to make a deep playoff run, but it’s also nowhere near bad enough to focus on a rebuild. That means the Pelicans need to make the most of their current players by adding assets that will bring out the best in them. Tyler Kolek is one of those players. He is a fluid passer with a high basketball IQ. He’ll aid the Pelicans offense with good ball movement and spacing.
#22 – Phoenix Suns: Zach Edey (C)
Rumors that the Suns may select Bronny James with this pick have circled, but it is still an unliklihood. The Suns are stuck in win-now mode, owing Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant $50m a year apiece for the next 2-4 seasons. With that in mind, the Suns may look to draft a player that can be more impactful out of the gate than Bronny. In this case, Zach Edey fits the mold. His size in the paint would aid Phoenix’s defense.
#23 – Milwaukee Bucks: Kel’el Ware (C)
The Bucks came up short in the postseason after Lillard and Giannis went down with injuries. They retain a similar roster for next season, which should have them near the top of the Eastern Conference if they can stay healthy. Milwaukee is in need of a potential replacement for Brook Lopez, who is 36-years-old and will be a free agent next summer. Ware is a stellar interior defender and would benefit from learning from Lopez for a year.
#24 – New York Knicks: Kyle Filipowski (F)
It is widely believed that the Knicks will opt to trade one of their two consecutive picks, potentially packaged with Bojan Bogdonavić and Mitchell Robinson for a legitimate asset. On the other hand, if this trade fails to materialize by draft night, the Knicks won’t have a choice. Filipowski has slid down the boards, but would offer New York with much-needed depth at the PF position. He fits the mold for the type of stretch big they need.
#25 – New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn (G)
If Tom Thibodeau was playing NBA 2K and created a player, that player would be Ryan Dunn. While his game on offense has some concerning limits, Dunn is a menace on defense. He’s a team first player that gives 100% on the court no matter the situation. Dunn would fit like a glove in New York, providing the Knicks with a player who could be a blend of OG Anunoby’s defense and Josh Hart’s effort. He just needs to get better on offense.
#26 – Portland Trail Blazers (mock trade w/ WAS): Tyler Smith (F)
After moving up to #2 for Donovan Clingan, Portland will make their second selection of the night at #26. The board has thinned out at this point, but there are still talented players available. Tyler Smith has one of the highest floors of the remaining assets, and can provide the Trail Blazers with a high level of consistency as a rookie. His size at 6’9″ would also help make up for a somewhat smaller backcourt of Henderson and Simons.
#27 – Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr. (G)
The Timberwolves looked like contenders to win it all before losing in five games to the Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Their defense was the best in the league all season, but the offense was limited outside of Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. Minnesota would benefit from adding a floor spacer to their backcourt to draw defenders away from Edwards. Shannon Jr. could instantly fill that role at 22-years-old.
#28 – Denver Nuggets: Kyshawn George (G)
Denver has been one of the best teams at drafting lately, and would love to see Kyshawn George fall into their laps. While they may opt for a more NBA-ready asset as a currently competitive team, George’s upside will be hard to pass up at #28. He may not be ready to make an immediate impact, but he’ll provide Denver with yet another young and affordable asset on the roster. Doing so allows the Nuggets to stay perenially competitive.
#29 – Indiana Pacers (mock trade w/ UTA): Baylor Scheierman (G)
Following their mock trade with the Raptors, Utah now has selections #31 and #32 as well. Those early 2nd-round picks are often more valuable than late 1st-round picks. This allows the Jazz to move down seven spots and net pick #51. Moving into this spot is the Pacers, who didn’t have their own first-round selection. Indiana’s desire to trade up revolves around SG Baylor Scheierman, who fills a positional need and is already NBA-ready.
#30 – Boston Celtics: Daron Holmes II (F)
The Celtics are thinking more about their championship than the NBA Draft right now, but still have some areas to address. The constant injuries to Kristaps Porziņģis have to be on Boston’s mind, especially as they lack frontcourt depth. Fortunately, the Celtics have the ability to take DaRon Holmes II with this selection. Holmes is a much smaller big than Porziņģis, but still does an excellent job of defending the rim and spacing the floor.
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