2024 NBA Mock Draft V.4
Good to see you again. The No Ceilings Crew puts together V.4 of their 2024 NBA Mock Draft.
Welcome, Ladies and Gentlemen. We’ve reached a beautiful time of the year.
A time in which NBA fans start to get familiar with an incoming draft class.
A time in which madness is welcomed by all basketball fans.
It’s March Madness.
College basketball will have conference tournaments this week leading up to a glorious Selection Sunday.
You’ve heard us say it before, but it’s important to throw it out once again: this class is as open as ever, even at this point of the cycle.
There’s going to be PLENTY of movement in the upcoming months. After March Madness, the real party will start with the beginning of the “second phase” of the 2024 NBA draft cycle.
The below draft order is as of March 10th, 2024. The format for every Mock Draft here at No Ceilings remains the same. Our crew gets together for a “War Room” roundtable chat, before nominating a player for each selection. That includes plenty of debate before taking it to a final vote.
Here are the latest results from our most recent “War Room.”
For Those About to Mock, We Salute You.
#1. Detroit Pistons—Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
11.4 PTS | 3.5 REB | 1.0 AST
1.0 STL | 0.4 BLK | 1.5 TOV
49.4 FG% | 44.7 3P% | 69.4 FT%
42 Games | 23.1 MIN
Ignacio Rissotto: When a team is sitting at a 10-53 record like the Pistons are, it’s expected that they’ll make a call at the end of the season and decide which players are the future of your franchise, which players are complementary pieces and which players could be trade assets. This 2023-24 season has proved that Cade Cunningham is definitely that guy in Detroit and that Jaden Ivey has taken the leap, becoming a more efficient scorer who can play alongside Cade.
With their backcourt of the future now set, the Pistons need everything else, and while Detroit will certainly look at Alex Sarr here, they choose to address two of their biggest weaknesses (off-ball scoring and forward depth) by adding Zaccharie Risacher, who has been making an impact in the French LNB, converting 44.7% of his 141 three-point attempts during the season. Risacher won’t wow you with his self-creation, but his floor-spacing makes him a natural fit alongside non-shooters like Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson in the Pistons frontcourt. Risacher is also able to make an impact on the other end of the floor, providing versatile defense with his combination of 6’8” size, length and mobility, which allows him to cover wings in the perimeter, help with rebounding, and contest shots around the basket.
#2. Washington Wizards—Alex Sarr, F/C, Perth
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
9.6 PTS | 4.6 REB | 1.1 AST
0.4 STL | 1.6 BLK | 1.0 TOV
50.2 FG% | 27.6 3P% | 70.7 FT%
29 Games | 17.9 MIN
Ignacio Rissotto: The Wizards played themselves out of the first overall pick with a recent two-game win streak, but they still come up with the top player in the No Ceilings consensus big board in Alex Sarr. The French center offers a unique blend of size, length, agility, and open-court speed. Standing at 7’1” with a 7’5” wingspan, Sarr is able to protect the rim both as a primary defender and as a help defender from the weak side. Offensively, Sarr is an adept rim runner who can finish transition and pick-and-roll plays at the rim, as well as collaborating with his offensive rebounding.
What else Sarr will be able to provide on offense is a question that will certainly plague him until draft day, but the Wizards might overlook Sarr’s lack of offensive self-creation, as they desperately look to improve a defense that ranks at or near the bottom of the league in almost every metric.
#3. San Antonio Spurs— Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
12.7 PTS | 4.3 REB | 4.5 AST
2.5 STL | 0.7 BLK | 2.0 TOV
54.0 FG% | 52.6 3P% | 84.1 FT%
31 Games | 28.9 MIN
Tyler Rucker: The San Antonio Spurs found their franchise cornerstone with the selection of Victor Wembanyama. Now, it’s time to find the right pieces to surround their superstar big man. Adding to the backcourt is going to be one of the top priorities for the Spurs heading into the offseason. With the potential to have a pair of picks in the lottery, the Spurs will have the opportunity to add a number of pieces to their backcourt, if they choose so. Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard has been one of the most impressive players in the entire 2024 NBA draft class. With an incredibly high feel for the game, paired with the ability to shoot the cover off the ball, Sheppard should have plenty of fans in NBA front offices. Sheppard is averaging 12.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 54.0% from the field and 52.6% from three in just 28.9 minutes per game.
Fans have questioned the upside for Sheppard while we should be focusing on the realization that he could become a dangerous asset in the backcourt given his strengths on the basketball court. Adding Sheppard’s ability to make winning plays alongside Wembanyama and the foundation the Spurs have in place is a step in the right direction.
#4. Charlotte Hornets—Cody Williams, F, Colorado
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
13.7 PTS | 3.3 REB | 1.8 AST
0.8 STL | 0.7 BLK | 2.2 TOV
59.0 FG% | 45.7 3P% | 70.8 FT%
18 Games | 30.7 MIN
Nick Agar-Johnson: Outside of point guard, the Charlotte Hornets have holes up and down the roster. They need players who can help the team in a variety of different ways, without necessarily having to be a superstar. Picking up Cody Williams gives the team an awesome secondary playmaker with serious offensive upside. Williams would have space to grow into a bigger role without having to be the face of the franchise, and his complementary skills make him a clean fit on a team with a clear #1 guy and clear problems everywhere else. There’s certainly work for Williams to do, especially on the defensive end with his very poor screen navigation and lack of defensive playmaking. However, his strengths fit in nearly perfectly with the Hornets, who can lean on his incredible scoring efficiency as he continues to expand his offensive game.
#5. Portland Trail Blazers— Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
13.7 PTS | 6.5 REB | 1.9 AST
0.9 STL | 1.9 BLK | 2.2 TOV
45.6 FG% | 26.9 3P% | 70.3 FT%
32 Games | 30.6 MIN
Tyler Metcalf: The Portland Trail Blazers desperately need a wing who can do a little bit of everything. Here, they can still walk that thin line of balancing need and potential. Despite it not being a flawless season, Matas Buzelis still shows flashes of what makes him such an intriguing prospect. Buzelis’s on-ball creation has underwhelmed all season as he’s struggled with the physicality and athleticism of G League defenders. These struggles will likely carry over into his early career in the NBA, but with the Trail Blazers, it shouldn’t be much of an issue. Since they already have established on-ball guards like Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and even Shaedon Sharpe to some extent, Buzelis can slide into a more low-maintenance off-ball role where he can maximize his spot-up shooting threat, cutting ability and connective passing. Additionally, Buzelis can continue to build on his defensive growth by learning from and complementing some of the already established forward defenders they have in Jerami Grant, Toumani Camara, Matisse Thybulle, and Kris Murray. Buzelis would provide the Blazers with two-way versatility as a low-maintenance off-ball player with the potential to develop into a much more prominent role.
#6. Memphis Grizzles— Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
15.0 PTS | 2.8 REB | 3.8 AST
1.1 STL | 0.1 BLK | 1.9 TOV
48.2 FG% | 44.5 3P% | 77.8 FT%
30 Games | 23.0 MIN
Tyler Rucker: The Memphis Grizzlies are hoping that this is the last time they will be picking this high in the Draft for the foreseeable future. The focus for the Grizzlies moving forward is getting healthy. The pieces are in place for Memphis to have a bounce-back season next year, especially with superstar Ja Morant getting back into the mix. With the impressive growth of rookie wing GG Jackson this year, Memphis could find itself in a position to add a number of different positions at this point in the lottery. Kentucky Wildcats freshman guard Rob Dillingham has been one of the most exciting players in college basketball this year. Could the Grizzlies look to add a dangerous offensive threat to their rotation moving forward?
With Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart in the mix, the Grizzlies have plenty of pieces set in stone for the upcoming year. But adding an offensive force like Dillingham could be a dangerous addition that presents versatility in the backcourt given the pieces in place. While Memphis could look to add another upside wing here to pair with GG Jackson, the potential for Dillingham to give this team another microwave scorer could be too juicy to pass up.
#7. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR)— Stephon Castle, G, UConn
Stats (as of 2/13/24):
11.2 PTS | 4.3 REB | 3.0 AST
1.0 STL | 0.5 BLK | 1.4 TOV
47.4 FG% | 30.2 3P% | 75.3 FT%
25 Games | 27.0 MIN
Tyler Metcalf: The San Antonio Spurs desperately need shooting, which Stephon Castle unfortunately won’t provide. Luckily, their first pick in Reed Sheppard does. What Castle does offer, though, is high-level competency in every other facet of the game. Currently, Castle ranks in at least the 74th percentile in handoffs, pick-and-roll scoring, pick-and-roll including passes, and transition scoring, per Synergy. Coming out of high school, Castle was a point guard, so he’s very familiar with running the show. What this season has shown us, though, is that Castle is more than capable of playing a complementary role. Additionally, it’s proven that Castle is also a fantastic defender. When Castle is on the court, UConn’s defensive rating is 91, which ranks fourth. When he’s off the court, it jumps to 98.6, which ranks 47th. With the Spurs, Castle can fill in the gaps around Victor Wembanyama, Devin Vassell, and Reed Sheppard. While Castle will need to figure out his jumper in some form or fashion, the mechanics are far from broken. As he figures that out, though, he can provide defensive versatility, connective playmaking, a high basketball IQ, and a ton of potential to grow into an even more versatile player.
#8. Houston Rockets (via BRK)— Dalton Knecht, W, Tennessee
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
21.4 PTS | 4.8 REB | 1.8 AST
0.7 STL | 0.7 BLK | 1.6 TOV
47.4 FG% | 40.5 3P% | 75.8 FT%
31 Games | 29.8 MIN
Corey Tulaba: There are few prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft whose stock is rising as rapidly as “RedHot” Dalton Knecht. Knecht has been giving teams buckets all season, but he’s been throwing literal flames at the hoop during SEC play, averaging 25.5 PPG on 48/42/73 splits, which includes the recent 40-piece he served to Kentucky. Knecht’s shooting and overall scoring package will be a welcome addition to a Rockets squad that sits amongst the NBA’s bottom-tier shooting and scoring categories. Houston also has the kind of defensive infrastructure on the wing that could mask some of the concerns that Knecht may have on that end of the floor. And while Knecht is older than most typical Top 10 picks tend to be, he fits the timeline of a Rockets franchise that is trying to compete in the West while blurring the line between productive veterans and younger prospects. In a lottery with lots of uncertainty, Knecht’s explosive offense brings something concrete to the table.
#9. Utah Jazz— Nikola Topic, G, Crvena Zvezda
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
16.4 PTS | 3.6 REB | 6.1 AST
0.9 STL | 0.2 BLK | 2.7 TOV
49.8 FG% | 28.2 3P% | 87.8 FT%
19 Games | 30.8 MIN
Ignacio Rissotto: The Jazz are running their offense by committee, with Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and Keyonte George carrying most of the load when it comes to creating for others. Enter Nikola Topic, who was masterful running the pick-and-roll and moving the ball in transition in the Adriatic League, before going down with a knee injury that has kept him on the sidelines since early January. His recovery from said injury, as well as his jumpshot and his defense will be hotly debated topics in the lead-up to the draft. With his positional size though, along with his tremendous ability to make plays for others and to put pressure on the rim, it’s hard to see Utah passing up on the Serbian guard at this point in the draft.
#10. Oklahoma City Thunder— Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
12.4 PTS | 6.9 REB | 1.4 AST
0.5 STL | 2.3 BLK | 0.8 TOV
63.7 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 56.1 FT%
26 Games | 21.5 MIN
Nick Agar-Johnson: It’s hard to find holes on such a young team that’s also sitting atop the Western Conference, but the Thunder have had size issues on this roster since last season; even Chet Holmgren joining the fray after missing last season didn’t fully fill that hole down low. There won’t be many minutes available either now or going forward, but someone with heft in the paint would be at or near the top of the wishlist. Enter Donovan Clingan, UConn’s mammoth 7’2” center who is a game-changing force at both ends of the floor. His two biggest concerns at this point are his injury history, which muddies things up for his draft stock, and his relatively small minutes load when he has been healthy. He’s almost tailor-made for a Thunder squad that can play him as the other big with Chet Holmgren in key stretches or have Clingan lock down the interior and rim-run when Holmgren’s out of the game. The Thunder are in a perfect spot to benefit from Clingan’s strengths while also not needing to be as worried about his potential concerns.
#11. Atlanta Hawks— Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
19.5 PTS | 6.7 REB | 2.9 AST
2.3 STL | 0.9 BLK | 3.2 TOV
46.0 FG% | 24.0 3P% | 72.8 FT%
29 Games | 31.9 MIN
Tyler Rucker: Atlanta will be one of the most fascinating teams to keep an eye on for the upcoming NBA offseason. There will be plenty of speculation surrounding the future vision when it comes to the backcourt. At this point of the draft, the Hawks would be wise to spring to the podium and add an upside swing on the perimeter. Ron Holland showcased some tantalizing two-way upside throughout his time with the G League Ignite this year. Despite still being raw, Holland has the motor and two-way potential to be a heck of an addition.
Holland still has some of the highest upside of any prospect in this class. He won’t turn 19 years old until after the draft and has the makings of a versatile forward who can become an asset with his defensive upside and ability to be a dangerous asset in transition. The Hawks should find themselves in a position to attack the board and add the best player available. At this point of the draft, Holland should make it an easy decision.
#12. Chicago Bulls— Collin Murray-Boyles, F, South Carolina
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.3 PTS | 5.7 REB | 1.8 AST
1.0 STL | 0.9 BLK | 1.2 TOV
61.7 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 68.4 FT%
25 Games | 22.2 MIN
Corey Tulaba: South Carolina’s Collin Murray-Boyles has been one of the most productive freshmen in the 2024 class. The 6’7” lefty with a rumored 7’2” wingspan has some Julius Randle in his game, merging physicality and finesse. Murray-Boyles is a crafty interior scoring presence with playmaking feel who can face-up and attack or seal his man and finish on the block. Defensively he can move his feet and switch out to the perimeter while offering enough rim protection that he could play some minutes at the five. Murray-Boyles’s lack of perimeter shooting ability won’t fill an immediate need for a Bulls team in the bottom ten of distance shooting, but taking a swing on a young, talented forward who has been killing the advanced stats models is a worthy swing in the backend of the lotto for a middling team that needs an influx of young talent.
#13. Portland Trail Blazers (via GSW)— Kyshawn George, W, Miami
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
7.8 PTS | 3.1 REB | 2.2 AST
0.9 STL | 0.4 BLK | 1.6 TOV
43.0 FG% | 41.7 3P% | 77.8 FT%
30 Games | 23.0 MIN
Ignacio Rissotto: The Blazers are a few years away from serious playoff contention; with two picks in the lottery, they can afford to bet on a late bloomer like George to take yet another step once he gets to the NBA. The Swiss wing took the leap from playing garbage minutes in the second division of France to start for an ACC program in just one season and he adapted quickly to the NCAA game, making an impact as an off-ball shooter and ball mover for Miami. While George is not an elite self-creator on drives and pull-up jumpers at this point, it’s easy to see a team like the Blazers, who have multiple ball-dominant players in their young core, being interested in George’s off-ball game, feel for the game and positional size.
#14. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL)— Kyle Filipowski, F/C, Duke
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
16.7 PTS | 8.0 REB | 2.8 AST
1.1 STL | 1.6 BLK | 2.1 TOV
50.4 FG% | 35.3 3P% | 66.4 FT%
31 Games | 30.3 MIN
Albert Ghim: The New Orleans Pelicans are a good team in a tough spot. Currently sitting at the fifth seed in the Western Conference, there’s a lot to like about this roster, yet there isn’t enough to convince anyone that this team is built for a long run in the playoffs and contending for an NBA title. With that in mind, it’s clear that there probably won’t be too many options at the 14th spot in this class who will make a significant impact on their title chances. What they can do, however, is add a potent piece that could become a precious asset and fill a need. Most of New Orleans’s best five-man lineups consist of Jonas Valunciunas playing center. Valunciunas will be 32 next season, and having some insurance behind him other than Larry Nance Jr. could be a smart move. Adding a guy like Kyle Filipowski could be a great option, and it’s vital to focus on what he is and not what you wish he could be. Filipowski is a seven-foot sophomore with good strength, shooting upside, and toughness. Filipowski won’t wow you with incredible athleticism, but he’s very skilled for his size and he competes. Filipowski has shown a good amount of growth in his sophomore season for the Duke Blue Devils, and you can see it in his shooting splits of 50.4/35.3/66.4. The free throw shooting number isn’t great, but his shooting passes the eye test. Adding a backup big with good size, shooting touch, and some guard skills is a nice addition to a team looking to move out of the middle of the conference.
#15. Toronto Raptors (via IND)— Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
14.7 PTS | 4.5 REB | 1.5 AST
1.1 STL | 0.2 BLK | 1.3 TOV
38.2 FG% | 33.9 3P% | 82.3 FT%
31 Games | 31.9 MIN
Tyler Metcalf: This recent stretch of play for Ja’Kobe Walter has been disappointing, but that shouldn’t detract from the player he’s still capable of growing into. Walter is still one of the most fascinating off-ball scorers in this class. He has a sweet jumper, knocks down movement threes, and is savvy with his off-ball movement. The biggest struggle has been his on-ball creation as his handle needs work, but he can be a dynamic off-ball option who can play off of their already established on-ball creators in Scottie Barnes, Immanuel Quickley, and RJ Barrett as he improves his handle. Also, Walter’s defense has steadily improved throughout the season. He continues to work and communicate off-ball, and the constant blow-by drives have steadily declined. Early on, Walter can be a reliable spot up scoring outlet but has the potential to return significantly higher volume if he develops like we hope he can.
#16. Philadelphia 76ers— Ryan Dunn, W, Virginia
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
8.2 PTS | 6.9 REB | 0.8 AST
1.3 STL | 2.4 BLK | 0.8 TOV
54.7 FG% | 21.9 3P% | 53.4 FT%
31 Games | 27.3 MIN
Nick Agar-Johnson: With Joel Embiid and Paul Reed as the only players under contract for next season and Tyrese Maxey as a restricted free agent, the 76ers could go in any number of directions here. Since Maxey is all but guaranteed to return as the second superstar alongside Embiid, though, the offense has a pretty solid foundation. Adding Ryan Dunn to the mix gives the Sixers a lockdown defensive playmaker who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be successful. The concerns about his offensive impact overall are valid, but Dunn is an exceptional cutter and transition player already. Also, while the shot is far from a weapon for him, it’s also nowhere near as broken as the numbers might indicate. The offense is all but guaranteed to at least be solid with Embiid and Maxey in the fold (assuming good health, of course); with Dunn as the roamer and Embiid stationed in the paint, their defense has the chance to develop into one of the better units in the NBA with even a bit of investment in that side of the ball this offseason.
#17. Miami Heat— Jared McCain, G, Duke
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
13.6 PTS | 5.0 REB | 1.8 AST
1.1 STL | 0.0 BLK | 1.2 TOV
45.8 FG% | 40.6 3P% | 87.3 FT%
31 Games | 30.9 MIN
Tyler Metcalf: Jared McCain has been one of the best shooters in the country this season. That skill alone should warrant him being a near-lottery pick. However, much of McCain’s game has been hidden this season due to the role he’s been asked to play. Since McCain is the best shooter on Duke, he’s largely been forced to play exclusively an off-ball role as Tyrese Proctor, Caleb Foster, and Jeremy Roach take more of the point guard duties. Even though McCain has almost exclusively played as a shooting guard, it doesn’t mean that he can’t transition to the point. McCain is a fantastic passer and highly capable of running the pick-and-roll. Despite falling in the “small guard” classification, McCain is also one of the best at-rim finishers among all guards in this class. He has great strength, can play off one or two feet, and is very crafty with his finishing angles. Additionally, McCain offers a lot of value as a rebounder and has improved defensively throughout the season. McCain’s ability and willingness to play a myriad of roles, along with his upside to grow into more of a point guard, will help him quickly assimilate into the Heat’s rotation.
#18. New York Knicks (via DAL)—Johnny Furphy, W, Kansas
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
9.0 PTS | 4.6 REB | 1.0 AST
0.9 STL | 0.3 BLK | 0.7 TOV
49.2 FG% | 36.4 3P% | 77.0 FT%
30 Games | 23.2 MIN
Albert Ghim: The scouting report for Johnny Furphy is a simple one. Furphy is a freshman wing for the Kansas Jayhawks, and he does a ton of things that NBA front offices value. Standing at 6’9”, Furphy is a big wing that can really shoot the ball from outside; currently, Furphy’s splits are 49.2/36.4/77.0. As a freshman wing who’s primarily asked to be a play finisher and early offense option, Furphy does a beautiful job of playing within himself. Furphy is good on the boards, can push the ball up the floor, and is a real threat in transition. With the Knicks being last in pace and 14th in overall offensive rating, adding a guy like Furphy to the bench as a guy who could pump some energy into the second unit would be a really nice move by this savvy Knicks front office.
#19. Phoenix Suns— Tristan da Silva, F, Colorado
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
16.2 PTS | 5.4 REB | 2.4 AST
1.2 STL | 0.6 BLK | 1.9 TOV
48.4 FG% | 37.5 3P% | 84.0 FT%
28 Games | 33.5 MIN
Corey Tulaba: The Phoenix Suns have as good a big three as any team in the NBA. They are, however, a top-heavy team in perpetual search of role players that they can rely on night in and night out to contribute to their contending level trio. Enter Tristan da Silva, the Colorado Buffs senior, who can do a little bit of everything on the wing at 6’9” and 220 pounds. A career 38% three point shooter, da Silva gives Phoenix a legit floor spacer, he can move his feet on the perimeter and defend the wing, and his ability to make sharp decisions as a passer will allow the offense to continue to hum when the ball swings his way. Da Silva may not have star appeal, but for a Suns team looking to add good players to the margins of their star core, there may not be a more ready-to-go wing prospect at this part of the draft.
#20. Orlando Magic— Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
13.8 PTS | 5.1 REB | 1.4 AST
0.8 STL | 0.9 BLK | 1.3 TOV
48.1 FG% | 35.4 3P% | 72.8 FT%
42 Games | 22.1 MIN
Nick Agar-Johnson: Although a recent hot streak has propelled the Orlando Magic out of the NBA basement in terms of three-point percentage, they remain dead last in three-point makes and second-to-last in three-point attempts. That recent hot streak, by the way, has brought them all the way up to a lofty 26th in terms of three-point percentage. In other words: this team needs shooters. Tyler Smith has shown in the G League this season that he is very comfortable fitting into a role and bombing away from long range. There are playing time battles up and down the lineup already for this young and deep Magic squad, but one clear way to finagle a spot in the rotation is by providing some support from beyond the arc; Tyler Smith is one of the best bets to provide that shooting touch at this point in the draft.
#21. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC)— Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
9.3 PTS | 3.8 REB | 0.8 AST
1.1 STL | 0.2 BLK | 1.2 TOV
40.8 FG% | 34.9 3P% | 78.1 FT%
41 Games | 22.3 MIN
Ignacio Rissotto: The Hawks added a defensive contributor with their previous pick, addressing their biggest weakness. With their second pick in the first round, they look to the future by taking Tidjane Salaun, one of the most boom-or-bust prospects in the 2024 draft. The 6’9” forward is not going through his most efficient stretch of the season, averaging 9.3 points on 27.5% from three-point range over his last ten games, and the lapses in decision-making on both ends of the floor are real. The flashes of brilliance, however, are tremendously enticing. If everything goes right for him, the Hawks could come away with a versatile scorer who can convert tough shots from deep range and get to the rim with his fluid ball-handling ability. It’s the type of high-risk/high-reward bet that a team like the Hawks, with multiple picks in the first round, can afford to make.
#22. New York Knicks— PJ Hall, F/C, Clemson
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
18.8 PTS | 6.8 REB | 1.5 AST
0.8 STL | 1.6 BLK | 1.7 TOV
49.0 FG% | 31.8 3P% | 78.8 FT%
31 Games | 29.5 MIN
Albert Ghim: Even with the solid play of Precious Achiuwa since moving to the Knicks, it’s important for the Knicks to add more big-bodied guys with skill. PJ Hall has had a very productive season for the Clemson Tigers and has shown real growth in several areas of his game. His rim protection has been better, and he’s become a really savvy passer. Although the shooting percentage is down from outside, he’s taking more of them, and it looks good from there. He’s still a solid free-throw shooter, sitting just under 80%. With the injuries to Hartenstein, Randle, and Robinson, it would be smart to add another big player who can bang inside with the big boys and offer some juice on the offensive side of the ball as well. Hall is a gritty guy who plays with real toughness; you know Coach Thibs will love that about him.
#23. New Orleans Pelicans— Isaiah Collier, G, USC
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
16.6 PTS | 2.8 REB | 4.2 AST
1.5 STL | 0.2 BLK | 3.2 TOV
48.8 FG% | 32.9 3P% | 67.8 FT%
25 Games | 29.5 MIN
Corey Tulaba: While it may be shocking to see Isaiah Collier fall this far, it is something that happens to talented prospects every year. In recent years, we’ve seen talented freshmen like Cam Whitmore and Tyrese Maxey slide after inconsistent seasons, and it is easy to envision a world where that scenario plays out for Collier after his rocky start to the season. It has always been abundantly clear that Collier is an NBA-level athlete with intriguing finishing and playmaking tools, but early into the season, he had yet to figure out how to use those tools as he adjusted to the speed of the college game. Collier then went out with an injury, leading to questions about if he would even return this season. Collier ultimately did return and it appeared as if something clicked, as he started making much better decisions with the ball in his hands and gave us a glimpse of just how impactful he could be as a downhill rim threat and multi-level scorer. While New Orleans is as deep a team as you’ll find, they lack a long-term solution at the point guard spot. Collier is a low-risk high-reward swing at this part of the draft, as there are still outcomes where he regains his form as a blue-chip prospect, taking advantage of the pace and space of the NBA game.
#24. Milwaukee Bucks— Yves Missi, C, Baylor
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.9 PTS | 5.6 REB | 0.4 AST
0.6 STL | 1.5 BLK | 1.0 TOV
62.4 FG% | N/A 3P% | 60.8 FT%
30 Games | 22.9 MIN
Tyler Rucker: The Milwaukee Bucks have started to look like a completely different team after the All-Star break. But this team is going to need to start finding some important developmental pieces to groom for the future. The Bucks will have some interesting decisions this offseason when it comes to shaping their roster. They could look with this pick to add some versatility on the perimeter, while the idea of adding another rotation to their backcourt could be intriguing given this range of the draft. Baylor Bears freshman big man Yves Missi would be too enticing to pass up here. The Bucks could look to make things simple for the raw, but extremely talented, big man. Missi could slide in as a rotation big off the bench who can stand out with his defensive upside and ability to be a dangerous threat in the pick-and-roll game. A sensational athlete with a hulk-like frame, Missi would be a talent that the Bucks would be lucky to add to their rotation, given he’s still on the board at this point.
#25. Cleveland Cavaliers— Kwame Evans Jr., F, Oregon
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
7.8 PTS | 5.0 REB | 1.2 AST
1.3 STL | 1.1 BLK | 0.8 TOV
45.4 FG% | 29.9 3P% | 81.2 FT%
31 Games | 21.9 MIN
Albert Ghim: The Cavs have monsters up front in Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. Even with those guys holding things down inside, adding a fun developmental piece who could play next to either of them off the bench is something they should explore. Kwame Evans Jr. is an exciting player. Evans is a 6’9” utility big that can theoretically offer a ton of versatility on both ends of the floor. Evans is extremely long, has good size, and is pretty mobile. He does a good job of packaging all of that on the defensive side of the ball and has had some entertaining flashes. Strength is an issue right now, so if he can bulk up a bit, that would go a long way. Cleveland is currently third in the league in defensive rating, but adding a young piece, they can invest in and develop as a solid backup four is worth taking a shot on in this range. Evans is also an interesting study on the offensive side of the ball. He’s not the best shooter, but it’s something that he’s working on, and to his credit, he’s shooting 81.2% from the charity stripe. The 29.9% from three isn’t ideal, but it’s been a huge emphasis of his development. Seeing him warm up in person against UCLA, it was encouraging to see him working on his shooting off the catch in both corners and a ton of pick-and-pop reps. His 7.8 PTS and 5.0 REB per game may not move the needle much for people, but Evans was a five-star prospect coming out of Montverde Academy, and he still has a lot of untapped potential.
#26. Washington Wizards (via LAC)— Tyler Kolek, G, Marquette
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
15.0 PTS | 4.7 REB | 7.6 AST
1.6 STL | 0.1 BLK | 2.8 TOV
48.6 FG% | 40.0 3P% | 88.0 FT%
28 Games | 32.4 MIN
Corey Tulaba: The Washington Wizards added a major piece to their core by selecting Alex Sarr with their lottery pick. They seemingly hit a home run in the 2023 draft by taking fellow Frenchman Bilal Coulibaly. Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert are real NBA players who have gotten better every year. There are real ingredients to building a successful roster in the nation’s capital. What the Wiz now need is a straw that stirs the drink. Enter Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek. The 6’3” lefty guard is one of the draft’s premier playmakers and shooters who brings a sky-high basketball IQ, contagious toughness, and winning mentality. With Tyus Jones’s unrestricted free agency in sight, Kolek will have the opportunity to come in and lock down the starting point guard spot, while growing with a young rebuilding Wizards squad.
#27. Minnesota Timberwolves— Jaylon Tyson, G, Cal
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
19.6 PTS | 6.8 REB | 3.3 AST
1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK | 3.1 TOV
47.0 FG% | 35.8 3P% | 79.9 FT%
30 Games | 34.1 MIN
Tyler Metcalf: The Minnesota Timberwolves will need someone who is ready to contribute early, and Jaylon Tyson fits the bill. One of the biggest concerns with Tyson this season has been his decision-making; with the Timberwolves, though, his responsibilities will be significantly less than what’s been asked of him from a less than ideal California team. What Tyson has proven this year is that he has positional size, the ability to create offense, and, most importantly, shoot. Tyson’s averages aren’t perfect, but a lot of that comes down to the volume and difficulty of his attempts. In a lesser role where others are doing the bulk of the creation, Tyson has the potential to be more of a play finisher and secondary creator with the second unit.
#28. Denver Nuggets— Dillon Jones, F, Weber State
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
20.8 PTS | 9.8 REB | 5.2 AST
2.0 STL | 0.1 BLK | 3.0 TOV
48.9 FG% | 32.4 3P% | 85.7 FT%
31 Games | 37.0 MIN
Albert Ghim: The reigning champs have a potent roster filled with star veterans and up-and-coming young guys. With guys like Peyton Watson, Christian Braun, and Julian Strawther, it’s hard not to like the future outlook of this roster. Even with all that young talent, it’s hard not to like a scenario where they end up with Weber State’s Dillon Jones. Jones was a hot name in last year’s class as he did a great job during the pre-draft process, but ultimately chose to come back to school and work on his game and physique. The hard work has paid off, as Jones has had an unbelievable season for the Wildcats and is in great shape. Jones has a box plus/minus score of 8.3, his usage is up to 29.5%, and yet even with the uptick in usage, his turnover percentage has come down this season to 14.4%. He’s also averaging 20.8 PTS, 9.8 REB, and 5.2 AST per game. Clearly, Jones will have a much smaller role on a team like the Nuggets, but adding a highly productive player like Jones to that roster seems like a smart move. Jones may be a little ground-bound and lack explosiveness, but he makes up for a lot of it with great strength, hesitations, and craft all over the floor.
#29. Utah Jazz (via OKC)— DaRon Holmes II, C, Dayton
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
20.2 PTS | 8.3 REB | 2.6 AST
0.8 STL | 2.1 BLK | 2.3 TOV
55.1 FG% | 38.7 3P% | 70.0 FT%
30 Games | 32.2 MIN
Nick Agar-Johnson: DaRon Holmes II has been on an absolute tear for Dayton lately as he continues to put together one of the most dominant seasons in college basketball. Despite his remarkable success as a primary option, though, Holmes also has the skill set to be an exceptional complementary player–as he showed during his freshman season when he wasn’t the hub of the offense. He has great passing vision for a big man, the mobility to play the 4, and the rim-protecting talent to more than make up for his relative lack of height at center. He’s also added a key weapon to his arsenal this season, taking 2.5 3PA per game and knocking them down at a 38.7% clip after taking just 26 triples in his first two seasons at Dayton. He has the skill set to play as the 4 next to Walker Kessler, and he would also make a fascinating pairing as an oddball small-ball 5 with Taylor Hendricks and Lauri Markkanen as the forwards. Given the huge developmental strides he’s made while at Dayton, it’s certainly not out of the question for him to end up being more than just a complementary role player; however, he has a relatively safe floor on that front, and the Jazz could definitely make their lineup construction a lot easier by plugging in Holmes’s jack-of-all-trades big man skill set.
#30. Boston Celtics— Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
24.2 PTS | 11.7 REB | 2.0 AST
0.3 STL | 2.2 BLK | 2.2 TOV
61.9 FG% | 50.0 3P% | 71.8 FT%
31 Games | 31.3 MIN
Tyler Rucker: Brad Stevens and the Boston Celtics have put together one of the most impressive rosters in terms of firepower. The question remains: what direction will the Celtics look to go in when it comes to building out their depth? The team is high on the future of 2023 second-round pick Jordan Walsh and with numerous selections in the 2024 draft, the team could look to find some value. The buzz connecting the Celtics with Purdue big man Zach Edey continues to open eyes. Edey is a monster of a human being, at 7’4” and 300 pounds. The Purdue center has been the most dominant player in college basketball over the years. Edey has shown an improved physique this year and continues to intrigue with his ability to impact the inside game and soft touch around the basket. NBA teams are going to find themselves willing to roll the dice on Edey being a positive impact in a rotation. For a team like the Celtics, it could be an intriguing “gamble” if Edey could become a presence in the rotation.
SECOND ROUND
#31. Utah Jazz (via WAS)— Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
9.0 PTS | 3.5 REB | 0.9 AST
0.9 STL | 0.2 BLK | 0.9 TOV
49.8 FG% | 38.5 3P% | 77.1 FT%
30 Games | 21.8 MIN
#32. Toronto Raptors (via DET)— Devin Carter, G, Providence
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
19.4 PTS | 8.6 REB | 3.6 AST
1.7 STL | 1.0 BLK | 2.7 TOV
44.7 FG% | 38.5 3P% | 72.3 FT%
30 Games | 35.2 MIN
#33. San Antonio Spurs— Kevin McCullar Jr., W, Kansas
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
18.3 PTS | 6.0 REB | 4.1 AST
1.5 STL | 0.4 BLK | 2.5 TOV
45.4 FG% | 33.3 3P% | 80.5 FT%
26 Games | 34.2 MIN
#34. Portland Trail Blazers (via CHA)— Oso Ighodaro, F/C, Marquette
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
14.4 PTS | 7.2 REB | 2.8 AST
1.1 STL | 1.3 BLK | 1.8 TOV
60.8 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 61.4 FT%
30 Games | 31.8 MIN
#35. Milwaukee Bucks (via POR)— Nique Clifford, W, Colorado State
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
12.5 PTS | 7.3 REB | 2.7 AST
1.5 STL | 0.8 BLK | 1.8 TOV
53.6 FG% | 40.2 3P% | 78.6 FT%
31 Games | 30.3 MIN
#36. Minnesota Timberwolves (via MEM)— AJ Johnson, G, Illawarra Hawks
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
2.9 PTS | 1.2 REB | 0.8 AST
0.2 STL | 0.1 BLK | 0.7 TOV
35.5 FG% | 27.8 3P% | 53.8 FT%
29 Games | 8.3 MIN
#37. Philadelphia 76ers (via TOR)— Alex Karaban, F, UConn
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
14.2 PTS | 5.1 REB | 1.4 AST
1.0 STL | 0.9 BLK | 1.0 TOV
50.3 FG% | 40.1 3P% | 90.2 FT%
30 Games | 31.6 MIN
#38. Memphis Grizzlies (via BRK)— Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
16.1 PTS | 9.8 REB | 1.5 AST
0.5 STL | 1.9 BLK | 1.5 TOV
59.9 FG% | 44.7 3P% | 62.7 FT%
28 Games | 32.0 MIN
#39. New York Knicks (via UTA)— Jamal Shead, G, Houston
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
13.2 PTS | 3.9 REB | 6.2 AST
2.3 STL | 0.5 BLK | 2.0 TOV
42.1 FG% | 32.7 3P% | 77.4 FT%
31 Games | 31.4 MIN
#40. Charlotte Hornets (via HOU)— Dillon Mitchell, F, Texas
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.0 PTS | 7.7 REB | 1.5 AST
1.1 STL | 1.0 BLK | 1.5 TOV
57.8 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 63.0 FT%
31 Games | 29.2 MIN
#41. Portland Trail Blazers (via ATL)— Ajay Mitchell, G, UCSB
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
19.4 PTS | 3.9 REB | 3.9 AST
1.1 STL | 0.4 BLK | 2.5 TOV
50.5 FG% | 38.9 3P% | 85.4 FT%
28 Games | 31.2 MIN
#42. Boston Celtics (via CHI)— Harrison Ingram, F, North Carolina
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
12.5 PTS | 9.3 REB | 2.2 AST
1.5 STL | 0.5 BLK | 1.4 TOV
43.3 FG% | 37.4 3P% | 60.0 FT%
31 Games | 32.7 MIN
#43. Houston Rockets (via GSW)— Adem Bona, C, UCLA
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
12.4 PTS | 6.0 REB | 1.2 AST
1.1 STL | 1.8 BLK | 2.4 TOV
58.5 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 69.6 FT%
31 Games | 26.6 MIN
#44. San Antonio Spurs (via LAL)— Juan Nunez, G, Ratiopharm Ulm
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
11.2 PTS | 3.5 REB | 5.2 AST
1.7 STL | 0.1 BLK | 2.5 TOV
49.9 FG% | 33.7 3P% | 65.5 FT%
40 Games | 24.0 MIN
#45. Los Angeles Clippers (via IND) — Bobi Klintman, F, Cairns Taipans
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.2 PTS | 4.7 REB | 0.9 AST
1.0 STL | 0.5 BLK | 1.7 TOV
43.4 FG% | 33.7 3P% | 81.3 FT%
26 Games | 21.6 MIN
#46. Miami Heat — Izan Almansa, F/C, G League Ignite
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.6 PTS | 6.9 REB | 1.5 AST
0.8 STL | 0.8 BLK | 0.9 TOV
56.9 FG% | 16.0 3P% | 52.2 FT%
42 Games | 27.0 MIN
#47. FORFEITED (76ERS)
#48. Boston Celtics (via DAL)— Pacome Dadiet, F, Ratiopharm Ulm
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
6.1 PTS | 2.0 REB | 0.5 AST
0.6 STL | 0.1 BLK | 0.8 TOV
48.5 FG% | 33.7 3P% | 75.9 FT%
44 Games | 14.9 MIN
#49. Orlando Magic— Hunter Sallis, G, Wake Forest
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
18.3 PTS | 4.2 REB | 2.6 AST
1.0 STL | 0.5 BLK | 1.8 TOV
49.9 FG% | 41.6 3P% | 79.8 FT%
31 Games | 35.1 MIN
#50. Washington Wizards (via PHX)— Jalen Bridges, F, Baylor
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
11.6 PTS | 5.4 REB | 1.5 AST
1.1 STL | 0.6 BLK | 0.9 TOV
45.8 FG% | 41.8 3P% | 83.3 FT%
31 Games | 31.2 MIN
#51. Sacramento Kings— Jonathan Mogbo, F, San Francisco
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
14.4 PTS | 10.2 REB | 3.5 AST
1.6 STL | 0.8 BLK | 1.8 TOV
64.6 FG% | 0.0 3P% | 69.2 FT%
33 Games | 28.7 MIN
#52. Detroit Pistons (via NYK)— Baylor Scheierman, G, Creighton
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
18.5 PTS | 8.8 REB | 4.1 AST
1.0 STL | 0.2 BLK | 2.2 TOV
45.6 FG% | 37.9 3P% | 86.0 FT%
31 Games | 36.1 MIN
#53. Indiana Pacers (via NOLA)— Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.6 PTS | 2.9 REB | 3.7 AST
0.7 STL | 0.1 BLK | 1.4 TOV
45.5 FG% | 36.9 3P% | 76.1 FT%
27 Games | 29.6 MIN
#54. Indiana Pacers (via MIL)— Melvin Ajinca, W, Saint Quentin
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
10.1 PTS | 3.1 REB | 0.6 AST
0.5 STL | 0.1 BLK | 0.7 TOV
40.9 FG% | 35.8 3P% | 86.7 FT%
28 Games | 24.1 MIN
#55. Indiana Pacers (via CLE)— Malique Lewis, W, Mexico City Capitanes
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
8.0 PTS | 5.5 REB | 1.1 AST
0.8 STL | 1.0 BLK | 0.9 TOV
48.1 FG% | 31.6 3P% | 70.3 FT%
41 Games | 24.2 MIN
#56. Los Angeles Lakers (via LAC)— Bronny James, G, USC
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
4.8 PTS | 2.8 REB | 2.3 AST
0.7 STL | 0.2 BLK | 1.1 TOV
37.1 FG% | 27.8 3P% | 62.1 FT%
23 Games | 19.3 MIN
#57. FORFEITED (PHX VIA DEN)
#58. Denver Nuggets (via MIN)— Jamir Watkins, F, Florida State
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
15.1 PTS | 5.9 REB | 2.7 AST
1.8 STL | 0.8 BLK | 2.5 TOV
45.7 FG% | 34.8 3P% | 79.0 FT%
31 Games | 27.9 MIN
#59. Memphis Grizzlies (via OKC)— Payton Sandfort, F, Iowa
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
16.2 PTS | 6.5 REB | 2.7 AST
0.8 STL | 0.4 BLK | 1.3 TOV
45.1 FG% | 37.1 3P% | 91.8 FT%
31 Games | 30.4 MIN
#60. Dallas Mavericks (via BOS)— Trey Alexander, G, Creighton
Stats (as of 3/11/24):
17.5 PTS | 5.8 REB | 4.9 AST
1.2 STL | 0.5 BLK | 2.3 TOV
45.4 FG% | 32.1 3P% | 82.0 FT%
31 Games | 36.8 MIN
Why isn't Hunter Dickinson and Ryan Kalkbrenner in the draft they are very skilled
Thanks NC crew!! Really enjoyed reading! Why doesn’t someone like Tyler Smith go in the lottery? Size, skill, potential all there. Especially in a year like this with potentially higher variance, curious why he doesn’t get lottery attention?