In our latest NBA Mock Draft, a new No. 1 prospect emerges and the Chicago Bulls find their next face of the franchise.
As we get deeper into the college basketball season, the 2024 NBA Draft inches closer and closer. Many consider this year's draft class as somewhat of an underwhelming one but there are still quality prospects on paper that could seemingly develop into future stars in the Association. That's the beauty of the NBA Draft; it's more of an unknown than not.
Over the next couple of months, we're going to find out more and more about this year's draft class. While there remains much uncertainty at the top, there is also still very much to unwrap of what we know so far of this year's crop of prospects.
In our latest NBA Mock Draft, there's a new No. 1 prospect and we highlight the Chicago Bulls as they attempt to find a new face of the franchise.
1. Detroit Pistons Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
Amid a historic 26-game losing streak, the Detroit Pistons need all the help they can get. Heading into the offseason, this is a team that is going to have to take a hard look in the mirror and identify what isn't working. On paper, the Pistons should be better than a two-win team at this point in the season. For one reason or another, they've been historically bad.
In most eyes, Matas Buzelis is beginning to rise back up in recent mock drafts. I believe he could be exactly what the Pistons need to rejuvenize their build. Buzelis is an offensive wizard who has some questions about his game on the defensive end of the floor. He's a player the Pistons should take a gamble on in hopes he could emerge as a franchise anchor in their next build.
2. San Antonio Spurs - Alex Sarr, C, NBL
After selecting Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, I can't help but wonder how willing the San Antonio Spurs would be to create the new version of the Tim Duncan/David Robinson Twin Towers duo by making Alex Sarr their selection with their projected No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr is a likely top 5 pick and is emerging as one of the more intriguing frontcourt prospects in this year's draft class.
The big question for the Spurs is whether he would be a fit next to Wemby or not. I tend to think that their games are different enough that it would work. Sarr is a better rim protector than Wemby is and is a bit more of a throwback big. Sarr is growing and expanding his game, especially on the offensive end, but he's shown enough where the overwhelming belief is that he's going to be a possible franchise-changing player at the next level.
If Wemby and Sarr would work on the floor together, the Spurs would have the best young big men duo in the league. At the very least, it's an interesting hypothetical that could come to fruition.
3. Washington Wizards - Ron Holland, G, G League Ignite
The Washington Wizards may not be having as bad a season as the Detroit Pistons and San Antonio Spurs but this is still a team that very much is likely going to finish with one of the three worst records in the league. That means they're likely to finish with a top 3 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. More than anything, what the Wizards need most is excitement. It may be a while before the Wizards are winning games at a consistent level again. Washington needs to get the fan base back on board; they can do so with the right selection with their projected top 3 pick.
One player that could fit that billing is Ron Holland, an intriguing guard out of the G League Ignite. Holland is an explosive offensive player who is still just beginning to scratch the surface of the player he can be.
If the biggest red flag about Holland's game revolves around an inconsistent 3-point shot, there's going to be a team in the top 3 betting on their ability to give him the tools to succeed and improve in that area of his game. Holland could be the spark that the Wizards are looking for in the NBA Draft.
4. Portland Trail Blazers - Cody Williams, F, Colorado
Still fairly early on in the NBA Draft season, there's already one big-time riser - Cody Williams. He's a player that could end up finding his way into the top 5 of this year's draft and one team that would make sense for the talented wing in the top 5 is the Portland Trail Blazers. As Portland continues to evaluate its young talent in hopes of narrowing down a foundation they can start building with, Williams is a name to keep an eye on heading into the thick of the college basketball season.
During his freshman season at Colorado, Williams is averaging 14 points and four rebounds on 62 percent shooting from the field and 60 percent shooting from 3-point range. Williams could be viewed as the ideal star-level 3-and-D talent in this year's draft class. He can guard nearly every position on the defensive end of the floor and is still growing as a versatile do-it-all offensive player.
Williams is almost the perfect prospect to replace Jerami Grant when the Blazers end up moving on from the veteran via trade. If Portland is planning for a future without Grant, Williams could very much make sense in the top 5.
5. Charlotte Hornets - Zaccharie Risacher, F, France
The Charlotte Hornets are going to be in an interesting position heading into the offseason. They have a strong foundation of young talent already in place with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. They're likely going to add more assets in the way of Gordon Hayward at the NBA Trade Deadline and possibly even Terry Rozier. If they wanted, P.J. Washington is another asset that they can flip between now and the NBA Draft.
If they get their hands on another top 5 pick, the Hornets are a team that could be a candidate to make a big jump during the 20224-25 season. But they'll have to make the right decision with their projected top 5 pick. One player that could be in play for the Hornets is Zaccharie Risacher, a versatile wing out of France.
The tools that Risacher has shown on the offensive end of the floor are going to outweigh the early-career shortcomings he's shown on the defensive end of the floor. But Risacher is athletic and talented enough that he should continue to improve in every aspect of his game. He could add another element on the wing for a Hornets team that is looking to finally make a move up the East standings.
6. Memphis Grizzlies - Stephon Castle, F, UCONN
Three games into Ja Morant's return and the Memphis Grizzlies are playing much better. That should not be much of a surprise to anyone. The big question and challenge for the Grizzlies is whether they can continue to play at this level or if this is just another blimp on what will end up being a forgettable season. Either way, the early signs are certainly encouraging. But if the Grizzlies do end up with a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, they'll certainly have plenty of options.
One potential prospect that they could end up targeting is Stephon Castle, a versatile wing out of UCONN. It'll be interesting to see how he continues to develop but there is hope that he'll be able to play multiple positions at the next level. The 6-foot-6 freshman is averaging eight points and four rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field so far this season for the Huskies.
His 3-point shot is clearly the biggest question surrounding his game. If he can improve a bit on that front heading into the final stretch of the college basketball season, there's no question he'll be able to cement himself as a top-10 selection.
7. Utah Jazz - Nikola Topic, G, Serbia
Considering that the Utah Jazz is open to trading nearly every veteran player on their roster, including their backcourt of Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson, I'd say there's a very good chance that they end up targeting a guard in the 2024 NBA Draft. At this point in the proceedings, with how the board has fallen, Nikola Topic would be an excellent addition to the team. With a specific need at the point guard position, Topic would be a long-term fit next to Lauri Markkanen (if they elect to keep him beyond the NBA Trade Deadline), Walker Kessler, and even Keyonte George.
Topic is a big playmaking guard who has already shown the ability to score the basketball at an efficient level. If there is any concern about Topic, it's whether his overall game will make the transition over to the NBA. But that's generally the case for every draft project coming from overseas.
The Jazz are an interesting team to watch over the next few months. There's a chance that if they embrace being sellers at the trade deadline they end up moving up in the draft lottery. Either way, coming away with Topic would be an excellent development for a team that is trying to land long-term building blocks.
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto) - Isaiah Collier, G, USC
After making the decision to pair Alex Sarr (with an earlier pick in the 2024 NBA Mock Draft) with Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs will likely elect to target a guard with this second projected top-10 pick. One playmaking guard that the Spurs can target is Isaiah Collier. With much uncertainty in the backcourt, especially with no guarantee that Devin Vassell is considered a foundational build block for the team, Collier could come in and assume a valuable presence in the franchise.
The 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 16 points and four assists on 49 percent shooting from the field. Collier is far from a surefire prospect in this year's draft class but offers some high-end promise as a project. The inconsistent shooting numbers from the 3-point range are certainly concerning as are the high turnover numbers (averaging more than four turnovers per game).
If the Spurs can come away from the 2024 NBA Draft with a core of Collier, Vassell, Wemby, and Sarr, it would be a huge win for a franchise that is trying to climb back up the Western Conference hierarchy.
9. Chicago Bulls - Ja'Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
Looking to turn a new leaf, with the expectation that the Chicago Bulls are going to embrace a complete retooling of their roster if not a complete rebuild, this is a team that is going to enter the 2024 NBA Draft (especially if they do have a top-10 pick) with the hope of landing a player that could potentially develop into a new face of the franchise. While it's far from a given that the Bulls would be able to find one with a late top-10 pick, it's also not entirely out of the question.
Taking a high-ceiling prospect will be the key for the Bulls in their pursuits. One prospect that they could target that fits the billing is Ja'Kobe Walter. The 6-foot-5 Baylor freshman is averaging 15 points and four rebounds on 44 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. He's already proving that he can be a dynamic scorer on the offensive end and a capable defender who, because of his size, may be able to guard multiple positions at the next level.
Walter is the type of firework prospect that could spark the Bulls as they head into a new direction as a franchise. He's far from a guarantee to be a star player but he could be worth the gamble late in the top-10.
10. Atlanta Hawks - Donovan Clingan, C, UCONN
There are several different paths that the Atlanta Hawks can take if they do end up with a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. If they do intend to keep the pick, looking to add some depth in the frontcourt could be where they elect to go. With the uncertainty surrounding Clint Capela's future with the team, Donovan Clingan could be a fit for the Hawks. Clingan is a 7-foot-2 experienced big man who is still improving as an overall player. He's taken a big step from his freshman to sophomore season and is continuing to make strides as we inch closer and closer to the draft.
During his second season with the Huskies, Clingan is averaging 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks per game on 63 percent shooting from the field. If the Hawks want to offload Capela and opt for a cheaper option, Clingan would be a fit. Even more so considering Onyeka Okongwu hasn't developed as perhaps the Hawks hoped he would at this point.
Ideally, the Hawks are going to be able to make a big move at this year's NBA Trade Deadline to drastically improve their roster and raise their ceiling. If not, the next best thing for this developing team is to improve the center position in the draft.
11. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn) - Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
For as improved as the Houston Rockets have been this season with their summer additions of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, they're still a team that has a likelihood of earning a selection in the lottery in the 2024 NBA Draft (whether it's due to their pick or the one that is due to them from the Brooklyn Nets). If that does end up happening, I'd imagine the Rockets will take a flier on a player who will be considered the best prospect still on the board. One candidate that would fall under that projection is Ryan Dunn, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward out of Virginia.
During his second season with the Cavaliers, Dunn is averaging nine points, seven rebounds, and nearly three blocks per game on 51 percent shooting from the field. As raw as he may be as an offensive prospect, Dunn carries much promise on the defensive end of the floor. That could be enough to warrant him being selected in the lottery.
The Rockets have a bright future ahead of them and next year could be the season where we begin to see them make big strides in their development.
12. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State) - Terrence Shannon Jr., F, Illinois
With a second lottery pick thanks to the struggling Golden State Warriors, the Portland Trail Blazers will have the luxury to get creative with how they attack or approach the 2024 NBA Draft. With a solid core of backcourt and wing players (after a previous mock selection of Cody Williams), the Blazers could look to add another versatile prospect to give the team a solid foundational core heading into the offseason. One prospect that would fit what the Blazers could be looking for is Terrence Shannon Jr.
As a fifth-year senior, Shannon could represent as a prospect with much-needed experience for one of the youngest teams in the league. In his senior season with the Illini, Shannon is averaging 22 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 51 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Shannon has also shown the ability to be a high-quality defender. If teams are willing to look past the fact that Shannon is going to be 24 years old by the time his rookie season begins, he could end up being an immediate contributor at the next level.
13. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles) - Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
There's no question that the New Orleans Pelicans have a ton on the line this season. This team's future is very much in question and will largely be determined by what happens over the course of the final three-quarters of the season. There are encouraging signs that the Pelicans are beginning to turn the corner on their early-season inconsistencies but there very much remains concerns about whether or not they'll be able to remain healthy enough to factor into the Western Conference playoffs.
One prospect they could target as they look to find some depth in the backcourt behind CJ McCollum is Rob Dillingham. He's a 6-foot-3 guard prospect who is already making way for the Wildcats even without being a starter this season. Dillingham is averaging 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists per game on 47 perecnt shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Dillingham would give the Pelicans insurance behind McCollum and another long-term prospect they can continue to invest in moving forward.
14. Phoenix Suns - Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
The first quarter plus of this season couldn't have played any worse for the Phoenix Suns. Bradley Beal can't seem to stay healthy and the duo of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, without depth, has proven to be not enough for the Suns as they look to compete with the likes of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference. Even though there's hope the Suns can turn things around when they get healthy, there's simply no guarantee that's going to happen by the end of the season.
If the Suns do somehow end up with a lottery pick, it could help solidify their depth concerns moving into the future. One prospect that they could end up targeting is Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard. The 6-foot-3 guard prospect is a dynamic 3-and-D option for any team looking to make a splash late in the lottery or even late in the first round, depending on how his season progresses with the Wildcats.
Sheppard is averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists on 59 percent shooting from the field and 58 percent shooting from 3-point range.
15. Indiana Pacers - Kyle Filipowski, F/C, Duke
The Indiana Pacers have emerged as one of the bigger stories so far this season. They have a mesmerizing offensive scheme that has helped them race off to having the No. 1 offensive rating in the league and a young core that is still beginning to scratch the surface of what they can be in the league. As they continue to add to their core and learn how to play with each other, this team is only going to get more and more dangerous.
We haven't begun to see the best of the Pacers yet and this is a team that isn't likely going to hit their ceiling until 2-3 years down the line. The Pacers should be excited about their future and they can double down on that front by adding a talented prospect such as Kyle Filipowski out of Duke. The 7-footer returned to Duke for his sophomore season and it's already looking like a very smart business decision for the young big man.
Filipowski is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, and three assists on 50 percent shooting from the field. As he continues to improve his offensive efficiency, Filipowski is only going to look like a better long-term project for NBA teams in search of frontcourt help.
16. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston) - Tidjane Salaun, F, France
The Oklahoma City Thunder appear to be finally making the jump to a playoff team this season. If they can remain healthy, there's very little that's standing in the way of this team qualifying for the postseason in the Western Conference. Heading into the NBA Draft, the Thunder are likely going to continue to bet on long-term potential, which is exactly what they should be doing. One potential long-term project that OKC should be open to taking a flier on is Tidjane Salaun.
Salaun is a 6-foot-8 athletic power forward out of France. There's still very much unknown about his game but he's explosive and has shown the ability to stretch the floor with a solid 3-point shot. If he can continue to hone those skills heading into the NBA Draft, there's no question that Salaun is going to cement his status as a potential lottery selection.
OKC could be a landing spot where Salaun can come in and develop at a comfortable pace. Learning behind the likes of Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams could also do Salaun well as he looks to make the move to the NBA.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers - D.J. Wagner, G, Kentucky
Just because the Cleveland Cavaliers are choosing to ignore the increasingly growing Donovan Mitchell whispers doesn't mean they won't do everything in their power to put the franchise in a great position to continue building what they've established over the last few years. The Cavs may not be willing to discuss Mitchell trades with opposing teams, but they could be sneakily ready to draft for insurance at the guard position. One prospect they could target in the event that Mitchell does end up leaving in free agency or demanding a trade is D.J. Wagner.
In his freshman season at Kentucky, Wagner is averaging 12 points and four assists on 40 percent shooting from the field. Wagner is not a great shooter by any means at this point in his career but he attacks the basket well. And in today's NBA, a guard who could apply the right amount of rim pressure is ever so valuable.
The Cavs could very well develop Wagner into a potential replacement for Mitchell. Again, this isn't Cleveland anticipating the departure of Mitchell, it's simply adding insurance in the event that it happens.
18. Miami Heat - Kel'el Ware, C, Indiana
For the past few years, the Miami Heat has struggled to find the long-term answer to a center that fits perfectly next to Bam Adebayo. In fact, the Heat's most effective lineups have consisted of Bam being the undersized center for the team. Late in the first round, perhaps the Heat uses a selection to try and find a solution to their problems in the frontcourt. One center that would fit what Miami would be theoretically looking for in a prospect next to Bam is Kel'el Ware.
Ware is a sophomore center out of Indiana who is averaging 15 points, nine rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 55 percent shooting from the field and 38 percent shooting from 3-point range. He's an intriguing center prospect who has showcased the ability to be an effective rim protector while also having some promise as a stretch-big on the offensive end of the floor. That's what the Heat needs next to Bam.
If the Heat believes in its developmental system, which manages to continue to prove its worth every year, Ware could be a very worthy gamble. The Heat could finally address arguably their biggest need with one draft selection.
19. New Orleans Pelicans - Bobi Klintman, F, NBL
With two possible first-round picks, the New Orleans Pelicans can be versatile with their 2024 NBA Draft plans. They could package their two picks to move up, package them together to make a move for an experienced veteran difference-maker, or even trade one of their picks and use the other to add a long-term project. It's anyone's guess as to how the Pelicans will operate once the draft rolls around. Taking a flier on another intriguing wing could be the way to go for the talented Pelicans.
Bobi Klintman could be a possible target for the Pelicans. What many draft scouts love most about Klintman is his versatility at his size and the position he plays. At 6-foot-8 and with the versatility that he carries himself with, Klintman has the chance to play multiple positions at the next level - he's shown promise to do so on both ends of the floor.
For a Pelicans team whose future may not be certainty, Klintman is the type of long-term project that could be worth their time. He's far from a guarantee but possesses enough potential that he's almost certain to be a first-round pick.
20. Orlando Magic - Kevin McCullar Jr., F, Kansas
The Orlando Magic are one of several young teams that have begun to take a step forward in their development this season in the NBA. Even though they currently sit as a top 4 team in the Eastern Conference standings, it's entirely unfair to expect them to remain in that spot all season long. With how young the Magic is, it's only natural for them to take a bit of a step back at some point in the season. Nevertheless, at least for now, this is a team that has already surpassed expectations.
Adding another quality young piece with a top-20 selection is only going to put this team in a much better spot to compete in the coming years. One prospect that they could look to target at No. 20 is Kevin McCullar Jr. In his senior season with the Jayhawks, McCullar Jr. is averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per game on 51 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range.
McCullar is an experienced enough prospect where he could represent real value for the Magic. Especially if they're looking for a player late in the draft that could offer value as an immediate contributor.
21. New York Knicks (via Dallas) - Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
With the potential that the New York Knicks could have back-to-back picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, it will give them the luxury to be creative with their moves at the start of the offseason. There's a very good chance that in an attempt to significantly improve the roster either at the NBA Trade Deadline or at the draft New York trades one or both of these picks. However, for the sake of this article, let's say they intend on keeping these selections.
With the first of their two picks, the Knicks could take a flier on a wing prospect, adding greater depth to a position that has become a bit of a strength for the team. Justin Edwards, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Kentucky could be a fit for the Knicks at No. 21. Through 11 games played this season for the Wildcats, Edwards is averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game on. 47 percent shooting from the field.
Considering the hype that Edwards carried coming out of high school, he's had a somewhat underwhelming start to his collegiate career. However, his measurables are still NBA-worthy. Even if he isn't the high lottery pick many projected him to be, Edwards still belongs in the first round.
22. New York Knicks - Tyrese Proctor, G, Duke
With their second pick, the Knicks could take a flier on Tyrese Proctor. Under the belief that there's at least an outside chance the Knicks let Immanuel Quickley walk in free agency or trade him outright, the Knicks could have a need for a backup point guard behind Jalen Brunson heading into the offseason. That's where a selection such as Proctor could come into handy for the Knicks. In his sophomore season with the Blue Devils, while Proctor hasn't seen a huge jump in his overall scoring production or overall offensive efficiency, he has proven to be arguably the best playmaker on the team.
For as talented as Duke is, that says a lot about Proctor's ability. And having a playmaking guard playing opposite or behind Brunson would be smart for the Knicks to explore. Proctor is averaging 10 points and five assists per game on 44 percent shooting from the field. If he can increase his consistency from the 3-point range toward the latter portion of this season, his draft stock should see a nice bump.
Ultimately, because of his size (6-foot-5) and playmaking ability, Proctor should be able to earn himself a first-round grade in this year's class.
23. Oklahoma City Thunder (via LA Clippers) - Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
With another selection in the first round, this one thanks to the LA Clippers, the Thunder should continue to take fliers on long-term projects. Another possible prospect that would fit that description at this point in the NBA Draft is Tyler Smith who is currently playing with the G League Ignite team. At 6-foot-11, Smith possesses many of the traits that NBA scouts want to see from the modern-day big man.
Smith has shown the ability to be a good rebounder and has a pretty consistent 3-point stroke. Add that to his size and developing rim protection skills and Smith is the exact big man prospect that many teams will be looking for late in this draft. The big question for Smith is whether teams will buy into his long-term upside. And that will ultimately determine where he ends up being selected in the draft.
But there's no question that Smith passes the eye test. He has the size, the scoring prowess, and the defensive upside to be one of the most intriguing prospects to be taken in the bottom half of the first round.
24. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento) - Izan Almansa, F, G League Ignite
With a possible second selection in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft (this conveying from the Sacramento Kings), the Atlanta Hawks could take a gamble on a long-term project. One prospect that could catch their eye is Izan Almansa. The 6-foot-10 power forward playing with the G League Ignite team out of Spain could cement himself as a potential first-round pick if he continues to build on some early-season flashes.
Almansa is averaging eight points and seven rebounds on 51 percent shooting from the field this season. Even though he's still just 18 years old, Almansa will enter the NBA Draft with a vast level of international experience. Playing with the youth Spanish team, Almansa was the MVP of multiple international tournaments (the FIBA U17 World Cup, the U18 European Championship, and the FIBA U19 World Cup).
The raw talent is very much present for Almansa. The big questions surrounding his game revolve around his ceiling and whether or not it's considered too limited to waste a first-round pick on.
25. Denver Nuggets - Kylan Boswell, G, Arizona
The defending champion Denver Nuggets don't have a ton of holes on their roster but could be looking for some depth behind Jamal Murray down the road. At the 2024 NBA Draft, with a late first-round pick, the Nuggets could elect to address their need in the backcourt after doing so on the wing last season. One prospect that could make sense for the Nuggets in what they could possibly need behind Murray is Kylan Boswell.
Boswell is the floor general for the Arizona Wildcats that continues to impress when he's on the court. Boswell is never playing out of control and keeps the game in front of him. He's made quite the jump from his freshman to sophomore season and is averaging 12 points and four assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range. If he can cut down on his turnovers a bit, Boswell can emerge as one of the better lead guards in this year's draft class.
There are natural questions about whether he possesses enough star power to be a lottery pick but he could fill a valuable bench role for a team like the Nuggets.
26. Indiana Pacers (via Oklahoma City) - Trevon Brazile, F, Arkansas
The Indiana Pacers could look to double down with another selection late in the first round. Another versatile prospect that could be on their radar is Trevon Brazile. The third-year college player has become somewhat of a leader for the Razorbacks this season. His numbers don't pop off the stat sheet by any means, but his versatility is something that NBA scouts are likely going to fall in love with as the official draft process begins.
Already considered to be a stronger defensive player than he is on the offensive end, Brazile has done a great job of continuing to improve on both ends of the floor this season. Brazile is having the most efficient offensive season of his college career (49 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range), and it could very much catapult him into cementing his status as a first-round pick.
Brazile is only to get better as he gets more reps after recovering from an ACL injury he suffered just nine games into last season. Where he ends up on the draft boards, it's entirely too early to tell.
27. Philadelphia 76ers - Osasere Ighodaro, F, Marquette
As one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, the Philadelphia 76ers don't have that many holes to fill on their roster. Quite frankly, there's a chance this pick (or prospect) ends up getting moved in a potential deal for a star player. Nevertheless, if the Sixers do keep this pick, I'd imagine they're going to look to add to the frontcourt. There's a chance Tobias Harris leaves in free agency and protecting against that possibility would be a smart move for the Sixers to take.
One prospect that could be available for the Sixers by the time they get on the clock is Osasere Ighodaro, a 6-foot-11 senior forward out of Marquette. Considering one of the best and most polished offensive big men in college basketball, Ighodaro is averaging 14 points and six rebounds on 66 percent shooting from the field.
There are concerns about how he'll translate to the NBA game and the absence of a consistent 3-point shot in his repertoire, but he's an experienced big man who can defend. That's something that nearly every team in the NBA could very well benefit from.
28. Milwaukee Bucks - Baba Miller, F, Florida State
The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping this season ends with a championship but there's no question that no matter what happens in the playoffs, they're going to enter the offseason with a clear need to add to their depth. Especially with how much they'll be operating over the cap heading into the summer. One way to help with that is by hitting a home run in the 2024 NBA Draft. With this late first-round pick, Baba Miller has to be in play for the Bucks.
After helping the Spain national team with the U19 championship during the summer, Miller has carried that momentum into his sophomore season at Florida State in which he's continued to show growth in his game. In his second season with the Seminoles, Miller is averaging eight points and five rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range - numbers that are all improved from last season.
Of course, it's not Miller's numbers that are going to get him drafted in the first round. It's his size, length, and athleticism that will make a strong case for a team to take a flier on his potential.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves - Tristan Da Silva, F, Colorado
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the surprise of the season in the Western Conference thus far. They're on pace to finish with the best record in the NBA. Whether or not this is sustainable heading into the thick of the season remains to be seen but, at least for now, the Wolves are projected to have a late first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. At this spot, Tristan Da Silva could be a prospect that catches the eyes of the Wolves.
As an experienced college player (four-year player for the Colorado Buffaloes), Da Silva could emerge as a draft and play prospect. He's been incredibly consistent each of his last two seasons at Colorado, averaging 16 points, five rebounds, and three assists on 54 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range in his senior campaign.
With some big decisions on the horizon for the Wolves, Da Silva could add another wrinkle to their depth to give the team some wiggle room when it comes to personnel decisions in the future.
30. Boston Celtics - Zach Edey, C, Purdue
The Boston Celtics have been pretty otherworldly this season. Short of a big injury taking place, the Celtics are going to be the overwhelming favorites to win the 2024 NBA Championship. As loaded as the Celtics are, if there is one weak spot on the roster, it's at the center position. There's little depth behind Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford at the position and short of an unforeseen trade deadline move, this will continue to be the case heading into the offseason.
One way the Celtics can address their weakness is via the NBA Draft. One center that the Celtics could take a flier on is Zach Edey. The 7-foot-4 Purdue senior is a center who's going to have a strong case to be a first-round pick. Sure, he struggles with quickness and the ability to get out on the wing defensively, but he's such an offensive force that he's going to get a shot to prove his worth in the NBA.
In what will likely be his final season at Purdue, Edey is averaging 24 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per game on 62 percent shooting from the field. Maybe the Celtics can make Edey work in the NBA?