In the latest edition of our NBA Mock Draft, we get our first real look at how the board could fall following the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.
As we inch closer and closer to the 2024 NBA Draft (June 26), the next shoe has officially dropped in the pre-draft process. That is the shoe of the NBA Draft Lottery. With the order officially set, we're going to be able to get a great idea of how things can play out in the NBA Draft.
Here are the official results of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery:
1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Washington Wizards
3. Houston Rockets
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston)
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
Let's get to our latest NBA Mock Draft which reflects the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery results.
1. Atlanta Hawks - Alex Sarr, C, France
While there are going to be many arguments for other prospects to be taken with the No. 1 overall pick, I'm more and more convinced that Alex Sarr is going to end up being the selection at the top of the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr is likely considered the prospect with the highest ceiling in this draft class and in what many considered a "down" year for prospects, a high upside is probably what you look at the most when making selections.
Sarr has the chance to develop into a star and has great measurables to be the next possible unicorn in the NBA. At 6-foot-11, Sarr has the skill set of a wing while being able to protect the paint as a big. If he can continue to develop on the offensive end of the floor, Sarr could be a nightmare to guard and play against at the next level. Sarr is not Victor Wembanyama, but the Atlanta Hawks should be very happy with this selection.
2. Washington Wizards - Stephon Castle, G, UCONN
There may come a point before the 2024 NBA Draft where I firmly make Stephon Castle my favorite prospect in this year's class but, at least for now, I'm not 100 percent there yet. Even then, I believe there's a good chance Castle could emerge as the best player in 2-3 years. Castle didn't overwhelm during his freshman season at UCONN but he was still awfully good. The fact that he still managed to pop off the screen even as a freshman on a supremely talented team is a good sign of his long-term potential at the next level.
Castle is likely going to make waves as a defender right away at the next level, but it'll ultimately be his development with his jump shot and overall playmaking ability that will make or break his star potential. But from a raw natural perspective, Castle has a lot of what you look for in a potential superstar-level prospect.
Castle has great size, a great demeanor, a strong work ethic, and the winning intangibles that every team is going to be looking for at the top of this draft.
3. Houston Rockets - Cody Williams, F, Colorado
At least in my opinion, there's a drop-off in this year's NBA Draft class after Alex Sarr and Stephon Castle. There may be some who disagree with that assessment, but that's perfectly fine. At No. 3 is when the NBA Draft can " truly begin." Whether that's a good or bad thing remains to be seen. Nevertheless, at this point, the draft order becomes borderline unpredictable. At No. 3, Cody Williams is certainly a prospect that could be in play for whichever team ends up with this selection.
Coming off a freshman season in which he averaged 12 points and three rebounds on 55 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent shooting from 3-point range, Williams makes the jump to the NBA as a prospect that carries plenty of intrigue. Being the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder rising star Jalen Williams, Cody enters the draft with some NBA pedigree.
With as much versatility and potential as Williams carries, the big questions surround his underwhelming athleticism and consistent shooting concerns. If he can answer those, however, watch out.
4. San Antonio Spurs - Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
As a prospect who has drawn some big comparisons, Matas Buzelis could be considered one of the most intriguing names to keep an eye on heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. At 6-foot-11, Buzelis is considered one of the most versatile prospects at the top of this draft class. The biggest question about Buzelis as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA is whether he can hone his skill set to one specific position. But if that ends up being the biggest concern about his game, that could end up being a good thing for him in the long run.
Buzelis could do a little of it all but may not be great at any one particular aspect of the game. Is it good or bad? While he may not have superstar potential, that doesn't mean he can't be a truly effective player for a very long time. Then again, when selecting in the top 5, a really good player is not exactly what you're aiming for.
Nevertheless, Buzelis should still be valued high in the lottery. The question is, how many teams will grade him as a top 5 pick?
5. Detroit Pistons - Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
One prospect that could go as high as No. 2 or 3 that could also end up being one of the bigger steals if he falls outside the top 5 is Rob Dillingham. Even though the Kentucky Wildcats' season ended in disaster, Dillingham was one of the bright spots for the team. During his freshman season, Dillingham averaged 15 points, four assists, and three rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field and 44 percent shooting from 3-point range. On paper, he feels like one of the few prospects that could have long-term star potential.
When it comes to weaknesses, there are natural barriers that could keep Dillingham from reaching his full potential. For one, being 6-foot-1 isn't going to help him on the defensive end. He's going to emerge as a natural target for opposing defenses. Additionally, he did show a habit of being a bit loose with the basketball on occasion.
However, if he can work on both of those fronts, there's a path toward stardom for Dillingham at the next level. Of course, that's also under the assumption that he lands in a spot that will give him the necessary time to blossom as a young prospect.
6. Charlotte Hornets - Nikola Topic, G, Serbia
While this NBA Draft class may not be considered a "deep" one, if there is any position of depth at the top, it's certainly at the wing position. One specific prospect that could catch a team's eye just outside the top 10 is Nikola Topic. As a playmaking guard with the size to play some wing at the next level, Topic could be considered one of the bigger high-ceiling players outside the top 2. Considered a playmaker, the big questions that surround Topic revolve around his athleticism and quickness - which should come as no surprise for a player that is coming from overseas.
Any team looking for a natural playmaker with some scoring upside should look in the direction of Topic. Ultimately, what Topic's potential at the next level could come down to is whether he'll be able to play enough defense and develop a consistent enough of a jump shot to be considered an everyday starter.
In the end, in this specific draft class, that should be a gamble many teams should be willing to take heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.
7. Portland Trail Blazers - Donovan Clingan, C, UCONN
In many other NBA Drafts, Donovan Clingan wouldn't generally be the prototypical prospect that is taken in the top 7. However, with how shallow this class may be, that's certainly on the table. In fact, there are some mock drafts that have Clingan being taken as high as in the top 3 - but that's another debate for another day. But with what Clingan was able to show and put on tape down the stretch as the Connecticut Huskies made another NCAA Championship run, it's easy to see why he'd be selected this high.
In the Huskies' NCAA Tournament run, Clingan averaged 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks per game on 65 percent shooting from the field. Even with a limited offensive game, Clingan proved that he can make enough of a difference on the defensive end of the floor. At his peak, there's a chance that Clingan could emerge as a defensive anchor for a team at the next level.
Even if that's all he becomes in the NBA, that'd be a huge win for a player taken in the top 10 of this year's draft class.
8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto) - Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
The San Antonio Spurs will likely have plenty of intriguing options to select at No. 8 in the first round. One prospect that could arise and make some sense for the Spurs is Reed Sheppard. After having quite the journey during his freshman season at Kentucky, Sheppard is the type of two-way guard that could end up being an excellent selection. A team that is still looking to set its foundational future around Victor Wembanyama, Sheppard is the type of high-end prospect that would move the needle for the San Antonio Spurs.
For the Spurs, the big question around Sheppard is whether or not he could actually make the jump to stardom in the NBA or not. On paper, that may be difficult to envision. Especially considering he's on the smaller end of guard prospects. However, when you watch his game tape, his efficiency on both ends of the floor jumps off the screen.
His two-way ability on both ends of the floor should not be overlooked and was a big reason why there was some push for him to be selected No. 1 overall in this year's NBA draft.
9. Memphis Grizzlies - Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
As one of the most unpredictable teams heading into the offseason, that is very much going to be the case for the Houston Rockets as they approach the 2024 NBA Draft. The Rockets don't necessarily have a huge hole on the roster, but this is certainly a team that wants to win sooner rather than later. And that makes their approach to the NBA Draft a lot more complicated compared to many other teams selecting in the lottery.
Nevertheless, one prospect that could be an intriguing riser over the next few weeks, and one that also makes sense for the Rockets at this point in the first round, is Ron Holland. As a prospect who translates as a potential two-way forward, Holland is the type of player who could end up being one of the better players from this draft class.
Already established as a defensive force, if Holland makes any level of strides on the offensive end of the floor, he'll be in the perfect spot to carve out a meaningful role for himself on a rebuilding team. The question is, can that be on the Rockets?
10. Utah Jazz - Zaccharie Risacher, F, France
At one point during this NBA Draft season, Zaccharie Risacher was a prospect to be considered in the top five of the first round. Even though he's fallen quite a bit over the last couple of months of the draft season, you can't deny that Risacher has the talent to develop into one of the better players in this year's draft class.
Because of that potential, it'll be difficult for any team to bypass him outside of the top 10. That's why I find it very difficult to believe that he's going to fall out of the lottery. In the end, I believe that there is going to be one team that is going to want to take a flyer on Risacher's long-term talent. One team that could make some sense for Risacher at this point in the first round is the Atlanta Hawks.
A team that very much carries uncertainty heading into the offseason, Rsacher is the type of risk that could be worthy for the Hawks. As they prepare for what could be a monumental offseason for their future, this could be an intriguing move late in the lottery.
11. Chicago Bulls - Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee
For a team that's likely going to want to make a splash move this offseason, I can't help but think how Dalton Knecht could be an excellent fit for the Chicago Bulls. Selecting late in the lottery, if Knecht is still available when the Bulls go on the clock, he could be an intriguing addition to the franchise. If there's any concern when it comes to taking the Knecht in the lottery, it surrounds the fact that he may not have as high of a ceiling as teams may want with selecting this high in the first round.
However, if the Bulls do want to sell tickets and add some intrigue to this upcoming season, which could very much be absent from the team depending on what they end up doing this summer, Knecht emerges as a sensible selection.
And maybe Knecht does end up having the star potential that many teams search for at this point in the lottery. He certainly captivated a college audience during his lone transfer season at Tennessee. Maybe he has the magic to do something similar as he prepares to make the jump to the NBA.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston) - Devin Carter, G, Providence
Throughout the season, the Oklahoma City Thunder have successfully made the job from a young exciting team to a young exciting team that is experiencing real playoff success. Even though they're probably not going to end up winning the NBA championship this season, this is a team that will be heading into the offseason looking for a couple more pieces of their championship puzzle.
With a lottery pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Thunder will have the opportunity to add another talented player to their young core. One prospect they could make a ton of sense for the Thunder is Devin Carter. A prospect who is probably more valued as a ready-to-contribute player, Carter could emerge as an important bench player for the team in the future.
Carter translates as a dynamic offensive player who has shown the ability to get his team involved. That could prove valuable for a young team that is trying to find experienced talent this summer. Add in that Carter is one of the more experienced prospects expected to be taken in the lottery, and this pairing makes even more sense.
13. Sacramento Kings - Tidjane Salaun, F, France
Heading into the offseason, the Sacramento Kings could be in an interesting spot. After losing in the first round of the NBA Playoffs in back-to-back seasons, you can't help but wonder how that could impact the team's approach heading into the offseason. Those back-to-back results could force the team to be more aggressive heading into the summer. And that could very much begin in the NBA Draft, in which they will enter with the No. 13 overall pick. If they do end up making this selection, Tidjane Salaun could be a long-term fit for the team.
Salaun will likely need several years to develop into a contributor in the NBA, especially for a winning team like the Kings, but he could be worth the wait. Especially in a draft class that leaves a bit to be desired.
There's a very good chance the Kings end up making a splash move at some point this offseason. Don't be surprised if they end up shopping the No. 13 overall pick in those efforts.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State) - Tristan Da Silva, F, Colorado
With a second selection in the lottery, the Portland, Trail Blazers will be able to add another high-quality prospect who could go a long way in helping this team take his step forward in the Western Conference this upcoming season. One prospect that could help on that front is Tristan Da Silva. A prospect out of Colorado, Da Silva hasn't gotten the level of attention that many other prospects have that are expected to be taken in the lottery. Even then, Silver is the type of prospect that makes sense on several levels.
For one, he's a player that is likely going to be able to contribute sooner rather than later. He's also a player who doesn't need the ball in his hands or need a play drawn up in his favor in order to be effective. That's perhaps the greatest value that he can offer to a new team in the NBA; that he can fit in anywhere.
Da Silva may never end up being a star, but he sure can provide value in plenty of other ways as a first-round pick.
15. Miami Heat - Jared McCain, G, Duke
As the Miami Heat prepare for an offseason that will drastically impact their future, their first order of business will revolve around how to approach the 2024 NBA Draft. In a good position to find another diamond in the rough, the Heat will enter the draft with the No. 15 overall pick. One intriguing prospect that could be viewed as a high-ceiling gamble at this point in the first round is Duke guard Jared McCain.
McCain is one prospect that I believe many teams will end up not taking a flier on, especially if this year's draft class ends up being the "bust" that many expect it to be. At the very least, the Heat would be getting a strong 3-and-D guard with this selection.
16. Philadelphia 76ers - Ja'Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
With no idea how their roster is going to look at the start of next season, with the exception of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and maybe Paul Reed, it's going to be increasingly difficult for the Philadelphia 76ers to make a quality pick with this selection. However, they can't go wrong with a high-ceiling gamble. And Ja'Kobe Walter could represent that for the team if this is how the board falls.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles) - Carlton Carrington, G, Pittsburgh
As signs continue to point to the possibility of big changes coming to the New Orleans Pelicans this summer, they could start by getting off on the right foot with solid selections in the 2024 NBA Draft. With this first pick, Carlton Carrington is one option that could emerge for the Pelicans in the draft.
As a player that translates as a potential six-man or a microwave score of the bench, there is some value that Carrington can carry for this team moving forward. Especially considering the uncertainty that continues to revolve around the futures of a couple of their core players.
18. Orlando Magic - Isaiah Collier, G, USC
The Orlando Magic had a solid year this season, which ended in Game 7 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. But even with their success this season, it's clear that they have a need in the backcourt. With no long-term solution at the point guard position, and with the need on the shooting front, Isaiah Collier is a prospect who could make some sense at this point in the NBA Draft.
Even though he left much to be desired during his freshman season at USC, he is one of the most talented players that is likely going to be taken outside of the lottery this season.
19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana) - Kel'el Ware, C, Indiana
As the Toronto Raptors enter deeper into the retooling of their roster, it'll be interesting to see what positions they end up prioritizing this summer. With this specific pick in the first round, a player like Kel'el Ware is a prospect that could make sense for the Raptors. Very much a developmental piece, Ware has an interesting skill set that could be of interest to a team like Toronto.
Even though he is unlikely to make huge contributions right away, Ware is the type of developmental center that could pay dividends down the line. Plus, he has a skill set that does translate to the new era of the NBA.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Yves Missi, C, Baylor
Without knowing what truly awaits the Cleveland Cavaliers during the offseason, it's almost impossible to predict how they're going to approach the NBA Draft. However, one prospect who is too talented to still be on the board at this point of the NBA Draft is Yves Missi.
The 7-foot defensive-minded center out of Baylor has the potential to be one of the best bigs in this year's draft class. But because of his uncertainty that revolves around his offensive game, he's the type of player that could end up falling down the board in the first round.
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee) - Kyshawn George, F, Miami
After taking a prospect that could potentially have a slightly bigger role right away for the team, the New Orleans Pelicans could take somewhat of a gamble with their second first-round pick. With the noise continuing to grow louder surrounding the possibility of a Brandon Ingram trade this summer, a player like Kyshawn George could make sense for the Pelicans.
Very much a raw prospect, George has an interesting skill set that wasn't on full display during his freshman season at Miami. Because of that, George is the type of prospect that you envision is going to have a better showing at the NBA level than he did in college.
22. Phoenix Suns - Kyle Filipowski, F, Duke
The 22nd overall pick by the Phoenix Suns is going to be one of the most intriguing selections of all of the first round. That's because if the Suns are going to improve on any front this offseason, this is likely their best shot to find ready to contribute talent this summer.
The Suns may not have salary space or much flexibility when it comes to a potential trade, but they do have this pick. At No. 22, a player like Kyle Filipkowski could make sense for the Suns. For all the concerns about his ability to translate his talent to the NBA level, he does have an intriguing skill set that might make him a worthy selection for a team like the Suns.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans) - Mark Sears, G, Alabama
The Milwaukee Bucks will be heading into the offseason with the goal of improving their depth around Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. One way they could do that is by making a smart selection with their late first-round pick. Even though it'll be tough to find great value at this point in the NBA Draft, Mark Sears is one player that could emerge as an intriguing option for a team like the Bucks.
Sears is coming off a sensational senior season at Alabama and managed to take his game to an entirely different level as he helped lead the Crimson Tide to a Final Four. He has the DNA of a potential steal late in the first round.
24. New York Knicks (via Dallas) - Terrence Shannon Jr., F, Illinois
With back-to-back first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, you'd have to imagine that the New York Knicks could get creative with how they elect to approach these decisions. With this first one, perhaps they'd want to take a player who is ready to contribute right away. One prospect that could fall into that bucket is Terrence Shannon Jr.
On many occasions this season, Shannon proved he can be a capable prospect at the next level. The question is, will his game translate as well as many believe it could?
25. New York Knicks - Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
With the second first-round pick, you have to imagine that the New York Knicks would get a little bit more risky. One prospect that could be exactly what the Knicks are looking for at this point in the first round is Tyler Smith. A player who has some decent promise on the offensive end of the floor, Smith is arguably one of the rawest prospects that could be taken in the first round.
But because of his high upside offensively, Smith is the type of player that could make sense for a more established team like the Knicks. However, if Smith is going to be able to carve out any type of NBA career, there's no question that he has to make huge strides on the defensive end of the floor.
26. Washington Wizards (via LA) - Johnny Furphy, F, Kansas
As the Washington Wizards begin to establish a new foundational core for this new era for the franchise, one prospect worthy of a late first-round flyer is Johnny Furphy. Even though he faded down the stretch for the Kansas Jayhawks, he did have a stretch where he showcased his ability to be a difference-making wing.
If he does end up remaining in the NBA Draft, he's the type of late first-round pick that could end up blossoming a few years down the line.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves - Kevin McCullar Jr., F, Kansas
The Minnesota Timberwolves have their eyes on winning an NBA championship this season, but even if they don't, this is a team that will be entering the summer with the priority of solidifying their depth around their core of Anthony Edwards, and Karl-Anthony Towns. One prospect who could emerge as a ready-to-contribute player from this year's class is Kevin McCullar Jr.
As one of the most productive players during his senior season at Kansas, McCullar could make some sense as a more experienced prospect for a team like the Timberwolves.
28. Denver Nuggets - Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
The Denver Nuggets will have some interesting decisions to make this summer. One of the bigger ones revolves around the upcoming free agency of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. In the event that they aren't able to re-sign him, it would be smart for the Nuggets to find a potential replacement for him.
One way that they could potentially do that is by drafting one of the best defensive prospects in this year's draft class, Ryan Dunn. Even though he does leave much to be desired on the offensive floor, Dunn's defensive capabilities should be enough to get him drafted in the first round.
29. Utah Jazz (via OKC) - Daron Holmes II, F, Dayton
As the Utah Jazz continue to look to add to their core, Daron Holmes II is a player who could be in play for the team at this point in the first round. As a highly productive player during his sophomore and junior seasons at Dayton, Holmes has done more than enough for him to warrant a shot to prove himself at the next level.
The Jazz will continue to look for help on the wing and in the frontcourt and Holme could be more of a ready-to-play type of prospect that could make sense. He may not have much upside but he could emerge as a capable rotation player right away for the Jazz.
30. Boston Celtics - Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Doesn't this seem like such a Boston Celtics pick late in the first round? Taking a flier on a player like Zach Edey could end up paying dividends for the team right away. While there is no guarantee that he can be an everyday starter in the NBA, with how productive and dominant he was in college, you'd have to think he can be somewhat of a contributor at the next level.
For a team that could use some depth at the center position, Edey would be a theoretical fit in Boston. He may never be the star that he was in college, but even if he is just a reliable rotation player, he could be worth that gamble with this pick.