In the latest edition of our NBA Mock Draft, the Detroit Pistons make bold selection at No. 1 and the Portland Trail Blazers shake up the top 3.
Heading into the new calendar year, with college basketball and the NBA seasons hitting their stride, the hype and intrigue surrounding the 2024 NBA Draft should begin to grow. Even though this year's draft class isn't getting as much love as last year's did, that doesn't mean there can't be hidden gems and future All-Stars to come out of this year's NBA Draft.
As we continue to move forward into the draft season, we'll explore a surprise at the top (by the Detroit Pistons) and then a trade in the top 5 between the Portland Trail Blazers and Washington Wizards. Let's get to our NBA Mock Draft 4.0.
1. Detroit Pistons - Nikola Topic, G, Serbia
Heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, the Detroit Pistons are going to be under immense pressure to get this selection right. Even more so if they do end up with the No. 1 overall pick. In what could be a surprise to some, the Pistons will hit the eject button on Jaden Ivey and take another dynamic guard at the top of the draft.
With the No. 1 pick, Nikola Topic has to be on Detroit's radar. As he continues to grow as a scorer, Topic has already proven to be a dynamic playmaker. More than anything, that's what the Pistons could use next to Cade Cunningham, who has already proven he can fill up the stat sheet.
The Pistons can't hope for Ivey's continued development. They must be proactive in trying to find the answer in the backcourt. Topic could be part of the team's pivot heading into the offseason.
2. San Antonio Spurs - Zaccharie Risacher, F, France
Even after landing Victor Wembanyama in the 2023 NBA Draft, it's become quite clear this season that the San Antonio Spurs still very much have a long way to go if they have any interest in competing with the top of the Western Conference anytime soon. They're likely going to head into the offseason with another top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Right now, they're projected to select No. 2 overall. If things don't change between now and the end of the season, Zaccharie Risacher could be a fit for the Spurs at No. 2.
Risacher is far from the most polished prospect in this year's draft class but could be considered to have a high enough ceiling to warrant being drafted in the top 3. If he continues to prove that he can score the basketball on a consistent basis, he's going to be an easy prospect to get behind heading into the draft.
Especially for a proven developmental franchise like the Spurs, Risacher could be a nice fit. Especially with Wemby to play next to, Risacher could emerge as one of the most intriguing prospects from this year's draft class.
3. Portland Trail Blazers (mock trade with WAS) -Alexandre Sarr, F/C, NBL
In this mock trade, the Portland Trail Blazers will send the Washington Wizards Matisse Thybulle and one of their extra 2024 second-round picks to the Washington Wizards in exchange for moving up two spots in the 2024 NBA Draft. Portland moves up to No. 3 and the Wizards are given the No. 5 pick. In an attempt to secure a falling Alexandre Sarr, the Blazers decide to make a tangible move up the draft. In a way, Sarr can be everything that Portland thought it was getting in Deandre Ayton.
For the most part, Ayton has been pretty disappointing as a member of the Blazers. However, Sarr has some of the same potential as Ayton had coming out of college. The sky is the limit for Sarr and I don't think there's a consensus projection for him just yet. Sarr has the potential to be taken anywhere in the top 5 and if he isn't taken No. 1 or 2, there's a chance a team decides to jump up and take him here.
The Blazers accomplish that with this mock trade with the Wizards. Hopefully, this is a move that ends up paying off for Portland a bit better than the acquisition of Ayton has thus far.
4. Charlotte Hornets - Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
The Charlotte Hornets are going to enter the offseason with the goal of continuing to add to their young core. Already with a solid collection of young talent, with another top 5 pick, it's not out of the realm of possibility that the Hornets emerge as one of the most intriguing teams heading into the start of next season. But getting this pick right will go a long way in accomplishing that. At No. 4, Matas Buzelis could be of interest to the Hornets.
Buzelis is an intriguing young wing who is still trying to hit his stride as a prospect. At 6-foot-8, Buzelis will have the ability to play multiple positions at the next level. Of course, that's under the assumption that his offensive game will continue to develop. If anything, that's the one big hiccup for Buzelis as a prospect heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.
I'd imagine that Buzelis is going to show enough to warrant being in the conversation as a top 5 pick. And in a no-pressure situation like the Hornets, Buzelis could truly thrive after a couple of years of development.
5. Washington Wizards (mock trade with POR) - Cody Williams, F, Colorado
Considering that the Washington Wizards are in the very early stages of their rebuild, moving down has to be on the table for the team heading into the 2024 NBA Draft. Especially considering this is a draft class that may not be on par with some of the others that we've seen recently. That door is opened with the Portland Trail Blazers who may try to make a splash near the top of the draft. With this deal, the Wizards still get one of the top prospects while also adding an additional second-round pick.
At this point, the Wizards should be willing to trade down if it does get the man an additional pick and another prospect (Matisse Thybulle) that they could use for their rebuild or even trade down the line for another asset. Even after making the deal, the Wizards are still able to snag Cody Williams, one of the most versatile wings in this year's draft class.
At the next level, Williams is likely going to be able to play multiple positions. If he can prove that he can continue to develop on the offensive end, Williams has the chance to be an All-Star level player in the NBA.
6. Memphis Grizzlies - Ja'Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
After getting off to a fast start with Ja Morant back in the lineup, the Memphis Grizzlies have once again continued to show fatal inconsistencies over the last week. So much so that it's led to the belief that perhaps the Grizzlies aren't going to be able to climb out of the early-season hole that they managed to find themselves in. If that does end up being the case, there's a very strong chance that Memphis has a top-10 pick in this year's draft.
That could be labeled as both good and bad for the Grizzlies. On one hand, it would represent a huge step back for the team. But, on the other, it would be an opportunity for the team to find another potential supporting star for Morant. One player that would have to be on the Grizzlies' radar at this point in the draft is Ja'Kobe Walter.
As one of the most dynamic offensive players in this draft class, Walter is averaging 16 points and four rebounds per game on 45 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range for the Baylor Bears so far this season. He would be an intriguing running mate for Desmond Bane and Morant.
7. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) - Isaiah Collier, G, USC
With a second top-10 pick, depending on how the season plays out for the retooling Toronto Raptors, it wouldn't be all that surprising for the San Antonio Spurs to explore doubling down on the wing position. After already taking Zaccharie Risacher earlier in this mock draft, Isaiah Collier could be in play for the Spurs. He's more of a guard than a forward but there's no question that his size and athleticism will give him the opportunity to play all over the floor at the next level.
The Spurs will head into the offseason with the opportunity to emerge as one of the biggest surprise teams in the league in 2024-25. If they can push the right buttons during the offseason, there's a chance the Spurs' young core ends up taking the league by storm in the not-so-distant future.
Fourteen games into his freshman season at USC, Collier is averaging 15 points and four assists on 49 percent shooting from the field. His sub-30 percent shooting from 3-point range leaves much to be desired, but that's certainly something that could improve as the talent and coaching around him does.
8. Chicago Bulls - Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
With roughly a month before the NBA Trade Deadline, all eyes continue to fall squarely on the Chicago Bulls. There's an expectation around this team that suggests they're going to be extremely active heading into the deadline and that their actions at the deadline will set them up for an almost equally active offseason. Heading into the NBA Draft, if Ron Holland is available late in the top 10, the Bulls shouldn't hesitate.
All chatter aside, if the Bulls are able to land Holland late in the top 10, they should run up to turn in their draft card. With where Chicago is likely to select in this year's draft, Holland is somewhat of a best-case scenario for this team. Plus, he'd be a great next step for this team as they attempt to retool their roster sans Zach LaVine.
In 15 games played for the G League Inginte so far this season, Holland is averaging 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on 47 percent shooting from the field. He's still struggling with his 3-point shot or the lack of one, and that's certainly something to keep an eye on as we draw closer and closer to the official pre-draft process.
9. Atlanta Hawks - Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
With the uncertainty that continues to surround the Atlanta Hawks heading into the NBA Trade Deadline, in which there are scenarios where they act as buyers and complete a trade for Pascal Siakam or operate as sellers and part ways with Dejounte Murray, who knows where this team is going to stand heading into the offseason. However, if they do end up parting ways with Murray, it wouldn't be that surprising for the Hawks to take another roll of the dice on a guard prospect even with Kobe Bufkin still on the roster.
One player that could make sense for the Hawks at this point in the lottery is Rob Dillingham. At 6-foot-3, Dillingham is somewhat of an undersized combo guard for the NBA. However, his playmaking and overall shot-making consistency is what will ultimately get him selected in the lottery in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Twelve games into this freshman season with Kentucky, Dillingham is averaging 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds per game on 47 percent shooting from the field and 45 percent shooting from 3-point range.
10. Houston Rockets (via BK) - Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia
It's no guarantee that the Houston Rockets finish with a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft but there is a scenario where the team manages to make the playoffs and still ends up with a top-10 pick. Mostly, thanks to the Brooklyn Nets (who will convey their unprotected draft pick to the Rockets this season). If the Rockets do end up with a lottery pick, anything and everything should be on the table for the team. One specific potential fit that could emerge is Ryan Dunn.
At 6-foot-8, there's an argument to be made that Dunn is the best and most versatile defensive prospect in this year's NBA Draft class. There are certain limitations on the offensive end of the floor for Dunn but if any team is willing to look beyond those, there's no question that he's going to end up being taken in the lottery, and perhaps even higher.
In the modern NBA, prospects are rewarded for versatility. And that's what we're likely going to see with Dunn. Even as a flawed offensive prospect, Dunn is going to get a lottery nod because of his defensive prowess and overall athleticism. Even more so considering there aren't many that are high on this year's draft class.
11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via UTA) - Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
The Oklahoma City Thunder may be thriving with the second-best record in the Western Conference. However, because of other picks that are coming their way via the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets, there's a chance that the Thunder has multiple lottery picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. Quite frankly, this isn't a great draft to have multiple picks in, but the Thunder could attempt to do good by them in making lemonade out of lemons. Or perhaps they could even package them together to either acquire a veteran difference-maker or trade out of the first round entirely.
Either way, the Thunder is expected to have options heading into the NBA Draft. If they do keep their selections, Reed Sheppard is a player that could be of interest late in the lottery. The freshman guard is averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and four assists per game on 58 percent shooting from the field and 56 percent shooting from 3-point range. He's also turning heads with his defensive prowess, averaging nearly three steals per game.
If the Thunder is looking for a defensive-minded guard to pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Sheppard could be a fit.
12. Portland Trail Blazers (via GS) - Kevin McCullar Jr., F, Kansas
As the Golden State Warriors continue to struggle, the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is expected to convey to the Portland Trail Blazers. Adding this pick to their back pocket, the Blazers could get creative with what they do with this selection. One interesting possibility for the team could involve righting a past wrong. After not coming away with Jaime Jaquez Jr., who they were reportedly high on in last year's NBA Draft, perhaps they could look to add a similar type of prospect in this year's NBA Draft with Kevin McCullar Jr.
As likely the most experienced player that's going to get drafted, McCullar Jr. could offer an NBA-ready skill set that could be beneficial for the young Blazers as they look to take the next step in their development as a team. As a fifth-year senior at Kansas, McCullar Jr. is averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and five assists per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.
I'm not saying McCullar Jr. is a lock to be the next Jaquez Jr., but there are certainly some similarities that the Blazers could get behind.
13. New Orleans Pelicans (via LAL) - Donovan Clingan, C, UCONN
The New Orleans Pelicans are a team that no one seems to be talking about. This is a team that could emerge as a dangerous dark horse in the Western Conference if they can remain healthy. Quitely, this team continues to climb up the West standings. Nevertheless, there's still a chance this team ends up with a lottery pick thanks to the Los Angeles Lakers. If they do end up with a mid-first-round pick, Donovan Clingan could be a fit for the team as they continue to look for long-term answers at the center position.
Even though Jonas Valanciunas continues to be somewhat of a pillar in the frontcourt for the Pelicans, his future is very much up in the air moving forward. He's in the final year of his contract with the Pelicans and it could prove to be difficult for the team to lock him up with all the money they have tied up in their other key contributors.
The Pelicans could look into the draft to attempt to find his eventual successor. Clingan could fit that mold for what the Pelicans could be looking for in a big man. Clingan is averaging 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks per game on 63 percent shooting from the field.
14. Phoenix Suns - Kyle Filipowski, C, Duke
While all is not lost for the Phoenix Suns just yet, even though things don't appear to be headed in the right direction, the early returns on the big three haven't been great. It's still too early to throw in the towel on the season but the fact that the team is clinging to one of the final spots in the Western Conference Play-In Tournament at the moment doesn't bode well for this team's long-term fortunes. Nevertheless, if they do end up with a mid-first-round selection, there could be good value for the Suns.
With a core of Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Devin Booker, adding a difference-making big man could be exactly what the Suns should be prioritizing heading into the NBA Draft. One potential fit at this point in the draft is Kyle Filipowski. A sophomore big man at Duke, Filipowski is proving that he has the chance to be a true star at the next level.
Taking a step forward from his freshman to sophomore season, Filipowski is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, and three assists on 53 percent shooting from the field and 32 percent shooting from 3-point range. As a true 7-footer, Filipowski offers an intriguing skill set that could flourish in Phoenix.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU) - Stephon Castle, G, UCONN
With a second first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, OKC could look to a prospect with a bit more potential than production. In a play toward more upside, Stephon Castle could be in play for the Thunder with the first pick outside the lottery. Castle hasn't played much in his freshman season at UCONN but he's shown flashes of potential in the few games that he has participated in. Eight games into this college career, Castle is averaging nine points, four rebounds, and three assists per game on 51 percent shooting from the field.
At this point, it's almost impossible to predict how scouts will define Castle as a prospect. He hasn't flashed much in terms of a high-scoring guard and has struggled mightily with his 3-point shot. He has great size at 6-foot-6 and his athelticism on the defensive end of the floor is certainly encouraging. Unless he gets a lot more run in the second half of the season, Castle's pre-draft process is likely going to make or break his draft stock.
The Thunder taking a flier on Castle, banking on his upside, wouldn't be that surprising to see at this point in the draft.
16. Orlando Magic - Jared McCain, G, Duke
Even though the Orlando Magic have seemingly taken a step forward this season in the Eastern Conference, there remains much unsettled about this team's future. You can make the argument that the biggest questions surround the future in the backcourt. I'm not sure the Magic is sold on the talent pool that they have at the guard position and heading into the offseason, it wouldn't be all that surprising if they explore making an upgrade via free agency or trade or, at the very least, adding another possible piece via the NBA Draft.
If they do elect to go the draft route, Jared McCain could be a potential fit for the Magic. In his freshman season with Duke, McCain is averaging 12 points and four rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 47 percent shooting from 3-point range. He may leave much to be desired as a ball-handler and playmaker, but he's going to be considered one of the best 3-point shooters in this year's draft class if he declares.
For the Magic, McCain could offer some serious value off the bench in a contributor role for the team down the line. Even though McCain may not be a complete prospect, there's always going to be a need for elite shooting. And that's what McCain may be.
17. Cleveland Cavaliers - D.J. Wagner, G, Kentucky
Depending on how the Cleveland Cavaliers end up closing out the season, there's a chance that they enter the offseason with some big changes on the horizon. At the center of those changes could Donovan Mitchell, who has just one year remaining on his contract after this season. And his reluctance to sign a contract extension with the team should give the Cavs all the information that they need when it comes to his future.
All signs continue to point to Mitchell eventually moving on from the Cavs. If Cleveland doesn't force the move with a trade, it will likely come via free agency. Unless something drastically changes between now and then. With the Cavs struggling this season, it doesn't appear as if it will. If the Cavs want to prevent a complete disaster, they should prepare for his eventual departure. One way they could accomplish that is by taking a guard in the NBA Draft.
D.J. Wagner could be viewed as an intriguing possibility for the Cavs at No. 17. During his freshman season, Wagner has shown a little bit of everything as a prospect. He's averaging 12 points and four assists on 41 percent shooting from the field.
18. New York Knicks - Yves Missi, C, Baylor
In an ideal world, the New York Knicks would already consider themselves set at the center position. However, with Mitchell Robinson's injury history, that's not fair to suggest. Robinson has missed extended time each of the last two seasons with injuries and there's no guarantee that he will return at the end of this season. If so, that would mean Robinson has only played in 80 regular season games over the course of two seasons. For as talented as Robinson is when he's healthy, this is far from an ideal situation that New York finds itself in.
Taking a gamble on a big-man prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft could offer some much-needed depth the Knicks need heading into next season. One prospect the Knicks could target late in the first round is Yves Missi, a 7-foot freshman prospect. In 12 games played this season, Missi is averaging 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks per game on 67 percent shooting from the field.
Missi mirrors a lot of what Robinson does well for New York and could be worthy of a late first-round pick. And, hey, maybe in a few years, Missi will be the new starting center for the Knicks.
19. New York Knicks (via DAL) - Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
With a second first-round pick, which just happens to be right after their original selection, thanks to the struggles of the Dallas Mavericks, the New York Knicks could look to address their wing depth. Even after making the move for OG Anunoby, there's still a chance that this team's depth gets even more thin if they do end up making another big move either at this year's NBA Trade Deadline or during the offseason. Targeting a player like Justin Edwards could make a lot of sense for a Knicks team that could be looking to replace some of their depth.
Selecting Edwards is a play for potential and his upside. He's extremely raw and hasn't proven what type of player he will translate to be at the next level; that could end up working both good and bad for him as he enters the pre-draft process. Nevertheless, because of his size and potential on both ends of the floor, there's probably a good chance he still ends up being a first-round selection.
The Knicks could be a good spot for Edwards as he'll likely need a few years to find his footing before he should be expected to be a consistent contributor.
20. Indiana Pacers - Tidjane Salaun, F, France
The Indiana Pacers have certainly made some strides as a team this season and rode the NBA's best offense all the way to the NBA In-Season Championship game. Heading into the offseason, if the Pacers don't make a big splash move, there's an expectation that they're going to continue to build slowly around their young core. With plenty of options ahead of the NBA Draft, the Pacers could get creative with this draft pick.
Adding another prospect to the frontcourt could be a path that the Pacers end up heading down. If so, Tidjane Salaun could be a fit late in the first round. Salaun is an intriguing prospect who could seemingly be taken in the lottery to late in the first round. A lot of his draft positioning will come down to his pre-draft process.
However, he's certainly a player that could be in play for the Pacers. As a team that could still be looking for some long-term answers at the power forward position, you can't entirely count out the Pacers from making such a selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.
21. Miami Heat - Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
As the Miami Heat continue to pursue that elusive championship in the post-LeBron James era, the team has a huge hole at the power forward position. If they're going to move forward with Bam Adebayo as the team's starting center, they're going to need a power forward that can successfully stretch the floor and be a difference-maker next to Bam. So far, the Heat hasn't had much luck in finding that long-term answer.
They've gotten away with playing versatile forwards at the position but they're clearly undersized players playing out of their comfort zone. In an attempt to find the long-term answer, the Heat could target a prospect such as Tyler Smith late in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft.
Smith has impressed during his short stint with the G League Ignite. In 16 games played, Smith is averaging 14 points and five rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range. If he continues to build off that consistency heading into the latter portion of the season, there's no question he's going to be quite tempting for a team like the Heat to take late in the first round.
22. New Orleans Pelicans - Trevon Brazile, F, Arkansas
The New Orleans Pelicans could continue their pursuit of solidifying their frontcourt depth, especially behind Zion Williamson. Trevon Brazile could be part of those efforts late in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. Brazile is an intriguing prospect considering he's just making waves after suffering a season-ended injury nine games into his sophomore season. So far this season, Brazile is averaging 10 points, seven rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game on 50 percent shooting from the field and 43 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Brazile could be an asset for the Pelicans heading into the future and, at the very least, could give this team some added flexibility heading into the offseason. Even though the Pelicans have been "improved" this season, or at least just healthier so far, this is a team that will have plenty of questions to answer heading into the summer.
Quite frankly, I'm not sure what this team's roster is going to look like at the start of next season. Brazile could very well give the Pelicans another possible piece to their puzzle.
23. Atlanta Hawks (via SAC) - Bobi Klintman, F, NBL
Over the past two seasons, you can make the argument that, accounting for expectations, the Atlanta Hawks have been the most disappointing team in the Eastern Conference. This was a team that was supposed to take off. Seemingly, it's almost as if the team has gone in the complete opposite direction. It's no surprise that heading into the 2024 NBA Draft, anything can be on the table for Atlanta. One player that could be in play for the Hawks is Bobi Klintman.
Heading into the pre-draft process, Klintman is a name to keep an eye on. With his size, skill set, and athleticism, Kilntman has the potential to make a climb up draft boards. If he can continue to show he's a capable offensive player during the rest of the season in the NBL, there's a chance he will climb into the lottery range between now and the NBA Draft.
It's easy to see why the Hawks, who may very well be on the verge of a retooling around Trae Young, could be a soft landing spot for Klintman. If the Hawks are looking to reshuffle some of their supporting cast, Klintman could very well be in the conversation to be selected late in the first round (if he's still available).
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (LAC) - Zach Edey, C, Purdue
The Oklahoma City Thunder are heading into the offseason with some big decisions to make. With the possibility of entering the 2024 NBA Draft with three first-round picks and a second-round pick, you'd have to imagine that the Thunder is likely going to have to trade some of these assets. The Thunder can't seemingly retool their roster around four new rookies heading into 2024-25. That's not very realistic, especially considering how good the team has played so far this season.
If the Thunder are forced to make another selection, Zach Edey could be a potential target. In what is likely going to be his final season at Purdue, Edey has improved his trade stock over the first couple of months of the season. Through 14 games this season, Edey is averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per game on 62 percent shooting from the field. At 7-foot-4, he deserves a shot as a first-round draft pick.
And the Thunder could be a good landing spot for him. He could develop behind the scenes as he gradually develops into a player who could play a minimal role for a contender in the Western Conference.
25. Denver Nuggets - Osasere Ighodaro, F, Marquette
The Denver Nuggets are looking to repeat as NBA Champions this season and they'll have a good shot to do so without any other team in the Western Conference looking like an overwhelming contender so far this season. If they are able to pull off the feat, a big part of that success will have to be attributed to the team's draft and development philosophy. With another likely late first-round pick, the Nuggets could look to add another developmental project to their roster.
One potential target that could emerge for the Nuggets is Osasere Ighodaro, a 6-foot-11 forward prospect out of Marquette. In his senior season with the Golden Eagles, Ighodaro is averaging 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists on 61 percent shooting from the field. Following the path of other difference-making big men in Denver's past, Ighodaro could emerge as a long-term fit for the Nuggets.
At this point in the NBA Draft, the Nuggets will likely just be throwing ideas at the wall to see what sticks or, in this case, a prospect that could flourish in the system.
26. Indiana Pacers (via OKC) - Izan Almansa, F, G League Ignite
With the possibility that the Indiana Pacers have two first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft, I wouldn't be surprised if they decided to double down in the frontcourt with these selections. Especially if they aren't able to make a big move at the NBA Trade Deadline. One potential target that could arise for the Pacers late in the first round is G League Ignite prospect Izan Almansa. The 6-foot-10 forward is averaging eight points and seven rebounds per game on 51 percent shooting from the field in 16 games played in the G League showcase.
While there is some promise with the production and flashes he's shown so far this season, there are equal concerns about his lack of a consistent 3-point shot and his overall athleticism that is hit or miss depending on which NBA scout you ask. Nevertheless, he's a player that the Pacers could look to take a flier on.
Again, there are several different ways the Pacers could elect to go with this draft pick but it seems safe to assume they're going find some added depth to the frontcourt.
27. Philadelphia 76ers - Kel'el Ware
Heading into the offseason, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to have their hands full in trying to make up ground that they've lost in the last calendar year to the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, who both look like absolute world-beaters on most nights. For as good as the Sixers have been this season, they may not be in a place where they could compete for a championship in the Eastern Conference.
The offseason will be focused on helping this team get to a place where they can compete again. While adding top-tier talent will go a long way in accomplishing that, adding depth around the edges is another way the Sixers can improve heading into next season. Making a wise selection with their projected late first-round draft pick could go a long way in helping on that front.
Targeting a backup to Joel Embiid could be the way to go; Kel'el Ware could be on the Sixers' radar as he's averaging 15 points and nine rebounds on 57 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from 3-point range during his sophomore season at Indiana (after transferring from Oregon).
28. Milwaukee Bucks - Tyrese Proctor, Kentucky
Heading into the offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks will be looking to add to their depth. With Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez getting older, their depth will only become that much more important if the Bucks are going to be expected to continue to compete with this core. With a late first-round pick, the Bucks could look to add to their supporting cast. At this point in the draft, this pick will be a huge gamble. One prospect that could make sense as a worthy risk at this point in the NBA Draft is Tyrese Proctor.
He's an interesting player who could have a bright future if he lands in the right developmental spot. He has some similarities to Tyrese Haliburton at this point in his career. I don't believe anyone is saying Proctor is going to be the next Haliburton but there is some promise there with the Kentucky guard.
If Proctor can continue to make improvements in his game and has a good pre-draft process (in terms of interviews and workouts), he should be able to climb up the draft board heading into the draft.
29. Minnesota Timberwolves - Bronny James, G, USC
Over the course of the next few months, it will prove to be interesting to see if the Minnesota Timberwolves can keep this level of winning up. The Wolves have been the best team in the Western Conference this season and are likely looking at a late first-round pick for the first time in a very long time. With this late pick, the Wolves could get creative and take a flier on talent and not on a player who will need to contribute right away.
One prospect that fits exactly the approach that the Wolves could be taking late in the first round is Bronny James. After making his collegiate debut roughly a month ago, James has continued to build on his draft stock. It's still too early to tell if he will end up declaring for the draft, but if he does I find it hard to believe that he won't be taken in the first round. Especially considering how hit or miss this draft class is considered to be.
James has begun to play better as of late and is averaging eight points on 50 percent shooting from the field. He's also considered to be one of the better defensive wing prospects in this draft class.
30. Boston Celtics - Baba Miller, F, Florida State
As stacked as the Boston Celtics are, it would almost be shocking if they didn't end up winning the championship this season. Either way, they're going to head into the offseason with a late first-round pick that will either be used to add veteran depth to the roster or young depth via using the selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. If the Celtics wanted to take a flier on a prospect with high-ceiling potential, Baba Miller could be in play.
As an extremely raw prospect, Miller continues to be of intrigue due to his unique size for a wing player. Miller is 6-foot-11 and continues to show improvements in his game. In his sophomore season, Miller is averaging eight points and five rebounds on 48 percent shooting from the field. He's going to continue to grow as the season deepens and he should begin to show more and more of that potential.
With a loaded roster, Miller could be the exact project that the Celtics could want to add via the NBA Draft.