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Introducing the 2024 NBA Mock Draft: A glimpse into the future of professional basketball. As the NBA landscape evolves with each passing season, so does the anticipation surrounding the next wave of young talent ready to make their mark on the league. In this mock draft, we explore the potential trajectory of promising prospects as they embark on their journey towards NBA stardom. From skilled playmakers to dominant big men, sharpshooters to defensive stalwarts, this draft class promises to bring a diverse array of skills and abilities to the NBA stage. So join us as we delve into the projections and predictions for the 2024 NBA Mock Draft, where dreams are realized, franchises are shaped, and the future of the game is set in motion.
1. Washington – Zaccharie Risacher (6’8’’, SF, France): Risacher, a talented small forward from France, possesses great size and versatility. He has shown tremendous scoring ability and has the potential to become a dynamic two-way player in the NBA. With Washington’s need for wing depth, Risacher brings a combination of skill and athleticism that can make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor.
2. San Antonio – Cody Williams (6’8’’, SF, Colorado, Fresh.): Williams is a highly skilled small forward known for his scoring ability and basketball IQ. He has a smooth shooting stroke and can create his own shot off the dribble. With the Spurs’ emphasis on player development, Williams has the potential to thrive under their system and contribute as a scoring threat alongside their young core.
3. Detroit – Matas Buzelis (6’10’’, SF, G-League Ignite): Buzelis, a product of the G-League Ignite program, brings a unique combination of size and skill to the small forward position. He is a versatile player who can shoot from outside, put the ball on the floor, and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Detroit, in need of young talent, sees Buzelis as a prospect with tremendous upside and potential to be a cornerstone for their future.
4. Charlotte – Ron Holland (6’8’’, SF, G-League Ignite): Holland, another standout from the G-League Ignite, is an explosive wing player with exceptional athleticism and scoring ability. He is a capable shooter and a relentless attacker of the rim, which fits well with Charlotte’s up-tempo style of play. With their focus on building a competitive young roster, the Hornets see Holland as an exciting addition to their lineup.
5. Chicago – Aaron Bradshaw (7’1’’, C, Kentucky, Fresh.): Bradshaw, a promising center out of Kentucky, brings size and strength to the Bulls’ frontcourt. He is an imposing shot-blocker and a dominant force around the basket. Bradshaw’s presence in the paint will provide defensive stability and rebounding prowess to a Chicago team looking to solidify their interior presence.
6. Utah – Isaiah Collier (6’3’’, PG, USC, Fresh.): Collier, a talented point guard from USC, possesses excellent court vision and passing ability. He has a high basketball IQ and can effectively run an offense. Utah, seeking a backup point guard to complement their star backcourt, sees Collier as a playmaker who can provide stability and contribute immediately.
7. Houston – Justin Edwards (6’7’’, SF, Kentucky, Fresh.): Edwards, a versatile small forward from Kentucky, brings a well-rounded skill set to the Rockets. He is a strong defender, a capable scorer, and a solid rebounder. Houston, in the midst of a rebuilding phase, values Edwards’ defensive versatility and his potential to grow into a valuable contributor on both ends of the court.
8. Indiana – Aday Mara (7’3’’, C, Spain): Mara, a towering center from Spain, offers the Pacers a dominant presence in the paint. He possesses exceptional size and shot-blocking ability, making him a formidable rim protector. Indiana, with a need for a true center, sees Mara as a long-term solution to bolster their frontcourt and provide a defensive anchor.
9. Atlanta – Stephon Castle (6’7’’, SF, Connecticut, Fresh): Castle, a skilled small forward from Connecticut, brings scoring versatility and playmaking ability to the Hawks. He is a dynamic scorer who can create his own shot and is comfortable playing in an up-tempo system. Atlanta, with its offensive firepower, believes Castle’s scoring prowess.
10. Orlando – Ja’Kobe Walter (6’5’’, SG, Baylor, Fresh.): Walter, a dynamic shooting guard from Baylor, brings an impressive skill set and versatility to the Magic. He is a natural scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot. Walter possesses great athleticism, which allows him to finish at the rim with authority and contribute on the defensive end. Orlando, in need of offensive firepower, sees Walter as a potential cornerstone player who can provide scoring punch and contribute to the team’s rebuilding efforts. With his combination of skill, athleticism, and potential, Walter is poised to make an impact and become a fan favorite in Orlando.
11. San Antonio – Thierry Darlan (6’6’’, SG, G-League Ignite): Darlan, a shooting guard from the G-League Ignite program, is a skilled scorer with a smooth shooting stroke and the ability to create his own shot. He possesses good size for his position and has shown the potential to become a reliable perimeter threat. San Antonio, known for their player development, sees Darlan as a prospect with scoring upside who can contribute to their backcourt depth.
12. Minnesota – Tyrese Proctor (6’5’’, PG, Duke, Soph.): Proctor, a talented point guard from Duke, brings a combination of scoring ability and playmaking skills to the table. He has good court vision and can create opportunities for his teammates. Proctor’s ability to score at all three levels and his basketball IQ make him an intriguing prospect for Minnesota as they seek to strengthen their backcourt.
13. Oklahoma City – Donovan Clingan (7’1’’, C, Connecticut, Soph.): Clingan, a dominant center from Connecticut, provides the Thunder with a true post presence. He is an excellent rebounder and shot-blocker, and his size allows him to alter opponents’ shots around the rim. Clingan’s offensive game continues to improve, making him an enticing prospect for Oklahoma City as they look to bolster their frontcourt.
14. Portland – Bobi Klintman (6’10’’, PF, Wake Forest, Soph.): Klintman, a versatile power forward from Wake Forest, brings a combination of size and skill to the Trail Blazers’ frontcourt. He has a good shooting touch and can stretch the floor, while also being capable of scoring in the paint. Portland values Klintman’s ability to contribute both offensively and defensively, as they aim to add depth to their frontcourt rotation.
15. New Orleans – Jared McClain (6’4’’, SG, Duke, Fresh.): McClain, a promising shooting guard from Duke, is an explosive scorer with the ability to create his own shot. He has a quick release and deep range on his jump shot, making him a threat from beyond the arc. New Orleans, in need of scoring punch, sees McClain as a player who can provide an immediate offensive spark off the bench.
16. New Orleans – Mackenzie Mgbako (6’8’’, SF, Indiana, Fresh.): Mgbako, a skilled small forward from Indiana, is a versatile player with good size and athleticism. He can score in multiple ways, has a strong defensive presence, and can contribute on the glass. New Orleans values Mgbako’s two-way potential and sees him as a long-term asset for their wing rotation.
17. Dallas – Kyle Filipowski (7’0’’, PF, Duke, Soph.): Filipowski, a talented power forward from Duke, brings size and versatility to the Mavericks’ frontcourt. He has a high basketball IQ and can score in a variety of ways, both inside and outside the paint. Filipowski’s ability to stretch the floor and his potential as a solid defender make him an attractive prospect for Dallas as they seek to bolster their frontcourt depth.
18. Indiana – Dillon Mitchell (6’7’’, SF, Texas, Soph.): Mitchell, a versatile small forward from Texas, is a skilled scorer with the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. He has good athleticism, can finish at the rim, and has shown improvements in his shooting. Indiana, in need of wing depth, sees Mitchell as a prospect with upside and potential to develop into a valuable contributor.
19. Atlanta – Omaha Biliew (6’8’’, PF, Iowa State, Fresh.): Biliew, a highly regarded power forward from Iowa State, brings a combination of size, athleticism, and skill to the Hawks. He possesses excellent mobility and agility, allowing him to excel in transition and finish at the rim with authority. Biliew also has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting range, making him a versatile offensive threat. Defensively, his length and athleticism make him a disruptive force and shot-blocking presence. Atlanta, looking to bolster their frontcourt, sees Biliew as a promising prospect with significant upside. With his athleticism, shooting ability, and defensive potential, Biliew could be a valuable asset for the Hawks as they continue to build their young and talented roster.
20. Boston – Elmarko Jackson (6’4’’, PG, Kansas, Fresh.): Jackson, a talented point guard from the University of Kansas, brings a blend of scoring ability and playmaking skills to the Celtics. He has excellent court vision and passing instincts, capable of setting up his teammates with precision. Jackson is also a confident scorer who can create his own shot and knock down shots from beyond the arc. Boston, in need of a playmaking presence in their backcourt, sees Jackson as a prospect who can facilitate the offense and provide scoring when needed. With his basketball IQ and scoring prowess, Jackson has the potential to develop into a valuable asset for the Celtics and contribute to their quest for success.
21. Houston – Adem Bona (6’11’’, C, UCLA, Soph.): Bona, a skilled center from UCLA, brings size and athleticism to the Rockets’ frontcourt. He is a strong rebounder and shot-blocker who can protect the rim effectively. Bona’s offensive game continues to develop, and Houston sees him as a prospect with the potential to become a reliable post presence in the future.
22. New York – DJ Wagner (6’2’’, SG, Kentucky, Fresh.): Wagner, a highly touted shooting guard from Kentucky, is an explosive scorer with a natural scoring ability. He has a quick first step and can create his own shot off the dribble. New York, in need of backcourt scoring, believes Wagner can provide an immediate offensive boost and contribute to their guard rotation.
23. Philadelphia – Kwame Evans Jr. (6’9’’, SF, Oregon, Fresh.): Evans Jr., a versatile small forward from Oregon, brings size, athleticism, and defensive versatility to the 76ers. He has shown potential as a two-way player, with the ability to score at all three levels and guard multiple positions. Philadelphia values Evans Jr.’s defensive prowess and sees him as a prospect who can contribute on both ends of the floor.
24. Memphis – Izan Almansa (6’10’’, PF, Overtime Elite): Almansa, a skilled power forward from the Overtime Elite program, possesses good size and basketball IQ. He has a high motor and a strong rebounding presence, which will complement Memphis’ fast-paced style of play. Almansa’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor and his potential as a stretch-four make him an intriguing prospect for the Grizzlies.
25. Cleveland – Trey Alexander (6’4’’, PG, Creighton, Jr.): Alexander, a dynamic point guard from Creighton, is a versatile scorer with good shooting ability and the ability to attack the rim. He is also a strong defender with good instincts. Cleveland, in need of backcourt depth, sees Alexander as a prospect who can provide scoring and playmaking off the bench while also bringing energy on the defensive end.
26. Miami – Kel’el Ware (7’0’’, C, Indiana, Soph.): Ware, a towering center from Indiana, brings size and shot-blocking ability to the Heat’s frontcourt. He has a good touch around the basket and can finish strong at the rim. Miami values Ware’s defensive presence and his potential to provide rim protection and rebounding in their system.
27. Boston – Trevon Brazile (6’10’’, PF, Missouri, Jr.): Brazile, a skilled power forward from Missouri, brings versatility and scoring ability to the Celtics’ frontcourt. He has a good shooting touch and can stretch the floor, while also being able to score in the post. Boston values Brazile’s offensive skill set and sees him as a player who can contribute to their frontcourt rotation.
28. Milwaukee – Mikey Williams (6’3’’, PG, Memphis, Fresh.): Williams, a highly touted point guard from Memphis, is an explosive scorer with exceptional athleticism. He has a quick first step and can create his own shot off the dribble. Milwaukee, in need of backcourt depth, believes Williams has the potential to become a dynamic scoring threat and contribute to their guard rotation.
29. Phoenix – Reece Beekman (6’3’’, PG, Virginia, Sr.): Beekman, a poised and skilled point guard from Virginia, is known for his basketball IQ and defensive prowess. He has excellent court vision and can make smart decisions with the ball. Phoenix values Beekman’s ability to run an offense effectively and his defensive abilities, seeing him as a prospect who can provide stability and contribute in a backup role.
30. Denver – Bronny James (6’3’’, PG, USC, Fresh.): James, the highly anticipated son of NBA legend LeBron James, is a skilled point guard with a high basketball IQ. He has good court vision and passing ability, and his ability to score at all three levels makes him a versatile offensive threat. Denver, intrigued by James’ potential and basketball pedigree, sees him as a prospect who can develop alongside their talented roster and contribute in various ways on the court.