The 2024 NBA Playoffs are in full swing but the next major tentpole events of the NBA Draft cycle are underway in Chicago.
The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery is set for Sunday, May 12. The 2024 NBA Draft Combine will begin on the same day and run through Sunday, May 19. Once the 2024 draft order is set, teams will begin to get an idea of which prospects will be available when they are on the clock.
There are plenty of players in this class who you may not have seen during the season. Projected top picks like Alexandre Sarr (Australia), Nikola Topic (Serbia), Ron Holland (G League Ignite) and Zaccharie Risacher (France) all played in leagues outside the NCAA.
Then, there are the March Madness stars like Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, UConn’s Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan, and Purdue’s Zach Edey who will bring some familiarity to the class.
As the NBA Draft Lottery approaches, take a look at The Sporting News’ updated 2024 NBA Mock Draft to see where these prospects will land.
The draft order will be updated after the NBA Draft Lottery is finalized. The current 1-14 order is based on lottery odds.
BIG BOARD: Ranking the best NBA Draft prospects entering Sunday’s lottery
NBA Mock Draft 2024
1. Pistons: Alexandre Sarr, Perth (Australia)
Age: 19
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 216 lbs.
Even though the Pistons already have a bruising young center in Jalen Duren, there isn’t enough talent on the roster to be drafting for fit. Sarr would give Detroit a high-energy rim protector with more length. The 7-foot center is an athletic and powerful shot-blocking big with budding offensive skills who held his own playing professionally in Australia’s NBL overseas.
2. Wizards: Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Age: 18
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 201 lbs.
The Wizards might need a floor general with Tyus Jones becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Add in their glaring issues on the defensive end, and Topic makes a lot of sense here.
The 6-5 pick-and-roll maestro is the best pure point guard in this class. Even if he doesn’t offer NBA-level perimeter shooting, he’s a smart and physical defender who fits a need in Washington.
3. Hornets: Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 206 lbs.
The Hornets already have a promising core in place with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. Adding a two-way forward like Holland would round out that group perfectly.
Holland brings the versatility Charlotte needs to both sides of the ball as a relentless defender and growing scorer with unlimited energy. He is one of the best defenders in this class and averaged 20.6 points for the Ignite even without a reliable jump shot or polished shot-creation skills.
4. Trail Blazers: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 210 lbs.
The Trail Blazers have plenty of young guards with Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. They also have center covered with Deandre Ayton. Risacher would give Portland a much-needed perimeter shooting wing.
Risacher caught fire from beyond the arc at the start of the season for JL Bourg but has since cooled off. He is still shooting a respectable 34.9 percent from 3 through 31 LNB Pro A games, but that’s down a full 10 percentage points from his hot start. Averaging 10.1 points as a teenager in one of the best leagues in the world is still no easy feat.
5. Spurs: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 213 lbs.
With Victor Wembanyama flashing superstar potential at the end of the 2023-24 season, the Spurs will want to build a playoff-caliber team around him ASAP. Knecht fits their timeline as a 23-year-old senior with an NBA-ready frame and skill set.
Knecht established himself as one of the nation’s most consistent three-level scorers, averaging 21.7 points per game on 39.7 percent shooting from deep. His 37-point scoring clinic in Tennessee’s Elite Eight loss to Purdue should leave a lasting memory in the minds of NBA scouts , showing how seamlessly his game should translate to the next level.
6. Raptors: Stephon Castle, UConn
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 215 lbs.
The Raptors need backcourt depth, and Castle — a big 6-6 guard with a reported 6-9 wingspan — fits the typical prospect build for president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster.
Castle defends at a high level, can score at the rim off the dribble and create for others. He showed even more versatility in the NCAA Tournament, playing off the ball and doing some dirty work in the paint on both ends of the floor.
If he irons out his jump shot, Castle has the potential to be the best guard in this class.
7. Grizzlies: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 187 lbs.
Sheppard’s stock was skyrocketing as the biggest draft darling in this class before a disappointing performance in the NCAA Tournament. He is still one of the most reliable two-way players in the country.
The Grizzlies had a season of misfortunate injuries, but there is a silver lining — they’ll end up with a top-10 pick to add a potential rotation player to their core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Sheppard offers the perfect blend of ball-handling, playmaking, perimeter shooting and hard-nosed defense to give Memphis another building block in its backcourt.
MORE: Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham make ‘freshman mistakes’ in Kentucky’s first-round loss
8. Jazz: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 209 lbs.
The Jazz are in a rebuild and Buzelis is the type of high-ceiling prospect worth rolling the dice on in this range.
The 6-10 forward is a versatile floor spacer who showed improvement on the defensive end in his lone season with the Ignite. He’s still a work in progress, but Buzelis would give Utah a promising wing to continue building toward the future.
9. Rockets (via BKN): Donovan Clingan, UConn
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-2, 280 lbs.
The Rockets need big man depth alongside Alperen Sengun, and Clingan is the rim protector they’re looking for.
Clingan put on a two-way clinic in the NCAA Tournament, anchoring UConn to its second straight national championship. His performance against Illinois in the Elite Eight was the most dominant defensive game of March Madness. The Illini only had two made field goals when Clingan was on the floor going into the final 10 minutes of a 30-point blowout.
The UConn sophomore is a massive presence at 7-2 and 280 pounds with a reported 7-7 wingspan. He’s an elite shot blocker, rebounder and lob catcher who has the rim-running ability to hang in the NBA.
10. Hawks: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 176 lbs.
The Hawks could be heading toward a rebuild that might involve trading Trae Young and/or Dejounte Murray this offseason. Why not target some guard insurance with Dillingham?
The Kentucky freshman is one of the most dangerous scorers in this class. He is a gifted shot creator, confident shooter and tough-shot maker. Dillingham would provide instant offense to fill a potential void left behind by the two star guards currently on the roster.
11. Bulls: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 195 lbs.
The Bulls need more perimeter shooting to space the floor after ranking 27th in 3-pointers made per game. Walter could fill that hole as one of the best shooters in this draft.
Even though he only hit 34.1 percent of his 3s this season, Walter showed plenty of upside and confidence as a shooter off the dribble, catch and off of movement.
12. Thunder (via HOU): Cody Williams, Colorado
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 190 lbs.
If Williams is still here for the Thunder at No. 12, why not pair him with his brother, Oklahoma City rising star Jalen Williams?
Just like J-Dub, Cody would be a great pick for the Thunder as a long, versatile and athletic wing who can defend at a high level, rebound and score off the ball. His length and energy would be a dream fit for Oklahoma City, and it already has plenty of scoring options to give the younger Williams the necessary time to develop his offensive game.
13. Kings: Isaiah Collier, USC
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 210 lbs.
De’Aaron Fox runs the show in Sacramento but Collier would provide him with some ball-handling relief as an equally explosive downhill threat.
A hand injury derailed the USC star’s freshman season, but he still showed flashes as to why he was the No. 1 recruit in the country. Built like a running back, Collier is a bulldozer when he puts his head down to get to the rim. He’s consistently improved as a passer and defender, and he’ll be a well-rounded threat if he can develop his jump shot.
14. Trail Blazers (via GSW): Jared McCain, Duke
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 197 lbs.
More shooting for Portland. After going with Risacher at No. 4 in this mock, the Trail Blazers could add another combo guard to their rotation in McCain.
McCain fits a need as a connective playmaker with a 3-and-D skill set that should seamlessly translate to the NBA. Even though he is only a 20-year-old freshman, McCain plays with poise and confidence that is beyond his age.
His two 30-point explosions in the NCAA Tournament launched him into lottery consideration.
15. Heat: Terrence Shannon Jr.
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and Weight: 6-6, 225 lbs.
The Heat’s offense continued to struggle in the halfcourt, and Shannon would provide instant help off the bench as a 23-year-old senior.
The Illinois star was an explosive scorer this past season. He averaged a career-best 23.0 points per game, flashing a quick first step with a strong build and elite body control to finish through traffic. His incremental improvements as a perimeter shooter only help his NBA potential.
It is worth noting that Shannon is awaiting a hearing in a sexual assault case that is scheduled for May.
16. 76ers: Kevin McCullar, Kansas
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 212 lbs.
McCullar missed an opportunity to shine on the March Madness stage, missing the remainder of his senior season with a knee injury, but he did enough throughout his college career to prove worthy of a first-round pick in this draft class.
The 76ers are looking to win now, and McCullar offers an older, jack-of-all-trades-type prospect who would address Philadelphia’s need for more depth on the wing. He’s a versatile defender, as well as a trusty ball-handler and playmaker.
McCullar isn’t a reliable shooter, but he has plug-and-play skills that should translate to the NBA.
17. Lakers: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 220 lbs.
The Pelicans can keep this pick from the Lakers or defer it to 2025. Given the lack of depth in this year’s draft class, don’t be surprised if New Orleans waits until next year to convey this selection.
If it is Los Angeles on the clock, da Silva makes a lot of sense as an upperclassman who is ready to contribute to an NBA rotation.
da Silva is a fluid 6-9 wing who handles the ball well for his size, can defend multiple positions and shot 39.5 percent from 3 on nearly 300 attempts over his past two seasons. His ability to fill a variety of roles makes him a fit for almost any NBA team.
18. Magic: Kyshawn George, Miami
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-8, 205 lbs.
The Magic have a thing for big guards and wings who can handle the ball and defend multiple positions. George is exactly that, projecting as a high-upside jumbo guard who has a budding offensive game. He can create his own shot and offer some ball-handling depth, and he converted a promising 40.8 percent of his 130 3-point attempts as a freshman.
19. Raptors (via IND): Devin Carter, Providence
Age: 22, Junior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 195 lbs.
The Raptors have plenty of wings, and Castle is a bit of a tweener. He could give them true guard depth as a physical defender, pick-and-roll ball-handler and competitor who fits Toronto’s culture.
The 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year was extremely productive this season, averaging 19.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He isn’t quick or shifty and there are questions about his jumper, but you can’t knock the heart he plays with.
20. Cavaliers: Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 7-0, 248 lbs.
Filipowski’s draft stock took a bit of a hit after the sophomore forward struggled to hold his own on defense in the NCAA Tournament. However, he is a talented prospect who has plenty of room to grow. His offensive versatility would be an asset to Cleveland.
The Duke star is a floor-stretching big man who can pick and pop, score with his back to the basket, handle and pass. If he can shoot the 3-ball with more consistency, he might project as a better NBA player than a college player.
21. Pelicans (via MIL): Zach Edey, Purdue
Age: 21, Senior
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-4, 300 lbs.
Just when you thought Edey’s potential as an NBA prospect hit a ceiling, the two-time National Player of the Year proved everyone wrong during the NCAA Tournament.
Edey was even more dominant than usual on Purdue’s run to the national championship, averaging 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. He showed that his conditioning and mobility improved tremendously, playing all but two minutes and 50 seconds from the Sweet 16 through the title game.
With Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas in the latter stage of his career, Edey could provide a similar dominant interior presence in relief.
MORE: Zach Edey is the most polarizing player in 2024 NBA Draft
22. Suns: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Age: 21, Junior
Position: Center
Height and weight: 6-10, 235 lbs.
The Suns need frontcourt depth behind Jusuf Nurkic. Holmes was one of the most productive big men in the country, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game en route to winning A-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this season.
His mobility, athleticism and shot-blocking were on full display in the NCAA Tournament, and he’d be a great fit alongside Phoenix’s core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal.
23. Bucks (via NOP): Yves Missi, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Center
Height and weight: 6-10, 235 lbs.
Energy is the name of the game for Missi. His relentless effort and explosive athleticism turned him into a projected first-round pick this season. He’s still a raw prospect, but he’s a quick leaper who crashes the glass, blocks shots and throws down lobs.
The Bucks developed Giannis Antetokounmpo into one of the greatest players in NBA history. They would be more than capable of getting the most out of Missi’s untapped potential.
24. Knicks (via DAL): Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 212 lbs.
The Knicks landed back-to-back first-round picks. As a win-now team with championship expectations, it’s hard to believe they would make two selections. I’m slotting Salaun here as the best player available, but I don’t expect New York to be the fit.
Salaun is a versatile defender who will give an NBA team athleticism, size and length in the frontcourt. He has shown promise as a perimeter shooter and can do damage as a scorer off of cuts, but he needs to improve as a shot-creator.
25. Knicks: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Age: 21, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 216 lbs.
Dunn has a case as the best perimeter defender in this draft class. Even though he only made seven 3-pointers all regular season, his IQ and tools on the defensive end are too good to pass up in the first round.
Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau would love having a versatile stopper like Dunn at his disposal.
26. Wizards (via LAC): Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 242 lbs.
The Wizards need frontcourt depth after trading Daniel Gafford to the Mavericks at the deadline. Ware is a rim-protecting center with a high ceiling who came on strong late in the season for Indiana. He is a long, athletic and mobile lob-catcher who has a developing offensive game as a scorer.
27. Timberwolves: Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 190 lbs.
Now that Carrington is committed to the 2024 NBA Draft process, it’s easy to see how he could be taken in the first round.
The 18-year-old is a super-talented shot-creator with pro-level moves in his arsenal, and he gains separation from his defenders. He wasn’t an efficient scorer as a freshman, but it’s clear the potential is there.
The Timberwolves need guard depth behind veteran Mike Conley, who would be a great mentor for Carrington.
28. Nuggets: Tyler Kolek, Marquette
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 195 lbs.
Once Jamal Murray started to nurse a calf injury in the playoffs, it became clear that Denver could use another ball-handler. Kolek would be a steadying presence with a high basketball IQ who would thrive in that backup role for the defending champions.
He’s a patient playmaker who would play well off Nikola Jokic as a reliable perimeter shooter and crafty finisher. The 23-year-old senior is one of the few players in this class who could handle the transition to the NBA right away.
29. Jazz (via OKC): Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-11, 224 lbs.
Smith is a fluid power forward who increased his draft stock by showing floor-stretching potential with the Ignite this season. The Jazz would benefit from adding more frontcourt depth, especially a versatile 6-11 forward with promise as a perimeter shooter.
30. Celtics: PJ Hall, Clemson
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 238 lbs.
The Celtics aim to have five shooters on the floor at all times. They need frontcourt depth, and a physical, 6-10 forward like Hall fits head coach Joe Mazzulla’s scheme. He’s mobile enough to switch on defense, and he’s comfortable spacing the floor as a shooter. He only shot 31.5 percent on 3s this season, but his form is smooth and he’d get more open looks in Boston than he ever did at Clemson.
Second round
31. Raptors (via DET): Pacome Dadiet, F, Ulm (Germany)
32. Jazz (via WAS): Jaylon Tyson, G, California
33. Bucks (via POR): Hunter Sallis, F, Wake Forest
34. Trail Blazers (via CHA): Bobi Klintman, F, Cairns Taipans (Australia)
35. Spurs: Mark Sears, G, Alabama
36. Pacers (via TOR): Trey Alexander, G, Creighton
37. Timberwolves (via MEM): Harrison Ingram, F, North Carolina
38. Knicks (via UTA): Dillon Jones, F, Weber State
39. Grizzlies (via BKN): Melvin Ajinca, F, Saint-Quentin (France)
40. Trail Blazers (via ATL): Izan Almansa, F, G League Ignite
41. 76ers (via CHI): Oso Ighodaro, F, Marquette
42. Hornets (via HOU): Johnny Furphy, F, Kansas
43. Heat: Nikola Djurisic, F, Mega Basket (Serbia)
44. Rockets (via GSW): Tristan Newton, F, UConn
45. Kings: Pelle Larsson, F, Arizona
46. Clippers (via IND): Jalen Bridges, F, Baylor
47. Magic: Payton Sandfort, F, Iowa
48. Spurs (via LAL): Baylor Scheierman, F, Creighton
— 76ers forfeited second-round pick
49. Pacers (via CLE): Tyon Grant-Foster, F, Grand Canyon
50. Pacers (via NOP): Cam Spencer, F, UConn
51. Wizards (via PHX): Justin Edwards, F, Kentucky
52. Warriors (via MIL): KJ Simpson, G, Colorado
53. Pistons (via NYK): Ajay Mitchell, G, UC Santa Barbara
54. Celtics (via DAL): Keshad Johnson, F, Arizona
55. Lakers (via LAC): Bronny James, G, USC
56. Nuggets (via MIN): Adem Bona, C, UCLA
57. Grizzlies (via OKC): Trevon Brazile, F, Arkansas
— Suns forfeited second-round pick
58. Mavericks (via BOS): Jamal Shead, G, Houston
