The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is complete.
While this year’s draft class doesn’t have the same hype as last year’s Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, there were plenty of talented prospects who heard their names called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
The Hawks, to no surprise, selected French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick. There were plenty of surprises throughout the night after that, though.
Purdue star Zach Edey landed in the top 10, going to the Grizzlies at No. 9. The Lakers were gifted Tennessee star Dalton Knecht, who was a projected lottery pick, at No. 17.
If you’re looking to get up to speed on this year’s crop of prospects, you’ve come to the right place. The Sporting News has you covered with live grades and analysis for every pick in the 2024 NBA Draft below.
SN’S NBA DRAFT HQ: Live picks tracker | Day 2 mock | Winners and losers
NBA Draft grades 2024: Live results and analysis for every pick
First round
1. Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Risacher became the likely selection for the Hawks at No. 1 after Atlanta couldn’t get Sarr in for a pre-draft workout.
The 6-8 French wing fits an immediate need for perimeter shooting around Trae Young and Dejounte Murray … if the Hawks don’t trade one (or both) of their star guards. Risacher was streaky for JL Bourg this past season — he shot 35.2 percent from 3 — but there is no denying his long-term potential if he can develop as a shot-creator and maximize his tools to become a versatile defender.
MORE: Former NBA player shares alarming take on Hawks No. 1 pick
2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, Perth (Australia)
A perfect fit falls right into the Wizards’ lap at No. 2.
Washington has been one of the NBA’s worst defenses over the past few seasons. Sarr is the type of athletic, mobile and versatile defensive anchor to help mend those issues. The 7-foot center is an elite shot blocker and lob catcher with budding offensive skills to give the Wizards a franchise building block.
MORE: Why lookalike video of Alexandre Sarr, Caitlin Clark went viral during 2024 NBA Draft
3. Houston Rockets (via BKN): Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
- Grade: B+
The Rockets select Sheppard, one of the most reliable two-way prospects in this draft. Houston needed backcourt depth behind Fred VanVleet and Jalen Green, and Sheppard is a combo guard who can fit next to either player.
He’s a lights-out shooter who knocked down a jaw-dropping 52.1 percent of his 3s this past season. He’ll provide Houston’s bench with a blend of ball-handling, playmaking and on-ball defense. Learning from an undersized guard like VanVleet will only help his development, too.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, UConn
- Grade: A+
Landing Castle is a dream scenario for a Spurs team looking to build around Wembanyama.
Castle wants to play point guard and that is San Antonio’s biggest need. He is an elite and versatile defender, a budding playmaker, and he can make an impact on offense with or without the ball in his hands. He’s willing to do the little things that contribute to winning, as seen during UConn’s run to a National Championship.
If Castle can improve his jump shot, he’ll be the best player in this draft class.
5. Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland, G League Ignite
The first surprise of the draft goes to the Pistons taking Holland — but it’s a pleasant one.
Holland is a versatile and relentless defender who plays with unlimited energy. He’s a raw offensive product but still managed to average 20.6 points per game for the Ignite despite lacking a reliable jump shot or polished shot-creation skills. He was once in the running to go No. 1 overall and I’m firm in believing he’s a top-five talent in this class.
Detroit is building an interesting core with Holland, Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Tijdane Salaun, Cholet (France)
The Hornets take a massive swing on 18-year-old forward Salaun.
Salaun is an athletic slasher who has a limitless ceiling of potential. At his floor, he can defend multiple positions, crash the glass, and score in transition and off of cuts. If he ever develops a reliable 3-point shot, this pick will age really well for Charlotte.
It is a bit surprising the Hornets couldn’t trade back and still land Salaun later in the lottery, though.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, UConn
Clingan’s range was as wide as any prospect in this class with the possibility of going as high as first overall.
He lands with the Trail Blazers at No. 7, leaving their front office with some decisions to make on Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III.
Clingan is a massive presence at 7-2, 272 pounds with a 7-7 wingspan. He’s an elite rim protector and shot blocker who rebounds at a high level and poses a threat as a lob-catcher.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (via SAS): Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
- Grade: B+
The Timberwolves acquired Dillingham from the Spurs for a 2030 first-round pick swap and unprotected 2031 first-round pick, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Minnesota struggled to find backcourt contributors beyond Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker last season. Dillingham is a prolific shot creator and the best isolation scorer in this draft class. He will provide instant offense for a win-now team looking to return to the Western Conference Finals and beyond next season.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey, Purdue
- Grade: C-
The Grizzlies have made a major reach for Edey inside the top 10.
Memphis does need a center after trading Steven Adams to the Rockets last season but Edey felt attainable much later in the draft. This isn’t a knock on Edey as an NBA prospect — he made strides to improve weaknesses like his conditioning and mobility — but he still has clear limitations beyond scoring right at the rim.
MORE: Why the Grizzlies drafted Zach Edey higher than expected
10. Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, Colorado
- Grade: C+
The Jazz are in a re-tooling stage so they can afford to be patient with a prospect like Williams, who needs developing. He’s a versatile forward with the height, length and athleticism to be an impact two-way player, but the 19-year-old is a project on both ends of the floor at this stage.
11. Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
- Grade: B+
Falling to No. 11, Buzelis took a bit of a slide but the Bulls capitalized on the opportunity.
Buzelis is an athletic, 6-10 floor-spacing forward with so much untapped potential. He only shot 22.2 percent from 3 for the Ignite but his jump shot mechanics are clean. He made strides as an active defender and shot blocker who will only improve when he fills out his frame.
To top it off, he’s a Chicago native who should thrive for a franchise that is starting to hit the reset button.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU): Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
For a team like Oklahoma City that has an endless supply of draft capital, why not make a patient pick like Topic?
Topic is a pick-and-roll maestro and gifted passer with an explosive first step to get downhill to the rim. He is undeniably one of the most talented players in this class but the 18-year-old was diagnosed with a partially torn ACL in the lead-up to the draft.
There is a chance Topic has to sit out his entire first NBA season, but that turned out pretty well for the Thunder with Chet Holmgren.
13. Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter, Providence
The Kings are trying to get over the hump as a playoff team after a first-round exit in 2023 and a Play-In Tournament exit in 2024. Carter fits that bill as one of the most NBA-ready prospects in this class.
Carter is a physical and competitive guard who made impressive strides as a scorer this past season at Providence. He’s a disruptive perimeter defender and sound playmaker. He finishes through contact at the rim and improved his midrange jumper. He’ll be a great backup to De’Aaron Fox.
14. Washington Wizards (via POR): Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
The Wizards acquired this pick, Malcolm Brogdon, a 2029 first-rounder and two second-round picks from the Trail Blazers for former top-10 pick Deni Avdija, per Wojnarowski.
They rolled the dice on Carrington, an 18-year-old offensive-minded point guard. Carrington has all the makings of a prolific shot-creator and playmaker with a shifty handle to break down defenders.
With Tyus Jones headed for unrestricted free agency, it was smart for Washington to target a long-term guard prospect like “Bub.”
15. Miami Heat: Kel’el Ware, Indiana
- Grade: B+
The Heat and All-Star center Bam Adebayo agreed to a three-year, $ 166 million contract Wednesday afternoon. Now, they get some frontcourt size in Ware, a 7-foot backup center.
Ware’s mobility, athleticism and potential to stretch the floor makes him a great fit with the Heat. He’s a rim protector and lob catcher with developing offensive skills.
Once a five-star, top recruit coming out of high school, where better to maximize his talents than a renowned player development program like Miami?
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, Duke
The 76ers needed perimeter shooting and guard depth, and they killed two birds with one stone on this pick.
McCain is a combo guard who can play on or off the ball with a skill set that should seamlessly translate to the NBA. He’s a connective playmaker and hard-working defender who hit 41.4 percent of his 3s as a freshman at Duke.
Philadelphia nailed this pick.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
- Grade: A+
Knecht had no business being on the board at No. 17. The Lakers just got the steal of the draft.
Knecht is as NBA-ready as any player in this class and he lands with a team that is looking to win now. He’s a three-level scorer and excellent 3-point shooter who will make a killing on catch-and-shoot opportunities playing off of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
18. Orlando Magic: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
The Magic made a leap to become a playoff team this past season but their biggest weakness — perimeter shooting — was glaring on that stage.
Orlando desperately needed a floor spacer with this pick and da Silva fits that bill. The Colorado senior is a fluid 6-9 wing who shot 39.5 percent on almost 300 attempts this year. He can handle the ball well for his size, make simple reads as a passer and defend multiple positions.
da Silva is right in line with Orlando’s expedited timeline.
19. Toronto Raptors (via IND): Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
The Raptors are another team that needed shooting. Walter has the potential to be a prolific shooter, even if he only hit 34.1 percent of his 3s as a freshman.
Walter showed he was a capable shot-maker with the confidence to shoot off the dribble, catch and off movement. The 19-year-old complements Toronto’s rebuilding core of Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and Gradey Dick nicely.
MORE: What draft pick Ja’Kobe Walter brings to the Raptors
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, California
- Grade: C-
The Cavaliers could have used a backup center or more perimeter shooting. Instead, they targeted Tyson, a 6-6 point forward. Tyson is a versatile player who can fill a variety of roles. He’s a solid playmaker and scorer but there were other players on the board who better fit Cleveland’s needs.
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL): Yves Missi, Baylor
- Grade: B+
Pelicans veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is an unrestricted free agent entering the latter stage of his career, so it was smart to target a big man.
Missi is a raw 20-year-old freshman with his best basketball ahead of him. The 6-11 big man is a ball of energy. He’s relentless on the glass with explosive athleticism to block shots and flush lobs. He’ll be a fun development project to follow in New Orleans.
22. Denver Nuggets (via PHX): DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
- Grade: B+
The Nuggets traded the No. 28 overall pick, No. 56 overall pick and two future second-round picks to the Suns to move up to No. 22 and take Holmes, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Denver reportedly had its sights set on Holmes throughout most of the pre-draft process. The Nuggets needed a reliable backup for Nikola Jokic and the Dayton junior is ready to fill that role. He’s a fluid and athletic big man who locks down on defense and has shown growth as a scorer on offense.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via NOP): AJ Johnson, Illawarra (Australia)
- Grade: C-
This pick is a massive surprise. Johnson was widely projected to be a second-round pick as an undeveloped, 19-year-old shot-creating guard. He stands at 6-4 and a light 167 pounds.
There is no denying that Johnson has the potential to be an impact scorer in the league someday, but he is far from ready to contribute at the NBA level.
24. Washington Wizards (via NYK): Kyshawn George, Miami
- Grade: B+
The Wizards landed the No. 24 pick from the Knicks in a swap for the No. 26 pick, but the rest of the deal has not yet been reported by Wojnarowski.
Washington moved up to target George, an intriguing 6-7 wing who shot 40.8 percent from 3 as a freshman. He’s a big guard who can create his own shot and has the potential to be a switchy defender with a 216-pound frame and 6-10 wingspan.
25. New York Knicks: Pacome Dadiet, Ulm (Germany)
- Grade: B+
I love this home run swing from the Knicks. New York was busy leading into the NBA Draft, trading for Mikal Bridges and signing O.G. Anunoby to a monster extension. It is a deep team with championship expectations. No rookie was going to crack its rotation. Why not roll the dice and be patient on a prospect like Dadiet?
Dadiet is an athletic 6-8 forward with promising shot-creation skills. He’s one of the youngest players in this draft class with tremendous upside potential.
MORE: Stephen A. Smith reaction to Knicks draft pick becomes instant meme
26. Oklahoma City Thunder (via NYK): Dillon Jones, Weber State
The Thunder are sending five future second-round picks to the Knicks for Dillon Jones, the No. 26 overall pick, per Charania. Jones is a 6-5, 237-pound do-it-all point forward. He’s a big body who can handle the ball, score off the dribble and rebound well for his size. He adds more wing depth to a Thunder team with plenty of it.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
- Grade: B+
The Timberwolves have repaired their backcourt depth in one draft. After trading for a bucket-getter in Dillingham at No. 8, they land another prolific scorer in Shannon at No. 27.
Shannon is an explosive wing with a strong build and quick first step. He has elite body control to finish through contact at the rim and improved to shoot 36.2 percent from 3 this past season.
Shannon is one of the few NBA-ready products in this class.
28. Phoenix Suns (via DEN): Ryan Dunn, Virginia
The Suns need help on the defensive end and get that in Dunn, who just might be the best perimeter defender in this class.
Phoenix is a great landing spot for Dunn, who doesn’t have much of an offensive game. Surrounded by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, he’ll be able to lock in on what he does best and take on tough assignments to lighten the workload for his teammates.
29. Utah Jazz (via OKC): Isaiah Collier, USC
- Grade: A-
Getting Collier this late in the draft is a steal for the Jazz. The USC freshman was the No. 1 recruit in the country before an up-and-down season that was derailed by a hand injury.
He’s built like a running back and is a bulldozer when he gets downhill to the rim. Collier showed improvement as a playmaker and defender, but he needs to iron out his jumper. A player with his ceiling should not have fallen to No. 29.
30. Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
- Grade: B+
The Celtics don’t have much room in their rotation but Scheierman perfectly fits Boston’s scheme. The 6-6 forward is a versatile scorer who can shoot the 3, make read-and-react passes and rebound at a high level.
Even if he doesn’t play much as a rookie, he is an intriguing option to fill Sam Hauser’s minutes if the Celtics can’t retain the sharpshooter after the 2024-25 season.
Second round
The second round of the 2024 NBA Draft will take place on Thursday, June 27 at 4 p.m. ET.
31. Toronto Raptors (via DET): Jonathan Mogbo, F, San Francisco
- Grade: B+
The Raptors land a beast of a playmaking forward in Mogbo. The chiseled 6-7, 217-pound junior is a physical defender and downhill scorer with solid court vision. He is a non-shooter, though, only attempting two 3-pointers at the D-I level. His friendship with Toronto star Scottie Barnes brings this pick from a B to a B+.
32. Utah Jazz (via WAS): Kyle Filipowski, F, Duke
Filipowski was an unlikely faller on Day 1 of the draft. The Jazz get a first-round-caliber talent at No. 32, landing a mobile 7-foot forward who can shoot, handle the ball, pass well for his position and defend inside.
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via POR): Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
The Bucks make up for a suspect first-round pick with this one. Smith is a versatile 6-11 forward who can stretch the floor. The 19-year-old fits the mold of a big man in today’s NBA.
34. New York Knicks (via POR): Tyler Kolek, Marquette
The Knicks have landed this pick from the Trail Blazers for “future second-round picks,” per Wojnarowski. New York nailed its selection. Kolek is an NBA-ready point guard. He is a patient playmaker and slashing scorer who will thrive as a backup behind Jalen Brunson.
35. Indiana Pacers (via SAS): Johnny Furphy, Kansas
The Pacers sent “cash considerations” to the Spurs in a trade to jump ahead one spot and select Furphy, per Charania. The Kansas freshman is a raw 6-8 forward with upside potential as a floor-spacing 3-point shooter.
36. San Antonio Spurs (via IND): Juan Nunez, Ulm (Germany)
- Grade: B+
The Spurs continue to add much-needed point guard depth, going with Nunez. The 20-year-old Spanish point guard is a pick-and-roll maestro who averaged an impressive 10.4 points and 5.8 assists per game in the renowned Bundesliga this season.
37. Detroit Pistons (via MIN): Bobi Klintman, Cairns (Australia)
The Pistons moved up in the second round, acquiring this pick and former Duke forward Wendell Moore Jr. from the Timberwolves for pick No. 53, per Charania. Detroit desperately needs perimeter shooting and Klintman is a 6-8 forward who is not shy to fire away from 3.
38. Oklahoma City Thunder (via NYK): Ajay Mitchell, UC Santa Barbara
The Thunder have acquired this pick from the Knicks for pick No. 40 and cash, per Wojnarowski and Charania. Oklahoma City selects Mitchell, a 6-3 combo guard who is a creative playmaker and scorer.
39. Memphis Grizzlies (via BKN)
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via ATL)
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via CHI)
42. Charlotte Hornets (via HOU)
43. Miami Heat
44. Atlanta Hawks (via HOU)
45. Toronto Raptors (via SAC)
46. LA Clippers (via IND)
47. Orlando Magic
48. San Antonio Spurs (via LAL)
— 76ers forfeited second-round pick
49. Indiana Pacers (via CLE)
50. Indiana Pacers (via NOP)
51. Washington Wizards (via PHX)
52. Oklahoma City Thunder (via GSW)
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via DET)
54. Boston Celtics (via DAL)
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via LAC)
56. Denver Nuggets (via MIN)
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via OKC)
— Suns forfeited second-round pick
58. Dallas Mavericks (via BOS)
