The NBA Draft kicks off this Wednesday night in New York and there is still uncertainty across the board, starting with the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 1 pick. French wing Zaccharie Risacher and UConn center Donovan Clingan are the two known targets for the Hawks, and if they draft Risacher, Clingan could possibly fall outside of the top five.
Teams are finalizing their last workouts and meetings heading into the draft, and working through numerous scenarios that could unfold on the first and second nights of the NBA Draft.
Here’s a near-final look at our projections for the first and second rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft with analysis and intel on all 58 players. Yahoo Sports will post one final updated mock on Wednesday with notes of any movement of players rising up or down draft boards.
1. Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 204 pounds | JL Bourg (France)
Risacher worked out for the Hawks last week and it’s all going to come down to whether the Hawks prefer a 7-2 center in Clingan to hold down the defense or the upside along the perimeter with Risacher. Similar to Bilal Coulibaly last year, Risacher had a strong performance in the LNB Pro A playoffs that showed scouts and executives his game and physicality will translate well to the NBA. Ultimately, there’s nothing that teams love more in a draft prospect than youth, length and upside — and Risacher has all three.
Alex Sarr, C
Ht./Wt.: 7-1, 205 pounds | Perth Wildcats (Australia)
Sarr is as close to a lock at No. 2 as one can get. He worked out and met with the Wizards but refused to do the same for the Hawks. Sarr’s potential as an elite rim protector on defense and a pick-and-pop threat on offense, along with how well he runs the floor for his size, makes him an intriguing NBA prospect in the frontcourt who can also stretch to the wing.
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 187 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kentucky
In a draft with so much uncertainty, teams know exactly what they’re getting from Sheppard, who shot 52% from 3-point range off the bench as a freshman at Kentucky. He’s a high IQ player who can be slotted alongside Amen Thompson and Jalen Green in Houston’s backcourt right away.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Freshman | UConn
If Sheppard is off the board at No. 3, Castle is a great option for the Spurs. The UConn star defends the perimeter well, has great size at the guard position and continues to grow as an offensive threat. His 3-point jumper remains an area of improvement, but his feel for the game along with how well he complemented experienced players on a loaded UConn team is a good indication he can come in right away and contribute positive minutes to any team.
Ht./Wt.: 7-2, 280 pounds | Class: Sophomore | UConn
If the Hawks don’t take Clingan at No. 1, the Pistons could look to make moves in the frontcourt, bringing in the mobile center to add rim protection and seeking to trade Isaiah Stewart. The team also needs help along the perimeter and could be looking at Matas Buzelis or Cody Williams at No. 5, but it would be hard to pass up on Clingan as the best available player if he’s still there.
Matas Buzelis, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 212 pounds | G League Ignite
Buzelis has great size and can play multiple positions with how well he can handle the ball and take players off the dribble. Many around the league believe Buzelis is a lock at No. 5 to the Pistons, but if he falls to No. 6, he would slide in nicely alongside Brandon Miller at the 4, adding some versatility to a 4-man-out offense and rim protection on defense.
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 185 pounds | Class: Freshman | Colorado
It doesn’t look like Williams will be there for the Oklahoma City Thunder at No. 12 to play alongside his older brother, Jalen. While Williams didn’t have the year he wanted at Colorado and dealt with injuries all season long, he has tremendous potential (similar to Jaden McDaniels) for a team that can be patient with his development during a rebuild. On the Blazers, he would add some much-needed length on the wing alongside Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara.
8. San Antonio Spurs
Tidjane Salaun, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 203 pounds | Cholet (France)
Salaun capped his season for Cholet on a high note, averaging 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 25 minutes per game during the second round against Paris Basketball. He is one of the youngest players in the draft, turning 19 in August, and could be a good fit in San Antonio; it helps that he played with Victor Wembanyama in France and the two share the same agent. Salaun has met with teams in the 5-12 range and likely won’t fall outside of the lottery.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Senior | Tennessee
The Grizzlies will likely take the best player available at No. 9 and, depending on who is still on the board, Knecht is a great option. He’s an older, experienced guard who was the best scorer in the SEC this season and can give solid minutes right away.
Devin Carter, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Junior | Providence
Carter is one of the biggest risers heading into the draft. He backed up his strong season at Providence by being one of the most impressive players during the agility and shooting drills at the combine. He is one of the best two-way players in this draft and would be a fun pairing alongside Keyonte George.
Ron Holland, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 206 pounds | G League Ignite
The Bulls just added 21-year-old Josh Giddey, who will pair nicely with Coby White in the backcourt. Holland can add some much-needed size and length to Chicago’s defense. And even though he was a little turnover prone playing in the G League, he’ll have a different role in the NBA and won’t need the ball in his hands as much on offense.
Carlton “Bub” Carrington, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 190 pounds | Class: Freshman | Pittsburgh
The Thunder traded Giddey to the Bulls for Alex Caruso, and even though Caruso will bring veteran experience at 30 years old, the Thunder could be targeting a guard with upside at 12. Carrington was a projected mid-to-late first-round pick all season and has catapulted into the lottery during workouts and team meetings. He has great size and can be productive offensively playing on or off the ball. His shot selection still needs some fine-tuning, but there are a lot of teams in the 10-20 range that love his upside.
Ja’Kobe Walter, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 195 pounds | Class: Freshman | Baylor
Walter’s game translates better to the NBA than what scouts saw from him in college. He has good size at the guard position and elite shooting mechanics. With the spacing of the NBA game, it’ll free him more as a shooting threat with how well De’Aaron Fox plays with the ball in his hands.
14. Portland Trail Blazers
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 220 pounds | Class: Senior | Colorado
The Colorado forward was one of the best hybrid frontcourt players in the Pac-12 this year. Unlike Williams, who will need some extra time to develop, da Silva can be slotted into the lineup right away and help give some versatility and length to a young Trail Blazers team. Da Silva played well alongside a speedy guard in KJ Simpson, who loved to get downhill and facilitate, similar to Scoot Henderson.
POST LOTTERY
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Freshman | Duke
McCain shoots the ball extremely well from 3-point range and has a quick release that’s difficult to defend, even though he’s on the smaller side as an NBA point guard. He’s a great culture guy and has zero off-the-court issues. Last year the Heat drafted Jaime Jaquez Jr., who hunted competition during the offseason when he was at UCLA. McCain is a similarly competitive player. During the summers in high school, McCain was everywhere whether that was Nike Peach Jam, Steph Curry‘s camp, Chris Paul‘s point guard camp or Nike Skills Academy. He doesn’t shy away from competition and a chance to get better.
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 164 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kentucky
Dillingham has been dealing with an ankle injury since the combine and will only be able to work out for a select number of teams leading up to the draft. Offensively he is one of the best players with the ball in his hands and has that dog mentality that teams love. But what’s giving teams pause is his work on the defensive end, where he has average footwork and difficulty staying in front of players. If he falls to 16, the Sixers might look to pick him up as the best player available and someone who is used to playing alongside other ball-dominant guards after his one year at Kentucky.
Kyshawn George, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 200 pounds | Class: Freshman | Miami
George averaged only 7.6 points during his one year at Miami, but shot 41% from 3-point range. Originally from Switzerland, the sharp-shooting wing shot up four inches two years ago and sees the floor like a point guard with how well he passes and how quick he makes decisions off the dribble.
Nikola Topić, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 201 pounds | KK Mega Basket (Serbia)
The Magic would have the luxury of being patient with Topić’s recovery after it was revealed he suffered a partial ACL tear late in the season. Orlando has one of the deepest backcourts in the league and might consider taking a swing on Topić if he falls, considering he was a projected top-five pick all year because of his size and playmaking ability.
Zach Edey, C
Ht./Wt.: 7-4, 300 pounds | Class: Senior | Purdue
Edey showed every scout and executive at the combine that he can hit 3s at a pretty consistent rate during the shooting drills. What’s most attractive is his size and the way he can anchor a defense, but teams will be cautious taking him, with opponents likely hunting him in screens every time down the court and drawing favorable mismatches. Edey could go as high as 14 to Portland, with many around the league anticipating the Toronto native being off the board by 20.
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 210 pounds | Class: Freshman | USC
Depending on what happens with Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland, a backcourt of Collier and Darius Garland could be a fun pairing. Collier had a rough year at USC and didn’t really get to showcase his upside, but NBA spacing will be much better for Collier, who has the ability to get downhill. He could end up being a steal at 20.
Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 235 pounds | Class: Freshman | Baylor
Missi’s draft range is anywhere from 14-21 with his upside as a rim-running big who has a budding pick-and-pop game. He has great hands, runs the floor well and shows solid footwork in the paint. Missi could have a similar role for the Pelicans as Dereck Lively II does in Dallas.
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Senior | Marquette
The general consensus is that the Suns are zeroing in on Kolek at 22 with his high IQ and ability to come in right away and give solid minutes. He plays bigger than his 6-3 frame, is smart with the ball and finishes well through contact.
Kel’el Ware, C
Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 223 pounds | Class: Sophomore | Indiana
Ware is far from a finished product, but he made some huge strides at Indiana after his freshman year at Oregon. He’s so talented at his size and with his footwork in the paint, but some teams question his motor, leaving him as a possible steal in the 20s.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 225 pounds | Class: Senior | Illinois
Shannon was found not guilty in his court case that had loomed over him since January, and he could now be a first-round pick. He was incredibly impressive for Illinois at the end of the season. The lefty guard can score at all three levels and impact a team right away with how well he reads defenses.
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25. New York Knicks
Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 235 pounds | Class: Junior | Dayton
Holmes averaged 20.4 points and 8.5 rebounds and shot 39% from 3-point range in a limited perimeter role at Dayton. He is a floor spacer with size who can extend his game past the 3-point line and defend the post similar to Naz Reid’s role in Minnesota.
26. Washington Wizards
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 202 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kansas
Furphy elected to stay in this draft after reportedly turning down a lucrative NIL deal to return to Kansas, leading many to believe he left the combine with a promise in the first round. If the Wizards take Sarr with the No. 2 pick, Furphy is an excellent option here with how well he shoots the ball and his added size on the perimeter.
Cam Christie, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 190 pounds | Class: Freshman | Minnesota
Christie is a late riser and could sneak into the back half of the first round with how well he’s been performing in team workouts. He averaged 11.3 points and shot 39% from 3-point range during his freshman year at Minnesota.
Tyler Smith, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 224 pounds | G League Ignite
Smith improved significantly during his season with the Ignite and has great size at 6-11 with an inside-out game that translates to the NBA. He shot the 3-ball well all season and improved his motor.
29. Utah Jazz
Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 220 pounds | Class: Sophomore | Duke
Filipowski falling in the first round doesn’t necessarily reflect his body of work during his sophomore year at Duke, but that other players have higher ceilings and are rising after workouts and team meetings. The playoff teams in the Western Conference are largely successful with multiple 7-footers on the court who can space the floor and knock down 3s. Filipowski has the potential to be that kind of contributor in the NBA.
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 205 pounds | Class: Senior | Creighton
Scheierman was one of the best shooters at the draft combine during the 5-on-5 scrimmages. His size and maturity to his game make him a perfect plug-and-play guy on a seasoned, championship team.
SECOND ROUND
31. Toronto Raptors
Jaylon Tyson, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 215 pounds | Class: Junior | Cal
Tyson was the best scoring guard in the Pac-12 this year and had to do everything offensively for a struggling Cal team. His playmaking off the pick-and-roll as the primary ball-handler and also off the ball is what stands out most when looking at his offensive output.
32. Utah Jazz
Pacome Dadiet, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 210 pounds | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Dadiet is one of the youngest players in this draft and has a ton of future potential at the wing position. The prospect out of France worked out for the Jazz, Nets, Bucks, Celtics and others, and could sneak into the first round.
33. Milwaukee Bucks
Ryan Dunn, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 216 pounds | Class: Sophomore | Virginia
Dunn was the best perimeter defender in college basketball this year, but he could fall outside the first round with how poorly he shoots it from 3-point range. He connected on only 20% of his attempts from deep this year, but a team will draft him on his defensive versatility alone.
34. Portland Trail Blazers
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 212 pounds | Class: Senior | Kansas
The Kansas guard was unable to participate in any of the combine drills or pre-draft workouts with a knee injury. He already underwent surgery and told reporters at the combine that there is no structural damage. McCullar was one of the best scoring guards in college basketball and, when fully healthy, can contribute right away.
35. San Antonio Spurs
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 235 pounds | Class: Senior | Weber State
If the Spurs are looking to bet on experience and a player who can come in and do a lot of little things really well, Jones is the guy. He reads the game very well, dictates pace and plays to his advantages. He’s worked on his body during the pre-draft process and has recently worked out for Denver and Boston.
Bobi Klintman, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 225 pounds | Cairns Taipans (Australia)
Klintman has good size as a pick-and-pop big and improved his decision making and physicality during his one season in Australia’s National Basketball League. He still has room to grow into his frame and has a budding 3-point jumper.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves
AJ Johnson, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 180 pounds | Illawarra (Australia)
Johnson is the guard with the highest upside in the draft and could sneak inside the first round with how well he played at the combine. Johnson showed more of a well-rounded game during the 5-on-5 scrimmages, with improved shot creation off the bounce in the first game and as more of a facilitator in the second game, dishing out six assists.
38. New York Knicks
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 206 pounds | Class: Senior | Akron
One of the best stories in college basketball, Freeman went from being a walk-on at Akron to a starter. He was one of the best players at the Portsmouth Invitational, was invited to the G League combine and then got called up for the NBA Draft Combine. His strength when he has the ball in the lane, and also how well he moves off the ball, cutting, flashing, slipping screens, makes him an intriguing pick in the first half of the second round.
39. Memphis Grizzlies
Jonathan Mogbo, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 225 pounds | Class: Junior | San Francisco
Mogbo spent his summer last year working out with Raptors forward Scottie Barnes heading into his junior year. Defensively, he shines with his footwork and how well he rebounds for his size. He also turned some heads at the combine with his shot creation off the dribble.
40. Portland Trail Blazers
Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 245 pounds | Class: Sophomore | UCLA
Bona was the best center at the combine during the 5-on-5 scrimmages. He is so strong and was really utilizing the additional space and not forcing things. He moves very well for his size and will bring in some added rim protection right away.
41. Philadelphia 76ers
Nikola Djurisic, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 214 pounds | KK Mega Bemax (Serbia)
Djurisic is a tough guard who competes at a high level and has improved from this time last year when he tested the NBA waters. He’s great at getting downhill off the high screen and finishes well through contact.
42. Charlotte Hornets
Justin Edwards, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 185 pounds | Class: Freshman | Kentucky
Edwards really helped himself at the combine and throughout the pre-draft process. He was a top 5 player coming out of high school and could really see a second burst as an NBA player in the right situation, similar to what GG Jackson did this past season.
43. Miami Heat
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 225 pounds | Class: Senior | Arizona
Johnson, a fifth-year senior out of Arizona, can bring experience to a team and come in right away with any second unit and be productive. He shot 39% from 3 this past season and averaged under two turnovers his entire college career.
44. Houston Rockets
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 233 pounds | Class: Junior | North Carolina
Ingram’s role at North Carolina this year is exactly what teams needed to see in terms of how he could fit in the NBA. He’s a hybrid wing with the size and strength to drop down low in a small-ball lineup, and he shoots the ball consistently from different spots on the court.
45. Sacramento Kings
Jamal Shead, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-1, 200 pounds | Class: Senior | Houston
For teams looking for a reliable lead guard to come in and run the second unit, Shead is the perfect pick. He is so tough on both sides of the ball and could really have a long career in the NBA with his work ethic, poise and decision-making on the court.
KJ Simpson, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 190 pounds | Class: Junior | Colorado
Simpson made up the second half of the two-man tandem at Colorado that brought success in the postseason. He plays much bigger than his listed 6-2 size and has a nice floater in the lane. His 3-point shot has improved and he has consistently shot the ball well during workouts.
47. Orlando Magic
Jaylen Wells, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 205 pounds | Class: Junior | Washington State
Wells transferred from a Division II program to Washington State. Even though he’s a bit of a late bloomer, he showed more confidence in Power 5 competition and has upside as an NBA backcourt contributor.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Senior | Arizona
Larsson was an efficient scorer on a very deep Arizona team. What he lacks in footspeed defensively, he makes up for on the offensive side of the ball, shooting 42% from 3-point range.
49. Indiana Pacers
Ulrich Chomche, C
Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 235 pounds | Cameroon
Chomche will be a draft-and-stash player with how much more development he needs prior to logging meaningful minutes in the NBA. He has turnover tendencies when getting the ball off the block and will need to get a little more physical in the paint.
50. Indiana Pacers
Trentyn Flowers, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 190 pounds | Adelaide 36ers (Australia)
Flowers is still a bit of a raw prospect at the guard position, but showed upside as a playmaker during the combine and better shot selection in the halfcourt set. The open court is where he excels, finishing with flashy dunks in transition.
51. Washington Wizards
Tristen Newton, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 195 pounds | Class: Senior | UConn
Newton was the floor general for the back-to-back champions and was very composed all season in high-pressure situations. He’s a three-level scorer and great passer who averaged 15.1 points and 6.2 assists per game.
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 205 pounds | Class: Senior | UConn
Spencer wasn’t great at the combine and got a little lost during the 5-on-5 scrimmages, but his body of work at UConn speaks for itself. He is an ultra competitor who can eventually be that glue-guy on a team similar to Derrick White.
53. Detroit Pistons
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 190 pounds | Class: Junior | UC Santa Barbara
The Pistons need outside shooters and Mitchell averaged 20 points while shooting 40% from 3 during his junior year at UC Santa Barbara. He’s a big guard who is solid in the pick-and-roll option.
54. Boston Celtics
Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 235 pounds | Class: Senior | Marquette
Ighodaro had tough assignments all season. In November, he played against Adem Bona (UCLA), Hunter Dickinson (Kansas) and Zach Edey (Purdue) in three consecutive games and held his own in the paint. The Celtics won the title playing five out but Ighodaro can add some size and physicality in the lane when needed.
Bronny James, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 210 pounds | Class: Freshman | USC
James is far from a finished product, but proved he belonged in this draft class as a prospect at the draft combine, where he shot the ball well and showed more scoring potential in the lane with his floater.
56. Denver Nuggets
Juan Nunez, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 190 pounds | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Nunez has improved a lot at the point guard position since the FIBA World Cup last year playing for Spain. He still lacks a second burst when taking players off the dribble and getting downhill, but passes well and has good size for a draft-and-stash point guard.
57. Memphis Grizzlies
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 185 pounds | Class: Junior | Creighton
Alexander was the first option for Creighton this year and showed more on-ball creation, averaging 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
Melvin Ajinca, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 200 pounds | Saint Quentin (France)
Ajinca averaged 11.5 points during the LNB Pro A playoffs and has a ton of upside as a perimeter scorer. He’s a two-way player who rebounds well and has a high IQ.
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#NBA #Mock #Draft #Whos #Full #tworound #predictions #draft #week