With the 2024 playoffs in full swing, it’s easy to forget that this year’s NBA draft is just a month and a half away. In comparison to other mock drafts in recent years, the debate regarding this year’s class is unlike any other, as there is still no consensus on who’s going number one and who the potential lottery picks are going to be come draft day.
Let’s take a look at the 2024 NBA First-Round NBA Mock Draft for all 30 picks: 4.0.
Who will your favorite team select in the 2024 NBA Draft?
1. Detroit Pistons – F Alex Sarr (France)
Alex Sarr has been quite firm at other mock drafts as the potential first-overall pick in recent weeks, but there seem to be some glaring questions about his game that worry scouts as June approaches. His relatively thin physique might give him some trouble guarding true centers in the league. Nonetheless, others generally view his long-term upside in contrast to what he could do today on the court.
2. Washington Wizards – G Zaccharie Risacher (France)
Risacher is not a slam dunk pick, but it’s hard to pass on a 6-foot-8 wing player who could potentially develop into a star if given the chance to succeed. The Wizards need all the help they can get, and by picking Risacher, they’ll have another high-upside player to develop for the future.
3. Charlotte Hornets – F Matas Buzelis (G-League Ignite)
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Buzelis is quickly climbing up in several NBA mock drafts, and it’s easy to see why. After a slow start with the G-League Ignite, he has since turned it around and started to look like a legitimate contributor for any team in the lottery. He’s also developing a competitive attitude on and off the court, which surprised many scouts.
4. Portland Trail Blazers – G Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
Dillingham’s range has been up and down in recent weeks, but the Blazers could certainly use his talents next season. Quite a few analysts are fond of his game, and some even suggested that he could develop into a Lou Williams type of player in a couple of years.
5. San Antonio Spurs – G Nikola Topic (Serbia)
San Antonio needs a true point guard who can grow alongside Victor Wembanyama, and Serbia’s Nikola Topic certainly looks like the most enticing pick in the upcoming NBA draft. As a member of the Spurs, he won’t be pressured to perform right away and will be given all the time to improve his game.
6. Toronto Raptors – G Ron Holland (G-League Ignite)
There was a time when Ron Holland was projected to become the top overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, but after a so-so year with the G-League Ignite, some teams are skeptical about how his game will translate in the NBA. However, if he does fall into Toronto’s lap at six, then this would be a great gamble for the franchise as his ceiling is considered elite compared to other prospects.
7. Memphis Grizzlies – C Donovan Clingan (UConn)
As weeks go by, it looks like UConn’s Donovan Clingan would be a favorite to land at the seventh spot with Memphis. With Steven Adam’s uncertainty going forward, it’s in the team’s best interest to select a young big man who can develop into one of their core players in the future.
8. Utah Jazz – G Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
Utah doesn’t have a legitimate point guard on the roster and that’s why Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard would be a nice pick for them in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. Most analysts consider him a day-one starter, as he’s often compared to former NBA guard Kirk Hinrich. Another John Stockton-like pick for them perhaps?
9. Houston Rockets (From Brooklyn) – G Stephon Castle (UConn)
The consensus around the league is that Castle was not able to showcase his true skills during his time with UConn. The NBA is another thing though. With more space to operate at the NBA level, scouts expect him to show his true potential in the upcoming season.
10. Atlanta Hawks – G Cody Williams (Colorado)
Some say Williams could become the best player in this NBA draft class in a couple of years. Then why is it that his draft stock isn’t near the top three? Scouts are worried that he doesn’t have the alpha mentality like his brother, OKC’s Jalen Williams.
11. Chicago Bulls – G Dalton Knecht (Tennesee)
It’s an open secret that the Bulls are planning to run it all again and bring their core back for another shot at respectability in the East. They desperately need shooting and a rookie who can contribute right away. Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht certainly fills the role for them perfectly.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Houston) – F Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
OKC gets another chance to add a player who can play positionless basketball to their roster next season. Ja’Kobe Walter will take some time to develop into a contributor, but his upside is just too good to ignore at this late in the lottery.
13. Sacramento Kings – C Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
The Kings are relatively thin at the frontcourt whenever Domantas Sabonis sits down for a breather. Duke big man Kyle Filipowski can easily play 15 minutes per night and play the backup role for the rising Kings.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (From Golden State) – F Tidjane Salaun (France)
There is an unspoken vibe that French 6 foot 9 forward Tidjane Salaun could essentially be the steal of this NBA draft class. He already has a good-looking stroke from the outside and is a decent defender for his size. Is he going to be the next coming of Giannis Antetokounmpo?
15. Miami Heat – G Isaiah Collier (USC)
Collier was once projected to be a top-three selection at the beginning of the year, but after USC failed to make some noise despite having a star-studded roster, his draft stock inevitably took a hit. However, the potential for him to succeed is still there, and the Heat would be more than happy to select a player with tons of upside outside the lottery.
16. Philadelphia 76ers – C Yves Missi (Baylor)
Baylor’s Yves Missi is a raw prospect and is considered a high-risk, high-reward player by most pundits. He may not be ready to contribute much next season, but a year or two under Nick Nurse’s guidance could hasten his development as a player.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (From Lakers) – G Jared McCain (Duke)
We all know that CJ McCollum could play the point, but it would certainly be better if he slid back into his natural position at the two spot for the team next season. A point guard would be a great value pick here, and Duke’s Jared McCain could become an enticing selection for them in the seventeenth spot.
18. Orlando Magic – G Devin Carter (Providence)
After Orlando’s ouster in the 2024 NBA playoffs, it’s becoming clearer that their biggest need to address is having a capable point guard on the roster. Devin Carter spent three years with the Friars and should be able to contribute to them immediately from the get-go.
19. Toronto Raptors (From Indiana) – F Tyler Smith (G-League Ignite)
With Minnesota’s Naz Reid’s emergence, scouts are looking for another gem in the rough in this year’s NBA draft class. G-League Ignite’s Tyler Smith has a similar game to the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, and that’s why his draft stock has quickly been rising in recent weeks.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers – F Jaylon Johnson (California)
While Max Strus is a good player, the reality is that the Cavs need a more versatile wing on the roster who they can develop into a solid three and D player in years to come. California’s Jaylon Johnson has the length to disrupt the passing lane and is also equipped with an above-average three-point shot in his arsenal.
21. New Orleans (From Milwaukee) – F Tristan da Silva (Colorado)
One of the oldest players in this NBA draft class, da Silva can quickly contribute to the Pelicans in a variety of ways. He can score, rebound, and handle the ball well for his size, and New Orleans simply loves to have another guy who is tall and active on both ends of the floor.
22. Phoenix Suns – G Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
The Suns desperately need a point guard moving forward. They don’t even have a decent backup floor general on their team right now. With that being said, Tyler Kolek would be a great pick for this team if they are serious about making some noise next season. Kolek was one of the best floor generals in college last season while playing for Marquette.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (From New Orleans) – C Kel’el Ware (Indiana)
With Brook Lopez’s game on a slow decline, it might be the right time for the Bucks to find his successor. Indiana’s Kel’el Ware still has a few flaws, but he could realistically play spot minutes for them next season and learn a thing or two about becoming a solid big man in the league.
24. New York Knicks (From Dallas) – C Zach Edey (Purdue)
Zach Edey on the Knicks? If all of this comes to fruition, that’s certainly an appealing option for both parties. Edey’s massive 7-foot-4 frame would drive Knicks fans nuts, and he’d be loved by the fans the moment he steps on Madison Square Garden.
25. New York Knicks – F Ryan Dunn (Virginia)
Dunn’s primary selling point right now is his NBA-level defense. On offense, there’s a lot that he needs to improve. Knowing Coach Thibs, he’d love to get his hands on a guy like Dunn, who is a well-known hustle guy. He’d fit right in with New York’s defensive schemes.
26. Washington Wizards (From Clippers) – G/F Johnny Furphy (Kansas)
The Wizards as just stockpiling young players in the hopes of striking gold someday. Furphy has a one-dimensional game but could become a really nice role player for Washington if they can develop him in the right way.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves – G/F Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas)
The Wolves are title contenders in this year’s playoffs. There’s a huge possibility that they’ll continue to rise in the West in upcoming years and may select somebody in this year’s NBA draft class who is ready to contribute from day one. Kevin McCullar Jr. might be the right guy for them as he’s one of the NBA-ready prospects in June.
28. Denver Nuggets – G Hunter Sallis (Wake Forest)
A former five-star prospect in high school, Sallis took his time to nurture his game in the college ranks, spending three years at Wake Forest. The Nuggets may want to select somebody who can contribute right away, and Sallis fits that bill this late in the first round.
29. Utah Jazz (From Oklahoma City) – F Bobi Klintman (Sweden)
Bobi Klintman is a project. It may take some time for him to develop into a regular contributor for any NBA team, and the Jazz could afford that risk. Despite the talent on their roster, they are still in a rebuilding phase.
30. Boston Celtics – G Kyshawn George (Miami)
The Celtics’ guard rotation is somewhat thin despite the presence of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White. George has the lottery talent but still needs a lot of time to develop to become a regular contributor in the league. If Boston invests in him, the reward could be pretty in the long run.
