With the 2024 NBA Draft less than a week away, some prospects are reportedly limiting their workouts for various teams. Rather than landing at a well-known cellar-dwelling franchise, this year’s prospects are prioritizing fit and personal development. Some teams in the lottery have zeroed in on their top prospects, while others are looking to trade down, as the talent in this year’s class has been relatively equal to that of any other draft class.
Let’s take a look at the 2024 NBA First Round Mock Draft for all 30 picks 8.0, with blockbuster trades!
Which player will your favorite NBA team take in the upcoming 2024 draft?
1. San Antonio Spurs (Projected trade with Atlanta Hawks) – F Zaccharie Risacher (France)
Due to Atlanta’s desire to move out of the top spot in this year’s lottery, they overhaul their roster to get quality players out of San Antonio in a bid to contend in the loaded Eastern Conference. The Hawks move down to the 4th spot and acquire quite a few Spurs players in return, such as Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, Zach Collins, and Cedi Osman, plus future draft capital in exchange for the 2024 NBA number one overall pick and the return of Dejounte Murray in Texas.
In a surprise move, the Spurs will again select first in back-to-back years, in which they will go for France’s Zaccharie Risacher. The Spurs are now spearheaded by a couple of young Frenchmen on their roster with Risacher and Victor Wembanyama. Plus, Dejounte Murray should hasten their rebuild as he’s quite familiar with Coach Pop. The Hawks will now pick at fourth after getting a massive haul out of the top spot to retool their roster next season.
Comparison: Harrison Barnes/Deni Avdija
2. Washington Wizards – C Alex Sarr (France)
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Most experts agree that the Wizards’ pick will solely depend on who the Hawks select first. If Risacher goes number one in this year’s NBA draft, then Washington will happily grab Alex Sarr as the number two overall pick. Sarr is not a polished prospect, but his potential to become a very good big man a few years from now will definitely help the lowly Wizards escape their woes.
Comparison: Evan Mobley
3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets) – G Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
The Rockets are intrigued by Sheppard’s shooting and poise at either guard spot on the floor. His long-term fit for a young team like Houston is appealing as well. Sheppard’s athleticism is at an NBA level, and he might not be a bad defender, as others might suggest. If the Rockets don’t trade down, expect them to scoop up the Kentucky star at three.
Comparison: Donte DiVincenzo/Mike Bibby
4. Atlanta Hawks (Swap with San Antonio Spurs plus players and picks) – G Stephon Castle (UConn)
It’s a known secret that due to this year’s relatively weak class, the Hawks are willing to trade down in order to acquire players who can help them win now, with Trae Young entering his prime. Due to their trade deal with the Spurs, the Hawks will select at the fourth spot and will be more than happy to add UConn’s Stephon Castle to pair with Young. Unlike Dejounte Murray, Castle is projected to become a shooting guard at the NBA level and won’t interfere with Trae Young regarding the team’s offensive schemes. Plus, they’ll have a plethora of role players from the Spurs who can help them reach the playoffs next season.
Comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Lite
5. Detroit Pistons – F Matas Buzelis (G-League Ignite)
With their backcourt set, the Pistons aren’t really trying to hide their desire to get their hands on Matas Buzelis. His potential to become a star at either forward spot has been appealing to multiple teams at the lottery. Experts believe that Buzelis has a higher ceiling than his G-League Ignite teammate, Ron Holland.
Comparison: Mike Dunleavy Jr.
6. Memphis Grizzlies (Projected trade with Charlotte Hornets) – C Donovan Clingan (UConn)
Memphis gets its wish to trade up to snag UConn’s impressive big man, Donovan Clingan, to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. on their frontcourt. The pick swap plus a first-rounder in the 2025 NBA Draft is a small price to pay in acquiring a center for the future. Clingan would easily be a top-three talent in this year’s draft class if it wasn’t for team needs in the top five of this year’s lottery.
Comparison: Walker Kessler
Also Read: Re-Drafting the Super Stacked 2023 NBA Draft Class
7. Portland Trail Blazers – F Cody Williams (Colorado)
Don’t be surprised if Cody Williams will be selected by the Blazers in this year’s NBA draft at the seventh spot. There are also reports that the Pistons are enamored with his potential to grow into a solid starter down the road. Lottery teams are banking on his potential to become a good player like his brother, OKC’s Jalen Williams.
Comparison: Jaden McDaniels
8. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto Raptors) – F Tidjane Salaun
Salaun had limited workouts as he arrived late from playing in France. He reportedly sprained his ankle while working for the Spurs, but the injury is a minor one. If the Spurs secure Risacher in this year’s NBA draft after their trade to the Hawks, then they might grab a big wing like Salaun to add to their core. That will be three French players for the team moving forward.
Comparison: Young Giannis Antetokounmpo
9. Charlotte Hornets (Swap with Memphis Grizzlies for 6th Pick) – G Dalton Knecht (Tennesee)
After swapping picks with Memphis and securing a future first-round draft asset in 2025, expect the Hornets to select a player who can contribute immediately rather than later to hasten their rebuild now that LaMelo Ball is back in the fold. Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht is one of the oldest prospects in this year’s draft, but he’s ready to compete for a starting spot from day one and should provide plenty of threes for the struggling franchise next season.
Comparison: Klay Thompson Lite
10. Utah Jazz – G Nikola Topic (Serbia)
If Topic had never suffered an ACL tear, then he would have been a top-five selection in this year’s class. He had several interviews lined up prior to the draft, one of which was with Utah. Whoever selects him will need to accept the reality that he will probably sit out the 2024-2025 season to heal his injury. Utah could be patient with his development as they need a point guard who can lead them in the future.
Comparison: Goran Dragic
11. Chicago Bulls – G Ron Holland (G-League Ignite)
The Bulls just dealt fan favorite Alex Caruso to OKC in exchange for controversial Aussie guard Josh Giddey. They now have three-floor generals on the roster, with Lonzo Ball reportedly set to return next season. If they don’t make any additional moves in this year’s NBA draft, expect them to select Ron Holland – a young prospect they could develop in the future once they hit the reset button.
Comparison: RJ Barrett
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Houston Rockets) – G Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
Dillingham was injured and unable to work out for any NBA team after the combine, and his draft stock is sliding fast. With most of the teams within the 3 to 11 range looking to add bigger prospects to their roster, it might be logical for OKC to grab Dillingham now that they have traded Josh Giddey to Chicago.
Comparison: Brandon Jennings
13. Sacramento Kings – G Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
With Malik Monk’s extension in the books and their guard rotation set, the Kings would love to get their hands on a player who can defend multiple positions on the court. Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter had some difficulties creating his own shot at the college level, but he’s a very good spot-up shooter and defender. He can play either the two or the three spot, which bodes well for Sacramento going forward.
Comparison: Alec Burks
14. Miami Heat (Projected trade with Portland Trail Blazers) – G Devin Carter (Providence)
With Portland zeroing in on Devin Carter, the Heat become impatient and propose a pick swap to the Blazers for the 14th pick and a future first-rounder to get their hands on the high-rising Providence combo guard. Carter is widely projected as a top-ten talent in this year’s class and has impressed in all of his workouts leading up to the draft. It’s entirely possible that he’ll fall into the hands of Miami as other teams drafting before them are pretty set on their backcourt rotation(maybe except Utah.)
Comparison: Marcus Smart
15. Portland Trail Blazers (Swap with Miami Heat for 14th Pick) – G Jared McCain (Duke)
After getting a future draft capital from Miami for their pick swap, it would be good for the team to select a young point guard who can take over the reins in the very near future. While Isaiah Collier is an intriguing option here, many analysts believe that Duke’s Jared McCain will be a safer pick down the road for the Blazers, who are still reeling after dealing franchise cornerstone Damian Lillard to the Bucks last season.
Comparison: Gary Trent Jr.
16. Philadelphia 76ers – F Tristan da Silva (Colorado)
For an aspiring contender like the Sixers, they would go for a prospect who can contribute now rather than later. Tristan da Silva has been moving up in every NBA mock draft in recent weeks, and multiple playoff teams are reportedly interested in his services. While his ceiling is not high compared to other younger prospects(he’s 23 years old), he can definitely contribute right away for the Sixers next season.
Comparison: Keegan Murray
17. Los Angeles Lakers – C Yves Missi (Baylor)
It’s no secret that the Lakers are looking to bulk up their frontcourt rotation leading into this NBA draft. With newly hired JJ Redick at the helm, expect him to be involved in the process of scouring multiple big men who might fall in this year’s class. Rumors have it that the Lakers are also interested in Purdue’s Zack Edey, but his playstyle will definitely contradict Anthony Davis’s back-to-the-basket game. Baylor’s Yves Missi is a much better option here, as he can catch lobs and rebound for them at a high rate.
Comparison: Nic Claxton
18. Orlando Magic – F Johnny Furphy (Kansas)
As one of the green room early invites, it seems like Furphy has secured a promise from one or two teams heading into next week’s NBA draft. Due to his potential to grow into an elite shooter, it certainly looks like a young playoff team like Orlando would like to add him to their roster. He has some toughness and has shown some defensive instincts as an on-ball defender while in Kansas.
Comparison: Cam Johnson
19. Toronto Raptors – (from Indiana Pacers) – C Zach Edey (Purdue)
After months of debating whether Edey is a first-round or second-round talent, it was all squashed when the league invited him to their green room, indicating that he’s garnered interest in the latter part of the lottery or is at least a top-20 pick. The Purdue star politely declined his invitation, but it’s hard to imagine he falls past Toronto at this stage of the draft. The Raptors need a big man, and Edey checks all the boxes for them.
Comparison: Yao Ming Lite
20. Cleveland Cavaliers – G Carlton Carrington (Pittsburgh)
One of the youngest prospects in this year’s class, Carrington has some solid fans in the late lottery. However, with some of the teams vying for a playoff spot next season, they may inevitably pass on him as he clearly needs a year or two of seasoning. With the Cavs’ current dilemma in their backcourt, should Carrington be available in this spot, don’t be surprised if the team scoops him up without hesitation.
Comparison: Michael Carter-Williams
21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee Bucks) – G Kyshawn George (Miami)
George essentially became a bonafide first-round selection almost overnight. There were initial reports that he’d return to Miami for his sophomore year, but after a strong showing in individual workouts, he managed to secure a green room invite for next week’s NBA draft. The Pelicans need a big but won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on George if he’s available in this spot due to his potential to become a solid three and D player in the future.
Comparison: TJ Warren
22. Phoenix Suns – G Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
Marquette’s Tyler Kolek has been one of the best floor generals in college for the past couple of years. With the Suns needing a backup point guard on their roster, don’t be surprised if he gets selected here. As one of the oldest prospects in this year’s draft class, he can essentially play legitimate minutes for any NBA team next season.
Comparison: Steve Nash Lite
23. Milwaukee Bucks (from New Orleans Pelicans) – C Kel’el Ware (Indiana)
The Bucks would be in the market for a big man here who can shoot and defend the paint on a nightly basis. With Brook Lopez entering his twilight years in the league, now is the time for them to find a worthy successor who can fill his shoes in the near future. Indiana’s Kel’el Ware is similar to Lopez when it comes to playstyle, but the former is a good lob threat at the NBA level. If he’s still available at 23, then it’s a huge steal for the Bucks.
Comparison: Brook Lopez
24. Oklahoma City Thunder (Projected trade with New York Knicks) – C Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
With back-to-back picks late in the first round, the Knicks will trade their 24th pick in this year’s draft to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for a future first-rounder in 2025. The Thunder are looking for a backup center to solidify their frontcourt and compete in the brutal Western Conference next season, and Duke’s Kyle Filipowski should be a great option at this spot. The young big man can play a few minutes per night behind Chet Holmgren. Plus, he has a range that extends to the three-point line.
Comparison: Keith Van Horn
25. New York Knicks – F Ryan Dunn (Virginia)
The Knicks are reported to be very high on Virginia’s Ryan Dunn due to his defensive capabilities. He doesn’t create much on offense, but his defense is already at an NBA level. Dunn’s hustle on the court genuinely bills him as a Thibodeau kind of guy. It’s also possible that the Knicks might trade this pick for an established veteran who can help them win next season.
Comparison: OG Anunoby Lite
26. Washington Wizards (from Los Angeles Clippers) – G Isaiah Collier (USC)
This would be an epic fall for Collier, who was once projected as a top-five pick in this year’s NBA draft class a year ago. College ball truly exposed his weakness as a shooter, but he was still an effective player around the paint. His decision-making is somewhat questionable, and teams are wary of whether he’ll ever fulfill his potential in the NBA. For the Wizards, this will be a high-risk, high-reward selection. If Collier balls out, then the Wizards will be hailed as a genius franchise in the long run.
Comparison: Eric Bledsoe
27. Minnesota Timberwolves – G Baylor Scheierman (Creighton)
Scheierman has generated enough buzz as a late first-round selection heading into the final week before the NBA draft. The Wolves need more shooting on their roster if KAT or Edwards are having an off-day on the court. The Creighton senior is a crafty prospect as he can create his own shot off the dribble and was a decent three-point shooter in college.
Comparison: Christian Braun
28. Denver Nuggets – C DaRon Holmes II (Dayton)
With Holmes canceling about twelve workout schedules ahead of the draft, many pundits believe that he has secured a promise from one of the contenders at the end of the first round. The Nuggets are in the market for a big man who can play spot-up minutes behind Nikola Jokic next season, and the Dayton bruiser would be more than capable of holding his own in a Nuggets uniform.
Comparison: Kevon Looney
29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City Thunder) – G Jaylon Tyson (California)
With Jordan Clarkson missing a good chunk of time last season, the Jazz struggled to generate offense on the court. They may opt for a scoring guard in this year’s class, and California’s Jaylon Tyson would be a great value pick. He can create off the dribble, make a cut to the basket, and shoot it beyond the three-point line.
Comparison: Tyson Chandler
30. Boston Celtics – F Bobi Klintman (Sweden)
The recently crowned NBA champions don’t need much in their roster, but they’d be looking for additional size in this year’s draft class. Sweden’s Bobi Klintman still has some growing to do, but his versatility on both ends of the floor would be very appealing for the Celtics.
Comparison: Maxi Kleber
Also Read: 2024 NBA First-Round Mock Draft For All 30 Picks: 7.0
