# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
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1 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
The betting markets have flipped in recent days to launch Risacher over Alex Sarr as the favorite to go No. 1 overall. Atlanta is reportedly still considering both Frenchmen as well as Donovan Clingan, and I'm not yet counting out Sarr entirely, but Risacher is looking like the pick for now. |
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2 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
Sarr looks like the pick for Washington at No. 2 as things stand. He's a big and skilled center with excellent shot-blocking abilities and promising shooting potential. |
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3 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
Houston grabs the most potent 3-point shooter in the draft. Sheppard rated in the 100th percentile (!) in jump shots as a true freshman at Kentucky and was aces as a catch-and-shoot weapon to boot. He adds playmaking on both ends as a passer and defender. |
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4 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
Spurs need backcourt help to surround Victor Wembanyama, and they get it here with a potential star in Stephon Castle. He's a defensive stalwart at the point of attack and a selfless do-it-all guard who can create when necessary. |
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5 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
Buzelis has been rising behind the scenes in recent weeks and seems to be in the mix for Detroit here with his blend of size and shooting ability. He had a down season shooting the ball with G League Ignite but has a smooth shooting stroke that should translate and make him a supersized combo forward who can space the floor. |
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6 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
Knecht was the best player in the SEC with Tennessee last season after a winding career that started in the JUCO ranks. He's a five-year college player who turned 23 earlier this year but has an exciting blend of athleticism and shot-making that should translate from day one. |
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7 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
Clingan has the second-best odds to go No. 1 overall on draft night but could be a potential faller if he doesn't go to Atlanta with the top pick. The fits for teams picking in the top six may not be ideal for varying reasons, but Portland stops the slipping here to pair him with 2023 No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson. |
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8 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
San Antonio adds another French star to its ranks in Salaun, who has familiarity with Victor Wembanyama, with both their sisters having played together previously on the FIBA circuit. Salaun's a stellar shooter with length. |
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9 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
Despite playing through multiple injuries last season at Colorado, Williams as a freshman thrived with the Buffaloes as a do-it-all combo guard who shot lights out from 3 and profiles as a catch-and-shoot threat. That's a skill set that could make him a nice role player even on a deep Grizzlies team expecting to be a factor in the West. |
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10 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
Topic is a wild card after being diagnosed earlier this month with a partially torn left ACL. He's the best passer in this draft and was a top-five talent prior to the injury, though, so a smart team might be wise to take the discount and think longer term. |
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11 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
Few have had a better pre-draft process than Carter, who broke a combine record in the 3/4-court sprint and tied for the best max standing vertical leap at 42 inches. He's coming off a Big East Player of the Year season for Providence and has improved as a shooter. That could make him a ready-made 3-and-D weapon with playmaking to boot. |
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12 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
A former Texas signee who spent last season with G League Ignite, Holland has the physical frame and multi-faceted toolset to become the best player in a wide-open class. The former No. 1 recruit could find a home in OKC where Sam Presti tends to bet on toolsy wings with upside. |
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13 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
Walter showed all the tools that made him a five-star prospect during his one season at Baylor. He has the array of athleticism and quick-trigger shooting to make for an easy NBA projection. He'll need to improve his shooting and touch overall, but at 19 years old with his track record as a gunner, I'd buy into him here at the back of the lottery. |
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14 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
After snagging a foundational center at No. 7, Portland comes back with a long and rangy wing in Kyshawn George here to give the Trail Blazers shooting and length in their young core. |
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15 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
Questions about Dillingham's size and defensive potential may push Dillingham out of the lottery but it's unlikely he falls far. He's an electric offensive weapon who can get hot in a hurry and be an an engine of an offense. |
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16 | Tristan da Silva | PF | ||||
Da Silva is a big wing who was a great shooter at Colorado. He's one of the oldest prospects in the draft but also one of the most NBA-ready players because of his ability to score off cuts, catch-and-shoot attempts, dribble handoffs and in isolation. |
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17 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
After hiring a podcaster to become its head coach earlier this week, L.A. may find part-time TikToker McCain an appealing option here at No. 17. It helps that his game would fit in L.A., too. He can do a little of everything from either guard spot and shot nearly 42% from 3-point range last season. |
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18 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
A diverse shot-maker and creator, Carrington is seen as a potential lottery talent who has the tools to develop into something special. He was a surprise one-and-done who could help add to Orlando's diverse young roster. |
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19 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
A Toronto native who dominated the last two seasons in college basketball at Purdue, Toronto brings one of its own back home at No. 19. Edey is a polarizing prospect in draft circles but his size, developmental trajectory and sheer dominance at the highest level of the sport can't be ignored. |
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20 | Johnny Furphy | SF | ||||
You have to do some projecting here to buy into Furphy because of his limited role at Kansas and hit-or-miss production. However, he can shoot it great from anywhere on the floor and has the ball skills to be an attacker off the bounce. Could be a nice developmental piece for the Cavs, who don't quite have a player stylistically who plays like him. |
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21 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
In a draft where two 7-footers might go inside the top three picks, Missi -- somehow -- has been overlooked after a solid freshman season at debut. He was good as a shot-blocker and rated out well as a roll man. |
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22 | Tyler Kolek | PG | ||||
Phoenix is seemingly very interested in Kolek given his prolific college career and win-now skill set that could help with Kevin Durant in town. He's an elite distributor who plays a selfless style and has developed into a well-rounded offensive weapon as a scorer, too. |
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23 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
The best and most NBA-ready defensive prospect in this draft lands in Milwaukee. Dunn has some question marks about his offensive skill set but his playmaking on defense should earn him a role in the NBA. |
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24 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
New York adds some insurance to its frontcourt and its various moving pieces with a 7-footer in Kyle Filipowski who led Duke in scoring last season and shot 35% from 3-point range as a sophomore. He's a huge body with a modern game ready to contribute for a Knicks team that's primed to compete atop the East. |
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25 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
Collier's a dynamic downhill driver who has excellent court vision and plays an exciting brand of basketball as a scorer and distributor. He could give the Knicks a change of pace when Brunson takes breathers and develop into a key piece of the team's foundation in time. |
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26 | Cam Christie | SG | ||||
With Sarr already in the fold, Washington takes a swing on a young developmental player in Christie who has a ton of upside as a long wing with shooting skills. |
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27 | Terrence Shannon Jr. | SF | ||||
Shannon was found not guilty in his rape trial earlier this month, potentially clearing the way for teams to feel more comfortable taking him in the first round. He was one of the best players in the Big Ten last season and could add depth to a contending Wolves team. |
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28 | DaRon Holmes II | C | ||||
There's been plenty of buzz around Holmes in recent weeks after a strong pre-draft process in which he impressed NBA teams with his maturity and poise. He was one of the most productive players in college hoops last season for Dayton, where he averaged 20.4 points per game and dominated both inside and out. |
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29 | AJ Johnson | SG | ||||
The counting stats playing in the NBL last season don't jump off the page, but Johnson is a former five-star recruit who is seemingly in the process of turning promise and potential into production after catching the eyes of evaluators at the combine. |
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30 | Baylor Scheierman | SF | ||||
Scheierman was one of the big winners of combine week after standing out in the scrimmages. He's an older prospect but could produce instant value for a contenting Celtics team that has shown it values size and shooting. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
Risacher likely wouldn't be the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in most years, but oddsmakers do believe it's headed that direction this year, in part because of the lack of star power available. He's a talented teenager who pieced together enough nice performances late this season in France to quiet most skeptics after shooting nearly 40% from the 3-point line in the playoffs. Needless to say, trading this pick also remains a possibility for Atlanta. |
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2 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
Most NBA evaluators still seem to believe that Sarr is the best prospect available in this draft, which makes him a sensible option for a Washington franchise that simply needs upside talent. He's the son and brother of professional basketball players — and a top-shelf athlete who projects as a difference-maker on the defensive side of the ball. Think Jaren Jackson Jr., especially if the 3-point shot eventually becomes reliable. |
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3 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
The Rockets are in an interesting position given that they could select Clingan to be the centerpiece of their defense moving forward or make this pick available to franchises that have a real desire to move up and select the two-time national champion. That's why I have Clingan coming off the board here — because even if Houston doesn't want him on a roster that already includes Alperen Sengun, it might be in Houston's best interests to trade this pick to a franchise (Memphis?) that sees Clingan as both a top-three prospect in this draft and player capable of filling a positional need. |
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4 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
Sheppard is my favorite prospect in this draft thanks to a diverse skill-set highlighted by a unique ability to make shots from all over the court. His lack of size is a concern — but the great stuff is so great that if I were running a San Antonio franchise building around Victor Wembanyama, I'd be thrilled if the reigning CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year who shot above 52% from the 3-point line in his one season at Kentucky fell to me at No. 4. |
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5 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
Is Buzelis a reliable 3-point shooter like he seemed to be during his senior year of high school (43.1%) or a below-average 3-point shooter like he was this season for the G League Ignite? How front offices answer that question will determine his future — but he's clearly dripping with upside that should be intriguing for the 14-win Pistons if Buzelis is still available at this point in the draft. |
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6 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
Castle projects as a combo guard at the next level with nice positional size and all of the intangibles you could want. The main concern is an unreliable jumper that led to the one-and-done standout shooting below 27% from 3-point range while helping UConn win a second straight national championship. But everything else is in place for him to be a difference-maker alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in Charlotte. |
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7 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
Knecht was fabulous in his fifth year of college basketball while earning SEC Player of the Year honors at Tennessee. The big-scoring wing should be one of the most impactful rookies on offense next season and would be a nice fit in Portland, where the Blazers continue to rebuild after sending Damian Lillard to Milwaukee. |
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8 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
Holland skipped college to play for the G League Ignite but shot the ball terribly this season and was the face of a team that finished 2-32. Both of those things are concerning. But most evaluators remain open to the idea that this 18 year-old is still a prospect worthy of serious looks in the lottery and a reasonable option for a Spurs franchise whose future will be super-bright if they hit on one or both of these top-eight picks. |
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9 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
Williams is the brother of Oklahoma City standout Jalen Williams — but taller and a lot more heralded at the same age. He needs to add weight and continue to develop as a 3-point threat, but there are reasons to believe he'll do both things in time. There is speculation that the one-and-done prospect has a promise somewhere in the top-10. If so, Williams' floor really might be Utah. |
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10 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
Dillingham was one of two projected lottery picks coming off of Kentucky's bench this season for reasons that remain confusing. There are concerns about his size and defensive shortcomings, both of which are real. But the one-and-done standout is so gifted as a playmaker and shot-creater that he could be a legitimate scoring option early in his career for a Utah franchise that still mostly needs to be adding high-upside talent considering the Jazz have finished 12th in the West in each of the past two seasons. |
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11 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
Topic's range in this draft is up in the air after he was diagnosed with a torn ACL earlier this month that will likely require him to do what would amount to a redshirt season. That's not ideal in a vacuum but possibly not the worst thing in the world for a Chicago franchise that just moved Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City and could be in a position to deemphasize winning in the spirit of competing for the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, where Duke freshman Cooper Flagg is expected to be the biggest prize available. |
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12 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
Dillingham was one of two projected lottery picks coming off of Kentucky's bench this season for reasons that remain confusing. There are concerns about his size and defensive shortcomings, both of which are real. But the one-and-done standout is so gifted as a playmaker and shot-creator that he could be a legitimate scoring option early in his career for a Oklahoma City franchise that already has a strong young core and can afford to take a swing on a high-upside guard at this point in the lottery. |
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13 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
I'm personally higher on Walter than the majority — but indications are that he's now mostly considered a borderline lottery pick as opposed to the likely top-10 pick he was projected to be before his first and only season at Baylor. The return of Malik Monk makes adding another guard who can shoot and score less important than it otherwise would've been for Sacramento. Regardless, Walter is a reasonable option for the Kings, who would be wise to continue to address their shooting after finishing in the bottom half of the league in 3-point field goal percentage this season. |
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14 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
The 21-win Blazers have two lottery picks and would be wise to take a big swing on an intriguing young talent with at least one of them. It's unclear if Salaun will be available this deep in the draft — but he's an 18 year-old wing with size and an emerging shooter who could become a real building block in Portland alongside Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. |
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15 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
Filipowski improved as a sophomore and made a higher percentage of 3-point shots than he did as a freshman while helping Duke advance to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. That's among the things the former five-star recruit needed to do to solidify his status as a top-15 pick, and he would be interesting in Miami playing with Bam Adebayo given that they're two completely different players whose skill-sets could compliment each other. |
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16 | Tristan da Silva | PF | ||||
For a Sixers franchise in win-now mode, adding a 23 year-old like da Silva who can guard his position and reliably make 3-pointers should be preferable to selecting a teenager who needs time to develop. The forward will be a plug-and-play addition for basically anybody on Day 1. He shot above 39% from 3-point range in each of his past two seasons at Colorado. |
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17 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
The Lakers can never have too much shooting on the court with LeBron James and Anthony Davis — and McCain can really shoot it. The former five-star point guard made more than 41% of the 5.8 3-pointers he attempted per game in his one season at Duke and could be an important piece in Los Angeles even after the NBA's all-time leading scorer has called it a career. |
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18 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
Collier was once a candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in this draft but won't be after shooting below 34% from 3-point range and averaging 3.3 turnovers per game in his one season at USC. Regardless, the top-ranked recruit from the Class of 2023 still possesses all of the things that once made him the top-ranked recruit in the Class of 2023. So, at this point in the draft, Collier is a real value pick for an Orlando franchise that clearly needs backcourt help. |
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19 | Johnny Furphy | SF | ||||
Toronto ranked 27th out of 30 NBA teams in 3-point field-goal percentage this season, which is something Furphy could improve in time. The one-and-done guard is young and a work in progress after only becoming a starter midseason at Kansas. But he's undeniably talented and a logical option for a Toronto franchise rebuilding. |
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20 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
George is among the least productive one-and-done players in this draft (beside Bronny James) but should still go in the first round as a wing with size who made more than 40% of the 4.2 3-pointers he attempted this season. If Cleveland is all-in on the present, perhaps there are better options. But George projects as the type of player who could develop into somebody who helps the Cavaliers someday get again where LeBron James used to regularly take them. |
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21 | Kel'el Ware | C | ||||
Ware is reportedly in the top 10 of some franchises' big boards and an interesting option for a New Orleans franchise still trying to figure out how to build around Zion Williamson. He's different than Jonas Valanciunas, the unrestricted free agent who's been starting in the middle for the Pelicans. But a big who can shoot (like Ware) and stretch the floor could prove to be a better fit next to Williamson in time. |
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22 | Tyler Kolek | PG | ||||
Kolek has some obvious issues as an NBA prospect -- most notably a lack of athleticism relative to what's desired from lead guards. Regardless, the All-American from Marquette is adequately sized for his position, terrific in pick-and-rolls, an A-plus passer, a reliable 3-point shooter and an intriguing option for a Phoenix franchise that clearly needs point guard help. |
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23 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
Missi is an incredible physical specimen who is excellent at the rim on offense and in possession of enough athleticism, size and strength to excel defensively. The big man from Cameroon would be fortunate to land in Milwaukee, where starting center Brook Lopez is still under contract but also 36 years-old. |
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24 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
As incredible as Edey was at Purdue over the past two years, he remains a divisive NBA prospect with what appears to be a pretty big range. He could go in the lottery or slip into the 20s. Either way, Edey would be a nice option for the Knicks if he's still available at this point in the draft considering they could be on the verge of losing Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency. |
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25 | Terrence Shannon Jr. | SF | ||||
The cloud hanging over Shannon's draft status was removed earlier this month when the All-American was found not guilty of rape by a jury in Kansas after a trial in which no damaging evidence was presented. With that now in his past, it's easy to understand why a New York franchise trying to compete with Boston in the Eastern Conference would be interested in adding a dynamic guard with real scoring potential. Shannon should be plug-and-play from Day 1. |
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26 | Bobi Klintman | PF | ||||
Klintman is a two-way wing from Sweden who should be able to alternate between both forward spots. He initially declared for the 2023 NBA Draft after one year at Wake Forest but ultimately withdrew to pursue a professional opportunity in Australia. With another year of development under his belt, and not many great options in the 20s, Klintman will have a better chance to get a guaranteed contract in this draft than he had last year. |
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27 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
Carrington won't turn 19 until nearly a month after the draft, making him one of the youngest players available. He was merely a borderline top-100 prospect coming out of high school but quickly showed enough promise as a shooter and passer with good positional size to emerge as a reasonable first-round option for a Minnesota franchise that'll eventually have to replace 36-year-old Mike Conley. |
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28 | DaRon Holmes II | C | ||||
Holmes is the rare top-55 high school prospect who enrolled at an Atlantic 10 school — swatting away bigger opportunities to start at Dayton. He's a reasonable option at this point in the draft in part because of the way he went from a non-shooter upon entering college to a real stretch-the-floor threat as a third-year player while earning A-10 Player of the Year honors. |
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29 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
Dunn is an elite defender with good positional size who seems like a good option for Utah this late in the first round. How elite, you ask? So elite that he recorded the highest Defensive Bayesian Performance Rating in the ACC this season, according to EvanMiya.com. Even if the other parts of his game don't develop fully, Dunn's defensive IQ and enthusiasm should keep him in the NBA for a while. |
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30 | Baylor Scheierman | SF | ||||
As the best team in the NBA, Boston isn't looking to grab a starter with its first-round pick. Simply adding somebody who could theoretically help is good enough — and Scheierman checks that box. He shot above 40% from 3-point range over his final four years of college. Who couldn't use a shooter with size coming off the bench? |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
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1 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
Sarr is an athletic rim protector with upside as a perimeter defender. His 3-point shooting percentages leave something to be desired. But for a young player of his size, he's ahead of the curve offensively in how he's flashed the ability to handle the basketball and create shots. |
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2 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
Risacher brings great size and length to the wing with encouraging fluidity on his outside shot. Like any young international prospect, Risacher will need time to develop the physicality required to thrive in the NBA. In the absence of an obvious headliner from the class, he's as deserving as anyone to be taken with a high lottery pick. |
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3 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
Castle is a big, versatile guard capable of facilitating the offense or playing off the ball. He also rated as UConn's No. 2 defender behind only 7-4 Donovan Clingan, according to evanmiya.com. His 3-point shot needs a lot of work, but Castle's significant contributions to college basketball's top squad as a freshman were an encouarging sign of things to come. |
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4 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
Tre Jones has just one year remaining on his contract, and there's a chance he isn't San Antonio's point guard of the future. Enter Topic, who is a big European guard with a nifty handle and natural passing instincts. At just 18, he could develop in tandem with Victor Wembanyama. Whoever drafts him may need to be patient with his 3-point shot. |
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5 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
The Pistons are picking at No. 5 for the third straight draft and selecting in the top 10 for a fifth consecutive year. Is there really an appetite for some long-term developmental play? Knecht is 23 and continued to elevate his game as he progressed from junior college to Northern Colorado and finally to Tennessee. He averaged 25.5 points on 42.4% 3-point shooting against SEC competition for the Volunteers and is a true three-way scorer who is ready to get buckets in the league as a rookie. |
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6 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
Charlotte has its point guard of the future in LaMelo Ball and a promising young wing in Brandon Miller, who was the No. 2 pick in last year's draft. If Clingan is still available here, not only is he a steal, but he would also seem to fit nicely in the long-term picture. The behemoth center would immediately elevate the rim protection of a team that ranked 25th in the NBA in blocks per game during the 2023-24 season. |
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7 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
Portland has young guards Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe under contract for years to come. High-dollar front court producers Jerami Grant and Deandre Ayton are also on the books at least through 2025-26. The nexus between franchise fit and best available may be Holland. Ranked as the No. 1 overall prospect in the high school class of 2023, he is loaded with tools and promise. They were evident in spurts during his season with G League Ignite. |
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8 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
Carter's 19.3 points per game and efficient shooting splits catch the eye first. But there is depth and dimension to his game. He topped the vertical leap charts at the draft combine and won the three quarter sprint. Add the strong testing to the underlying metrics from his time at Providence and it's clear Carter is worthy of a top-10 pick. He rated as one of the best defenders in the Big East, is a great rebounder and can play on or off the ball. |
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9 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
With Ja Morant on the floor for just nine games, it was a lost season in Memphis. Now, the urgency to win mounts as Morant, Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. navigate their primes with big contracts. In this scenario, the Grizzlies might consider trading up to land a multi-year college player such as Knecht, Clingan or Carter. But if not, Sheppard makes sense as a two-way combo guard with a sweet 3-point shot. |
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10 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
Dillingham's stock took a hit at the combine. There were already concerns about his defense, and those were exacerbated when he measured small. But few players in college basketball proved to be more electric as scorers last season. Dillingham filled it up at a ridiculous clip for Kentucky, and he's got plenty of time to add bulk to his frame and develop in to a more well-rounded player. |
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11 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
The big wing didn't shoot it great from 3-point range for G League Ignite, but he showed a well-rounded offensive game and defensive tools. He also measured taller than college "bigs" such as Adem Bona, PJ Hall and Coleman Hawkins at the combine. Players with his combination of skill and size are rare. |
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12 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
Williams' offensive efficiency was excellent for a freshman as he converted 58.8% of his 2-pointers and 41.5% of his 3-pointers. His defense didn't pop, but he's got the physical tools and talent needed to develop into a proficient two-way wing. This would be a particularly meaningful destination for Williams as his older brother, Jalen Williams, is a blossoming star for OKC. |
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13 | Tristan da Silva | PF | ||||
Da Silva may be able to offer early help to a Sacramento team that is in compete-now mode. The 23-year old earned all-conference honors as a junior and senior at Colorado while showing his two-way chops. The sharpshooting forward hit 9-of-16 attempts from beyond the arc during the Buffaloes' three NCAA Tournament games as scouts payed close attention. |
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14 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
The Trail Blazers aren't exactly hurting for promising young guards. But if Collier is around at No. 14, it may be tough to pass on a player with his upside. After missing roughly a month with a hand injury, Collier returned to average 17.6 points, 4.5 assists and 1.8 steals on 47.2% shooting over USC's final 11 games. Included were plenty of glimpses of why he finished the 2023 recruiting cycle as the No. 1 overall player in the 247Sports Composite. |
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15 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
McCain is a relentless worker who can play either guard spot, and he rebounds well for his size. McCain's defense isn't yet a strength, but his offensive upside makes up for it. He hit 16 of 32 attempts from beyond the arc in Duke's four NCAA Tournament games, and his personality seems like a natural fit with the Heat culture. |
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16 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
Filipowski improved his 3-point shooting as a sophomore at Duke and blocked 54 shots while spending more time at the five than he did as a freshman. In Philadelphia, he could play alongside Joel Embiid as the four. Or, he could play some minutes as the backup five. |
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17 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
Salaun is demonstrating encouraging potential as a 3-point shooter overseas, suggesting his floor would be as a rotational 3-and-D wing. If the flashes he's shown as an attacker and finisher translate to the next level, then he could be a dynamic NBA playmaker. |
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18 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
Walter wasn't the world's most efficient offensive player in his lone season of college basketball. But he showed all the tools which made him a five-star prospect. He's athletic and rangy suggest with loads of long-term upside. If Walter falls to this range, he could go down as one of the steals of the 2024 draft. |
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19 | Johnny Furphy | SF | ||||
Furphy blossomed into a key player for Kansas as his freshman season progressed. He needs a couple years in an NBA strength training program before he's ready to withstand rigors of the league. But he's got a sweet jumper and a chance at developing into an NBA starter. |
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20 | DaRon Holmes II | C | ||||
Holmes is an athletic big man with a ton of variety in his game on both ends. He swats shots at the rim but can also move his feet to stay in front of smaller players. Offensively, he can score from the block or pull you out to the 3-point line with a sweet jumper. He can also put it on the deck and attack the closeout. Holmes is one of the most underrated players in this class. |
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21 | Jaylon Tyson | SF | ||||
Tyson is a two-way wing who delivered as the No. 1 offensive option for Cal in 2023-24. Perhaps the elite-level upside isn't there. But with a proven body of work in three seasons of college basketball and good size, he may able to proficiently fill a rotation role early in his pro career. |
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22 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
Deciphering exactly how Edey will fit in the NBA will take some creativity. But he's an immensely gifted post scorer, and this would be a relatively low-pressure situation. If he can play some minutes as a backup big early for Phoenix, then great. But even if he proves too much of a defensive liability in the long run, there's no shame in taking a swing on the two-time Naismith winner. |
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23 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
Carrington flew under the radar as a freshman on a Pitt team that missed the NCAA Tournament. But he made an impression on scouts with his late-season surge. He was a former top-100 prospect, and he was smart to enter the draft pool while his stock was high in a relatively weak class. He's the type of long-term play that could look like a steal four years from now. |
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24 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
Missi is a lanky, athletic big man with great upside as a defender and lob threat. He's still learning the game, and 3-pointers aren't even close to being a part of his arsenal. But if he can hone a push shot/floater, he could find a home in an NBA rotation as a defense-first center. |
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25 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
Miami unearthed a gem in signing George, who came from Switzerland as an unheralded prospect. He developed into a key part of the Hurricanes' rotation as the season progressed, with his 3-point shooting becoming an impressive asset. He also ranked as Miami's top defender, per evanmiya.com, which makes him an appealing two-way wing prospect. |
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26 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
Dunn stood out as one of college basketball's top defenders in the 2023-24. Though his perimeter shot needs loads of refinement, Dunn can finish at the rim. His defense may appears good enough to make up for the holes in his offensive game and could earn him a long-term home in the league. |
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27 | Bobi Klintman | PF | ||||
Klintman spent the 2023-24 season playing in Australia after a promising season at Wake Forest. He hit 35.7% of his 3-pointers in the NBL and could carve out a career in the league as a big wing if he continues to develop defensively. |
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28 | Kel'el Ware | C | ||||
Transferring from Oregon to Indiana gave Ware the chance to shine as he made a significant sophomore leap. He shot it well from beyond the arc for the Hoosiers while demonstrating chops as a rebounder and shot blocker. Only Clingan and Edey measured with a greater standing reach at the NBA Draft combine. |
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29 | Justin Edwards | SF | ||||
Edwards is a project, but there's a reason he was a five-star prospect and McDonald's All-American. The left-handed wing owns a sweet shooting stroke that grew more consistent as the 2023-24 season progressed. If the game slows down for him, he could still develop into a version of the dynamic wing that he was expected to be coming out of high school. |
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30 | Tyler Kolek | PG | ||||
Kolek is a crafty ball-handler and elite distributor who commands the action by getting to his spots and finding teammates in rhythm. There will be concerns about his defense, but he's got the intangibles and savvy to profile as a lite version of Jalen Brunson in the league. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
We said last week that Atlanta was trending away from Sarr and now that has become the assumption of most. Risacher and Clingan look like the options right now, although a trade is still a possibility. Risacher gives them a budding big wing with a 3-and-D archetype. |
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2 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
We've been ahead of this one too, predicting for weeks that Sarr wouldn't drop out of the top two and that Washinton would jump all over the defensive seven-footer if Atlanta passed on him. Right now, that appears to be how this might play out. |
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3 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
Here's where it gets fun. I'm now projecting Clingan to be a top three pick, but never actually play for the Rockets, where they already have Alperen Sengun. Look for Memphis and to a lesser extent, Chicago, to both be possibilities here. If Houston keeps the pick, Sheppard is the most likely candidate. |
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4 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
Risacher, Sheppard and Castle are the players that San Antonio is believed to be most interested in if it stays at No. 4. If the Spurs have to pick between Sheppard and Castle, shooting could very well be the variable that pushes this decision in Sheppard's favor. |
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5 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
Detroit's decision to fire Monty Williams despite the $65 million dollars left on his contract illustrates the potential for unexpected decisions. We don't know what Trajan Langdon will do quarterbacking his first draft but Buzelis seems to be the player who fits the best. |
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6 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
If Memphis or Chicago can't make a deal with Houston, it'll move on to Charlotte, if Clingan is still on the board. If not, Castle makes a lot of sense providing a defensive standout between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. |
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7 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
The Trail Blazers have swung big in the last two drafts with Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. Williams would be another similar high upside proposition, as one of the more notable high-risk/high-reward prospects in this draft. If no one deals for Clingan though, he won't drop farther than this. |
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8 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
Wemby must be surrounded by spacing and an incoming backcourt of Sheppard and Knecht would do that in a big way. Knecht is one of the most NBA-ready perimeter scorers in the field, but needs to keep making strides defensively. |
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9 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
There's a chance the Spurs take him at No. 8. If not, and if Houston ends up with this pick, he could give them just the type of physical specimen up front that they don't yet have among their young assets. |
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10 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
It was ten years ago that Danny Ainge drafted Marcus Smart. Devin Carter is a similar archetype as an elite competitor and strong defender with on/off ball versatility offensively, albeit in a somewhat high-volume style. He also measured as one of the best athletes in the combine. |
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11 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
The addition of Josh Giddey means that if Chicago is going to add to their perimeter, it will not be with a nonshooter. McCain would seem to fit well alongside Giddey and Coby White, presumably enabling the Bulls to move off of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan. A big man, like Zach Edey, is a real possibility here too. |
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12 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
With Giddey now gone, adding another big playmaking guard who can consistently get a piece of the paint and create for others seems to make sense for the Thunder, even if they end up having to wait a year to get him on the floor because of the ACL injury. |
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13 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
With Malik Monk signing a new deal, Sacramento has less need of another guard and could instead target a defensive-oriented wing like Holland, who would be real value here and be a nice long-term fit alongside Keegan Murray. |
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14 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
Edey is getting increasingly lottery buzz leading up to the draft and if Portland goes with Williams or another backcourt player at No. 7, this makes sense if the Trail Blazers are committed to being a drop-coverage team on the defensive end of the floor. |
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15 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
McCain, Walter, Carrington and Dillingham are expected to be options here as the Heati may target the most talented perimeter player available. Dillingham is a dynamic offensive talent and could really benefit from Miami's culture. |
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16 | Tristan da Silva | PF | ||||
Da Silva is a ultra-solid plug-and-play wing who could give them some needed wing depth and additional floor spacing around Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. A backup point guard is also a possibility here. |
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17 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
Missi is an athletic big who protects the rim, runs and spaces the floor vertically as a lob threat. While da Silva is expected to be an option if he's on the board, Missi has a chance to be the Lakers center of the future. |
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18 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
Carrington's range sounds like it could be anywhere from No. 12-20, with OKC and Miami being potential destinations above this and little chance he slips beyond Cleveland. The late-blooming guard made huge strides this year at Pittsburgh. |
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19 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
He's not the athlete in the middle of the lineup that Masai Ujiri has historically coveted, but he's a late-blooming big wing who shoots and reportedly had an excellent workout in Toronto shortly before getting a Green Room invite. |
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20 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
Changes may be coming to the Cavs this summer and if they split up the twin towers of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley, Filipowski could play alongside either one as a near-7-footer who can dribble, pass and shoot the basketball now. |
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21 | Kel'el Ware | C | ||||
The Pelicans need help at the 5 and yet have to be conscious of spacing implications around Zion. Ware is a high-risk high-reward type prospect, but he checks both of those boxes and may be worth the risk here. |
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22 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
If Phoenix keeps the pick, a more seasoned player capable of stepping right into the rotation like Tyler Kolek or Baylor Scheierman could make sense, but Walter is a 19-year-old with physical tools and two-way potential. |
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23 | Johnny Furphy | SF | ||||
With Giannis locked in long-term and the rest of the starting lineup in their 30's, Furphy gives them an up-and-coming floor spacer to build out the next iteration of their supporting cast. |
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24 | Tyler Kolek | PG | ||||
It's possible Kolek is off the board here, but if not, the Knicks are believed to be big believers in his IQ, pick-and-roll playmaking and overall mentality. |
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25 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
If the Knicks don't look at a center here, Dunn fits coach Tom Thibodeau to a tee. He is a high-level athlete, was one of the best defenders in college basketball and even played his high school basketball in Long Island. |
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26 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
This would be a bit of a slide for Collier, but would end up in a good place as he would have a chance to show the Wizards he's their point guard of the future amidst a young core that would now include Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Deni Avjija. |
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27 | Baylor Scheierman | SF | ||||
He could, and probably should, be off the board by here. If not, he makes a lot of sense for Minnesota given his ability to space the ball and make quick decisions in a supportive role, especially since he reportedly had a great workout for the Timberwolves. |
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28 | DaRon Holmes II | C | ||||
Holmes is another one who could already be gone, but he's not expected to slip past the Nuggets here. The athletic big man returned to Dayton for his junior year, made notable strides with his shooting and should now be in the first round as a result. |
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29 | Cam Christie | SG | ||||
George could be an intriguing high-upside proposition for Ainge if he's still on the board, but Christie provides another young shooter to add to the floor-spacing alongside Carter and Keyonte George in the backcourt. |
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30 | Tyler Smith | PF | ||||
Shooting is a requisite for the newly crowned NBA champs and with Al Horford now 38 years old and Kristaps Porzingis' durability always in question, Smith gives them another shooting big, with underrated athleticism, to develop. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
The Hawks could use another big man and drafting No. 1 gives them the opportunity to land arguably the draft's most naturally talented prospect in the 2024 draft in Sarr. The big man has a high-upside swing and will be used in various ways offensively as a lob-catcher and pick-and-pop scorer. Sarr can also move his feet on defense and protect the rim, which is attractive to NBA teams missing that type of player. Sarr will need time to continue piecing his game together and get stronger. |
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2 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
In the midst of a rebuild, the Wizards need young talent on their roster and Zaccharie Risacher provides that. Risacher has great size on the perimeter and has shown some impressive flashes throughout the season, particularly with his shot-making. It's been a streaky season for the Frenchman, but he provides size and shot-making on the perimeter and there's upside to tap into as a scorer off the dribble. |
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3 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
The Rockets have solid young talent and core pieces for the future on their roster as they move into win-now mode, so it would not be surprising to see them target a more known commodity here – albeit one further down the draft board. The Rockets need depth and shot-making on the wing and there's none better or more proven than the sniper Knecht. |
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4 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
As the Spurs look to build around its superstar and last year's No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, there's not a more fitting player for the organization than Sheppard. Sheppard is an analytical darling who complements all of those around him with his skill, feel and IQ. He's a connector, playmaker and lethal shooter from deep. |
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5 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
The Pistons need supplemental pieces to complement their young talent. Buzelis is a versatile forward who can provide shooting while connecting the pieces around him. He has shown promise in his development as a shooter and has continued to show flashes as a playmaker. There is an upside he can continue to tap. What the Pistons need more than anything is age and experience, so it wouldn't be a shock to see them make a trade here as well. |
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6 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
The Hornets could use another guard to play alongside LaMelo Ball and the best available here is Dillingham. It would be a homecoming for Dillingham, who grew up an hour outside of Charlotte. An electric player and dynamic shot-maker, Dillingham with the Hornets would be must-see-TV alongside Ball and second-year star Brandon Miller. |
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7 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
The Trail Blazers really need a wing but they could also use some frontcourt depth. With Clingan available at No. 7, it would allow Portland to pivot to the best available player while also addressing a need. Clingan will be a defensive anchor in the NBA and will bring great size and winning intangibles to the team that selects him. Like most young big men, the UConn product has a wealth of potential and a lot of room to develop and grow as a player. |
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8 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
The Spurs are building a roster around superstar Victor Wembanyama and want to add young talent at No. 8 to grow alongside their Frenchman. While Castle isn't the best available on the board, there's a lot to like about his upside. He displayed versatility at UConn in 2023-24 and under the Spurs' development program, has a chance to be San Antonio's point guard of the future. |
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9 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
The Grizzlies are ready to make another playoff run in 2024-25 and could use a proven big man to contribute. With Clingan off the board, Edey is the next best available. After testing well at the combine, Edey's stock has risen. We could see a team take a swing on him this early, especially given how proven he is as a scorer around the rim. |
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10 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
The Jazz need both an injection of talent at the wing position and Williams is just that. Williams is a late-blooming wing who had impressive moments throughout the season for Colorado, despite fighting injury. He has high upside and continues to develop as a scorer and connector. Williams needs to get stronger to tap into his defensive potential and versatility on both sides of the ball. |
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11 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
The Bulls are cracking on the door of the playoffs and could use a point guard to help alleviate some ball-handling responsibilities off of star guard Coby White. Topic is a sizey playmaker who sets the table for the offense and would be the best available here while also fitting a need for the Bulls. |
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12 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
There's no telling what the Thunder could do come draft night. Oklahoma City is the most promising young team in the NBA with the assets to potentially make a trade to bolster its roster with more veteran experience. However, if the Thunder don't trade and do make a pick here at No. 12 look for them to add another battle-tested guard on the perimeter who can provide scoring, playmaking, defense, and the necessary winning intangibles. Carter fits here for the Thunder who are poised to make many runs at the NBA Finals in the near future. |
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13 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
The Kings need to continue adding depth to the perimeter and under these circumstances, no one makes more sense than Walter. The wing fits a prototype as a 3-and-D player who can continue to expand his scoring package. |
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14 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
The Trail Blazers need a wing and with Knecht and Walter already off the board, the next top available forward is Salaun. Salaun has been picking up steam during the predraft process with his size, athleticism, and upside. |
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15 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
The Heat would benefit from an injection of offense in its roster for next season and particularly a player who can improve 3-point shooting percentages. McCain can help in both areas while also providing toughness and smarts to contribute on defense, serve as a secondary ball-handler, and complement those around him. |
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16 | Tyler Kolek | PG | ||||
The 76ers need to get over the hump in the Eastern Conference and continue to make a push with star big man Joel Embiid. They could use additional playmaking and shot-making behind Tyrese Maxey and no one is more proven in those two regards than Kolek. Kolek's skill, IQ and toughness could allow him to play a Payton Pritchard or TJ McConnell-style role in the NBA. |
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17 | Bronny James | SG | ||||
It's decision time in Los Angeles. Do the Lakers want to keep LeBron James in purple and gold? Rich Paul's comments regarding LeBron's 'free agent' status has amplified the pressure, and if LA wants to keep him around, there's no better way to do that than by drafting his son, Bronny. If the Lakers let Bronny remain available, they could be opening the door for any team, like the Suns, to snag what is anticipated to be a father-son package deal. |
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18 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
The Magic have a promising young team and could use a versatile guard that can blend both playmaking and shot-making with the current roster. Carrington provides both of those things and has the upside to tap into. |
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19 | Kel'el Ware | C | ||||
The Raptors have various needs to address. Adding talent and versatility to its frontcourt is one of them. Ware makes sense here because the Hoosier big man has shown progress with his ability to protect the rim, move his feet in ball-screen coverages, flash as an inside-out scorer and is also a certified lob threat. Ware has all of the talent and tools and started to really tap into them this past season. |
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20 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
After making a coaching change, the Cavaliers are expected to bring back their dynamic backcourt of Darius Garland and Donovan Mitchell. With that set, the Cavs could use additional firepower on the wing. Holland led the Ignite in scoring this past season, tallying more than 20 points a game, and can continue to improve as a shooter. |
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21 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
There is no telling what lies ahead for the Pelicans who are at a crossroads with their roster and could have some blockbuster trades in the near future. With that in mind, for the 2024 draft New Orleans could select the best available guard in Collier. He may be a poor shooter, but he has shown flashes of brilliance over the years with his vision and playmaking. |
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22 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
The Suns are in a dangerous roster situation after they got swept in the playoffs with a roster built with high-salary, prolific scorers. They could use some versatility in the front court and Filipowski is both proven and able to provide that with his shooting, passing, and scoring in the post. |
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23 | Tyler Smith | PF | ||||
The Bucks need a versatile, scoring forward who can hit shots and develop on this roster. Smith, who spent the 2023-24 season with G League Ignite, is a southpaw with size and a smooth stroke who injects some scoring versatility and adds roster depth. |
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24 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
The Knicks were good enough to make the Eastern Conference finals before they had their deep playoff run derailed by injuries and a lack of depth. New York has a team built to compete again next season, but they just need more roster depth. Missi has just played three years of organized ball, but has a motor that coach Tom Thibodeau would value with upside for the years ahead. |
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25 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
George makes sense for the Knicks, a team that should continue to add depth and potential to its roster. George is a prototype wing scorer who has a smooth jumper and has all the physical tools but just needs the time to develop. The timing works well because the Knicks have guys ahead of him which will allow George to gradually become a valuable piece and future asset for the franchise. He can contribute right now as a shooter off the bench. |
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26 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
The Wizards need assets, upside and intangibles on their roster which is why Dunn makes sense here. Washington is not in a position to win now, so it shouldn't seek or expect to land a guy who impacts win totals now. Instead, getting a guy like Dunn, who has elite skill as a defender, but needs time and more reps to develop an offense game is a wise move. |
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27 | Baylor Scheierman | SF | ||||
The Timberwolves will be looking to continue to bolster their NBA Finals chances and can fill a void in the shooting and offense department with Scheierman. He's a sniper from 3-point range who can also contribute as a connector and rebounder with his feel and IQ for the game. |
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28 | Kevin McCullar Jr. | SF | ||||
The Nuggets are hungry to get back to the NBA Finals next season and need another battle-tested player who can help immediately. McCullar may not be a sharp-shooter but he has made progress from 3-point range. He also provides versatility on both ends of the court on top of being a proven winner. |
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29 | Johnny Furphy | SF | ||||
The Jazz are in a strong position for the future and have the luxury of being able to continue to load up on assets. Picking Furphy here can be exactly that for Utah. Furphy was a proven sniper from 3-point range this season and will continue to evolve with this young roster. |
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30 | Justin Edwards | SF | ||||
The Celtics have everything they need to win a championship now so they can take a swing here with the last pick in the first round. One of the best players in the 2023 high school class, Edwards had a very rocky freshman season, but showed some impressive flashes that will intrigue NBA front offices. Edwards has versatility and skill. The Celtics offer him an environment to continue to mature and evolve into the player he was projected to be out of high school, while they continue to compete for championships. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
Despite the rising stock of Zaccharie Risacher and Donovan Clingan, I still can't see the Hawks passing on Sarr at No. 1 -- assuming they keep the pick. Rim protection is paramount in the NBA these days, even more so for a Hawks defense that finished 27th in the league last season, and Sarr's 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes with Perth show how much of an impact he can have in that area right away. Offensively, we're talking about a very high floor as a Dereck Lively II-esque rim-runner, but also seemingly limitless potential if Sarr's jump shot and ball-handling continue to evolve. The more you dig into it, the more Sarr stands out as the best prospect in the draft, and Atlanta won't overthink this one. |
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2 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
The talk about Risacher at No. 1 is real, and the Wizards will be happy to swoop him up at No. 2 as he perfectly fits their timeline and a need on the wing (well, Washington has a need everywhere if we're honest). His tools are obvious -- athleticism, shooting, defensive potential -- but his ability to improve as a creator for himself and others will determine whether Risacher ends up as a nice, complementary piece or a franchise-level building block. |
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3 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
If there was a high-level two-way wing who was also a knock-down shooter, I think the Rockets would unquestionably take him at No. 3. Since that player doesn't necessarily exist in this draft, Castle seems like the best option for Houston as a potential lock-down defender who will fit in perfectly with Ime Udoka's vision. I've used the Josh Hart comp all draft season when it comes to Castle -- a versatile, defense-first wing/guard who can make winning plays on the other end -- so I just don't think his 3-point shooting deficiencies will keep him off the floor. |
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4 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
I had the Spurs taking Nikola Topic at No. 4 in my last mock, but with his injury I think Sheppard becomes the guy here. What better player to put around Victor Wembanyama than an absolutely dead-eye shooter who can also operate efficiently as a pick-and-roll ball-handler? Defensively there are certainly some issues, but having Wemby waiting at the rim will make Sheppard's deficiencies on that end much less harmful. |
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5 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
I love Williams more than most draft evaluators, and I think he makes a ton of sense for a new Pistons front office clearly looking to shake things up after the dismissal of Troy Weaver and Monty Williams. I think they'll give Clingan a look, but Jalen Duren's presence makes me think they'll focus more on the wing, where Williams profiles as a perfect two-way complement to Cade Cunningham. He can serve as a floor-spacer and secondary playmaker, with the potential to be as impactful as his brother, OKC wing Jalen Williams, if he reaches his ceiling. |
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6 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
The Hornets can't afford a miss here, and Knecht is as close to a sure thing as there is in this year's lottery. As a knock-down, movement shooter, he'll space the floor for LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller at the very least, and if Knecht continues his growth in creation and attacking closeouts, he can be much more than that. |
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7 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
Yes, the Blazers owe Deandre Ayton a lot of money over the next two seasons, but they shouldn't let that stop them from taking a defensive building block in Clingan to pair with their dynamic young backcourt of Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. Clingan will be one of the league's best rim protectors from the day he sets foot on an NBA floor, with some intriguing playmaking upside offensively in addition to his finishing ability. |
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8 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
I had Topic going to the Spurs at No. 4 in my last mock, so I certainly think they'll take him here if he's still available. The knee injury may scare off some potential suitors, but this isn't the 1980s. Players routinely return at full strength from ACL repairs, and as a power guard with an uncanny ability to get to the rim and find teammates, Topic is worth the gamble. San Antonio will have patience as he recovers and could reap some serious benefits when he returns, even if that's in 2025-26. |
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9 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
There might not be a better fit on the entire board than Carter and the Grizzlies, as the guard already possesses the bulldog mentality that Memphis hopes to rekindle after a disastrous 2023-24 campaign. Carter will defend from day one and make winning plays on the other end, even if the 38% he shot from 3-point range last season at Providence turns out to be a bit of a mirage. At 22 years old, Carter will require minimal adjustment time, which is exactly what the Grizzlies are seeking. |
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10 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
Despite his alarmingly low 22% 3-point shooting with the Ignite last season, Buzelis has incredibly high upside as a stretch big who can also get out in transition and potentially serve as a secondary playmaker. He has the length and mobility to be a quality defender as he adds strength, but it's going to take some time. The Jazz seem like the right situation for him to eventually flourish. |
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11 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
The Bulls clearly aren't going to compete for titles as currently constructed, so they might as well look to the future at No. 11 with one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft. Salaun won't turn 19 until August and will require plenty of development time, but what might emerge is an archetypal modern NBA forward, capable of shooting 3s off of spot-ups and movement, with the length and athleticism to finish at the rim. He's not a shot-blocker, but he's great at reading passing lanes for pick-6 opportunities. |
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12 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
He doesn't exactly fit with OKC's draft history of length and versatility, but it will be hard to pass up on Dillingham if he's still around at No. 12. The dynamic guard has Darius Garland/Tyrese Maxey upside if his playmaking continues to evolve, and his ability to shoot 3s off the dribble will be a deadly weapon. The only real question is whether his 164-pound frame will be able to survive NBA physicality, but the Thunder will happily collect the asset and see how it plays out. |
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13 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
Not only is McCain an elite shooting prospect, but he also happens to be a Sacramento native. He should fit in perfectly as a movement shooter capable of running off of all those picks and dribble hand-offs from Domantas Sabonis, and McCain can capably serve as a secondary ball-handler when necessary. He's also a deadly pull-up 3-point marksman, a good piece for a team that wants to play fast. |
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14 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
The Blazers need to hit home runs, not singles, and Collier is a high-upside swing as a power guard who was once considered the best player in his draft class. With a strong frame and relentless offensive motor, Collier gets into the lane at will, where he's adept at drawing fouls and getting to the line. The turnover issues and defensive lapses need to be cleaned up, but there's a nonzero chance that Collier is the best player in the draft when all's said and done. Definitely worth a shot for Portland here. |
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15 | Kel'el Ware | C | ||||
It's still hard for me to understand why Ware isn't much higher on most draft boards, as a shot-blocking, rim-running center with a 7-5 wingspan who also happened to shoot 43% from 3-point range last season -- albeit on limited attempts. The Heat need a reliable backup for Bam Adebayo, and Ware seems like the perfect guy to grow into that role as Erik Spoelstra can simplify his game and play to the 20-year-old's strengths. |
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16 | Tristan da Silva | PF | ||||
The Sixers are in win-now mode during Joel Embiid's prime, and Da Silva is one of the most NBA-ready players in the draft with the size, frame and skill set to contribute immediately. He's a great cutter who finishes creatively around the basket to make up for his lack of explosiveness, and he profiles as an average to above-average 3-point shooter. Defensively, his basketball IQ is constantly on display and he can guard multiple positions. Da Silva could easily step into a Philadelphia frontcourt rotation that lacks depth. |
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17 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
If the Lakers keep this pick, it's with a post-LeBron world in mind, so taking a chance on a high-upside development case makes sense for them at No. 17. They could do a lot worse than Holland, who could become an elite shot creator and switchable defender with some work. He'll only be 18 years old on draft night, making him intriguingly projectable. |
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18 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
I had George going to the Magic in my last mock, and I still love the fit for an organization obsessed with size, length and versatility. George can playmake at multiple positions, and he was a knock-down shooter in his one season at Miami, particularly off the catch. He could serve as a floor-spacer in Orlando while he develops his creation skills -- which I find incredibly intriguing. |
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19 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
Walter's destiny is a 3-and-D guard/wing, but that will require him to make significant strides in both areas, and the rebuilding Raptors will give him plenty of opportunity to grow. His strength is shooting off the catch, particularly running off screens, which is a hot commodity in today's league. Walter's 6-10 wingspan suggests he should be an elite defender one day, while the development of his playmaking will determine the height of his ceiling. |
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20 | Johnny Furphy | SF | ||||
Furphy's theoretical ceiling is nearly perfect for the Cavs as a 3-point shooter who can also get out and finish in transition. He's also shown signs of being a solid defensive playmaker with steals and blocks, and he'll have to contribute on that end if he's going to stay on the court for the Cavs. Most likely he'll spend most of his rookie year developing, and the benefits could be robust down the line. |
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21 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
The Pelicans desperately need some scoring punch off the bench, and Carrington (better known as Bub) profiles as a heat-check bucket-getter with a deadly pull-up jumper who can also be a secondary playmaker -- think Bones Hyland or Lou Williams, but bigger. He also doesn't turn 19 until this summer, so he likely has plenty of room to develop, with 3-point shooting the most immediate area to address. |
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22 | DaRon Holmes II | C | ||||
Holmes may not still be available at No. 22, but if he is then the Suns would be wise to bring him into the fold. The guy just knows how to play basketball and he'll be 22 by the time his rookie season starts, so he should be able to immediately slot into a Phoenix rotation that desperately needs low-cost, impact players. He plays much bigger than his 6-foot-9 frame, as a smart roller and finisher who can also pop out to 3-point range, making him the perfect player to put next to all of the Suns' top-end scoring and playmaking. |
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23 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
The questions about Edey's NBA fit are valid, but there's no better player for him to learn from than Brook Lopez -- and it doesn't hurt that Milwaukee is a hop, skip and a jump from Purdue. In order to succeed, Edey will need to master the art of drop defense, which the Bucks have played for years with Lopez -- a similarly slow-footed 7-plus-footer. Edey should block shots immediately, but the danger comes when he's out in space against NBA-level speed and shot-making. His offensive role is a bit murky, but he should be able to get a few touches here and there in the post, where he dominated in college. |
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24 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
Some might not see Dunn as a first-rounder due to his complete lack of offensive production in college, but he's the type of game-changing defender who can immediately carve out an NBA role. The prototype for his development would be Herb Jones, who walked into the league as an excellent defender and has since developed into a 42% 3-point shooter. That might not be in the cards for Dunn, but even if he's more like Matisse Thybulle, he should be able to earn minutes for the defensive-minded Tom Thibodeau. |
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25 | Jaylon Tyson | SF | ||||
The Knicks are clearly ready to contend in the East, so Tyson -- a physical, NBA-ready prospect at 21 years old -- makes a lot of sense for them here. He'll benefit from a simplified role at the next level, where he's not relied upon for as much creation as he was at Cal. If everything clicks, he can be an excellent bench scorer with defensive upside, but he'll need to work on his efficiency. The key will be his 3-point shot, which profiles to be at least league average from the wing. |
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26 | Tyler Smith | PF | ||||
Smith has moments where he looks like a lottery pick, and it's hard to get them out of your head when evaluating him. A stretch-big with a solid lefty stroke, he'll benefit from the patience of a Wizards franchise that knows contention is years away. Theoretically, he could be a solid defender with his 7-1 wingspan, but he's yet to show it consistently. Washington will need to develop him, and the talent is worth the investment. |
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27 | Baylor Scheierman | SF | ||||
If there's one thing the Wolves learned during their conference finals run, it's that they need a little more offensive punch. Scheierman should be able to provide that right away, as a 23-year-old, sharpshooting wing capable of working off of screens and attacking closeouts. He also has some crafty finishing ability around the rim and playmaking upside, but his defensive progress will determine his playing time for Minnesota. |
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28 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
I'm not as high on Filipowski as most, but I think he's an excellent fit for Denver's system. Nikola Jokic he is certainly not, but Filipowski can be a playmaker from the center position and is mobile enough defensively to hold his own. The Nuggets need a full-time backup for Jokic, and Filipowski can become that with time and effort. |
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29 | Bobi Klintman | PF | ||||
Another draft pick, another development project for the Jazz. Klintman is as intriguing as any prospect in the class, but has yet to put it together at either the college or international level. Utah has plenty of patience, and will take a chance on a stretch-forward who can get out in transition and could eventually become a plus defender. |
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30 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
Missi's talent is much more impressive than the typical last pick of the first round, but he could fall to Boston if things shake out this way. He'd fit well there, as a rim-running, shot-blocking big who can fill the hole left when Robert Williams III was traded to Portland in the Jrue Holiday deal. The champions don't need much help, but Missi is the type of player who could earn minutes right away and add even more roster versatility to an already devastating rotation. |
# | Team | Player | Pos | |||
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1 | Donovan Clingan | C | ||||
Reports suggest that the Hawks are very high on Clingan and he is in play to go off the board first. Clingan is an intriguing prospect because of his high floor. He can slot into Atlanta's lineup immediately and be a defensive anchor in the middle. The drawbacks of his overall game are that he isn't a great offensive scorer, and he played just under 23 minutes per game last season at UConn. Clingan doesn't have the upside of others in his class, and I want to reiterate that Sarr should be the pick here. If the Hawks want to postpone their rebuild, Clingan is the right choice because you know exactly what you're getting. |
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2 | Alex Sarr | C | ||||
With Sarr still on the board, the Wizards shouldn't hesitate to make the French big man the selection. Sarr has one of the highest ceilings in this class because of his elite two-way potential. The shooting is still a work in progress and it will be his swing skill. Sarr would be another foundational piece for Washington's rebuild next to Bilal Coulibaly. |
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3 | Reed Sheppard | PG | ||||
Sheppard's draft ceiling likely starts with this pick. The Rockets will have to decide if they want to keep this pick or trade it for a win-now player. Sheppard is one of the best shooters in this class and if the Rockets keep this pick, he could serve as the point guard of the future. |
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4 | Zaccharie Risacher | SF | ||||
Risacher is a strong contender to be the No. 1 overall pick, but in this mock draft, he slides to an ideal situation in San Antonio. He is a skilled forward with tremendous shooting upside and would fit perfectly next to Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt. Point guard remains the biggest need for the Spurs, but taking the best player available is the smart play. |
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5 | Matas Buzelis | SF | ||||
Buzelis has a connection to the Pistons front office that could make him the favorite at this spot. Buzelis' agent, Michael Tellem, is the son of Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem. While that connection alone isn't going to make him the surefire selection, his unique blend of dribbling, passing and shooting is worth the swing. |
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6 | Stephon Castle | SG | ||||
Castle has expressed a strong desire to play point guard in the NBA, and while his wish may get granted, Castle would fit perfectly next to LaMelo Ball in the backcourt. Castle is a defensive menace and can double as a wing distributor. A young core of Ball, Castle and Brandon Miller would be fun to watch. |
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7 | Dalton Knecht | SF | ||||
Knecht is the safest pick in this draft because of his high floor and polished offensive game. Knecht can come into the league and be a double-digit scorer immediately because of his shotmaking abilities. Knecht worked out for Portland earlier in the cycle and would be a perfect match for a rebuilding Trail Blazers team. |
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8 | Rob Dillingham | PG | ||||
With the Spurs going with a wing at No. 4, Dillingham is the perfect selection with their other lottery pick. I ranked Dillingham No. 1 overall on my personal big board because he has the goods to be an elite guard in the NBA. Yes, there are concerns about his height and defense, but when in doubt, pick a Kentucky guard. |
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9 | Devin Carter | SG | ||||
The Grizzlies need a win-now type player from this class to get back to the playoffs, and Carter fits that bill perfectly. Carter is a tough-nosed defender who can rebound at a high level. His testing numbers at the NBA Draft Combine were among the best in his class. |
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10 | Cody Williams | SF | ||||
The Jazz could use a player of Williams' caliber and drafting him near the end of the lottery is tremendous value. When you watch the film from his freshman season at Colorado, there's reason to believe that if he puts more weight on his lengthy frame -- like his older brother Jalen Williams did during his first two seasons in the NBA -- he can be the best two-way player in his class. |
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11 | Isaiah Collier | PG | ||||
The former No. 2 recruit from the 2023 cycle dealt with a hand injury mid-way through his season at USC that sidelined him for about a month. After his return, Collier showed why he was one of the best freshmen in his class. Collier is a point guard built like a middle linebacker, and his strong frame allows him to bully his way to the rim. The numbers also don't do it justice to how skilled of a passer Collier is. He can be the PG of the future for the Bulls. |
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12 | Zach Edey | C | ||||
The Thunder need size, so drafting Edey would fill that void. Another reason Edey could make sense in OKC is he can play next to Chet Holmgren in the frontcourt. Holmgren is a versatile defender who can stretch the floor, so playing them in certain situations could work. OKC ranked near the bottom of the league in team rebounding, so drafting one of the best rebounders in the country could be worth the gamble. |
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13 | Ron Holland | SF | ||||
Sacramento Kings GM Monte McNair tends to shy away from drafting teenagers, but Holland should be the exception if he falls this fall. Holland's athleticism is evident, but his defensive potential intrigues me. He has quick hands and tends to get into passing lanes while defending off the ball. |
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14 | Tidjane Salaun | PF | ||||
Salaün is soaring up draft boards as of late, and there's a real chance he will end up as a lottery pick. In this mock, the Trail Blazers selected Knecht with their first lottery pick. Drafting Salaün at the end of the lottery fills the need for a wing on a roster full of talented guards. |
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15 | Jared McCain | SG | ||||
Arguably the best 3-point shooter in his class, McCain was elite in knocking down shots from beyond the arc in transition. McCain projects as more of an off-ball guard at the next level, but his strong rebounding skills make him equipped to thrive at the next level. |
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16 | Tristan da Silva | PF | ||||
Da Silva is a big wing who was a great shooter at Colorado. Da Silva is one of the oldest prospects in the draft. He is also one of the most NBA-ready players because of his ability to score off cuts, catch and shoot attempts, dribble handoffs, and in isolation. |
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17 | Kyle Filipowski | PF | ||||
If the Lakers are looking to draft a big man to either backup Anthony Davis or play next to him in the frontcourt, Filipowski should be an option. Filipowski is probably the most skilled player offensively at his size in this class. Filipowski is more of a four than a five at the next level, but his archetype is what NBA teams are looking for. |
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18 | Nikola Topic | PG | ||||
The latest injury news about Topić's knee is cause for concern and could result in him dropping on draft night. This would be a drastic slide for a player once projected as a surefire top-10 pick. Topić isn't going to blow you away with his speed with the ball, but he plays in control. He's worth the swing at No. 18. |
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19 | Carlton Carrington | PG | ||||
Carrington has been one of the biggest risers throughout this process and may be off the board before the Raptors have the chance to pick him. Carrington could serve as the point guard of the future for a rebuilding Raptors team. |
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20 | Ja'Kobe Walter | SG | ||||
Walter's 3-point shooting will be his swing skill. As for everything else, he will need to be more aggressive in driving to the basket and getting to his spot on mid-range jumpers. Walter shot 214 3-pointers, compared to 160 shots from inside the arc. |
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21 | Yves Missi | C | ||||
Missi is one of my favorite prospects in this class because of his skill set as a rim runner and shot blocker who is also very fluid with his movements. Missi isn't going to knock down a ton of jumpers and 3-pointers in the NBA, but his athleticism can fill a need for a Pelicans team in need of a backup center. |
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22 | Tyler Kolek | PG | ||||
The Suns biggest need heading into next season is finding a cheap and reliable point guard. Kolek checks both of those boxes. He's a skilled playmaker who can complement Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Devin Booker. |
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23 | Kel'el Ware | C | ||||
After an up-and-down freshman season at Oregon, Ware transferred to Indiana, where he turned his career around and put himself back in the conversation as a first-round pick. Ware could serve as a valuable backup center for the Bucks. |
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24 | Ryan Dunn | PF | ||||
Dunn's offensive game isn't going to blow you away, but his defense is his most valuable skill. Dunn can step in right away and be a key rotation piece for the Knicks because of it. |
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25 | DaRon Holmes II | C | ||||
With the Knicks going with a wing with their first first-round selection, Holmes makes sense as a potential Isaiah Hartenstein replacement. Holmes would fill a need on New York's roster for a rim-protecting stretch big. If Holmes makes it to No. 25, he will be the steal of the draft. |
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26 | Kyshawn George | SF | ||||
It's hard not to be excited about the upside George showed during his freshman season at Miami. George will need time to develop his game and Washington would be a perfect fit for that very reason. Coming out of the draft with Sarr and George should give Wizards fans hope. |
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27 | Baylor Scheierman | SF | ||||
Scheierman will turn 24 this September, which means he will have a chance to become the oldest first-round pick since Chris Duarte went 13th overall in 2021. Scheierman is a high-volume shooter from distance who can score in various ways from outside. |
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28 | Jaylon Tyson | SF | ||||
Tyson would be the perfect pick for an experienced team less than a year removed from winning an NBA title. Tyson was Cal's No. 1 option last season. He is a proven two-way wing who could contribute to the rotation from Day 1. |
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29 | Tyler Smith | PF | ||||
Smith knocked down 36% of his 3-pointers this past season for G-League Ignite. The southpaw can stretch the floor, and his wingspan (7-foot-1) could intrigue NBA decision-makers. Coming out of the draft with Williams and Smith — two skilled wings — would be quite the haul for Danny Ainge and company. |
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30 | Adem Bona | C | ||||
There's been buzz over the last few weeks that Bona could sneak into the end of the first round because of his performance at the NBA Draft Combine and how he's fared in team workouts. Bona is a standout defender who can contribute to winning from Day 1. Bona would give the reigning champs another rotation piece who can help in their quest to repeat. |
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3:19
NBA Draft Recap: Lakers Trade Up To Snag Dalton Knecht At 17
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4:15
Atlanta Hawks Select Zaccharie Risacher At No. 1 Overall
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3:24
Washington Wizards Select Alex Sarr At No. 2 Overall
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5:13
Houston Rockets Select Reed Sheppard At No. 3 Overall
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2:21
San Antonio Spurs Select Stephon Castle At No. 4 Overall
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4:39
Detroit Pistons Select Ron Holland At No. 5 Overall
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2:44
Charlotte Hornets Select Tidjane Salaun At No. 6 Overall
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5:52
Portland Trail Blazers Select Donovan Clingan At No. 7 Overall
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2:01
Timberwolves' trade brings high risk but maybe high reward with Rob Dillingham at No. 8 overall
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6:22
Memphis Grizzlies Select Zach Edey At No. 9 Overall
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5:30
Utah Jazz Select Cody Williams At No. 10 Overall
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2:53
Chicago Bulls Select Matas Buzelis At No. 11 Overall
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1:31
Oklahoma City Thunder Select Nikola Topic At No. 12 Overall
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4:08
Sacramento Kings Select Devin Carter At No. 13 Overall
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5:47
Washington Wizards Select Bub Carrington At No. 14 Overall
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3:21
Miami Heat Select Kel'el Ware At No. 15 Overall
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1:39
Philadelphia 76ers Select Jared McCain At No. 16 Overall
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5:02
Los Angeles Lakers Select Dalton Knecht At No. 17 Overall
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2:33
Orlando Magic Select Tristan da Silva At No. 18 Overall
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4:36
Toronto Raptors Select Ja'Kobe Walter At No. 19 Overall