Atlanta’s decision with the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft is one of many questions that headline an unpredictable year.
We generally know who the top picks in each NBA Draft will be months before the picks are made. For example, teams around the league had planned around Victor Wembanyama’s arrival for years before draft night. They are doing the same thing now in preparation for next season’s projected top pick, Duke’s Cooper Flagg.
This year’s class doesn’t have a true headliner. For the first time since 2013 — when the Cavs selected Anthony Bennett with the top overall pick — we still don’t know who the first draft pick will be.
Part of that uncertainty stems from this class’ perceived weakness at the top, though scouts do love the depth of this group. As a result, there is much more intrigue surrounding what the Atlanta Hawks will do when they get on the clock with the No. 1 pick. Of course, their decision will also have extreme domino effects throughout the remainder of the lottery.
Here’s how we see things playing out with our 2024 NBA Mock Draft.
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FIRST ROUND
1. Atlanta Hawks — Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
The Hawks are reportedly deciding between Clingan and French wing Zaccharie Risacher, which essentially boils down to a decision regarding Atlanta’s immediate plans. Do the Hawks continue building around Trae Young by adding a win-now piece with some upside in Clingan, or do they opt for a long-term approach with Risacher? Adding Clingan to the middle of the defense will immediately help eliminate some defensive concerns. Plus, his growing offensive game indicates he may have even more upside than previously thought.
2. Washington Wizards — Alexandre Sarr, C, Perth Wildcats (NBL)
This appears to be Sarr’s preferred landing spot given his unwillingness to work out for the Hawks, which is just fine with the Wizards. Many view Sarr as having the most superstar potential in this class considering his size (7-1, 224 lbs.) and explosiveness. However, it may take him a while to reach that level with the inconsistencies in his game, particularly his shooting touch. Washington should be able to give him the time he needs to develop, though, thanks to its rebuilding timeline.
3. Houston Rockets (from BKN) — Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (LNB Pro A)
Houston wants to win now and would prefer to trade this pick as part of a package for an established star. If the Rockets keep it, however, Risacher makes sense to provide a high-upside wing if he’s still on the board. His playmaking would be beneficial with the rest of Houston’s lineup, and the Rockets already have a variety of shot-creators, which could take pressure off Risacher as he is still inconsistent at creating for himself off the bounce.
4. San Antonio Spurs — Stephon Castle, SG, UConn
The Spurs have the luxury of owning two of the top eight selections with their franchise cornerstone, Wembanyama, already firmly in place. Good thing, too, because San Antonio needs help everywhere else. Enter Castle, one of the best perimeter defenders in this class. He possesses positional size and can create for himself and others off the bounce. Castle can also play point guard for the Spurs, something he has been adamant about in the pre-draft process despite not playing that position for UConn.
5. Detroit Pistons — Matas Buzelis, SF, G League Ignite
Detroit’s rebuild has gone nowhere, increasing the likelihood the franchise simply looks to select the best player available with this pick. Buzelis is the easy choice in terms of upside and positional need. He needs to shoot better than he did with Ignite this past season (27.3 percent on 3-pointers), but Buzelis appears to possess all the other attributes of a starting-caliber wing.
6. Charlotte Hornets — Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Kentucky
Sheppard’s ruthlessly efficient freshman campaign at Kentucky seemingly came from nowhere. His debut vaulted him into the top 10 despite entering the year completely absent from everyone’s draft boards. Sheppard’s shooting (52.6 percent from 3-point range), assist rate (12th in SEC) and steal rate (11th nationally) highlight just how special he was in his only college season. There are concerns about his on-ball defense, yet Sheppard quieted many doubts about his athleticism when he posted the highest vertical jump at a combine.
7. Portland Trail Blazers — Cody Williams, SF, Colorado
Portland is loaded up in the backcourt, and Deandre Ayton is under contract for two more seasons in the middle. This is a great chance to add a potential long-term answer on the wing in Williams, who was in the conversation to be the No. 1 overall pick a few months ago. He has immense potential as a two-way wing given his size (6-8, 190 lbs), wingspan and ability to score from all three levels.
8. San Antonio Spurs (from TOR) — Rob Dillingham, PG/SG, Kentucky
If San Antonio goes more defensive-minded with its first selection, don’t be shocked to see the Spurs go for some offense here. Dillingham was a walking bucket for Kentucky, consistently showcasing NBA-ready shot creation. He is also more apt to explode for 40 points on any given night than anyone else in this draft class. Size concerns (6-1, 176 lbs) may limit him to a bench role, but it is very easy to imagine him in a JR Smith/Louis Williams/Jamal Crawford-type role.
9. Memphis Grizzlies — Dalton Knecht, SF, Tennessee
Knecht might be the best all-around scorer in this draft. That skill helped him emerge as the second-best player in college basketball as Knecht led Tennessee to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2010. His size means he likely won’t be a negative on the defensive end, and the Grizzlies haven’t been shy about drafting older college players in the first round. If Knecht is still on the board here, don’t expect Memphis to waste much time.
10. Utah Jazz — Ron Holland, SF, G League Ignite
The Jazz are at a crossroads given the way their rebuild has stalled out. Utah only really was one key piece to build around in Lauri Markkanen, and with a plethora of other picks in this draft and future ones, the Jazz can swing for the fences. Holland has star-level upside that some believe is still attainable despite an inefficient season with Ignite. Utah’s coaching staff has a good chance to get the most out of him.
11. Chicago Bulls — Devin Carter, PG/SG, Providence
Chicago just traded for a point guard in Josh Giddey, so taking Carter may seem counterintuitive here. Nevertheless, the Bulls do need to upgrade their already poor defense after losing Alex Caruso, who was their best perimeter defender. That’s an area where Carter could help tremendously. Plus, he can be effective as an off-ball scorer next to Giddey.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from HOU) — Nikola Topic, PG, Mega MIS (ABA League)
The Thunder have perhaps the best young core in the league and still have a war chest full of draft picks. They may package some of that to move up in this draft and select a more finished product than Topic, or they can keep their picks and swing for the fences. Topic suffered a torn ACL in January, which wasn’t discovered until the combine in Italy a few weeks ago, meaning he’ll likely have to miss the coming season. The Thunder are in a unique position to be patient while the 6-7 playmaker gets healthy.
13. Sacramento Kings — Zach Edey, C, Purdue
Sacramento could go a few different directions with this pick, but one thing became evident throughout the season: how poorly the Kings’ defense suffered with Domantas Sabonis at center. As good and as skilled as Sabonis is, he simply isn’t a deterrent around the rim. Enter Edey, the most dominant player in college basketball. The 7-4 giant impressed scouts with his shooting and mobility in the pre-draft process.
14. Portland Trail Blazers (from GSW via BOS & MEM) — Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet (LNB Pro A)
Given Portland’s young core and rebuilding timeline, they can really gamble on a high-upside prospect. Salaun, while still raw, has shown tantalizing flashes of brilliance for someone his size. The hope is that his shooting allows him to make an impact sooner rather than later while other parts of his game develop. With Williams already in the fold from their earlier pick, the Blazers might be able to afford a project here.
15. Miami Heat — Tristan da Silva, PF/SF, Colorado
Miami used last season’s first round pick on Jaime Jaquez, a do-it-all combo forward that did all the little things necessary to contribute to winning. Essentially, he fit “Heat Culture” to a tee. No one in this class exemplifies that spirit more than da Silva, who progressed each season at Colorado thanks to his ability to do a little bit of everything.
16. Philadelphia 76ers — Jared McCain, PG/SG, Duke
The Sixers have emphasized improving their 3-point shooting for years now, and McCain fits that bill. The former Blue Devil may be the best player left on the board at No. 16, and he would fill a need in the backcourt. McCain emerged as Duke’s leader and best player late in his freshman season, and he should be a solid bench contributor sooner rather than later.
17. Los Angeles Lakers — Ja’Kobe Walter, SG/SF, Baylor
Walter is known as a grade-A shooter and scorer, but he’s now projected to fall out of the lottery after an inefficient second half of the season at Baylor. That said, the Lakers are a team that needs more shooting and depth on the wing. Walter may be their best chance to get both.
18. Orlando Magic — Carlton Carrington, PG, Pitt
Orlando could use a point guard with the expiring contract of Markelle Fultz and with Jalen Suggs looking more like a two-guard than a true point. It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, to see the Magic linked to Carrington, a combo guard with positional size who already operates like a pro in pick-and-roll situations. His basketball IQ and ability to read opposing defenses make him a good fit here.
19. Toronto Raptors (from IND) — Johnny Furphy, SF/SG, Kansas
Furphy went from being a non-factor in the rotation at Kansas to being a vital starter in a few short months. That trajectory led to him being a one-and-done prospect, and it’s a good bet he’ll be a first-round pick. His positional size, shooting and high basketball IQ give him the potential to be a great fit for a Toronto team still finding an identity.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers — Isaiah Collier, PG, USC
It looks like Cleveland will be moving on from Darius Garland and will need a point guard. Collier was the top-rated high school prospect in the 2023 class and played like it before an injury slowed his season. That, coupled with USC’s poor overall play and Collier’s inconsistent shooting, has caused him to fall out of the lottery. The Cavs are in position to gamble on the upside Collier showed early in the year.
21. New Orleans Pelicans (from MIL) — Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
Ware had something of a unique college career. He started as a five-star recruit, then underwhelmed at Oregon, and ultimately transferred and found immediate success at Indiana. A true 7-footer with elite athleticism and mobility, Ware showed high-level two-way ability with the Hoosiers and could step into a Dereck Lively-type role for the Pelicans. New Orleans needs help at center, too, after letting Jonas Valanciunas walk.
22. Phoenix Suns — Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette
The Suns need point guard help and someone who can keep their trio of stars from having to create everything themselves. Kolek was the best playmaker in college basketball each of the last two seasons and has the savvy to lead an NBA offense. Defense is a concern at the next level, but his passing and ability to make 3-pointers at a respectable clip make him a solid option here.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (from NOP) — Yves Missi, C, Baylor
The Bucks need a big man, and you could argue Missi is not only the best on the board here, but also the best fit. The 6-11, 235-pounder is an explosive athlete who excelled on the defensive end at Baylor and did well in the lob-catcher/offensive-rebounder role in Scott Drew’s offense. It’s easy to see him make an impact in those ways for a Milwaukee team that already has plenty of scoring options.
24. New York Knicks (from DAL) — Terrence Shannon Jr., SG, Illinois
Shannon was found not guilty of rape and sexual assault charges earlier this month, eliminating the major pre-draft question that was hanging over him. On the court, Shannon is relentless in attacking the basket and is virtually unstoppable in transition. He improved his shooting throughout his college career and has the kind of toughness that Tom Thibodeau loves.
25. New York Knicks — Ryan Dunn, PF/SF, Virginia
Speaking of toughness and defense, Dunn also fits the Thibs mold. Offense and shooting are major question marks with Dunn — he was one of the worst shooters in the country this past season — but he has reportedly impressed in that department in workouts. His defense is why he’s expected to go in the first round, though, as some scouts view him as being a good all-around defender.
26. Washington Wizards (from LAC via DAL & OKC) — Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Miami
We mentioned Washington’s rebuild earlier in this mock, and that makes George appealing for them, particularly at this point in the draft. There aren’t many 6-7 perimeter players who can handle the ball, showcase elite vision and shoot over 40 percent from 3-point range, but George fits that mold. However, he was very inconsistent during his freshman season at Miami and rarely had the kind of impact you’d expect from a first-round pick. At this point, his upside is well worth the gamble for the Wizards.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves — Baylor Scheierman, SF/PF, Creighton
No player impressed at the combine more than Scheierman, which wasn’t a surprise to anyone who watched him at Creighton. The 6-6, 205-pounder is a knockdown shooter, a phenomenal passer and a tremendous rebounder for his size. He will be 24 years old before the start of the season and may not ever be a plus defender, but he’s also not a negative on that end. His plug-and-play versatility makes him an intriguing option for a contender like the Timberwolves.
28. Denver Nuggets — DaRon Holmes II, C/PF, Dayton
It has long been rumored that Holmes received a draft promise from the Nuggets as he shut down several workouts early in the pre-draft process. His ability to shoot the 3, handle the ball, finish at the rim and serve as a secondary playmaker should make him a very good fit in Denver’s offense.
29. Utah Jazz (from OKC via TOR & IND) — Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, Cairns Taipans (NBL)
Klintman nearly stayed in the draft last season after an up-and-down season with Wake Forest, but he opted instead to withdraw and spend a season in Australia. At 6-9 with a 6-11 wingspan and high-end athleticism, it’s easy to see Klintman’s upside. The production hasn’t always matched the flashes throughout his career, but he may be worth the gamble for Utah.
30. Boston Celtics — Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Duke
There’s a very good chance Filipowski winds up going in the top 20 on draft night. Teams love the versatility he brings on offense given his shooting ability and size at 6-11 and nearly 250 pounds. However, he could drop amid questions about his defense and ability to handle NBA-level athleticism. That said, Boston would gladly take advantage of that offensive versatility if he is still on the board.
SECOND ROUND
31. Toronto Raptors — Cam Christie, SG, Minnesota
32. Utah Jazz — Tyler Smith, PF, G League Ignite
33) Milwaukee Bucks — Pacome Dadiet, SG/SF, Ratiopharm Ulm (BBL)
34. Portland Trail Blazers — Adem Bona, C, UCLA
35. San Antonio Spurs — Justin Edwards, SG/SF, Kentucky
36. Indiana Pacers — Kevin McCullar, SF, Kansas
37. Minnesota Timberwolves — Jaylon Tyson, SG, Cal
38. New York Knicks — Harrison Ingram, SF, North Carolina
39. Memphis Grizzlies — Pelle Larsson, SG, Arizona
40. Portland Trail Blazers — Jonathan Mogbo, PF/C, San Francisco
41. Philadelphia 76ers — AJ Johnson, PG/SG, Illawarra (NBL)
42. Charlotte Hornets — Keshad Johnson, PF, Arizona
43. Miami Heat — Jamal Shead, PG, Houston
44. Houston Rockets — Trentyn Flowers, SG, Adelaide (NBL)
45. Sacramento Kings — Nikola Djurisic, SG, Mega MIS (ABA League)
46. Los Angeles Clippers — Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara
47. Orlando Magic — Tristen Newton, PG, UConn
48. San Antonio Spurs — Melvin Ajinca, SG/SF, Saint Quentin (LNB Pro A)
49. Indiana Pacers — Ulrich Chomche, PF/C, NBA Academy Africa
50. Indiana Pacers — Bronny James, PG/SG, USC
51. Washington Wizards — KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado
52. Golden State Warriors — Jalen Bridges, PF, Baylor
53. Detroit Pistons — Antonio Reeves, SG, Kentucky
54. Boston Celtics — Juan Nunez, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (BBL)
55. Los Angeles Lakers — Cam Spencer, SG, UConn
56. Denver Nuggets — Oso Ighodaro, PF, Marquette
57. Memphis Grizzlies — Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Washington State
58. Dallas Mavericks — Dillon Jones, SF/PF, Weber State