After a long and grueling period, the predraft process is winding down, with the 2024 NBA draft set to begin at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC on Wednesday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
The draft expanded this year to a two-night format, with the second round taking place on Thursday at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York (4 p.m. EDT, ESPN). The change will allow executives additional time to finalize plans and be better prepared to make their picks.
The action will tip off with the Atlanta Hawks on the clock first. The team is reportedly still mulling over its decision atop the draft board, with prospects like Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr and Donovan Clingan still in contention to be the No. 1 pick.
Elsewhere around the league, teams are finalizing their draft boards and preparing for potential trade offers. Several teams have reportedly expressed interest in moving up and down, which could shake things up on Wednesday.
The predraft process has seemingly helped several prospects improve their draft stock after strong showings in the combine and team workouts and interviews. Conversely, others have had inconsistent performances, which has negatively affected their standing.
Rookie Wire looked at the draft class and offered one last batch of predictions for every pick with team fit and other related factors in mind for each player.
1
Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr, Perth Wildcats
Height: 7-1 Weight: 224 Year: N/A Position: F
Though Zaccharie Risacher is the betting favorite to be the top pick by sportsbooks, Sarr is reportedly still in contention to be the first player selected on Wednesday. The Hawks have yet to finalize their decision, which has created some uncertainty atop the draft board.
However, they project to add a player who can be a franchise cornerstone. Sarr is highly touted for his ability to protect the paint and has drawn some comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo with his size, skill set and ability in the open court.
2
Washington Wizards: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Height: 6-8 Weight: 204 Year: N/A Position: F
The Wizards are expected to walk away with either Risacher or Sarr, two players who project to fit in with the team. Risacher reportedly visited the Wizards this past weekend in case the Hawks opt to take Sarr.
The 2024 EuroCup Rising Star is highly touted for his passing, playmaking on offense and shooting ability. He also brings defensive versatility, given his size and ability to guard multiple positions at the next level.
3
Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn): Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Height: 6-2 Weight: 181 Year: Fr. Position: G
Sheppard appears to have solidified himself as the No. 3 pick this year. He has had a limited number of predraft workouts, though he has visited Houston, along with Atlanta, San Antonio and Charlotte.
After becoming known as a sharpshooter, Sheppard believes he brings other elements of his game to the NBA, such as playmaking and getting his teammates involved.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
4
San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, UConn
Height: 6-6 Weight: 210 Year: Fr. Position: G
The Spurs have been linked to several prospects and could package their two lottery picks and move up. However, if they opt to remain at No. 4, Castle appears to be the pick for the Spurs as a player who can solidify their backcourt for the foreseeable future.
The Big East Freshman of the Year had a stellar run in the Final Four to help the Huskies to their second straight title. He emerged as a great perimeter defender with his size, versatility and instincts and was often matched up with opposing teams’ best players.
For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire
5
Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Height: 6-10 Weight: 197 Year: N/A Position: F
Buzelis has the positional size coveted at the next level and reportedly has some teams considering trading up to select him. He has worked out with five teams and figures to be targeted by Atlanta, Washington, San Antonio, Detroit and Charlotte.
He is most commonly linked to the Pistons at No. 5, so any other team wanting a shot at him may have to create an attractive trade package to move up. In any case, Buzelis projects a bright future with his ability on both sides of the court.
6
Charlotte Hornets: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Height: 6-6 Weight: 212 Year: Sr.+ Position: G
The Hornets are among the teams that hosted Knecht for a predraft workout and project to have a role for him. His draft range seemingly begins with the Hornets at No. 6, as several teams at this stage of the lottery could be good options for him. He can provide scoring and shotmaking and would be fun to watch next to LaMelo Ball & Co.
7
Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, UConn
Height: 7-2 Weight: 282 Year: So. Position: C
Clingan is projected to be a high lottery pick, with the Trail Blazers viewed as his floor at No. 7. He has the size and ability to protect the paint with his 7-foot, 6 3/4-inch wingspan and an expanding offensive game, which he has worked on throughout the predraft process. The Trail Blazers can go in a few directions with their pick, but Clingan would certainly check a lot of boxes for them on the court.
8
San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto): Tidjane Salaün, Cholet Basket (France)
Height: 6-9 Weight: 203 Year: N/A Position: F
Salaün has had the opportunity to meet with several teams in the lottery throughout the predraft process, including the Spurs. He finished off the season with Cholet on a great run and showcased himself at a high level. He is a bit raw, but he has the physical attributes and skill set needed to develop into an impact player, making the Spurs a perfect fit.
For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire
9
Memphis Grizzlies: Devin Carter, Providence
Height: 6-3 Weight: 193 Year: Jr. Position: G
Carter, known as one of the top defenders in the country, made great strides last season on the offensive end of the court. He led the Big East in scoring and improved his 3-point percentage from 29.9% to 37.7% on 6.8 attempts per game. The Grizzlies are a bit of a wild-card team in the lottery, so it is difficult to exactly pinpoint which direction they’ll go, but if they opt to hold onto this pick, Carter should be in play.
10
Utah Jazz: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Height: 6-2 Weight: 164 Year: Fr. Position: G
Dillingham, who previously dealt with an ankle injury, recently became draft-eligible after completing his combine testing on June 14. After getting a late start, he has had the opportunity to meet with some teams, including the Jazz, who are said to be interested in him. Dillingham will have plenty of suitors, thanks to his playmaking, quickness and ability in the open court.
11
Chicago Bulls: Cody Williams, Colorado
Height: 6-7 Weight: 178 Year: Fr. Position: F
Williams‘ perceived range is 5-12 on Wednesday, and several teams are said to be interested in him. He has the length teams covet, with his 7-foot, 1-inch wingspan, and can space the floor and score in a variety of ways. The Bulls traded Alex Caruso for Thunder guard Josh Giddey last week, a move that could signal the start of a roster reconstruction. Adding a player like Williams would be a great piece to build around.
For more coverage on the Bulls, visit Bulls Wire
12
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston): Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Height: 6-9 Weight: 216 Year: Sr. Position: F
The Thunder traded Josh Giddey to the Bulls last week for Alex Caruso, a move that is viewed as one that can help expedite their timeline to win. The team may be looking to draft a player who can do the same, which could point in the direction of da Silva, who is a bit more polished than other prospects in this range. This spot is a little higher than most mock drafts, though da Silva projects to be a great fit for the Thunder, with his ability to shoot and his versatility on defense.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
13
Sacramento Kings: Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor
Height: 6-5 Weight: 197 Year: Fr. Position: F
Walter recently visited the Kings for a workout and could be a player targeted by the organization. Walter established himself as a good scorer at Baylor who can also lock up on defense. His range starts around this pick, so he should be available when the Kings are on the clock. The Kings have been rumored to want to trade their pick to acquire a veteran, so they could be a team to watch that could shake things up.
14
Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State): Nikola Topić, Crvena zvezda (Serbia)
Height: 6-6 Weight: 200 Year: N/A Position: PG
Topić‘s draft stock took a hit after it was announced he suffered a partially torn ACL in his knee. He was among the 25 prospects invited to attend the draft at the Barclays Center on Wednesday, likely a good indication he should still be a high pick this year. Topić will likely miss most, if not all, of the upcoming season, so the Trail Blazers could wait him out as a team still a ways off from competing. His eventual draft position will be one of the storylines to watch as the draft progresses.
15
Miami Heat: Zach Edey, Purdue
Height: 7-4 Weight: 299 Year: Sr. Position: C
Edey worked out with several teams, including the Heat, Jazz, Lakers and Pelicans, among others. He passed on an invitation to the draft and will instead watch the festivities at Purdue alongside his former teammates, coaches and family. He is then expected to join the Canadian national team for its training camp ahead of the Paris Olympics. It is shaping up to be a busy summer for the 7-footer but he can likely expect to be drafted beginning with this pick.
16
Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, Duke
Height: 6-3 Weight: 203 Year: Fr. Position: G
McCain emerged as a tremendous shooter and excelled in pick-and-roll situations with the Blue Devils this past season. He also showed great touch around the rim when getting downhill. He is viewed as one of the top shooters in the draft this year and projects to be able to fit in well with every team in this range.
For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire
17
Los Angeles Lakers: Ron Holland II, G League Ignite
Height: 6-7 Weight: 196 Year: N/A Position: F
Holland, who has visited teams ranging from the Hornets to the Lakers, has been inconsistent in team workouts throughout the predraft process and could slide on Wednesday, as a result. The Lakers, who introduced JJ Redick as their head coach on Monday, are said to be interested in trading this pick, but if they opt to keep it, Holland could be an option should he still be available.
For more coverage on the Lakers, visit LeBron Wire
18
Orlando Magic: Jaylon Tyson, Cal
Height: 6-6 Weight: 218 Year: Jr. Position: SF
Tyson, who worked out with the Magic over the predraft process, described himself to Rookie Wire as a bigger guard who can do a little bit of everything on the court. He established himself as a first-round pick with his size at 218 pounds and ability to create for himself and others. He also fills a shooting need for the Magic after converting 36% of his 4.5 attempts per game last season.
19
Toronto Raptors (via Indiana): Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Height: 7-0 Weight: 229 Year: So. Position: C
Filipowski took a big step forward this past season, improving in nearly every area. He improved his 3-point shooting from 28.2% to 34.8% as a sophomore and has worked on that ability throughout the predraft process. He believes he couldn’t show off every area of his game at Duke and can develop into an impact player at the next level.
20
Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyshawn George, Miami
Height: 6-8 Weight: 208 Year: Fr. Position: G
George was the only freshman in the ACC last season to average at least seven points and three rebounds in fewer than 25 minutes per game (23.0). He has impressed in spurts as a perimeter defender and his ability to space the floor, converting 40.8% from 3-point range on 4.2 attempts per game.
21
New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee): Yves Missi, Baylor
Height: 7-0 Weight: 229 Year: Fr. Position: C
The Pelicans have been most commonly projected to take a center with Jonas Valančiūnas set to become a free agent. Missi is viewed as one of the top defensive big men in the draft after averaging 10.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks with Baylor. He is a tremendous rebounder and should help in that department if Valančiūnas doesn’t return.
22
Phoenix Suns: Tyler Kolek, Marquette
Height: 6-2 Weight: 196 Year: Sr. Position: PG
Kolek, who visited Phoenix last week, is said to be on the Suns’ radar as a traditional point guard who can run the offense. He led the country in assists per game and was fourth in assist percentage (42.1) this past season, and figures to be a real option to go at No. 22.
23
Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans): Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Height: 7-0 Weight: 230 Year: So. Position: C
Ware, who was one of the last prospects invited to the draft, projects to bring rebounding and shot-blocking to the next level, which would be useful for the Bucks. He also showed some floor-spacing ability after converting 42.5% from 3-point range on 1.3 attempts per game.
24
New York Knicks (via Dallas): Carlton Carrington, Pitt
Height: 6-4 Weight: 194 Year: Fr. Position: G
Carrington has a wide range on Wednesday, with some believing he can go as high as 12th to the Thunder. He was one of the last prospects who received an invitation to the draft, so the dynamic guard figures to be selected early in the 20s. He can do a little bit of everything and figures to provide some backcourt depth here at No. 24.
25
New York Knicks: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Height: 6-10 Weight: 236 Year: Jr. Position: F
Holmes was invited to the green room on Wednesday after a tremendous predraft process. The All-American reportedly received a draft promise and skipped team workouts, leaving many wondering where he’ll land. With it looking likely he’ll be selected late in the first round, the Knicks make sense as a destination for him, given his ability to spread the floor and defend.
26
Washington Wizards (via LA Clippers): Johnny Furphy, Kansas
Height: 6-8 Weight: 189 Year: Fr. Position: SF
Furphy is rumored to have received a draft promise, with some speculating it came from the Wizards. He would have the opportunity to grow around a team in a rebuild and provide shooting, size and playmaking. Furphy is expected to be in training camp with the Australian national team ahead of the Paris Olympics, so he could opt to skip summer league.
27
Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon Jr., Illinois
Height: 6-7 Weight: 219 Year: Sr.+ Position: F
Shannon this month was found not guilty of two felony charges of rape and sexual aggravated battery by a jury in Kansas. He began workouts after his acquittal, with the Timberwolves among the teams he visited ahead of the draft. Shannon is highly touted as a scorer and should now find himself projected to go in this range after putting his legal situation behind him.
28
Denver Nuggets: Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
Height: 6-10 Weight: 224 Year: N/A Position: F
Smith established himself as a player who can run the floor and provide floor spacing at the next level, converting 36% from 3-point range on 3.7 attempts this past season with the Ignite. He can also work in the post with his touch and footwork, which is where he flourished.
29
Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City): Isaiah Collier, USC
Height: 6-3 Weight: 204 Year: Fr. Position: G
Collier has a very wide range in the draft. He worked out with some teams selecting in the middle of the first round, like Miami and Philadelphia, but could also slip to the back end of the first night. He still projects to bring size, scoring and shooting ability, which would be a valuable addition at this stage of the draft.
30
Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
Height: 6-7 Weight: 201 Year: Sr.+ Position: SF
Scheierman visited Boston as part of his predraft workout circuit. The Celtics don’t have a lot of holes after winning their 18th championship, but the All-American brings a ton of versatility with him to the next level and projects to be a player who can step in immediately and contribute.
For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire
31
Second Round: Nos. 31-40
31. Toronto Raptors: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
32. Utah Jazz: Bobi Klintman, Cairns Taipans (NBL)
33. Milwaukee Bucks: Pacome Dadiet, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
34. Portland Trail Blazers: Cam Christie, Minnesota
35. San Antonio Spurs: Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas
36. Indiana Pacers: Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco
37. Minnesota Timberwolves: Pelle Larsson, Arizona
38. New York Knicks: Nikola Djurisic, KK Mega Basket (Serbia)
39. Memphis Grizzlies: Melvin Ajinça, Saint-Quentin (France)
40. Portland Trail Blazers: Adem Bona, UCLA
32
Second Round: Nos. 41-50
41. Philadelphia 76ers: Juan Núñez, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
42. Charlotte Hornets: Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa
43. Miami Heat: Keshad Johnson, Arizona
44. Houston Rockets: Jamal Shead, Houston
45. Sacramento Kings: A.J. Johnson, Illawarra Hawks (NBL)
46. LA Clippers: Harrison Ingram, North Carolina
47. Orlando Magic: KJ Simpson, Colorado
48. San Antonio Spurs: Justin Edwards, Kentucky
Philadelphia 76ers: Forfeited
49. Indiana Pacers: Enrique Freeman, Akron
50. Indiana Pacers: Dillon Jones, Weber State
33
Second Round: Nos. 51-58
51. Washington Wizards: Jaylen Wells, Washington State
52. Golden State Warriors: Ajay Mitchell, UCSB
53. Detroit Pistons: Antonio Reeves, Kentucky
54. Boston Celtics: Oso Ighodaro, Marquette
55. Los Angeles Lakers: Bronny James, USC
56. Denver Nuggets: Jalen Bridges, Baylor
57. Memphis Grizzlies: Trentyn Flowers, Adelaide 36ers (NBL)
Phoenix Suns: Forfeited
58. Dallas Mavericks: PJ Hall, Clemson
