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2024 NBA mock drafts: Expert consensus atop lottery picks

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2024 NBA mock drafts: Expert consensus atop lottery picks

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With the Boston Celtics winning the 2024 NBA Finals, the season is over. Now all 30 teams can look forward to the offseason, including the 2024 NBA Draft. The two-night event in Brooklyn is just one week away with 58 total selections.

The NBA Draft lottery saw a small shakeup at the top of the lottery order. The Atlanta Hawks – who were in the Eastern Conference’s Play-In Tournament – won the lottery. The Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, and Detroit Pistons round out the top five selections.

Last year’s draft featured a no-brainer at the No. 1 pick in generational talent Victor Wembanyama. This year, things aren’t quite as easy. Here’s what experts at USA Today, The Ringer, ESPN, and Bleacher Report predict will happen in the lottery:

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2024 NBA Mock draft roundup

1. Atlanta Hawks

USA Today: Zaccherie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)

The Ringer: Zaccherie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)

ESPN: Zaccherie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)

Bleacher Report: Zaccherie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)

Alex Sarr was the longtime top pick on most boards but Risacher has risen to consensus status at the top. Riscaher is a productive wing who showcases his ball handling, shooting, and quick off-ball movement skills. He’s not the most polished prospect on the board, though, and needs to improve defensively and scoring at the rim. He’s drawn comparisons to Harrison Barnes.

USA Today: “Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well.”

The Ringer: “After working out for the Hawks last week, Risacher seems like the most likely choice at this point. He’s theoretically a 3-and-D wing who can fit in on the team whether or not Atlanta keeps Trae Young… The Hawks still need to work out other candidates for this choice, though, and figure out whether they should trade down or out.”

2. Washington Wizards

USA Today: Alex Sarr, Perth (Australia) Wildcats

The Ringer: Alex Sarr, Perth (Australia) Wildcats

ESPN: Alex Sarr, Perth (Australia) Wildcats

Bleacher Report: Alex Sarr, Perth (Australia) Wildcats

Another consensus at No. 2 with the athletic big Sarr. His impressive wingspan (7 feet, 4 inches) at 7 feet tall give him an ideal mix of size, skill, and athleticism on defense. He’s a willing passer and hustles hard. He does need to improve on offense, be it as a shooter or finisher at the rim.

USA Today: “A strong defender and shot-blocker who plays with force on both ends; has good hands, uses his body well and though he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he gets it to go in. His brother player, Olivier, is on two-way G League contract with Oklahoma City.”

ESPN: “Washington has the runway available to be patient with Sarr’s development, making it a strong fit for him — and vice versa — on paper. Sarr arguably has the greatest upside available here, with the physical attributes to be a top defender, as well as the makings of a useful offensive skill set as a finisher and improving floor-spacer.”

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USA Today: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

The Ringer: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

ESPN: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

Bleacher Report: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky

More consensus at No. 3 here. Sheppard’s calling card is a mix of standout shooting – he shot 52.1% from deep on 4.4 attempts per game – and energetic defense. Despite a small frame (187 pounds at 6 feet, 3 inches tall), he is far from a liability on that end. He’s a good playmaker as well but could use more reps against NBA-level on-ball pressure.

USA Today: “Can flat out score, especially off screens, using floaters or pulling up in transition. Lacks elite athleticism but handles ball well enough to warrant look at point guard. Will compete defensively, and rebounds well for his size. Performed well at the NBA draft combine with his shot and impressive 42-inch vertical leap.”

Bleacher Report: “If the Rockets stick, they should love what Reed Sheppard brings to their rotation: elite shooting, passing and intangibles/character that scouts and executives praised after interviewing him at the NBA combine.”

4. San Antonio Spurs

USA Today: Stephon Castle, G, UConn

The Ringer: Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite

ESPN: Stephon Castle, G, UConn

Bleacher Report: Stephon Castle, G, UConn

At last, a mix of opinions at No. 4. Castle is arguably the most pro-ready prospect in this class. The Huskies guard has ideal size at 6 feet, 6 inches tall with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. His shooting isn’t stellar but he’s been streaky at times, showing signs of potential. He’s a great defender and playmaker.

Buzelis is a big wing at 6 feet, 11 inches tall. His passing makes him an easy fit in most schemes on offense. He’s a good off-ball defender but struggled with his shot in the G League.

USA Today: “While his stats don’t jump out, he is a big guard, especially at the point who can play multiple positions. Can create own shot but will be most useful on the defensive end to start career. He doesn’t force shots, picks his spots and was tough to defend in the tournament, scoring 21 against Alabama in the semifinals and 15 against Purdue in the final on a combined 13-for-26 shooting. Becoming a solid NBA shooter is a requirement.”

The Ringer: “Buzelis would be an ideal fit next to Victor Wembanyama because of his blend of size, shot-creation skill, and defensive versatility. Buzelis would need to prove he can shoot 3s at a reliable level, but the Spurs also have a great history of improving shooters.”

5. Detroit Pistons

USA Today: Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite

The Ringer: Cody Williams, F, Colorado

ESPN: Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite

Bleacher Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite

Another slight difference in predictions here. Buzelis becomes a piece alongside young guards Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in Detroit.

Williams is a new prospect who is rising up draft boards. His impressive wingspan (7 feet, 1 inch) at 6 feet, 7 inches tall give him great tools to be an impact defender with time. He’s surprisingly good at the rim considering his slight frame at 178 pounds. He will need to improve his shot, defense, and likely bulk up to handle NBA defenders.

USA Today: “Good leaping ability, surprises with his dunks, soft shooting touch, plays through contact. Tested well at the combine with agility, vertical leap and other drills..”

The Ringer: “Williams is a raw forward who had an up-and-down freshman season at Colorado. But the idea of him next to players like Cade Cunningham and Ausar Thompson is exciting. Detroit would have a young core with size, versatility, and creation ability. Plus, after Detroit hired one of the world’s best shot doctors in Fred Vinson, guys like Thompson and Williams have an increased probability of becoming reliable shooters.”

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USA Today: Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee

The Ringer: Stephon Castle, G, UConn

ESPN: Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee

Bleacher Report: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn

Plenty of options on the board for Charlotte here. Knecht was one of the top scorers in NCAA men’s basketball this past season and was prolific from deep in shooting 39.7% on 6.5 three-point attempts per game. He wasn’t as effective against longer defenders but is a solid movement shooter. His defense needs to improve to stick in the NBA.

Clingan is a massive presence in the paint on both ends of the floor. His 7-foot-7 wingspan is second-longest in the class (behind only Zach Edey) and showed improved mobility this past season to defend the pick-and-roll and off-ball. His free throw shooting and perimeter defense are lacking for the NBA level, though.

USA Today: “Strong on catch-and-shoot 3s, can drive to the basket with power and finesse and is athletic. Will need work defensively, and yes, he’ll be 23 years old by the draft, but that shouldn’t be a detractor. He delivered great offensive performances late in the season, scoring 40 against Kentucky and 37 against Purdue in the Elite Eight.”

Bleacher Report: “Even with Mark Williams expected back, the Charlotte Hornets might not think he’s proven enough for them to eliminate a defensive difference-maker like Clingan from consideration. If he’s on the board at No. 6, there may also be some trade offers coming from teams that want to move up.”

USA Today: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn

The Ringer: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn

ESPN: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn

Bleacher Report: Cody Williams, F, Colorado

Two March Madness stars fall to Portland at No. 7. Clingan could help the Trail Blazers defense improve immediately. Williams could operate well in a rotation with Anfernee Simons and Scoot Henderson.

USA Today: “Clingan really improved his draft position as UConn won its second consecutive title. A strong big man with capable hands who is tough to defend in the low post; a worker on the glass, especially offensively and can operate in pick-and-rolls as the screener going to the basket. Has rim protecting skills. Playing away from the basket on both ends will be his challenge in the NBA.”

Bleacher Report: “The pitch to Williams revolves around a coveted, big-wing archetype, his efficiency at Colorado and the belief that he has the mentality and blueprint (being Jalen Williams’ brother) to continue improving and maximize his potential.”

USA Today: Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet (France)

The Ringer: Devin Carter, G, Providence

ESPN: Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

Bleacher Report: Devin Carter, G, Providence

San Antonio could go in many directions at No. 8 here. Salaun has ideal size at 6 feet, 9 inches tall with a 7-foot-1 wingspan with athleticism and effort to defend multiple positions. He’s a good shooter and, at age 18, is far from a finished product.

Carter’s an impressive defender at 6 feet, 2 inches tall thanks to his 6-foot-9 wingspan. He can finish at the rim at will, knock down shots from outside, and is a willing passer. He’ll need to improve his playmaking and handling pressure defense.

Dillingham is an impressive shooter from deep (44.4% on 4.5 shots per game) and a very skilled playmaker. His slight frame – 6-foot-1 and 164 pounds – is a concern at the NBA level.

USA Today: “Another athletic and lengthy wing from France who has immense offensive potential as a scorer. Can handle the ball and is focused on making the right play. The success of NBA rookies Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly this season has put a spotlight on these young French players.”

The Ringer: “Carter is one of the draft’s best perimeter defenders. Pairing him with Wemby would create a pick-and-roll defending duo that would immediately be one of the NBA’s best. And on offense, Carter can thrive with or without the ball, so he’d fit into their multi-handler offense.”

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USA Today: Ron Holland, G, G League Ignite

The Ringer: Ron Holland, G, G League Ignite

ESPN: Cody Williams, F, Colorado

Bleacher Report: Ron Holland, G, G League Ignite

A near-consensus for Memphis at No. 9. Holland is an athletic wing who is a strong finisher at the rim and a versatile defender. He’s a good passer and mover without the ball as well. His three-point shooting is lacking and he will need to improve against isolation defense. Williams could be a long-term investment for the Grizzlies.

USA Today: “Sustained season-ending thumb injury but showed his potential as a high-flying wing who flourishes off the dribble and in transition and likes to score; solid shot-blocker for his size; good body control while in the air. His 3-point shot needs improvement.”

ESPN: “His outstanding early-season play from November through January had some NBA teams wondering if he could make a run at the No. 1 pick prior to him being derailed by injuries. He’s a late bloomer who has shown playmaking, defensive versatility and perimeter shooting that can hopefully be harnessed into more consistent skills down the road.”

USA Today: Nikola Topic, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

The Ringer: Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee

ESPN: Nikola Topic, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

Bleacher Report: Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee

All experts agree on Utah going with a guard at No. 10 overall. On one end, there’s the experienced and proven scorer in Knecht. Topic offers size at 6 feet, 6 inches tall and impressive playmaking at rim finishing on offense. His jump shot and defense need to improve at the NBA level.

USA Today: “The Serbian point guard, who has been sidelined with a knee injury, has great size for his position; loves to drive to the rim and can finish with either hand; can shoot the 3 but will need to improve his percentage. Strong passer, not flashy, but sees the court and can make the right pass.”

Bleacher Report: “There is a level of certainty tied to Dalton Knecht’s shooting and shotmaking versatility. He’s an easy offensive fit with his off-ball skill set, though tough drives and athletic finishes in transition suggest Knecht has more to his game than a specialist’s.”

USA Today: Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

The Ringer: Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

ESPN: Devin Carter, G, Providence

Bleacher Report: Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky

A pair of guard prospects for Chicago. Dillingham can be a top shooter in the backcourt while Carter offers experience and two-way versatility.

USA Today: “As a smaller guard, he is elite at creating own shot, through spot-up shooting or dribble penetration because of his speed and ball-handling. Will need to get stronger and improve shot selection. Kentucky lost in the first round and Dillingham measured less in height and weight than he was listed in college, Dillingham remains a projected lottery pick.”

ESPN: “His tenacity, reliability and two-way skill set gives him strong upside for an older guard. Carter is known primarily for his defense, but has made significant strides as a scorer in the past year that have helped reframe how teams view his upside…. Chicago values toughness in its backcourt and could slot Carter in interchangeably with Coby White, Alex Caruso and Ayo Dosunmu.”

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USA Today: Cody Williams, F, Colorado

The Ringer: Zach Edey, C, Purdue

ESPN: Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet (France)

Bleacher Report: Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet (France)

Williams drops to the Thunder in one mock draft and can slip into the rotation in Oklahoma City. Salaun offers upside on defense to help the reigning No. 1 seed in the Western Conference and can grow with the rest of the Thunder’s young core.

Edey is a polarizing prospect. He’s an outlier in size at 7 feet, 4 inches tall with a 7 feet, 11 inch wingspan and 299 pounds. All were the highest among all prospects at the NBA Draft combine. His imposing presence down low on both ends of the court is a plus, as is his passing. He is limited as a defender outside of the paint, though, but that could work well in a rotation featuring Chet Holmgren.

USA Today: “Williams’ perimeter defense and scoring ability make him a prime candidate for a top-10 pick. Can get to the rim with ease, and finishes with power although listed at 6-6, 178 pounds. Has 3-point range, and his mid-range game is solid at the college level.”

The Ringer: “Edey addresses Oklahoma City’s need for size and adds a totally different interior ingredient to its offense with his interior scoring, offensive rebounding, and screening. And if there’s anyone who can turn his touch into reliable 3-point shooting, it’s assistant coach Chip Engelland.”

USA Today: Devin Carter, G, Providence

The Ringer: Nikola Topic, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

ESPN: Ron Holland, G, G League Ignite

Bleacher Report: Kel’El Ware, C, Indiana

For the first time in this roundup, four different prospects for a team with the Kings. Holland and Carter could be a plus immediately on the defensive end. Topic could develop into a backcourt mate with star De’Aaron Fox.

Ware is a shot-blocking, athletic big who is an ideal lob threat and scorer in the post. He was also an effective outside shooter at 42.5% from deep In limited opportunity (1.3 shots per game). He has the skillset to be a great screener but that hasn’t come to fruition on the court yet.

USA Today: “Strong, physical guard who can score from multiple spots on the court and will post-up smaller guards. Provides outstanding rebounding and shot-blocking from his position. Son of former NBA guard Anthony Carter.”

Bleacher Report: “An impressive pro day of shooting has had teams buzzing about Kel’el Ware. Sources say he’s generating realistic consideration in the late lottery. The narrative about his underwhelming motor has seemingly been squashed. Ware figures to look highly enticing in a workout setting that can showcase his athleticism at the rim, mobility and high shotmaking skill level.”

USA Today: Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor

The Ringer: Tidjane Salaun, F, Cholet (France)

ESPN: Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor

Bleacher Report: Tristan Da Silva, F, Colorado

Portland gets a mix of prospects here. Walter was inconsistent at times with Baylor but offers versatility on both ends of the floor. His size at 6 feet, 4 inches tall and a 6-foot-10 wingspan is ideal as a backcourt defender. On offense, he’s a dangerous shooter. He needs to improve as a playmaker and in consistency to stick in the NBA.

Da Silva is an intriguing player who can fit in to most systems. He’s a prolific shooter from deep, especially on catch-and-shoot opportunities, but also can finish at the rim and make most any pass. On defense, he’s solid off-ball and competes despite his good but not great athleticism.

USA Today: “Typical 3-and-D player who will fit NBA teams looking for a shotmaker. Will need to make up deficiencies, such as questionable ball-handling skills. He competes defensively and rebounds well for a two-guard.”

Bleacher Report: “Teams all seem to like his positional size, shooting versatility and all-around polish, on and off the floor. The question is how much a team loves him. His athletic limitations could restrict him at both ends of the floor, getting to and finishing at the rim or stopping quicker wings and stronger 4s. Teams valuing safety and shooting over upside could be drawn to da Silva in the late lottery or teens.”

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