The Atlanta Hawks are nearly on the clock.
Lower than one week stays earlier than the birds kick off the 2024 NBA draft with a No. 1 choose that nobody appears to have an incredible grasp on but.
Whereas French swingman Zaccharie Risacher has been the preferred No. 1 choose in current mocks, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie famous that “league sources are nonetheless not sure of [Atlanta’s] plans.”
So, this might stay a (considerably) educated-guessing sport up till the second when NBA commissioner Adam Silver publicizes the choice.
Mock drafts are at all times tough, and this top-to-bottom uncertainty solely provides to the trickiness. Nonetheless, we’re not solely plowing by way of a mock draft right here anyway, however we’re additionally upping the issue stage by piecing collectively 5 hypothetical trades within the first spherical.
With payrolls topic to alter amid the daybreak of a brand new NBA calendar 12 months, we’ll focus much less on money-matching in these trades and extra in regards to the worth wanted to get these offers performed.
So, take it away, hypothetical Hawks government!
It is unusual being this near the draft and this unconfident in a No. 1 choose, however comparable to life with this 12 months’s expertise seize.
A number of choices had been thought of right here—together with Atlanta buying and selling down from and even out of this spot—however Risacher feels just like the (comparatively) most secure choice.
No matter whether or not the Hawks attempt loading up for subsequent season or shift their focus additional into the long run, he’d be a match with both timeline.
His three-and-D expertise ought to play instantly, and there are sufficient flashes of ball-handling, facilitating and ending to carry out hopes that he’ll develop into a extremely coveted do-it-all massive wing.
Barring a shock at No. 1, the Wizards might need probably the most stress-free expertise of the draft with the No. 2 choose.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo wrote: “Rival groups have largely considered the Wizards as a touchdown spot for Risacher or Sarr, relying which path the Hawks go.”
This must be a largely simple determination that Atlanta will successfully make for Washington. About the one approach it might blow this choose could be buying and selling it away, since its infancy-stage rebuilding roster has a obvious want for extra blue-chip potential.
Now, does Sarr supply that sort of upside? It is dependent upon what you see for the way forward for his offensive sport.
At worst, he’ll be an athletic rim-runner who finishes from shut vary and defends throughout. At finest, although, he can verify that field whereas additionally including grab-and-go ball-handling, off-the-dribble distributing and capturing vary that pushes out previous the perimeter.
Charlotte Hornets obtain: No. 3 choose (by way of HOU), Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale
Houston Rockets obtain: Brandon Ingram
New Orleans Pelicans obtain: Miles Bridges (by way of sign-and-trade), Jae’Sean Tate, No. 6 choose (by way of CHO) and No. 44 choose (by way of GSW, from HOU)
Per Kelly Iko of The Athletic, three groups—the Hornets, Portland Path Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies—”have been most vocal” about buying the No. 3 choose.
Sheppard and UConn heart Donovan Clingan appear to be the targets, and since Charlotte could be set at heart with 2022 No. 15 choose Mark Williams, Sheppard could be its focus.
His three-ball would deliver welcome reduction to an offense that is typically squeezed for spacing, and the truth that he works on or off the ball means he must be a straightforward match with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
As for the remainder of this commerce, Houston might envision Ingram—a giant wing who can gentle it up and create pictures for teammates—because the lacking piece who at the very least will get this group into subsequent 12 months’s postseason.
New Orleans, which seemingly would not need to cowl the price of Ingram’s extension, might pounce on this package deal that includes two picks to doubtlessly use in trades, a substitute scoring ahead in Bridges and one other all-purpose wing stopper in Tate.
Memphis Grizzlies obtain: No. 4 choose and Keldon Johnson
San Antonio Spurs obtain: Marcus Sensible, Ziaire Williams, No. 9 choose, No. 39 choose and a 2025 second-round choose (by way of MEM, HOU or OKC)
If the Grizzlies attempt to fail to stand up to No. 3, this entrance workplace could be doing backflips if Clingan dropped to No. 4.
Their frontcourt might use a glass-cleaning, shot-blocking, close-range-finishing massive physique within the center, and Clingan simply crammed that very function on consecutive nationwide championship groups at UConn.
Dropping Sensible’s management, expertise and table-setting would sting, however he has at all times appeared on paper as a less-than-ideal match with Ja Morant. Johnson would not be the main target of this deal, however his scoring punch and downhill attacking could possibly be useful to have nonetheless.
The Spurs, in the meantime, appear more likely to choose up a playmaker, and Sensible brings that label to each ends. A protection that includes him as the top of the snake and Victor Wembanyama on the again finish seems like a nightmare—even earlier than accounting for the long-limbed duo of Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan—and Sensible’s imaginative and prescient might assist give the massive fella cleaner appears to be like than he discovered throughout his rookie season.
The Spurs additionally add three picks to maintain or commerce, plus they get the possibility to see what occurs after they run Williams by way of their famed developmental program.
Whereas loads of mock predictions have modified throughout this pre-draft cycle, the hyperlink between the Pistons and Buzelis at No. 5 is way from a brand new thought.
In truth, the newest mocks from B/R’s Jonathan Wasserman, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie and ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo all characteristic this similar connection. A flexible massive wing could be a hand-in-glove match with Detroit’s roster, which has but to sprout the sort of high-end expertise that will assist deliver out Cade Cunningham’s finest.
Buzelis’ shot is a query, and that would give the already-short-on-spacing Pistons some pause, but when they imagine his shotmaking will come round, they will have loads to love along with his measurement, creation and defensive versatility.
New York Knicks obtain: No. 6 choose and Larry Nance Jr.
New Orleans Pelicans obtain: Mitchell Robinson and No. 24 choose
It might definitely be stunning to see the Knicks commerce into the highest 10, however would not this draft appear decided to serve up a number of stunners? Plus, if New York plans on paying what it takes to maintain Isaiah Hartenstein (and it could possibly be loads), then shedding the cash owed to Robinson would possibly develop into a precedence.
This deal would let the Knicks verify that field whereas bringing again a totally serviceable (and cheaper) backup heart in Nance. Extra importantly, it’d ship an optimum backcourt operating mate for Jalen Brunson, supplied Citadel’s perimeter shot comes round. That is about all of the 6’6″ guard wants so as to add, since he can deal with, create, end and defend with ferocity.
The Pelicans determine to be trying to find a brand new 5 with Jonas Valančiūnas coming into free company (and unlikely to return), and Robinson would instantly type one of many Affiliation’s most athletic 4-5 combos with Zion Williamson.
Sure, that pairing would carry an uncomfortable quantity of harm danger, however it could possibly be phenomenal and disruptive as heck if each bigs keep wholesome. Plus, New Orleans would maintain a pair of picks within the 20s and due to this fact might need the chips to make one more transfer. (That is referred to as foreshadowing, people.)
The Blazers, who additionally personal the No. 14 choose, ought to shoot for upside with at the very least one in every of their alternatives. They may do it right here with Williams.
The youthful brother of Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder swingman Jalen Williams, Cody boasts good measurement (6’7″) and size (7’1″) and will develop into the big-wing mould.
He must bulk up and fine-tune his capturing, however he appears to be like able to offering at the very least ball-handling, secondary playmaking and defensive versatility.
If the Spurs swung our commerce for Marcus Sensible, that will point out a want to compete before later. Knecht, the highest upperclassmen on this draft, would match with that thought course of.
If he is not one of the best shooter on this class, he is at the very least within the dialogue. He’s a flexible shotmaker, too, as he can separate off the dribble or fly round off the ball into open areas.
Knecht would have the sort of gravitational pull on defenders to assist take some focus off of Victor Wembanyama.
Chicago Bulls obtain: No. 9 choose
San Antonio Spurs obtain: No. 11 choose and a 2025 first-round choose (lottery-protected, by way of POR)
The Bulls have a gap for a backcourt glue-guy after reportedly buying and selling away Alex Caruso, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, and Williams could be good.
Wasserman likened Williams to Boston Celtics’ do-everything connector Derrick White whereas calling him “one of many high perimeter defenders within the draft” and “one of many nation’s finest pick-and-roll ball-handlers and a much-improved shotmaker.”
Whereas the Spurs are excessive on Williams, per Wasserman, they may see an excessive amount of overlap after our hypothetical Marcus Sensible pickup. So, they as a substitute transfer down once more to retain one other lottery choose whereas gaining a future first that would take some time to convey, as a result of its lottery safety runs by way of 2028.
The Jazz are a theoretical candidate to prioritize some security right here, since Lauri Markkanen’s window to win will not keep open eternally. After back-to-back dropping seasons, although, this could possibly be the time to chase upside, and few on this draft supply extra of it than Holland.
An inefficient season with the Ignite torpedoed his possibilities of going No. 1, however Utah would not ask him to hold practically the identical offensive burden.
As an alternative, he might deal with discovering methods for his athleticism, motor and defensive versatility to shine whereas slowly increasing an offensive arsenal that would characteristic high-end off-the-dribble capturing and passing if every thing breaks proper.
If the draft in some way magically follows our script, this could possibly be the second consecutive 12 months by which the Lone Star State pulls a quick one on the remainder of the league.
Similar to the Mavericks did final 12 months with Dereck Vigorous II, the Spurs might slide again a number of spots, acquire belongings (a choose on this case, flexibility for Dallas) and nonetheless wind up getting their man.
Whereas San Antonio could be lined at level guard within the quick time period with Marcus Sensible, Dillingham could possibly be the franchise’s long-term resolution at flooring common whereas offering an on the spot affect as an off-the-bench shotmaker.
The Kentucky product could make wow performs (and wow passes) on the transfer, and if any protection can defend towards his lack of measurement, it is most likely one with 7’4″ Victor Wembanyama manning the center.
Whereas the 18-year-old Salaun lacks seasoning, a forward-thinking franchise might see a brilliant future forward of him. And since the Thunder have already got so many younger gamers in distinguished locations of their rotation, they only could be that franchise.
He’s a 6’9″ shooter, finisher and multipositional defender who has dropped hints of getting a deep off-the-dribble bag. He could possibly be an actual discover if he lands in the correct state of affairs with the correct teaching employees.
The Kings are logical candidates to commerce this choose, however with potential trade-up targets comparable to Ron Holland and Tidjane Salaun off the board, they may not discover a prepared dance accomplice.
So, right here they as a substitute pivot towards Walter, who would arrive with loads of three-and-D instruments and an opportunity to develop into extra of a creation function if his deal with and decision-making proceed to enhance.
If this choose is instantly preceded by the alternatives of Salaun and Walter, you’ll hear an audible groan from Portland’s decision-makers.
The Blazers want a wing within the worst sort of approach, and this draft vary would not supply a super match if these gamers are off the board.
This might be a slight attain for George, however 6’7″ playmakers who can deal with and shoot will at all times intrigue. He’ll want time to regulate to the physicality of this league, however he could possibly be a extremely enjoyable match with Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe if he checks that field.
Whereas it is potential Miami would need instant outcomes out of this choose given Jimmy Butler’s rising odometer, the truth that the Warmth could possibly be eyeing stars who match Bam Adebayo’s timeline, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, suggests they is probably not feeling as a lot urgency as people suppose.
If Miami is feeling affected person, then shopping for low on Topić could be the transfer to make.
The Serb regarded like a top-10 choose earlier than the invention of his partial ACL tear, however that harm would not essentially maintain main long-term issues.
When wholesome, Topić is a giant playmaker at 6’6″ who continually pressures opposing defenses with downhill assaults and drive-and-kicks.
Whereas most groups drafting forward of this choose will deal with potential, the Sixers can afford to focus extra on the right here and now.
Nobody is aware of how for much longer they will be capable to depend on Joel Embiid staying upright, and Tyrese Maxey spent this season trying awfully able to being the second-best participant on a contender.
Philly could possibly be trying to fill in some cracks right here then, and Da Silva performs like a human adhesive. Although not an incredible athlete, he’s polished, poised and playable each in a number of roles and at a number of positions.
The Lakers adopted the double-big mannequin to championship success in the course of the 2019-20 season. They could possibly be angling to attempt that possibility once more, as SNY.television’s Ian Begley reported they’re “intently monitoring potential heart additions this offseason each by way of the NBA draft and free company.”
If L.A. desires measurement, no prospect gives extra of that than the 7’4″, 299-pound Edey.
Whereas it is unclear how a lot worth he’ll add on the perimeter at both finish, he’ll gobble up rebounds, defend the paint and torch defenders within the publish.
Whereas Orlando’s protection proved postseason-ready, a dearth of capturing successfully capped how excessive this younger membership might climb. Including a shotmaker of McCain’s ilk could possibly be a approach to increase that roof.
He’s a lights-out shooter each off the catch and off the dribble, and when defenses crowd him alongside the arch, he can choose them aside along with his passing.
It is easy to check an on-court connection between McCain and final 12 months’s No. 6 choose, Anthony Black, as a result of every participant’s expertise can cowl for the opposite’s weaknesses.
If the Raptors are dedicated to constructing round Scottie Barnes—and this season’s trades of OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam recommend they’re—then they will at all times be looking out for extra capturing.
Carrington gives precisely that. Even higher, he gives good measurement for a combo guard (6’4″ in socks with a 6’8″ wingspan), sufficient imaginative and prescient to run level and the skills to shoot and distribute off the dribble.
The Cavaliers ought to deal with discovering wins till each time they determine to interrupt aside their core of star guards Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland and star bigs Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
And regardless of some early hypothesis suggesting in any other case, it would not sound like that may occur this offseason.
So, Cleveland throws a dart right here at Furphy, a 6’8″ shooter who performs inside himself and might end round (or above) the basket.
If the Pelicans brokered our theoretical commerce for Mitchell Robinson, they might nonetheless double-down on bigs with this choose—particularly if, prefer it did right here, the Robinson deal price them Larry Nance Jr.
Missi would match into the identical rim-running function, although that is not the one place he’d make his mark. He is additionally a nimble sufficient mover to defend on the perimeter, and he has proven flashes of attacking out of face-ups.
The Suns spent this previous season with no conventional level guard. It would not sound like they will attempt that once more.
Kolek could possibly be precisely what they want: A ball-mover, shot-maker and plug-and-play prospect who appears to be like like he might deal with at the very least a major reserve function proper from the beginning.
A prospect’s playability will probably be massive for the Bucks, who solely have so many extra cracks at it with their present core. Shotmaking will matter, too, since famous person Giannis Antetokounmpo does every thing however area the ground.
Tyson must be a match from each angles. The 21-year-old appears well-equipped for a complementary function, and his far-reaching talent set ought to add instant worth.
Boston Celtics obtain: No. 24 choose
New Orleans Pelicans obtain: No. 30 choose, No. 54 choose and a 2026 second-round choose (by way of MIN, NOP, NYK or POR)
In an ideal world, the Celtics would be capable to nab a backup massive man with the thirtieth total choose. With Zach Edey and Yves Missi off the board, although, they may have doubts a few succesful heart slipping that far.
So, Boston swaps out a present and future second for the possibility to climb six picks and add Ware, an athletic 7-footer who would possibly develop into a rim-running massive with three-point contact.
Even with out the mock commerce involving Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks could possibly be out there for a backup heart.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Valuable Achiuwa are each ticketed without spending a dime company, and it appears lower than sure they may choose up their workforce possibility on Jericho Sims.
In different phrases, there are myriad methods by which Holmes might wind up on their radar. He would not supply a ton of measurement (6’9″, 236 lbs), however he’s lengthy and bouncy. He additionally could possibly be a provider of the unicorn mixture of shot-blocking and three-point capturing.
Between Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly and Deni Avdija, the Wizards would have the makings of a younger core to construct round. However they might nonetheless use a younger level guard to assist tie every thing collectively.
Collier is extra of a downhill energy scorer than a conventional flooring common, however that must be superb with Washington.
This roster wants extra offense, and that may solely develop into extra apparent if the Wizards ship out any veterans for long-term belongings.
The Timberwolves regarded a bit top-heavy within the playoffs, and it will not be straightforward balancing this roster with their skyrocketing payroll.
A fringe scorer to pair with star sub-center Naz Reid might assist, and Shannon must be probably the greatest left on the board.
He’s aggressive each with the basketball and on the defensive finish, and his three-ball by no means confirmed extra promise than it did this season (2.4 threes per sport on 36.2 p.c capturing).
This mock draft would produce some white-knuckle moments in Denver, as one serviceable backup massive after the subsequent was taken.
In the long run, although, the nervousness would dissipate with Filipowski nonetheless on the board and maybe adequate on the perimeter to log spot minutes alongside Nikola Jokić.
Extra importantly, although, the Duke product might fill in when the massive fella wants a breather and guarantee Denver nonetheless has a jumbo-sized scorer, screener, ball-handler and passer on the ground.
The Jazz might make their second upside play of the primary spherical right here, hopefully increasing what’s already an fascinating younger core.
Whereas Ron Holland does his finest work defensively, Dadiet is a hoop ready to occur.
He can shoot off the catch or the bounce and end with energy on the basket. His decision-making might use some sprucing, however the Jazz must be affected person sufficient to let that course of play out.
Whereas dealing Brandon Ingram for a middle would fill one void, it might create one other. Specifically, the Pels could be lacking a giant chunk of their scoring, creation and table-setting.
Simpson could not fill that on his personal, however he would offer assist in all of these areas, particularly if the beneficial properties he made as an out of doors shooter (43.4 p.c this season, 26.9 the 2 seasons prior) maintain.