The NBA Draft kicks off this Wednesday night time in New York and there may be nonetheless uncertainty throughout the board, beginning with the Atlanta Hawks with the No. 1 decide. French wing Zaccharie Risacher and UConn heart Donovan Clingan are the 2 identified targets for the Hawks, and in the event that they draft Risacher, Clingan may presumably fall exterior of the highest 5.
Groups are finalizing their final exercises and conferences heading into the draft, and dealing by quite a few situations that might unfold on the primary and second nights of the NBA Draft.
Right here’s a near-final take a look at our projections for the primary and second rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft with evaluation and intel on all 58 gamers. Yahoo Sports activities will put up one ultimate up to date mock on Wednesday with notes of any motion of gamers rising up or down draft boards.
1. Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 204 kilos | JL Bourg (France)
Risacher labored out for the Hawks final week and it’s all going to return down as to if the Hawks choose a 7-2 heart in Clingan to carry down the protection or the upside alongside the perimeter with Risacher. Just like Bilal Coulibaly final 12 months, Risacher had a robust efficiency within the LNB Professional A playoffs that confirmed scouts and executives his sport and physicality will translate nicely to the NBA. Finally, there’s nothing that groups love extra in a draft prospect than youth, size and upside — and Risacher has all three.
Alex Sarr, C
Ht./Wt.: 7-1, 205 kilos | Perth Wildcats (Australia)
Sarr is as near a lock at No. 2 as one can get. He labored out and met with the Wizards however refused to do the identical for the Hawks. Sarr’s potential as an elite rim protector on protection and a pick-and-pop risk on offense, together with how nicely he runs the ground for his measurement, makes him an intriguing NBA prospect within the frontcourt who may stretch to the wing.
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 187 kilos | Class: Freshman | Kentucky
In a draft with a lot uncertainty, groups know precisely what they’re getting from Sheppard, who shot 52% from 3-point vary off the bench as a freshman at Kentucky. He is a excessive IQ participant who might be slotted alongside Amen Thompson and Jalen Inexperienced in Houston’s backcourt instantly.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 kilos | Class: Freshman | UConn
If Sheppard is off the board at No. 3, Fort is a good possibility for the Spurs. The UConn star defends the perimeter nicely, has nice measurement on the guard place and continues to develop as an offensive risk. His 3-point jumper stays an space of enchancment, however his really feel for the sport together with how nicely he complemented skilled gamers on a loaded UConn crew is an effective indication he can are available instantly and contribute constructive minutes to any crew.
Ht./Wt.: 7-2, 280 kilos | Class: Sophomore | UConn
If the Hawks don’t take Clingan at No. 1, the Pistons may look to make strikes within the frontcourt, bringing within the cellular heart so as to add rim safety and in search of to commerce Isaiah Stewart. The crew additionally wants assist alongside the perimeter and might be taking a look at Matas Buzelis or Cody Williams at No. 5, however it will be onerous to go up on Clingan as the most effective out there participant if he’s nonetheless there.
Matas Buzelis, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 212 kilos | G League Ignite
Buzelis has nice measurement and might play a number of positions with how nicely he can deal with the ball and take gamers off the dribble. Many across the league consider Buzelis is a lock at No. 5 to the Pistons, but when he falls to No. 6, he would slide in properly alongside Brandon Miller on the 4, including some versatility to a 4-man-out offense and rim safety on protection.
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 185 kilos | Class: Freshman | Colorado
It doesn’t appear like Williams will probably be there for the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder at No. 12 to play alongside his older brother, Jalen. Whereas Williams didn’t have the 12 months he needed at Colorado and handled accidents all season lengthy, he has great potential (just like Jaden McDaniels) for a crew that may be affected person along with his growth throughout a rebuild. On the Blazers, he would add some much-needed size on the wing alongside Shaedon Sharpe and Toumani Camara.
8. San Antonio Spurs
Tidjane Salaun, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 203 kilos | Cholet (France)
Salaun capped his season for Cholet on a excessive word, averaging 13.3 factors and 5.7 rebounds in 25 minutes per sport through the second spherical towards Paris Basketball. He is among the youngest gamers within the draft, turning 19 in August, and might be a very good slot in San Antonio; it helps that he performed with Victor Wembanyama in France and the 2 share the identical agent. Salaun has met with groups within the 5-12 vary and sure gained’t fall exterior of the lottery.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 kilos | Class: Senior | Tennessee
The Grizzlies will probably take the most effective participant out there at No. 9 and, relying on who remains to be on the board, Knecht is a good possibility. He is an older, skilled guard who was the most effective scorer within the SEC this season and may give strong minutes instantly.
Devin Carter, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 kilos | Class: Junior | Windfall
Carter is among the largest risers heading into the draft. He backed up his robust season at Windfall by being probably the most spectacular gamers through the agility and taking pictures drills on the mix. He is among the greatest two-way gamers on this draft and could be a enjoyable pairing alongside Keyonte George.
Ron Holland, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 206 kilos | G League Ignite
The Bulls simply added 21-year-old Josh Giddey, who will pair properly with Coby White within the backcourt. Holland can add some much-needed measurement and size to Chicago’s protection. And although he was a little bit turnover susceptible taking part in within the G League, he’ll have a special function within the NBA and gained’t want the ball in his fingers as a lot on offense.
Carlton “Bub” Carrington, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 190 kilos | Class: Freshman | Pittsburgh
The Thunder traded Giddey to the Bulls for Alex Caruso, and although Caruso will carry veteran expertise at 30 years previous, the Thunder might be concentrating on a guard with upside at 12. Carrington was a projected mid-to-late first-round decide all season and has catapulted into the lottery throughout exercises and crew conferences. He has nice measurement and might be productive offensively taking part in on or off the ball. His shot choice nonetheless wants some fine-tuning, however there are loads of groups within the 10-20 vary that love his upside.
Ja’Kobe Walter, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 195 kilos | Class: Freshman | Baylor
Walter’s sport interprets higher to the NBA than what scouts noticed from him in faculty. He has good measurement on the guard place and elite taking pictures mechanics. With the spacing of the NBA sport, it’ll free him extra as a taking pictures risk with how nicely De’Aaron Fox performs with the ball in his fingers.
14. Portland Path Blazers
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 220 kilos | Class: Senior | Colorado
The Colorado ahead was probably the greatest hybrid frontcourt gamers within the Pac-12 this 12 months. Not like Williams, who will want some additional time to develop, da Silva might be slotted into the lineup instantly and assist give some versatility and size to a younger Path Blazers crew. Da Silva performed nicely alongside a speedy guard in KJ Simpson, who liked to get downhill and facilitate, just like Scoot Henderson.
POST LOTTERY
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 kilos | Class: Freshman | Duke
McCain shoots the ball extraordinarily nicely from 3-point vary and has a fast launch that is troublesome to defend, although he is on the smaller facet as an NBA level guard. He’s an excellent tradition man and has zero off-the-court points. Final 12 months the Warmth drafted Jaime Jaquez Jr., who hunted competitors through the offseason when he was at UCLA. McCain is a equally aggressive participant. Through the summers in highschool, McCain was all over the place whether or not that was Nike Peach Jam, Steph Curry’s camp, Chris Paul’s level guard camp or Nike Abilities Academy. He does not shrink back from competitors and an opportunity to get higher.
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 164 kilos | Class: Freshman | Kentucky
Dillingham has been coping with an ankle damage because the mix and can solely have the ability to work out for a choose variety of groups main as much as the draft. Offensively he is among the greatest gamers with the ball in his fingers and has that canine mentality that groups love. However what’s giving groups pause is his work on the defensive finish, the place he has common footwork and issue staying in entrance of gamers. If he falls to 16, the Sixers may look to select him up as the most effective participant out there and somebody who’s used to taking part in alongside different ball-dominant guards after his one 12 months at Kentucky.
Kyshawn George, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 200 kilos | Class: Freshman | Miami
George averaged solely 7.6 factors throughout his one 12 months at Miami, however shot 41% from 3-point vary. Initially from Switzerland, the sharp-shooting wing shot up 4 inches two years in the past and sees the ground like some extent guard with how nicely he passes and the way fast he makes selections off the dribble.
Nikola Topić, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 201 kilos | KK Mega Basket (Serbia)
The Magic would have the luxurious of being affected person with Topić’s restoration after it was revealed he suffered a partial ACL tear late within the season. Orlando has one of many deepest backcourts within the league and may think about taking a swing on Topić if he falls, contemplating he was a projected top-five decide all 12 months due to his measurement and playmaking means.
Zach Edey, C
Ht./Wt.: 7-4, 300 kilos | Class: Senior | Purdue
Edey confirmed each scout and government on the mix that he can hit 3s at a reasonably constant price through the taking pictures drills. What’s most tasty is his measurement and the best way he can anchor a protection, however groups will probably be cautious taking him, with opponents probably searching him in screens each time down the courtroom and drawing favorable mismatches. Edey may go as excessive as 14 to Portland, with many across the league anticipating the Toronto native being off the board by 20.
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 210 kilos | Class: Freshman | USC
Relying on what occurs with Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland, a backcourt of Collier and Darius Garland might be a enjoyable pairing. Collier had a tough 12 months at USC and did not actually get to showcase his upside, however NBA spacing will probably be a lot better for Collier, who has the flexibility to get downhill. He may find yourself being a steal at 20.
Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 235 kilos | Class: Freshman | Baylor
Missi’s draft vary is wherever from 14-21 along with his upside as a rim-running huge who has a budding pick-and-pop sport. He has nice fingers, runs the ground nicely and exhibits strong footwork within the paint. Missi may have an analogous function for the Pelicans as Dereck Energetic II does in Dallas.
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 kilos | Class: Senior | Marquette
The overall consensus is that the Suns are zeroing in on Kolek at 22 along with his excessive IQ and talent to return in instantly and provides strong minutes. He performs greater than his 6-3 body, is wise with the ball and finishes nicely by contact.
Kel’el Ware, C
Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 223 kilos | Class: Sophomore | Indiana
Ware is way from a completed product, however he made some big strides at Indiana after his freshman 12 months at Oregon. He’s so gifted at his measurement and along with his footwork within the paint, however some groups query his motor, leaving him as a doable steal within the 20s.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 225 kilos | Class: Senior | Illinois
Shannon was discovered not responsible in his courtroom case that had loomed over him since January, and he may now be a first-round decide. He was extremely spectacular for Illinois on the finish of the season. The lefty guard can rating in any respect three ranges and impression a crew instantly with how nicely he reads defenses.
25. New York Knicks
Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 235 kilos | Class: Junior | Dayton
Holmes averaged 20.4 factors and eight.5 rebounds and shot 39% from 3-point vary in a restricted perimeter function at Dayton. He’s a flooring spacer with measurement who can lengthen his sport previous the 3-point line and defend the put up just like Naz Reid’s function in Minnesota.
26. Washington Wizards
Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 202 kilos | Class: Freshman | Kansas
Furphy elected to remain on this draft after reportedly turning down a profitable NIL deal to return to Kansas, main many to consider he left the mix with a promise within the first spherical. If the Wizards take Sarr with the No. 2 decide, Furphy is a superb possibility right here with how nicely he shoots the ball and his added measurement on the perimeter.
Cam Christie, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 190 kilos | Class: Freshman | Minnesota
Christie is a late riser and will sneak into the again half of the primary spherical with how nicely he’s been performing in crew exercises. He averaged 11.3 factors and shot 39% from 3-point vary throughout his freshman 12 months at Minnesota.
Tyler Smith, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 224 kilos | G League Ignite
Smith improved considerably throughout his season with the Ignite and has nice measurement at 6-11 with an inside-out sport that interprets to the NBA. He shot the 3-ball nicely all season and improved his motor.
29. Utah Jazz
Ht./Wt.: 7-0, 220 kilos | Class: Sophomore | Duke
Filipowski falling within the first spherical doesn’t essentially replicate his physique of labor throughout his sophomore 12 months at Duke, however that different gamers have greater ceilings and are rising after exercises and crew conferences. The playoff groups within the Western Convention are largely profitable with a number of 7-footers on the courtroom who can area the ground and knock down 3s. Filipowski has the potential to be that form of contributor within the NBA.
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 205 kilos | Class: Senior | Creighton
Scheierman was probably the greatest shooters on the draft mix through the 5-on-5 scrimmages. His measurement and maturity to his sport make him an ideal plug-and-play man on a seasoned, championship crew.
SECOND ROUND
31. Toronto Raptors
Jaylon Tyson, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 215 kilos | Class: Junior | Cal
Tyson was the most effective scoring guard within the Pac-12 this 12 months and needed to do every little thing offensively for a struggling Cal crew. His playmaking off the pick-and-roll as the first ball-handler and in addition off the ball is what stands out most when taking a look at his offensive output.
32. Utah Jazz
Pacome Dadiet, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 210 kilos | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Dadiet is among the youngest gamers on this draft and has a ton of future potential on the wing place. The prospect out of France labored out for the Jazz, Nets, Bucks, Celtics and others, and will sneak into the primary spherical.
33. Milwaukee Bucks
Ryan Dunn, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 216 kilos | Class: Sophomore | Virginia
Dunn was the most effective perimeter defender in faculty basketball this 12 months, however he may fall exterior the primary spherical with how poorly he shoots it from 3-point vary. He linked on solely 20% of his makes an attempt from deep this 12 months, however a crew will draft him on his defensive versatility alone.
34. Portland Path Blazers
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 212 kilos | Class: Senior | Kansas
The Kansas guard was unable to take part in any of the mix drills or pre-draft exercises with a knee damage. He already underwent surgical procedure and informed reporters on the mix that there isn’t a structural harm. McCullar was probably the greatest scoring guards in faculty basketball and, when absolutely wholesome, can contribute instantly.
35. San Antonio Spurs
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 235 kilos | Class: Senior | Weber State
If the Spurs need to wager on expertise and a participant who can are available and do loads of little issues rather well, Jones is the man. He reads the sport very nicely, dictates tempo and performs to his benefits. He’s labored on his physique through the pre-draft course of and has not too long ago labored out for Denver and Boston.
Bobi Klintman, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 225 kilos | Cairns Taipans (Australia)
Klintman has good measurement as a pick-and-pop huge and improved his choice making and physicality throughout his one season in Australia’s Nationwide Basketball League. He nonetheless has room to develop into his body and has a budding 3-point jumper.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves
AJ Johnson, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 180 kilos | Illawarra (Australia)
Johnson is the guard with the very best upside within the draft and will sneak inside the primary spherical with how nicely he performed on the mix. Johnson confirmed extra of a well-rounded sport through the 5-on-5 scrimmages, with improved shot creation off the bounce within the first sport and as extra of a facilitator within the second sport, dispensing six assists.
38. New York Knicks
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 206 kilos | Class: Senior | Akron
Among the best tales in faculty basketball, Freeman went from being a walk-on at Akron to a starter. He was probably the greatest gamers on the Portsmouth Invitational, was invited to the G League mix after which acquired referred to as up for the NBA Draft Mix. His power when he has the ball within the lane, and in addition how nicely he strikes off the ball, chopping, flashing, slipping screens, makes him an intriguing decide within the first half of the second spherical.
39. Memphis Grizzlies
Jonathan Mogbo, F
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 225 kilos | Class: Junior | San Francisco
Mogbo spent his summer season final 12 months figuring out with Raptors ahead Scottie Barnes heading into his junior 12 months. Defensively, he shines along with his footwork and the way nicely he rebounds for his measurement. He additionally turned some heads on the mix along with his shot creation off the dribble.
40. Portland Path Blazers
Ht./Wt.: 6-10, 245 kilos | Class: Sophomore | UCLA
Bona was the most effective heart on the mix through the 5-on-5 scrimmages. He’s so robust and was actually using the extra area and never forcing issues. He strikes very nicely for his measurement and can usher in some added rim safety instantly.
41. Philadelphia 76ers
Nikola Djurisic, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 214 kilos | KK Mega Bemax (Serbia)
Djurisic is a troublesome guard who competes at a excessive degree and has improved from this time final 12 months when he examined the NBA waters. He’s nice at getting downhill off the excessive display screen and finishes nicely by contact.
42. Charlotte Hornets
Justin Edwards, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 185 kilos | Class: Freshman | Kentucky
Edwards actually helped himself on the mix and all through the pre-draft course of. He was a high 5 participant popping out of highschool and will actually see a second burst as an NBA participant in the precise scenario, just like what GG Jackson did this previous season.
43. Miami Warmth
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 225 kilos | Class: Senior | Arizona
Johnson, a fifth-year senior out of Arizona, can carry expertise to a crew and are available instantly with any second unit and be productive. He shot 39% from 3 this previous season and averaged beneath two turnovers his whole faculty profession.
44. Houston Rockets
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 233 kilos | Class: Junior | North Carolina
Ingram’s function at North Carolina this 12 months is strictly what groups wanted to see when it comes to how he may match within the NBA. He’s a hybrid wing with the scale and power to drop down low in a small-ball lineup, and he shoots the ball constantly from completely different spots on the courtroom.
45. Sacramento Kings
Jamal Shead, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-1, 200 kilos | Class: Senior | Houston
For groups on the lookout for a dependable lead guard to return in and run the second unit, Shead is the proper decide. He’s so powerful on each side of the ball and will actually have an extended profession within the NBA along with his work ethic, poise and decision-making on the courtroom.
KJ Simpson, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 190 kilos | Class: Junior | Colorado
Simpson made up the second half of the two-man tandem at Colorado that introduced success within the postseason. He performs a lot greater than his listed 6-2 measurement and has a pleasant floater within the lane. His 3-point shot has improved and he has constantly shot the ball nicely throughout exercises.
47. Orlando Magic
Jaylen Wells, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-7, 205 kilos | Class: Junior | Washington State
Wells transferred from a Division II program to Washington State. Despite the fact that he’s a little bit of a late bloomer, he confirmed extra confidence in Energy 5 competitors and has upside as an NBA backcourt contributor.
Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 kilos | Class: Senior | Arizona
Larsson was an environment friendly scorer on a really deep Arizona crew. What he lacks in footspeed defensively, he makes up for on the offensive facet of the ball, taking pictures 42% from 3-point vary.
49. Indiana Pacers
Ulrich Chomche, C
Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 235 kilos | Cameroon
Chomche will probably be a draft-and-stash participant with how far more growth he wants previous to logging significant minutes within the NBA. He has turnover tendencies when getting the ball off the block and might want to get a little bit extra bodily within the paint.
50. Indiana Pacers
Trentyn Flowers, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 190 kilos | Adelaide 36ers (Australia)
Flowers remains to be a little bit of a uncooked prospect on the guard place, however confirmed upside as a playmaker through the mix and higher shot choice within the halfcourt set. The open courtroom is the place he excels, ending with flashy dunks in transition.
51. Washington Wizards
Tristen Newton, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 195 kilos | Class: Senior | UConn
Newton was the ground normal for the back-to-back champions and was very composed all season in high-pressure conditions. He’s a three-level scorer and nice passer who averaged 15.1 factors and 6.2 assists per sport.
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 205 kilos | Class: Senior | UConn
Spencer wasn’t nice on the mix and acquired a little bit misplaced through the 5-on-5 scrimmages, however his physique of labor at UConn speaks for itself. He’s an extremely competitor who can finally be that glue-guy on a crew just like Derrick White.
53. Detroit Pistons
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 190 kilos | Class: Junior | UC Santa Barbara
The Pistons want exterior shooters and Mitchell averaged 20 factors whereas taking pictures 40% from 3 throughout his junior 12 months at UC Santa Barbara. He’s an enormous guard who’s strong within the pick-and-roll possibility.
54. Boston Celtics
Ht./Wt.: 6-11, 235 kilos | Class: Senior | Marquette
Ighodaro had powerful assignments all season. In November, he performed towards Adem Bona (UCLA), Hunter Dickinson (Kansas) and Zach Edey (Purdue) in three consecutive video games and held his personal within the paint. The Celtics gained the title taking part in 5 out however Ighodaro can add some measurement and physicality within the lane when wanted.
Bronny James, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 210 kilos | Class: Freshman | USC
James is way from a completed product, however proved he belonged on this draft class as a prospect on the draft mix, the place he shot the ball nicely and confirmed extra scoring potential within the lane along with his floater.
56. Denver Nuggets
Juan Nunez, G
Ht./Wt.: 6-4, 190 kilos | Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Nunez has improved lots on the level guard place because the FIBA World Cup final 12 months taking part in for Spain. He nonetheless lacks a second burst when taking gamers off the dribble and getting downhill, however passes nicely and has good measurement for a draft-and-stash level guard.
57. Memphis Grizzlies
Ht./Wt.: 6-5, 185 kilos | Class: Junior | Creighton
Alexander was the primary possibility for Creighton this 12 months and confirmed extra on-ball creation, averaging 17.6 factors, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists per sport.
Melvin Ajinca, G/F
Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 200 kilos | Saint Quentin (France)
Ajinca averaged 11.5 factors through the LNB Professional A playoffs and has a ton of upside as a fringe scorer. He’s a two-way participant who rebounds nicely and has a excessive IQ.