For the second consecutive 12 months, it seems like a global participant would be the No. 1 general choose within the NBA draft.
If it’s Zaccharie Risacher or Alexandre Sarr – and they’re Nos. 1-2 in a number of mock drafts – that participant will even develop into the fifteenth worldwide participant chosen No. 1. It additionally could be the primary time that two French gamers had been chosen No. 1 in consecutive seasons following Victor Wembanyama at No. 1 in 2023.
Additionally, Risacher and Sarr are in line to develop into the primary pair of French gamers to go within the high 5 in the identical draft.
At the very least two worldwide gamers have been drafted within the high 10 yearly since 2013, and not less than 10 worldwide gamers have been drafted since 2000.
The primary spherical of the NBA draft is Wednesday at Barclays Middle in Brooklyn (8 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC), with the second spherical following Thursday (4 p.m. ET, ESPN). Right here is USA TODAY’s closing 2024 NBA mock draft:
1. Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Ahead, 6-feet-8, 195 kilos, 19 years previous
2023-24 stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 48.7% FG, 42.4% 3PT, 71.6% FT
Has the scoring capacity, dimension, size, quickness and athleticism groups are in search of in at the moment’s NBA. Fast launch on catch-and-shoots, is ready to create off the dribble and runs the courtroom effectively.
2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Ahead-center, 7-0, 224, 19
2023-24 stats: 9.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 51.6% FG, 71% FT
A robust defender and shot-blocker who performs with pressure on each ends; has good palms, makes use of his physique effectively and although he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he will get it to go in. His brother participant, Olivier, is on a two-way G League contract with Oklahoma Metropolis.
3. Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Guard, 6-2, 182, 20
2023-24 stats: 12.5 ppg, 4.5 apg, 4.1 rpg, 2.5 spg, 53.6% FG, 52.1% 3PT, 83.1% FT
Can flat out rating, particularly off screens, utilizing floaters or pulling up in transition. Lacks elite athleticism however handles ball effectively sufficient to warrant take a look at level guard. Will compete defensively, and rebounds effectively for his dimension. Carried out effectively on the NBA draft mix together with his shot and spectacular 42-inch vertical leap.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Ahead, 6-9, 197, 19
2023-24 stats: 14.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 bpg, 45.3% FG, 26.1% 3PT, 69.6% FT
Good leaping capacity, surprises together with his dunks, smooth taking pictures contact, performs via contact and has playmaking capacity. Examined effectively on the mix with agility, vertical leap and different drills.
5. Detroit Pistons: Cody Williams, Colorado
Ahead, 6-6, 178, 19
2023-24 stats: 11.9 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.6 apg, 55.2% FG, 41.5% 3PT, 71.4% FT
Williams’ perimeter protection and scoring capacity make him a first-rate candidate for a top-10 choose. Can get to the rim with ease, and finishes with energy though listed at 6-6, 178 kilos. Has 3-point vary, and his mid-range recreation is stable on the faculty stage.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Donovan Clingan, UConn
Middle, 7-2, 282, 20
2023-24 stats: 13.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 63.9% FG, 58.3% FT
Clingan actually improved his draft place as UConn received its second consecutive title. A robust large man with succesful palms who is hard to defend within the low publish; a employee on the glass, particularly offensively, and might function in pick-and-rolls because the screener going to the basket. Has rim-protecting expertise. Enjoying away from the basket on each ends shall be his problem within the NBA.
7. Portland Path Blazers: Stephon Fortress, UConn
Guard, 6-6, 210, 19
2023-24 stats: 11.1 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 47.2% FG, 26.7% 3PT, 75.5% FT
Whereas his stats don’t leap out, he’s an enormous guard, particularly on the level, who can play a number of positions. Can create personal shot however shall be most helpful on the defensive finish to begin profession. He doesn’t pressure pictures, picks his spots and was robust to defend within the NCAA Match, scoring 21 towards Alabama within the semifinals and 15 towards Purdue within the closing on a mixed 13-for-26 taking pictures. Changing into a stable NBA shooter is a requirement.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Guard, 6-1, 164, 19
2023-24 stats: 15.2 ppg, 3.9 apg, 2.9 rpg, 47.5% FG, 44.4% 3PT, 79.6% FT
As a smaller guard, he’s elite at creating personal shot, via spot-up taking pictures or dribble penetration due to his pace and ball-handling. Might want to get stronger and enhance shot choice. Though Kentucky misplaced within the first spherical and Dillingham measured much less in top and weight than he was listed in faculty, Dillingham stays a projected lottery choose.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Guard, 6-6, 196, 18
2023-24 stats: 19.5 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 2.4 spg, 45.5% FG, 23.7% 3PT, 72.8% FT
Sustained season-ending thumb damage however confirmed his potential as a high-flying wing who prospers off the dribble and in transition and likes to attain; stable shot-blocker for his dimension; good physique management whereas within the air. His 3-point shot wants enchancment.
10. Utah Jazz: Devin Carter, Windfall
Guard, 6-2, 193, 22
2023-24 stats: 19.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.8 spg, 47.3% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 74.9% FT
Robust, bodily guard who can rating from a number of spots on the courtroom and can post-up smaller guards. Supplies excellent rebounding and shot-blocking from his place. Son of former NBA guard Anthony Carter.
11. Chicago Bulls: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Guard, 6-5, 212, 23
2023-24 stats: 21.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 45.8% FG, 39.7% 3PT, 77.2% FT
Robust on catch-and-shoot 3s, can drive to the basket with energy and finesse, and is athletic. Will want work defensively, and sure, he’s 23, however that shouldn’t be a detractor. He delivered nice offensive performances late within the season, scoring 40 towards Kentucky and 37 towards Purdue within the Elite Eight.
12. Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder: Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France)
Ahead, 6-9, 217, 18
2023-24 stats: 8.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 spg, 36.7% FG, 32.2% 3PT, 74.7% FT
One other athletic and prolonged wing from France who has immense offensive potential as a scorer. Can deal with the ball and is concentrated on making the best play. The success of NBA rookies Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly this season has put a highlight on these younger French gamers.
13. Sacramento Kings: Nikola Subject, KK Crvena Zvezda
Guard, 6-6, 203, 18
2023-24 stats: 18.4 ppg, 7.3 apg, 3.9 rpg, 50% FG, 25.8% 3PT, 86.2% FT
The Serbian level guard, who has been sidelined with a knee damage, has nice dimension for his place; likes to drive to the rim and might end with both hand; can shoot the three however might want to enhance his proportion. Robust passer, not flashy, however sees the courtroom and might make the best cross.
14. Portland Path Blazers: Zach Edey, Purdue
Middle, 7-4, 299, 22
2023-24 stats: 25.2 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.2 bpg, 62.3% FG, 71.1% FT
Edey was excellent within the match, main Purdue to the title recreation the place he had 37 factors, 10 rebounds and two blocks within the loss to UConn. Had 40 factors and 16 rebounds towards Tennessee in an Elite Eight recreation. Edey is a bear to defend within the low publish and is a two-time faculty participant of the 12 months. However within the NBA, is he cellular sufficient, particularly defensively, to maintain up with type and tempo? He had a stable displaying together with his taking pictures and measurables on the draft mix.
15. Miami Warmth: Jared McCain, Duke
Guard, 6-2, 203, 20
2023-24 stats: 14.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.1 spg, 46.2% FG, 41.4% 3PT, 88.5% FT
An environment friendly scorer on a gifted staff, McCain has vary from 3 and might shoot it off the dribble or on the catch. Made eight 3-pointers in a recreation twice this season, together with 8-for-11 towards James Madison within the NCAA Match.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Guard, 6-4, 197, 19
2023-24 stats: 14.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.4 apg, 1.1 spg, 37.6% FG, 34.1% 3PT, 79.2% FT
Typical 3-and-D participant who will match NBA groups in search of a shotmaker. Might want to make up deficiencies, resembling questionable ball-handling expertise. He competes defensively and rebounds effectively for a two-guard.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Ahead, 6-8, 217, 23
2023-24 stats: 16.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.1 spg, 49.3% FG, 39.5% 3PT, 83.5% FT
Shows a flexible and savvy talent set offensively, together with capacity to shoot 3s, reduce to the rim, publish up and run the offense. He performed effectively within the match, making 9 of 16 3s.
18. Orlando Magic: Johnny Furphy, Kansas
Guard, 6-8, 188, 19
2023-24 stats: 9.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 46.6 FG%, 35.2% 3PT, 76.5% FT
Continues to maneuver up draft boards, particularly together with his play in Large 12 regular-season video games and in pre-draft exercises. Runs the courtroom effectively, finishes in transition and might knock down spot-up 3s. He was one in all 21 gamers to obtain an invitation to the inexperienced room for the primary spherical.
19. Toronto Raptors: Kyshawn George, Miami
Guard, 6-7, 208, 20
2023-24 stats: 7.6 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 42.6% FG, 40.8% 3PT, 77.8% FT
Born in Switzerland, George is inconsistent as a scorer and playmaker however has the power to knock down 3s. Has proven sufficient as a scorer and rebounder together with his dimension to draw first-round consideration.
MORE:Out of Africa: Duke recruit Khaman Maluach grew recreation at NBA Academy in Senegal
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Isaiah Collier, Southern Cal
Guard, 6-2, 205, 19
2023-24 stats: 16.3 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.9 rpg, 1.5 spg, 49.0% FG, 33.8% 3PT, 67.3% FT
Ought to be healed from hand damage suffered throughout season. Has an NBA-ready body and will get to the rack and finishes. Nonetheless must work on inconsistent leap shot and could be a shut-down defender if he places his thoughts to it. Has lottery-caliber expertise and will find yourself being a extremely robust choose for a staff on this vary.
21. New Orleans Pelicans: Yves Missi, Baylor
Middle, 6-11, 230, 20
2023-24 stats: 10.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg, 61.4% FG, 61.6% FT
Good athlete and is an efficient rim protector and rebounder, however should work on offensive recreation, particularly establishing publish strikes, to justify a doable lottery choose. Has hassle at free-throw line.
22. Phoenix Suns: Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Middle, 6-11, 230, 20
2023-24 stats: 16.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.5 bpg, 1.1 spg, 50.5% FG, 34.8% 3PT, 67.1% FT
A low-post large who makes use of his dimension, power and athleticism. Because the screener on pick-and-rolls, he can step outdoors and hit 3s and go to the bucket for dunks and layups.
23. Milwaukee Bucks: Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
Guard, 6-4, 195, 18
2023-24 stats: 13.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.1 apg, 41.2% FG, 32.2% 3PT, 78.5% FT
Nice dimension for guard who can play level and off the ball. Has vary together with his shot (he must develop into more adept) and does a bit of little bit of the whole lot offensively, conserving teammates concerned together with his passing. He’s a stable rebounder.
24. New York Knicks: Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Middle, 7-0, 230, 20
2023-24 stats: 15.9 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.5 apg, 58.6% FG, 42.5% 3PT, 63.4% FT
Stable defender and rebounder and runs the ground effectively for a 7-footer. Has tendency to vanish in video games however is efficient on pick-and-rolls and pick-and-pops. Tends to battle defensively towards larger, stronger foes, however has an offensive recreation that may translate.
25. New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Guard, 6-8, 216, 21
2023-24 stats: 8.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.3 bpg, 1.3 spg, 54.8% FG, 20% 3PT, 54.8% FT
Dunn excels in transition however might want to enhance his outdoors shot and offensive expertise in half-court offense. Excellent defender on the ball and as a shot-blocker utilizing his size, power and athleticism – and could be a pleasant slot in Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau’s protection.
26. Washington Wizards: Tyler Kolek, Marquette
Guard, 6-1, 196, 23
2023-24 stats: 15.3 ppg, 7.7 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.6 spg, 49.6% FG, 38.8% 3PT, 85.1% FT
A playmaker and scorer, particularly off the dribble, Kolek sees the courtroom effectively, operates with savvy within the pick-and-roll and is intelligent together with his finishes on the rim. He had six double-doubles in factors and assists this season.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Terrence Shannon, Illinois
Guard, 6-6, 219, 23
2023-24 stats: 23.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1.0 spg, 47.5% FG, 36.2% 3PT, 80.1% FT
Shannon can rating and proved that within the Large Ten and NCAA tournaments, placing up not less than 26 factors in 5 of his closing six video games, together with 40 towards Nebraska. He was discovered not responsible of rape in a June trial.
28. Denver Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Ahead, 6-9, 236, 21
2023-24 stats: 20.4 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.1 bpg, 54.4% FG, 38.6% 3PT, 71.3% FT
Holmes combines power, finesse and footwork for a recreation that works effectively on the rim. He can end with both hand, operates within the pick-and-roll. He’s a not a high-volume 3-point shooter however has proven enchancment and a capability to make the shot.
29. Utah Jazz: Pacome Dadiet, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Ahead, 6-8, 187, 18
2023-24 stats: 6.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 52.4% FG, 39.1% 3PT, 78.7% FT
One of many youngest gamers within the draft, Dadiet doesn’t flip 19 till July 27. He’s one other one of many rising French wings with size, athleticism and offensive upside.
30. Boston Celtics: Baylor Scheierman, Creighton
Guard, 6-6, 201, 23
2023-24 stats: 18.5 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 3.9 apg, 44.8% FG, 38.1% 3PT, 87.6% FT
Scheierman can shoot the three, displaying that in faculty and on the draft mix the place he made execs consider he’s a first-round choose. He has vary, will get his shot off from outdoors rapidly both off the dribble or on catch-and-shoots, and might end on the rim with both hand. Reads the pick-and-roll and sees the courtroom effectively.
Observe NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on social media @JeffZillgitt