2024 Mock 1.0
Post All-Star Break (2/21)
Post All-Star Break (2/21)
Risacher has flown up the boards quickly, and rightly so. Detroit needs to fill the gap of an off the ball shooting wing after trading Bojan Bogdanovic at the deadline, so they turn to one of the best shooters in the class. Has shown a ton of flashes with the ball in his hands, as well as his defense slowly improving.
Washington has a gift fall into their lap and couldn't come at a more fitting time after trading their starting center, Daniel Gafford. Washington could easily go guard here, as that seems to be a glaring issue long-term with the team ever With Marvin Bagley expected to hit unrestricted free agency, the future at center is up in the air, and Sarr is 100% the best selection here.
One of my favorite prospects in the class unfortunately goes to a long-time rival team of mine. Dillingham paired with Wembanyama would be unstoppable for years to come. The development of Dillingham as a playmaker, combined with his already elite scoring ability could pair himself and Tre Jones in a backcourt that could be the perfect pairing for this team's future.
Ever since Williams returned from his injury in January, he has been on a scoring tear which was his biggest question of consistency in his game. Will bring a ton of defense from the 2-4 positions. With Miles Bridges set to hit free agency, this could be a perfect pair alongside Brandon Miller and Lamelo Ball. I wouldn't be surprised if Williams jumps higher as we get closer to June.
Buzelis started off rough for the G-League Ignite, but has since found his scoring way, and did it on the biggest stage at All-Star Weekend. Brings a stretch-four ability to this team that they don't currently have, as well as pairing him up with former G-League Ignite guard, Scoot Henderson, to help space the floor.
After getting Immanuel Quickley through the OG Anunoby trade, it has become clear that there needs to be another ball handler alongside him. Taking Topic here would give a guaranteed playmaker at all times, allowing Quickley to score off the ball more and not have all the pressure on him. There's also an international connection between Topic and Head Coach Darko Rajakovic, so it could be a great pairing.
Now, I don't think Memphis picks here at all, but if they do stick and pick, Walter could be an incredible pick for this team. Awesome scorer overall at all three levels, despite some inconsistencies. Shows flashes defensively but needs improvement. This would be a value pick for the Grizzlies in hoping he can be a long-term sixth man for this team.
I hate that Holland is going to miss the rest of the season because it started to feel like he was finding his groove a bit. For Houston here at 8, you continue to stockpile these wings (Whitmore, Eason, Smith Jr) and find out what combination you think works best alongside Amen Thompson and Sengun. Brings a natural scoring ability and decent defense that could help this team in the future.
Castle's two-way ability is the most intriguing thing about him and he will have plenty of opportunities to prove himself come March. As there starts to become some turnover in the guard position for this team, Castle could slide in as a difinitive two-way threat alongside Trae Young. Great team fit pick here for Atlanta.
Sheppard has the chance to rise higher come draft time, but for now, slotting him at 10 going to OKC would be a steal. Another sharpshooter alongside this young core would be deadly, and sure up their future backcourt whether it be starters or bench guys. I think you could also see OKC moving away from this pick with their plethora of assets, but Sheppard would fit good alongside fellow Wildcats SGA and Cason Wallace.
OKC follows up the other pick by getting one of the better college big men in the draft. This team needs that bruising center that can rebound and block shots, and Clingan is your guy. 7'2 and will do the dirty work so it can take the load off of Holmgren defensively. This pick also can be, and most likely will be, traded but if they stick, this would be a great upgrade at center off the bench.
Chicago is in such an odd position and I have no clue what to do for them. I could've gone positional need at wing, but there's no real obvious or flashy pick here at that. So I pick the guy who was the number one ranked prospect coming out of high school. Sure this creates a bit of a logjam at guard for the Bulls, but Collier should get priority over the others and would pair well next to Coby White.
Portland's second pick in this draft is used to find a guy who is the complete opposite of what DeAndre Ayton is. Filipowski is a stretch big who blocks shots at a high rate. Having the dynamic of both of those guys coming in and out of the game will create havoc in the future for opposing team's big men.
Rumors swirling that Herb Jones could be expendable for the Pels leads me to find his replacement in the draft at a cheaper price. This obviously could end up being traded by draft night, but Dunn can bring awesome versatility defensively as a perimeter defender and shot blocker. Offense is left to be desired, but can definitely transition into a serviceable offensive player in the league.
At the deadline this year, there were reports and rumors that the Magic were looking for a shooter to space the floor and open up the game for the rest. Insert Dalton Knecht, who has been one of the biggest stories in college basketball this season. Elite scorer, will undoubtedly fill in the role of a shooter that the Magic are looking for. Easy pick here for Orlando in my opinion if they stay at this pick.
Cue the typical Miami Heat pick here in the mid-teens, similar to what they did last year with Jaime Jaquez, by taking an experienced and successful college player in McCullar. Amazing defender with the ability to score at a high level as well. Surrounding these types of players around their core three will only raise the bar of this team's success. McCullar will impact winning immediately and for the future.
Proctor was a projected Top 10-15 pick coming into the season, but has struggled a ton and slides down the board. If he declares, I think this would be an awesome fit for the Raptors as they try to replace Gary Trent Jr, who is expected to leave in free agency. Insert another Duke guard with great shooting ability and defensive flashes, Proctor would fit well as a sixth-man for this team immediately.
Maybe I'm not as high on Salaun as most are, but I still think he can be a valuable pick here for Atlanta. They have a high swing and miss radius when it comes to wings they draft, but Salaun would definitely become the best defender for this team instantly. Offense needs more work but that will come with his adjustment to the NBA. Good value here at 18.
I really like Tyler Smith, but I don't think as many are high on him like I am. Lefty wing player who can shoot it well, but also finish at the rim. Adding him to that wing room with Anunoby and Bogdanovic, Smith can slot in defensively in a lineup at the 4 and nobody would turn an eye. Great value here for the Knicks.
The Tyrese Maxey breakout has been one to watch for with this team, but I think they are in need of another running mate at guard with him. Insert Wagner who was very highly touted out of high school. Will bring instant playmaking and defense to the backcourt, which will only benefit Maxey and Embiid. Having two solidified guards in this lineup would expand this team to new heights that they wanted to see with Harden.
Hear me out with this pick for New York, despite this most likely being traded. Isaiah Hartenstein, who has been amazing, is a free agent and will demand more money through there that the Knicks can't afford. Mitchell Robinson isn't reliable enough health wise to prove he can be there. Insert Missi who can take on the same role Hartenstein brought with rebounding, shot blocking and interior finishing. A role player pick, but one that in the long run, will benefit this team.
With Nurkic hitting free agency, the Suns will either have to resign him or replace him, and if they slide Drew Eubanks to start, Almansa could fit right in. Don't expect him to shoot at all, but he will do all of the dirty work that's needed in order to be a fantastic role player. Phoenix is just looking for lower contract players who can help now, and Almansa would do jus tthat.
Back to back ACC picks for the team in the heart of SEC country, after getting a Cavalier, the Pels grab a Deacon in Hunter Sallis. A sharpshooting guard, has proven he can do it at a high level consistently for this Wake Forest team. Having Sallis and Hawkins as your two bench threats instantly sends a message to teams around the league to not take them easy once they sub in.
Gives Milwaukee another guard/wing guy who can score off the ball and use his athleticism defensively. A team like this can't get enough of those types of players as they work around the salary cap to create a strong team.
Experienced point guard that will take over the reigns of Reggie Jackson once his contract expires. Also gives them cap flexibility by being a late round pick. Brings elite level playmaking, but his scoring will be determined based on his adaptation to the NBA level of defense.
Edwards hasn't been as impressive this year, and outshined by his fellow freshman at Kentucky. This could be a case where Edwards returns, but as of late, he has figured it out a bit so he could declare. A great high upside pick here at 26 for Washington who brings a ton of defense and interior scoring as a wing.
Ware I think is a much better prospect than projected with his ability to shot block, rebound and stretch the floor. With the idea that Cleveland can't keep all four of their stars, Jarrett Allen is expected to be the first guy available, and if not, Ware still gives a great bench big to come in and impact the game alongside either big.
Evans is a defensive stud that has shown a ton of flashes offensively as the season progressed for him at Oregon. Utah can stack up on guard/wings that compliment the guards and bigs, Kwame is definitely one that is proven early on in his career and with the right development, can turn into a solid 3&D player.
The mystery man of 2023's draft returns after a year overseas in the NBL. This hasn't helped or hurt his stock much at all, but he will find a spot on the first night of the NBA Draft. Think of a Santi Aldama type of player with his size and versatility. Stretches the floor, can block shots and put the ball on the floor solid enough. Minnesota continues to add wings with upside to pair with the two bigs and Edwards.
Edey, whether you like him or not, will end up going in the first round. He might go higher, but Boston here at the last pick of the first round could be the sweet spot. Having a ton of bigs on expiring deals this summer, Edey can come in and serve as the backup 5 for this group immediately. Everyone knows him for his obvious size and domination at the collegiate level, but this could translate to the NBA with the right coaching and conditioning.