Paul’s 2024 NBA Mock Draft 3.0 FINAL

The 2024 NBA Draft is here and in a week’s time we will know where the future of the league will be headed. This year’s draft is perceived by many not to be very deep, with several solid talents in the front end and a lot of question marks throughout. The top three talents seem to be French wing Zaccharie Risacher, Australian big man Alex Sarr, and UConn star big Donovan Clingan, all having a decent shot at being the #1 pick. The Atlanta Hawks won the lottery and will be selecting first overall for the first time in franchise history. The biggest loser of the lottery was the Detroit Pistons, who despite finishing with the worst record, will pick fifth. For the first time ever, the draft will be held over two days, with the 1st Round taking place on Wednesday June 26 and the 2nd round on Thursday June 27. So after a year of scouting and ranking, here is my 2024 FINAL NBA Mock Draft, packed with all 58 picks, 1st round write-ups, 2nd round depth charts, and the top undrafted players.

1st Round

The Hawks have landed the first overall pick for the first time in franchise history, and can go a variety of ways here. It’s really down to three options: the two big men in Alex Sarr and Donovan Clingan, and athletic wing Zaccharie Risacher. Sure they can go big with a new pick-and-roll mate for Trae, but Risacher brings the potential of another slasher to align with Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela in the frontcourt. Plus, he will be in a system where he can grow and won’t need to be an immediate impact right off the bat — it’s a win-win.

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The Wizards are coming off of one of their worst seasons in franchise history, finishing 15-67 while landing this pick. They can use just about anything, but most likely they will go big man here which is an area they need badly. In my opinion, Sarr will be their top choice if he doesn’t go #1, with Clingan being their backup option.

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The Rockets were the biggest winners of the lottery, while just narrowly missing out on the play-in tournament yet still landing the 3rd pick. They have the ability to land a top end talent to their young core of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith, and veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks. Clingan had a superstar year in his sophomore season, winning his second title and can become a dominant low post presence in the league. He has the ability to make Houston a legitimate contender in 2024-25.

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The Spurs saw a nice kickstart to their rebuild with the emergence of a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama. Adding more young depth with their two top 10 picks will be the key, and one of them should be a true PG to replace Tre Jones. Sheppard is looked at as arguably the best prospect in the draft, with elite two-way talent to be a 2+ spg guy and even a 50/40/90 shooter. If the big men all go top 3, I have a tough time seeing Pop pass on a guy like Sheppard at 4.

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The Pistons are in a world of turmoil after finishing a league worst 14-68 but ending up with the 5th overall pick. They have gone 1st round guard in each of the last three drafts with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, and Ausar Thompson. They will undoubtedly like to go with a big, and Buzelis brings the potential to be a stretch 4 with hybrid skills to play 3 through 5. He still seems to be growing as well, and can be a good piece to add to a frontcourt with Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

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The Hornets need a lot, and a true playmaking PG that can take the ease off of LaMelo should be right in their realm. Castle and Dillingham will be the two likely guys that fall to 6, and if Stephon is still on the board I think Charlotte will definitely take him. Castle has great potential on the defensive end, and is a driver that can be a high assist guy playing alongside guys like Ball and Brandon Miller, who are score-first players.

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In all of the hoopla of the rebuild, the Blazers have been able to stack a few assets especially in the backcourt in Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson. The two of them look to be the future guards of the team, but with a pick looming at 7 that only really has guards available, Portland will need to make a choice of keeping or trading the pick. Taking a floor general and pure playmaker like Dillingham could take ball handling duties off the shoulders of Henderson, move Sharpe to the 3, and lead way for an Anfernee Simons trade this offseason.

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With the second of their two top 10 picks, it will be likely that the Spurs go best available with their plethora of needs. Nikola Topic has missed the vast majority of his season due to injury, but still remains a high upside big PG built for the modern day position. This scenario can stack up the team’s guard depth, with Topic, Sheppard, Branham, and Vassell sharing minutes.

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The Grizzlies are the sole team in the top 10 that is slated to compete hard in ’24-’25 with star Ja Morant set to return to full strength. The key here for them will be to trade the pick for veteran depth, or bring in a ready-to-play rookie that won’t be a project. Knecht fits that mold perfectly, as the star scorer put on a show in the SEC this year, being able to score at all levels of the floor. He can be an elite bench piece to aid the second unit in scoring.

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The Jazz will definitely be looking for a solid piece at 10 to aid their bench and get them back into the playoff mix next year. Holland showed a lot of development throughout his G-League season, and can be a plus defender with rim attacking capabilities. This also seems like a pick that can get traded, especially if Utah plans on trying to re-sign Talen Horton-Tucker and Kris Dunn.

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In an offseason where they may lose DeMar DeRozan and look to deal Zach LaVine, Chicago will look towards their future at 11. They have plenty of guards, with Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu on fresh new contracts and can look to bring in another big man to compliment (and potentially replace) Nikola Vucevic. Filipowski looks to be a modern day big, with pick-and-roll skills and the ability to spread the floor from 3. His ceiling is what Vucevic has been over the past 10 years.

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The Thunder shocked everyone by becoming the 1-seed in the West this year, proving they’re well ahead of schedule. It’s really only up from here, as the team has stock piled plenty of future 1st round picks to potentially trade and acquire veterans to aid their young core. The 12th pick could easily get moved, but come draft day if Cody Williams is still on the board it would be hard to pass up. He’d be joining his brother who is becoming an all-star level player and could add much needed scoring and length off the bench.

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In my opinion, the Kings still remain one of the brighter teams of the future despite a rough season. But with Malik Monk set to hit free agency, they will either have to pay a lot or lose their best complimentary scorer to Sabonis and Fox. McCain could end up being a perfect fit in this spot, as he projects to have his scoring capabilities translate well to the NBA despite being undersized. With a healthy Huerter, he gives their bench a scorer to compliment Davion Mitchell’s and Keon Ellis’ defensive skills.

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The Blazers have both the 7th and 14th picks in this year’s draft and once again are in a tough spot. Their need lies with frontcourt help, but the top players that will be available in both of these spots will be guards. Carter should definitely not fall past 14 and has the potential to be a great defender and facilitator in the NBA. If Dillingham and Carter head to Portland, it could lead way for them to shop Anfernee Simons with strong intentions this offseason.

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The Heat had an up and down year after losing in the NBA Finals in 2023, casting some doubt around their core. Will Jimmy Butler be seriously shopped? Regardless, their backcourt core of Tyler Herro, Terry Rozier, and Duncan Robinson gives you no facilitators after Kyle Lowry was let go midway through the year. Isaiah Collier could be a perfect fit here if he falls to 15. He had an up-and-down year as the #1 recruit in the nation, but he gives NBA caliber playmaking skills. He’ll need to develop on his shooting efficiency and defense, but Miami is the perfect spot for him to work on that around a championship core.

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The 16th pick will prove to be a very important one, as the Sixers look to build back up a roster that has a bench filled with expiring contracts. As of now, Philly’s only guaranteed contract for next year is Joel Embiid, although they will have a Maxey extension, and re-signing Oubre and Lowry at the top of their list. McCullar missed the second half of the year due to a knee injury, but still remains a mid-late 1st round lock in my book. His talent to be a bench 3-and-D player should be super intriguing to any contender picking in the 15-25 range.

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Lingering around the franchise is LeBron’s uncertain future, the Bronny links, and everything in between — now the Lakers have an interesting choice at 17. This could play out to be a crucial pick with the team’s future in doubt. So honestly, who else could be a better fit than the reigning back-to-back NPOY? Whom has risen his stock into a sure fire 1st rounder. He can be eased into the lineup at first, but all Edey will need is to compliment AD with his freakish size and paint presence, while giving LA a potential building block of the future if the glory days of the King are over.

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The Magic are finally starting to build a winner, and after a tough 1st round battle with Cleveland, Orlando fans have hope for the future. The team needs to add scoring badly, someone who can compliment Paolo Banchero and isn’t a defensive minded wing. Walter could be great here if he falls this far, as he’s a versatile scorer with solid defensive skills. He’ll need to improve his jump shooting but has the makings to be a solid bench piece.

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The Raptors opted to enter a rebuild in 2024 after dealing stars Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, leading way for Scottie Barnes to become the franchise cornerstone. A few other good pieces clog up the backcourt with R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick meaning a forward should be on their wish list. Salaun is seen by some as one of the better combo forward prospects who can become a multi-tool defender. Perfect to slot alongside their young offensive weapons.

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The Cavs have a lot of uncertainty with a new Head Coach on the way and the potential shopping of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. Losing just one of those guys leaves a vast hole in their backcourt, making TSJ a perfect fit for them at 20. If it wasn’t for his trial, Shannon would be a lottery pick and is a chiseled soon to be 24 year old 3-and-D player. He is now proven clear of all charges legally and in the right system he can be a starting 2 or 3 in the league in my book.

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The Pelicans will need depth at 21, and despite having one of the better defensive cores in the league, a defensive minded big could be a good fit. At the very least, if Jonas Valanciunas is extended they’ll need a defender to back him up and Missi could fit perfect. He’s a great rim protector with solid scoring skills in the paint. He can slot in as a younger and more expendable replacement for Cody Zeller.

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With the big let down of year 1 of the KD/Booker/Beal core, Phoenix will be bringing in NBA champ Mike Budenholzer to run the show. Things should look a lot different next year, and the key will be to add to the depth on the bench. Da Silva has been a talented scorer all four years for the Buffaloes, whom has only developed more and more shooting-wise. I like this fit a lot as it gives Phoenix a young bench piece that can be impactful from year 1 at 23-years-old.

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This is a highly likely candidate for a pick that will get traded, but if the Bucks stay at 23 they should be looking for a big man. There isn’t a ton of options this late for immediate impacts, so a guy like Chomche who is raw with high upside could be the move. He’ll only turn 19 halfway through the season and has barely played any real competition this year, but his size and low post skills bring some promise. He’ll likely be a 2 or 3 year G-League regular.

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It was a magical year for the Knicks who have cemented themselves as a consistent contender for the first time in 20+ years. If they decide to keep their picks at 24 and 25, I don’t believe they need any guards with their deep depth. Isaiah Hartenstein is set to be a free agent and the team could use more security at center, not named Jericho Sims. Ware is a perfect fit, as he’s a good low post presence but can stretch the floor whether he backs up Robinson and Hartenstein or just Mitch.

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If they go center at 24, the next need to look at is a stretch forward that can shoot (i.e. a Bogdanovic replacement for after next year). Scheierman has flown up draft charts as a late 1st round talent who can shoot, defend, and rebound with solid size as an NBA wing. He could be a perfect fit and the type of bruiser Thibs would love off the bench.

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The Wizards will pick again in the 1st round, and with them landing Alex Sarr at #2, they can look at a guard with this pick. Bub Carrington had a great freshman year for Pitt, showing talent to develop into a combo guard role player. With Tyus Jones and Landry Shamet both potentially on their way out, Carrington can see a lot of bench minutes with Johnny Davis in ’24-’25.

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The Timberwolves proved this season that they are just a couple of pieces away from being a title contender for the first time in franchise history. Their biggest need will be backcourt depth, especially at PG with an aging Mike Conley not having a true playmaking backup. Kolek has had an illustrious career at Marquette, giving promise to have a solid NBA bench career as a high IQ playmaker. This could be a perfect fit, as he is ready to compete for a contender right off the bat.

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With most of the young bench pieces being guards for the 2023 champs, the Nuggets could look to fill out their frontcourt at 28. Smith had a great year for Ignite in the G-League, showing off solid shooting to spread the floor at 6’9 and being a defensive weapon. He could fit nicely in the second unit with Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson.

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With the second of their two first round picks, the Jazz will most likely use one of these picks as trade bait. In the event they hold on to 29, they should be taking best available and K.J. Simpson would be next on that list. Simpson is an impactful scorer despite being undersized, as he was the motor that ran the Buffaloes into a March Madness appearance. He and Ron Holland would be a solid 1st round draft class for this year.

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At 30, the Celtics could look a variety of ways with their team practically already built to win for the future. I think this pick could be a surprise one, and a grad-senior that’s ready to play immediately will be the most likely pick. Look no further than Tristen Newton, who was an All-American transfer for the national champ Huskies. He’s an all-around solid player that can develop into a good bench piece in the backcourt. He’s not a first round talent to many, but he is to me.

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2nd Round

’24-’25 Raptors Frontcourt Depth:
F Scottie Barnes, C Jakob Poeltl, C Kelly Olynyk, SF Jalen McDaniels, PF/C Chris Boucher, PF Mouhamadou Gueye (2-way)
SF Jordan Nwora (UFA), SF Garrett Temple (UFA), C Malik Williams (RFA)

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’24-’25 Jazz Frontcourt Depth:
F Lauri Markkanen, PF John Collins, C Walker Kessler, SF Taylor Hendricks, SF Brice Sensabaugh
C Omer Yurtseven (NG), PF Kenneth Lofton Jr. (NG), PF Darius Bazley (NG), Luka Samanic (UFA)

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’24-’25 Bucks Frontcourt Depth:
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF Khris Middleton, C Brook Lopez, PF Bobby Portis, SF Chris Livingston, SF Jaylin Galloway (2-way)
SF Jae Crowder (UFA), SF Thanasis Antetokounmpo (UFA), SF Danilo Gallinari (UFA)

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’24-’25 Trail Blazers Frontcourt Depth:
C Deandre Ayton, F Jerami Grant, C Robert Williams III, SF Shaedon Sharpe, PF Kris Murray, C Duop Reath
PF Jabari Walker (NG), C Moses Brown (UFA), SF Justin Minaya (RFA), C Ibou Badji (RFA)

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’24-’25 Spurs Frontcourt Depth:
C Victor Wembanyama, SF Keldon Johnson, F Jeremy Sochan, PF/C Zach Collins, PF Sidy Cissoko
SF Julian Champagnie (NG), C Charles Bassey (NG), SF Cedi Osman (UFA), C Sandro Mamukelashvili (RFA), PF Dominick Barlow (RFA)

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’24-’25 Pacers Backcourt Depth:
PG Tyrese Haliburton, SG Bennedict Mathurin, PG Andrew Nembhard, SG Ben Sheppard
PG T.J. McConnell (NG), PG Isaiah Wong (RFA), SG Quenton Jackson (RFA)

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’24-’25 Timberwolves Backcourt Depth:
SG Anthony Edwards, PG Mike Conley, G Nickeil Alexander-Walker, SG Wendell Moore Jr., SG Jaylen Clark (2-way)
PG Monte Morris (UFA), PG Jordan McLaughlin (UFA), PG Daishen Nix (RFA)

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’24-’25 Knicks Backcourt Depth:
PG Jalen Brunson, SG Josh Hart, SG Donte DiVincenzo, PG Miles McBride
SG DaQuan Jeffries (TO), SG Alec Burks (UFA), SG Shake Milton (UFA), SG Charlie Brown Jr. (RFA), PG Duane Washington Jr. (RFA)

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’24-’25 Grizzlies Frontcourt Depth:
PF Jaren Jackson Jr., SF Ziaire Williams, PF/C Brandon Clarke, C Santi Aldama, PF G.G. Jackson, F Jake LaRavia, SF Vince Williams Jr., PF Trey Jemison (2-way)
SF Yuta Watanabe (PO), SF Lamar Stevens (UFA)

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’24-’25 Trail Blazers Frontcourt Depth:
C Deandre Ayton, F Jerami Grant, C Robert Williams III, SF Shaedon Sharpe, PF Kris Murray, C Duop Reath
PF Jabari Walker (NG), C Moses Brown (UFA), SF Justin Minaya (RFA), C Ibou Badji (RFA)

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’24-’25 76ers Backcourt Depth:
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SG Tyrese Maxey (RFA), SG Buddy Hield (UFA), G De’Anthony Melton (UFA), PG Kyle Lowry (UFA), PG Jeff Dowtin (TO), SG Ricky Council IV (NG), PG Cameron Payne (UFA), SG Terquavion Smith (RFA)

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’24-’25 Hornets Frontcourt Depth:
SF Brandon Miller, PF Grant Williams, C Nick Richards, C Mark Williams, SF Cody Martin, C Marques Bolden (2-way)
SF Miles Bridges (UFA), F Davis Bertans (PO), C Aleksej Pokusevski (NG), F J.T. Thor (TO)

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’24-’25 Heat Frontcourt Depth:
SF Jimmy Butler, C Bam Adebayo, SF Duncan Robinson, SF Jaime Jaquez Jr., SF Nikola Jovic
SF Caleb Martin (PO), PF Kevin Love (PO), F Haywood Highsmith (UFA), C Thomas Bryant (PO), C Orlando Robinson (NG)

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’24-’25 Rockets Frontcourt Depth:
C Alperen Sengun, SF Dillon Brooks, PF Jabari Smith Jr., C Steven Adams, F Tari Eason, SF Cam Whitmore
SF Jeff Green (TO), PF Jock Landale (NG), SF Jae’Sean Tate (TO), SF Reggie Bullock (UFA), C Boban Marjanovic (UFA)

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’24-’25 Kings Frontcourt Depth:
PF/C Domantas Sabonis, SF Harrison Barnes, SF Keon Ellis, F Keegan Murray, PF Trey Lyles, SF Sasha Vezenkov
SF Kessler Edwards (RFA), C JaVale McGee (UFA), C Alex Len (UFA), PF Jalen Slawson (RFA)

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’24-’25 Clippers Backcourt Depth:
SG Norman Powell, SG Terance Mann, G Bones Hyland, SG Amir Coffey
SG Paul George (PO), G James Harden (UFA), PG Russell Westbrook (PO), SG Xavier Moon (RFA), Brandon Boston Jr. (RFA)

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’24-’25 Magic Frontcourt Depth:
PF Paolo Banchero, F Franz Wagner, C Wendell Carter Jr.
PF Jonathan Isaac (NG), SF Joe Ingles (TO), F Chuma Okeke (RFA), C Moe Wagner (TO), C Goga Bitadze (UFA), SF Caleb Houstan (NG), SF Admiral Schofield (RFA)

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’24-’25 Spurs Backcourt Depth:
SG Devin Vassell, PG Tre Jones, SG Malaki Branham, G Blake Wesley, PG Jamaree Bouyea (2-way)
PG Devonte’ Graham (NG), SG David Duke Jr. (RFA)

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’24-’25 Pacers Backcourt Depth:
PG Tyrese Haliburton, SG Bennedict Mathurin, PG Andrew Nembhard, SG Ben Sheppard
PG T.J. McConnell (NG), PG Isaiah Wong (RFA), SG Quenton Jackson (RFA)

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’24-’25 Pacers Frontcourt Depth:
C Myles Turner, SF Aaron Nesmith, PF/C Isaiah Jackson, PF Jarace Walker
PF Pascal Siakam (UFA), F Obi Toppin (RFA), PF/C Jalen Smith (PO), SF Doug McDermott (UFA), PF James Johnson (UFA), SF Kendall Brown (NG), C Oscar Tshiebwe (RFA)

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’24-’25 Wizards Frontcourt Depth:
PF Kyle Kuzma, SF Deni Avdija, PF/C Marvin Bagley III, SF Corey Kispert, SF Bilal Coulibaly, SF Patrick Baldwin Jr., SF Justin Champagnie (2-way)
C Richaun Holmes (PO), C Tristan Vukcevic (TO), SF Eugene Omoruyi (NG)

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’24-’25 Warriors Frontcourt Depth:
PF Jonathan Kuminga, PF Draymond Green, SF Andrew Wiggins, PF Trayce Jackson-Davis
C Kevon Looney (NG), F Dario Saric (UFA), C Usman Garuba (RFA)

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’24-’25 Pistons Frontcourt Depth:
PF/C Isaiah Stewart, C Jalen Duren, SF Quentin Grimes
SF Simone Fontecchio (RFA), C James Wiseman (RFA), SF Troy Brown Jr. (NG), C Chimezie Metu (TO), C Taj Gibson (UFA)

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’24-’25 Celtics Frontcourt Depth:
F Jayson Tatum, SF Jaylen Brown, PF/C Kristaps Porzingis, C Al Horford
SF Sam Hauser (TO), C Luke Kornet (UFA), C Xavier Tillman (UFA), SF Oshae Brissett (PO), C Neemias Queta (TO), SF Jordan Walsh (NG), F Drew Peterson (RFA)

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’24-’25 Lakers Backcourt Depth:
SG Austin Reaves, PG Jalen Hood-Schifino, PG Gabe Vincent
PG D’Angelo Russell (PO), G Spencer Dinwiddie (UFA), SG Max Christie (RFA)

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’24-’25 Nuggets Backcourt Depth:
PG Jamal Murray, SG Christian Braun, SG Peyton Watson, PG Jalen Pickett
SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (PO), PG Reggie Jackson (PO), SG Justin Holiday (UFA), PG Collin Gillespie (RFA)

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’24-’25 Grizzlies Backcourt Depth:
PG Ja Morant, SG Desmond Bane, PG Marcus Smart, SG John Konchar, PG Derrick Rose, PG Scotty Pippen Jr. (2-way)
SG Luke Kennard (TO), PG Jordan Goodwin (RFA)

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’24-’25 Mavericks Frontcourt Depth:
PF P.J. Washington Jr., C Dereck Lively II, C Daniel Gafford, F Maxi Kleber, C Dwight Powell, F Olivier-Maxence Prosper, F Alex Fudge (2-way)
SF Derrick Jones Jr. (UFA), F Markieff Morris (UFA), PF Greg Brown III (RFA), F A.J. Lawson (NG)

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Notable Undrafted Players