2024 NBA Draft: The Ringer shakes up updated mock draft in a big way ahead of March Madness

Sheppard has been a revelation for Kentucky not only for his shooting, but his presence and playmaking as a true freshman. The game has rarely, if ever, been too fast or the moment too big.

Size limiting his defensive upside — Sheppard is 6-foot-3 and under 200 pounds, currently — might be the only obvious drawback at the moment.

2. Detroit Pistons: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg

Despite a disappointing 2023-24 season, the Pistons have some pieces to work around at guard and center. Enter Risacher and his wing shooting and scoring.

Plus, for a team needing playmaking out on the wing, Risacher presents intriguing upside at the position.

3. Memphis Grizzlies: Alex Sarr, Perth Wildcats

The Grizzlies need help at various spots across the roster and there isn’t a clear fit for them so early in the draft. However, O’Connor thinks Sarr makes sense as a front court mate for Jaren Jackson Jr., allowing the duo to play interchangably.

However, a trade or other moves could be in the cards.

4. Washington Wizards: Stephon Castle, UConn

Castle is a more consistent jump shot away from being a potential superstar, accord to O’Connor, and it’s easy to see why. Castle, a 6-foot-7 lead guard, has the playmaking, passing, driving and scoring ability at the rim to marshal an offense while being a strong defender at multiple positions.

If Castle can add a consistent jump shot and bring together his game, he could be a cornerstone piece in Washington.

5. Charlotte Hornets: Ron Holland, G League Ignite

Holland projects as a tremendous defender at the next level, with quickness, length and athleticism to defend multiple positions capably. He’s also capable of exploiting his plus athleticism on the offensive end.

Where Holland needs to come along is offensive polish, but the raw package is there.

6. Portland Trailblazers: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite

Buzelis brings no shortage of offense at 6-foot-11 and can help a team spread the floor with his multi-level scoring and passing ability. He has been streaky as a shooter, though.

Buzelis needs to make strides on defense once he’s in the league, too.

7. San Antonio Spurs: Tidjane Salaun, Cholet

This pick belongs to the Toronto Raptors if it ends up in the Top 6, but at No. 7, the Spurs continue getting more and more French. In Salaun, they get a lengthy, toolsy forward with no shortage of upside.

Salaun is raw as a scorer, but he should be a strong defender and has positional versatility, too.

8. Houston Rockets: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky

Dillingham has lit it up of late at Kentucky and could be a natural fit alongside the current Rockets core. His shooting and scoring ability will almost immediately translate to the next level.

The big question for Dillingham going forward is defense, where he’s got plenty of work to do and will always be fighting an uphill battle at 6-foot-1.

9. Utah Jazz: Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda

A 6-foot-6 Eastern European guard prospect sounds familiar, but Topic and Luka Doncic have some notable differences to their games, mainly that Topic is a stiffer overall player and ball handler. He’s also a much less adept shooter.

But with his scoring around the rim and playmaking ability make Topic a likely Top 10 pick.

10. Oklahoma City Thunder: Donovan Clingan, UConn

In search of some heft to anchor the defense and let Chet Holmgren continue to play away from the rim, O’Connor has the Thunder nabbing the 7-foot-2 Clingan out of UConn to add to the front court. He could also play as a backup from Holmgren, too, giving the other 7-footer a chance to rest.

Either way, an adept, NBA-ready center fits the bill for the Thunder in the form of Clingan.

Picks No. 11 through 30

11. Atlanta Hawks: Cody Williams, Colorado
12. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Collier, USC
13. Portland Trailblazers: Kyshawn George, Miami
14. Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
15. Miami Heat: Jared McCain, Duke
16. Toronto Raptors: Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
17. New York Knicks: Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas
18. Philadelphia 76ers: Yves Missi, Baylor
19. Orlando Magic: Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest
20. Toronto Raptos: Kyle Filipowski, Duke
21. New York Knicks: Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
22. Phoenix Suns: Devin Carter, Providence
23. New Orleans Pelicans: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Da Silva, Colorado
25. Milwaukee Bucks: Zach Edey, Purdue
26. Washington Wizards: Johnny Furphy, Kansas
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyler Kolek, Marquette
28. Denver Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
29. Utah Jazz: Jaylon Tyson, Cal
30. Boston Celtics: Oso Ighodaro, Marquette

There will surely be plenty of change to this picture between now and draft day, with trades, injuries and closing arguments on the court swaying how NBA teams approach their rosters in the offseason. And if nothing else, it’s good conversation fodder throughout March Madness.