Updated 2024 NBA Mock Draft After NCAA Championship

Stats - 15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’3’’, 176 lbs

NBA Comparison - Kemba Walker

While Dillingham has primarily served as a bench player for Kentucky this season, he has showcased glimpses of talent reminiscent of a prime Kemba Walker with his agile moves and exceptional ball-handling. When he's in the zone, he can dominate games, and with his athletic potential, he can evolve into a dynamic player on both ends of the court. Expect the Wizards to take him No. 1 overall to replace Jordan Poole who could be on the trading block.

2. Detroit Pistons - Zaccharie Risacher

Stats - 9.5 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team - JL Bourg (France)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 204 lbs

NBA Comparison - Michael Porter Jr.

Recently, Risacher's performance has seen a decline after an impressive start to the season, especially in terms of his shooting abilities. However, considering his potential and long-term growth, he will likely still be taken top in the draft. It's hard to find players standing at 6’9” with his combination of ball-handling and shooting skills, making him a valuable prospect. Expect a similar impact to Michael Porter Jr in terms of being a starter rather quickly with a consistent jumper.

3. San Antonio Spurs - Alexandre Sarr (PF/C)

Stats - 9.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG

College/Team - Perth (NBL)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 7’1’’, 216 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jaren Jackson Jr.

Alex Sarr stands out as one of the standout defensive talents in this year's draft class. He's poised to become an NBA shot-blocking specialist with the potential to guard multiple positions effectively. However, categorizing him into a single role is challenging due to the unique versatility he offers on both offense and defense. The Spurs might consider taking him to form a twin-towers pairing with Victor Wembanyama.

4. Charlotte Hornets - Reed Sheppard (SG)

Stats - 12.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 4.5 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 19 Years old

Size - 6’3’’, 187 lbs

NBA Comparison - Donte DiVincenzo

Reed Sheppard is one of the most underrated prospects right now. His freshman year at Kentucky was nothing short of historic, establishing him as possibly the top shooter in collegiate basketball. Beyond his shooting prowess, he's demonstrated his playmaking abilities on offense and showcased his intelligence and savvy as a team defender. His skill set aligns seamlessly with the demands of the NBA and he could be a better version of Donte DiVincenzo.

5. Portland Trail Blazers - Donovan Clingan (C)

Stats - 13.1 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.5 BPG

College/Team - UCONN

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 7’2’’, 280 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jakob Poeltl

Elite defensive big man Donovan Clingan is a defensive force to be reckoned with. His impeccable timing and anticipation on defense have significantly influenced the reigning champion Huskies' success. With his impressive skills, he has transitioned from being a definite lottery pick to a contender for the top overall pick in the draft. Portland could definitely use some competition for Deandre Ayton right now.

6. Toronto Raptors - Nikola Topic (PG)

Stats - 12.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’6’’, 198 lbs

NBA Comparison - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

No doubt, Nikola Topic is among the best talents in the draft class, so dropping to the sixth spot is somehow expected after a season-ending injury. He excels as a playmaker, showcasing his ability to distribute the ball effectively while playing aggressively towards the basket. He is also an excellent rebounder for his size and can score, making him an exciting player for a team like the Toronto Raptors.

7. Memphis Grizzlies - Matas Buzelis (SG/SF)

Stats: 14.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.1 BPG

College/Team: G League Ignite

Age: 19 Years Old

Size: 6’10’’, 209 lbs

NBA Comparison: Franz Wagner

Matas Buzelis was a top-three choice in early draft predictions despite a sluggish start with the G League Ignite. He quickly rebounded and showcased why he deserves to be in the conversation for the top pick. With his impressive stature and size as a jumbo wing, he looks like a perfect NBA wing player and the Grizzlies would be very fortunate to grab him at 7th if he falls a little in the rankings.

8. Atlanta Hawks - Ron Holland (SF)

Stats: 20.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.5 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team: G League Ignite

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 206 lbs

NBA Comparison - RJ Barrett

Ron Holland's athleticism and upside could make him great enough to finish in the top five as he has demonstrated noticeable improvement this season with the G League Ignite, particularly with his ball-handling skills. However, he still has significant room to grow as an offensive threat, and he is as raw as they come. Teams might need someone to contribute quickly which is why he might fall a little bit, but he is an exciting talent nonetheless.

9. Utah Jazz - Stephon Castle (SG)

Stats - 11.0 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team - UCONN

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’6’, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jalen Green

Despite being part of a talented UConn roster, shooting guard Stephon Castle has distinguished himself as a freshman through his relentless defensive intensity and impressive length, which have consistently troubled opposing teams throughout the season. While he is still refining his offensive game and occasionally struggles with confidence, Castle's promising defensive skills provide a solid foundation to build upon, making him a highly intriguing prospect.

10. Houston Rockets - Cody Williams (SF)

Stats - 11.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG

College/Team - Colorado

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jerami Grant

Cody, the younger sibling of Most Improved Player candidate Jalen Williams, has garnered attention from NBA scouts this season due to his combination of size and playmaking abilities as a wing. As a freshman, he has maintained an impressive shooting accuracy, shooting over 40% from three, and can also occupy multiple positions as required. The Rockets would love to have him right in the top 10.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ja'Kobe Walter (SG)

Stats - 14.5 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - Baylor University

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 195 lbs

NBA Comparison - Buddy Hield

Exciting shooting guard Ja’Kobe Walter possesses the ability to make high-level shots, although he showed occasional inconsistency during his freshman year at Baylor. Nonetheless, with his background and pedigree, he has the potential to transition to the NBA seamlessly as a dependable shooting guard. If he falls to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it will be best for the youngster to continue developing his offensive game.

12. Chicago Bulls - Tidjane Salaun (PF)

Stats - 8.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College Team - Cholet (France)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 212 lbs

NBA Comparison - Obi Toppin

Tidjane Salaun, a sizable wing with a solid shooting foundation and a reliable release, has rapidly climbed the ranks as an exciting talent coming out of France. It seems NBA scouts are finding gems in Europe because they are well-versed when it comes to shooting and his stature as a jumbo wing suggests that his game is well-suited for the NBA right from the start. He could signal a start for a new rebuilding plan in Chicago as well.

13. Portland Trail Blazers - Isaiah Collier (PG)

Stats - 16.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - USC

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 210 lbs

NBA Comparison - Ty Lawson

Since coming back from injury, the talented Isaiah Collier has revitalized USC's previously struggling campaign, showcasing his competitive spirit on a Trojans team. He's a relentless player who quickly attacks the basket, serving as an electrifying combo guard. He could also develop his defensive game because he has the quickness of a player like Ty Lawson but the size of a shooting guard which makes him an interesting prospect.

14. Philadelphia 76ers - Kyle Filipowski (PF/C)

Stats - 16.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.5 BPG

College/Team - Duke

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 7’0’’, 248 lbs

NBA Comparison - Walker Kessler

NBA teams will certainly be interested in Duke’s talented two-way big man. Filipowski emerged as Duke's leading scorer and rebounder this season, demonstrating notable growth from his freshman to sophomore year. Standing at 7 feet tall, he possesses a versatile skill set that appears to be a reliable fit for the NBA, and he has the base to add different dimensions to his game such as better defensive anticipation to make him a very complete player.

15. New Orleans Pelicans - Dalton Knecht (SF)

Stats - 21.7 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team - Tennessee

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’6’’, 204 lbs

NBA Comparison - Max Strus

Dalton Knecht significantly boosted his draft prospects during the NCAA Tournament, particularly with his spectacular 37-point performance against Purdue in the Elite Eight. His impressive shot-making abilities have transformed him from a relatively overlooked player at Northern Colorado to a potential lottery pick. An elite shooter, Knecht will very likely be selected in the top-15.

16. New Orleans Pelicans - Zach Edey (C)

Stats - 24.9 PPG, 12.2 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.3 SPG, 2.2 BPG

College/Team - Purdue

Age - 21 Years Old

Size - 7’4”, 300 lbs

NBA Comparison - Steven Adams

Zach Edey has been undeniably the most dominant force in college basketball throughout this NCAA Tournament. He consistently delivered impressive performances with his unstoppable interior play, showcasing a throwback style of basketball. He has a monster build similar to Steven Adams and his numbers leap off the page. However, there are major doubts about Edey’s ability to be versatile in the modern NBA game but considering his play in the big games, he could be taken inside of the top 20.

17. Phoenix Suns - Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG/SF)

Stats - 23.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.9 BPG

College/Team - Illinois

Age - 23 Years Old

Size - 6’6’’, 215 lbs

NBA Comparison - Kelly Oubre Jr.

Terrence Shannon Jr. showcased his scoring prowess in the NCAA Tournament, posting impressive totals of 26, 30, and 29 points in his first three games and leading Illinois to the Elite Eight. Despite spending five seasons in college, his refined skills as a scoring guard make him an easy selection for a team such as the Phoenix Suns that immediately needs depth off the bench. At 23 years old, there won’t be much of a waiting period for him to get adjusted, either.

18. Miami Heat - Jared McCain (PG/SG)

Stats - 14.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team - Duke

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’3’’, 197 lbs

NBA Comparison - Gabe Vincent

Combo guard Jared McCain delivered an impressive performance during the NCAA Tournament, although NC State eliminated his team in the Elite Eight. On two occasions throughout the tournament, he scored 30 points or more, and he seems to be built of the right stuff to make him a perfect Miami Heat role player. At 19, the sky is also the limit for the young guard.

19. Toronto Raptors - Yves Missi (C)

Stats - 10.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.6 SPG, 1.5 BPG

College/Team - Baylor

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 7’0’’, 235 lbs

NBA Comparison - Mark Williams

Center Yves Missi is a raw but highly promising prospect with considerable upside, making him a potential lottery pick based on his size, skill set, and shot-blocking capabilities. While he is a project player requiring development, he has probably left an impression on NBA scouts. The 19-year-old from Baylor can be molded into any type of player a coach wants, and the Raptors might end up taking him as a long-term successor to Jakob Poeltl.

20. Atlanta Hawks - Bobi Klintman (SF/PF)

Stats - 9.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team - Cairns (NBL)

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 225 lbs

NBA Comparison - De’Andre Hunter

The potential upside of Klintman, standing at 6-foot-10 as a wing, will likely be too enticing for teams picking in the late teens to overlook. While he is a capable shooter, he is more likely to be considered a developmental prospect due to his slender build and young age. Regardless, his wing tendencies make him an easy choice for any team that wants to grab one of the 20 best players in the draft.

21. Orlando Magic - Jaylon Tyson (SF)

Stats - 19.6 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team - California

Age - 21 Years Old

Size - 6’7’’, 215 lbs

NBA Comparison - Nicolas Batum

Jaylon Tyson made his mark felt for California this season. He averaged 19.6 points per game this season and demonstrated significant improvement in a leadership role as a rebounder as well. With his size as a big wing and impressive shooting skills, he appears destined to be a valuable role player at the next level and teams would love to grab him for depth purposes. The Orlando Magic are getting better in the East and adding a swingman would make them more formidable next year.

22. New York Knicks - Ryan Dunn (SF/PF)

Stats - 8.1 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 2.3 BPG

College/Team - Virginia

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 216 lbs

NBA Comparison - Herbert Jones

Ryan Dunn's standout quality is his elite defensive acumen and basketball IQ. With averages of 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, he played a key role in Virginia's defense, which ranked in the top 10 in that sense. He tends to read passing lanes better than almost every player in the draft class and has the size to be an impact player who can defend multiple positions in the NBA. Expect Dunn to become a new version of Herb Jones for the Knicks if he falls to them.

23. Cleveland Cavaliers - Devin Carter (PG)

Stats - 19.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.0 BPG

College/Team - Providence

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’3’’, 195 lbs

NBA Comparison - Cole Anthony

Point guard and all-around contributor Devin Carter emerged as a dominant force in his breakout junior year, combining his already elite defensive skills with an unstoppable offensive repertoire and enhanced consistency in his 3-point shooting. He is very raw and might be a backup point guard in the NBA, but the Cavaliers would have no problem bringing him in as cover for All-Star Darius Garland.

24. Atlanta Hawks - Tristan da Silva (SF/PF)

Stats - 16.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team - Colorado

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’9’’, 220 lbs

NBA Comparison - Bojan Bogdanovic

Tristan da Silva has showcased a solid shooting efficiency from all three levels and is decent off the dribble on most nights. He is much more effective in catch-and-shoot situations. Although his athleticism is lacking a bit for success at the NBA level, his decent playmaking and defense make up for it. He still has doubters but the potential is there as he falls to the final positions in the draft.

25. Denver Nuggets - Tristan Newton (PG/SG)

Stats - 14.9 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team - Connecticut

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 195 lbs

NBA Comparison - Kris Dunn

Tristan Newton had an excellent performance for UConn against Perdue, posting 20 points and seven assists in a very controlled performance. The guard plays similarly to Kris Dunn in terms of being a very capable playmaker with some exciting athleticism. However, Newton is a far better shooter and he can take deep threes with ease. Newton is flying under the radar and the Nuggets could be the ones who steal him.

26. Philadelphia 76ers - Tyrese Proctor (PG)

Stats - 10.5 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team - Duke

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 183 lbs

NBA Comparison - Shake Milton

As it stands right now, Tyrese Proctor is foreseen as a mid to high-level role player in the NBA. With Tyrese Maxey likely to occupy the point guard spot for the foreseeable future after a breakout 2023-24 season, Proctor could fill the perfect role as his backup if given a chance at the end of the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft. The 76ers could be a great team to take Duke’s guard and try to develop him as they did with Tyrese Maxey.

27. Indiana Pacers - Justin Edwards (SF)

Stats - 8.8 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 203 lbs

NBA Comparison - Harrison Barnes

With a decline in his numbers hurting Justin Edwards, he still has shown first-round potential with his size, athleticism, and defensive versatility looking solid enough to be considered a decent role player in the NBA. A team such as the Pacers would love to add a versatile and big wing who can grow in their system because he is as raw as any other player in the draft with a chance to be molded into a 3-and-D player.

28. Milwaukee Bucks - Ajay Mitchell (PG)

Stats - 20.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.4 BPG

College/Team - Santa Barbara

Age - 21 Years Old

Size - 6’4’’, 184 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jamal Murray

The Milwaukee Bucks will be interested in a potential backup point guard for Damian Lillard heading into the 2024-25 season who may not be off a championship season. Ajay Mitchell out of Santa Barbara fits that mold perfectly as he has shown through his freshman season. McCain plays similarly to Jamal Murray in terms of being a steady point guard offensively which could prevent some drop-off when Lillard rests. 

29. Minnesota Timberwolves - Alex Karaban (SF/PF)

Stats - 13.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.8 BPG

College/Team: UConn

Age - 21 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 220 lbs

NBA Comparison - Duncan Robinson

Alex Karaban’s smooth shooting stroke from deep will translate well to the NBA game and adding another shooter to the already versatile Minnesota Timberwolves offense cannot hurt moving forward. If he does get taken in the NBA Draft, he probably will be taken towards the end of it mainly because of his shooting and not because of elite defense or playmaking skills. At 6’8” and 220 lbs, the size is there for him to be at least a bench player to shore up depth at the forward spots.

30. Boston Celtics - Carlton Carrington (PG/SG)

Stats - 13.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - Pittsburgh

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison - D’Angelo Russell

The Boston Celtics will likely have the final pick of the draft since they have the best record in the NBA. The team is contending for a title over the next few seasons so they will look to acquire a gem that everybody seems to miss. Carlton Carrington is a low-risk choice because he is 6’5” and can occupy both guard positions, making him an easy choice for the Celtics.

Can Bronny James Be Drafted In 2024 NBA Draft?

Bronny James had to endure a difficult Freshman campaign at USC with the Trojans, where he only averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game on 36.6% shooting from the field. For his own reasons, Bronny James will be leaving to join the NCAA transfer portal as he looks to join one of the best available schools to develop his skills. At the same time, Bronny has also declared for the NBA Draft to see if he gets taken by a professional team.

There might be some NBA teams that are best for Bronny, but it seems almost impossible that he gets selected in the first round of the 2024 Draft and could be a second-round draft choice. There is also the risk that Bronny won’t get selected at all, and in that case, refining his skills and maturing as a player could be the best way to go. In essence, being a second-round draft choice with the allure of LeBron James is realistic although not guaranteed considering the talents ahead of him in his position.