2024 NBA Mock Draft: Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, And Nikola Topic Lead The Class

Stats: 18.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.0 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.1 BPG

College/Team: G League Ignite

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 206 lbs

NBA Comparison - RJ Barrett

Ron Holland is a player many teams projected to have lottery picks next season have had their eyes on for a while. Holland is an explosive small forward who is thought to be NBA-ready from the energy and motor he has every night that he touches the court.

Although there have been questions about his draft stock due to limited shooting range and questionable decision-making as a playmaker, Holland remains at the top of most draft boards right now. Detroit would be a perfect landing spot for Holland considering that their Killian Hayes experiment is almost over and Bojan Bogdanovic is likely headed for a different role next season.

Holland gives the Pistons even more added youth to their lineup which is already one of the youngest in the NBA. Holland’s pressure on the rim, attack in the open court, and defensive quickness are his biggest strengths heading into the draft and something the Pistons would thrive off of adding to their lineup.

2. San Antonio Spurs - Matas Buzelis (SG/SF)

Stats: 13.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.4 BPG

College/Team: G League Ignite

Age: 19 Years Old

Size: 6’10’’, 209 lbs

NBA Comparison: Franz Wagner

Matas Buzelis has been flying up many draft boards as of late with a complete skill set that is more than translatable to the NBA. His combination of shot-making, finishing, and on-ball defense has been impressive this season and his easy fit into an NBA lineup makes him extremely attractive at the top of the draft.

As a 6’10’’ guard/forward, Buzelis’ size and versatility have made scouts re-enter his name into top-three pick considerations since he slid down draft boards due to injuries early in the season. With the Spurs needing upgrades almost everywhere on the court to build around Victor Wembanyama, Buzelis gives them even more size and skill on the wing.

Buzelis’ name has even had the No. 1 overall pick mentioned as a possibility over the last few weeks thanks to many top candidates struggling to begin their NCAA seasons.

3. Washington Wizards - Nikola Topic (PG)

Stats - 18.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - Mega (Serbia)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’6’’, 198 lbs

NBA Comparison - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Most NBA scouts and draft evaluators have had their eyes on Serbian point guard Nikola Topic for quite some time now. Topic has been holding steady at the top of draft boards thanks to his dominance for Mega in Serbia His creativity, playmaking, finishing, and shot-making have been the highlights of his game that many NBA teams can’t wait to get a shot at.

Topic is particularly dangerous in the pick-and-roll as a playmaker and as a scorer. His playmaking is seen as the skill that will easily translate to the NBA level right now as he is able to deliver precise passes in transition, off of ball screens, drive-and-kick situations, and when he is in sets that allow him to slow the pace and control the offense.

Other traits that have been noted as ready to deliver at the next level are his ability to beat defenders off the dribble and his finishing around the basket where he is shooting 67.0% of his attempts.

4. Portland Trail Blazers - Alexandre Sarr (PF/C)

Stats - 9.6 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 SPG, 1.1 BPG

College/Team - Perth (NBL)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 7’1’’, 216 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jaren Jackson Jr.

Alexandre Sarr is a prototypical NBA-ready big man armed with incredible defensive awareness and versatility. Any team taking a chance on him at this point will be taking a flier on his rim protection becoming elite at the next level as well as his ability to finish easily at the rim thanks to his 7’1’’ build.

There is a ton of room for improvement for Sarr offensively who needs to improve his touch and ability to create for himself in space. As great as he is defensively, Sarr is quite limited on the offensive end but at just 18 years old, there is both time and ability to build on what he has already learned.

Sarr would be a tremendous backcourt partner to Deandre Ayton in Portland and could even end up taking Ayton's spot if the inconsistency and lack of aggression continue to hold Portland back from taking the next step into their future.

5. Charlotte Hornets - Zaccharie Risacher (SF)

Stats - 10.7 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

College/Team - JL Bourg (France)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 204 lbs

NBA Comparison - Michael Porter Jr.

Zaccharie Risacher is quickly moving up draft boards for 2024 thanks to a consistently improving all-around game. Risacher is shooting lights-out from all over the court through 17 games in France for JL Bourg this season, shooting 49.2% overall and 39.3% from three. Immediately, that puts him into top-five conversations.

Charlotte could use another shooter/scorer from the wing with size with their best scoring positions being guards in LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier. Risacher’s toolbox includes his translatable features to the NBA such as his elite athleticism and shooting. The added dimensions of above-average ball-handling, defensive versatility, and playmaking are also traits that scouts have their eyes on for teams that are at the top of the draft board.

6. Memphis Grizzlies - Ja’Kobe Walter (SG)

Stats - 15.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - Baylor University

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 195 lbs

NBA Comparison - Buddy Hield

Ja’Kobe Walter has been impressive this season at Baylor University, solidifying his status as a starting-level wing at the NBA level. Walter is a 3-and-D wing that teams at the next level covet greatly due to the fact that he can be plugged in anywhere and be effective.

Walter’s shot-making and driving have been his best weapons at Baylor this season and have propelled him up many draft boards including ours. The only things holding Walter back from being a top-five lock are his lack of self-creation and playmaking. In a lineup behind Desmond Bane in Memphis, Walter can be an effective player off the bench immediately in the NBA.

7. San Antonio Spurs (From Toronto) - Isaiah Collier (PG)

Stats - 15.0 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BOPG

College/Team - USC

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’5’’, 210 lbs

NBA Comparison - Ty Lawson

Prior to the start of his career at USC, Isaiah Collier was ranked in the top three of most 2024 draft boards across the country. Collier finds himself in a bit of a free fall as of late due to his poor decision-making and inefficiency in shooting the ball to start his college career. Through 13 games at USC, Collier is shooting just 31.6% from three and committing 4.0 turnovers per game.

Combined with the losses that USC has been taking, Collier is watching his draft stock fall in value. Collier does have a ton of upside as well. He is shifty and creative as a ball-handler and scorer, using his strength and size to get into the lane and finish strong at the rim. Collier would thrive in a role that allows him to be a secondary point guard and doesn't solely put all the typical point guard responsibilities on his shoulders.

With San Antonio already grabbing Buzelis earlier in this round, a Collier selection at No. 7 would be an easy choice if he remains on the draft board at that time.

8. Atlanta Hawks - Stephon Castle (SG)

Stats - 8.1 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.6 BPG

College/Team - UCONN

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’6’, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jalen Green

Stephon Castle is built like the stereotypical guard/forward that every NBA team is drooling over in today’s NBA. In most lineups, Castle’s versatility could see him be a shooting guard, wing, or even a power forward on some possessions in small-ball lineups. He is not the quickest or most explosive but his smooth coordination shows an extremely high level of body control.

With his fluidity in moving through traffic in the lane, Castle’s name will be floated around the top five in the 2024 draft but if he falls to Atlanta, they are getting a steal. Castle is at his best with the ball in his hands and using his variety of moves to get into prime position either to score or set up his teammates easily.

The only thing that needs some improvement is a consistent shot from the outside, something that is mandatory for most high-level wings at the NBA level. If he improves in that area, his selection at No. 8 is moot because he would be a top-five lock at that point.

9. Utah Jazz - Cody Williams (SF)

Stats - 14.0 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.0 APG, o.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG

College/Team - Colorado

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 190 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jerami Grant

At this moment, Cody Williams is expected to miss at least a month for the Colorado Buffaloes with a wrist injury. Prior to the injury, Williams recorded back-to-back 21-point games that showcased his wide array of skills that will make him a lock for the top 10 in the 2024 NBA Draft next summer.

Williams has been hyper-efficient in his freshman season at Colorado so far, capitalizing on driving lanes that open up for him as well as using his positional size to finish around the rim and his ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc.

As a 6’8’’ scoring wing, Williams is a highly sought-after archetype by NBA teams these days. His versatile scoring, intangibles, and defensive effort make him a name to watch leading up to 2024, especially if he quickly returns to form when he comes back from injury.

10. Chicago Bulls - Rob Dillingham (PG/SG)

Stats - 14.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’3’’, 176 lbs

NBA Comparison - Kemba Walker

Explosive and exciting guard Rob Dillingham from the University of Kentucky is holding steady as a top 10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft thanks to his incredible handles and high-level shot-making. Dillingham is an extremely quick natural shot-creator who should fit right into a lineup like Chicago’s which will be seeking a youthful and explosive player like him in the draft.

Another trait that makes Dillingham coveted at the top of the draft is his shooting range and seemingly effortless ability to make shots at a high level. His footwork has been impressive thus far, showing he is quick to square up and get balanced. He doesn't need much space to get his shot off which is another plus heading into action at the pro level.

The one area that is a concern for him at the NBA level is his size. The lack of physicality due to a smaller frame definitely raises questions at the next level but his offensive strengths should overshadow that enough to remain a top-10 pick.

11. Portland Trail Blazers (From Golden State) - Tidjane Salaun (PF)

Stats - 7.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College Team - Cholet (France)

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 212 lbs

NBA Comparison - Obi Toppin

Although there is a lot left to learn about France’s Tidjane Salaun, he has been skyrocketing up NBA Mock Draft boards for weeks now. Salaun has been impressive for Cholet over the last few weeks, showcasing his perimeter shot-making as well as his athleticism and refined positional tools as a finisher in the paint.

Salaun has been a major disruptor on the defensive end as well thanks to his athletic abilities being at the center of his game. Salaun’s shot-making, explosiveness, and young age while being another highly-scouted French prospect is beginning to gain notice from NBA scouts all over the world. Do not be surprised if his stock continues to rise and he becomes a top-10 pick by next summer.

12. Houston Rockets (From Brooklyn) - Ryan Dunn (SF/PF)

Stats - 9.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 0.9 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.2 BPG

College/Team - Virginia

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 216 lbs

NBA Comparison - Herbert Jones

Ryan Dunn is a name making major noise early in the NCAA season for his explosive play and defensive abilities that are sweeping the nation. Dunn’s inability to shoot or create for himself pales in comparison to his upside which includes incredible athleticism and being a difference-maker on defense.

With his quickness and athleticism, Dunn’s effectiveness as a point-of-attack defender has taken shape. On the ball, his quick hands and size allow him to force turnovers and get his team out and running in transition. He fills the passing lanes beautifully as well, something that is a must as an effective defender at the next level.

If there is any top Sophomore in the 2024 NBA Draft class, it is Ryan Dunn, and do not be surprised if he is scooped up by a team seeking his defensive skills in the top 10. However, his presence next to Alperen Sengun with Houston would be a dream for coach Ime Udoka who prides himself on defense and perfectly compliments an already strong frontcourt.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Houston) - Donovan Clingan (C)

Stats - 13.9 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 SPG, 2.0 BPG

College/Team - UCONN

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 7’2’’, 280 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jakob Poeltl

Standing at 7’2’’ tall, Donovan Clingan is a monster of a prospect in next year’s NBA Draft. Despite his size, Clingan displays a wealthy amount of touch and finesse around the rim on his finishes as well as a physicality that allows him to gain position for those attempts in the first place.

Once he gets position in the paint, it is over for defenders who can do little to prevent the 280-pound Clingan from finishing. He is extremely effective on the glass on both sides of the floor as well, displaying a nose for the ball that cannot be taught using his size and weight to throw opponents out of the way to gain position.

He may not be a first option in most offensive sets but his efficiency when he does touch the ball is worth noting across the board.

14. New Orleans Pelicans (From Los Angeles) - Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG/SF)

Stats - 21.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.3 BPG

College/Team - Illinois

Age - 23 Years Old

Size - 6’6’’, 215 lbs

NBA Comparison - Kelly Oubre Jr.

Terrence Shannon Jr. is currently in his fifth year in college after transferring from Texas Tech to Illinois this season. The explosive and high-flying lefty is currently enjoying a fantastic season at Illinois where he is averaging 21.7 points per game on 61.5% shooting from the field and 57.1% shooting from three.

Shannon is a pure wing whose explosive dunking ability is worth the price of admission alone. He can handle the ball, pass, defend, and has the speed to get up and down the floor which will all translate well at the NBA level. Shannon has shown he is extremely coachable and wants to improve as he has done every year in his college career. Throwing him into a rotation like New Orleans with the 14th pick will be the perfect fit next to savvy veterans such as Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.

15. Phoenix Suns - Reed Sheppard (SG)

Stats - 12.5 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 19 Years old

Size - 6’3’’, 187 lbs

NBA Comparison - Donte DiVincenzo

While being a bit undersized at the shooting guard position, 6’3’’ Reed Sheppard is a unique talent that will continue to be highly scouted at the University of Kentucky. His athleticism isn’t what any knowledgeable basketball evaluator would call elite but his shot-making and efficient outside shooting have made him one of the best scorers in his class.

With his small frame and lack of athleticism, you will not see Sheppard playing above the rim much at the NBA level. What will translate is his ability to shoot the ball and make plays for his teammates with his continuous ball movement taking center stage.

Sheppard also displays quick hands and elite on-ball pressure that has made him one of the best pick-pockets in the NCAA this season. At the next level, he fills the Donte DiVincenzo role perfectly for a team like the Phoenix Suns who are desperate for depth.

16. New York Knicks - Kyle Filipowski (PF/C)

Stats - 18.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 2.0 BPG

College/Team - Duke

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 7’0’’, 248 lbs

NBA Comparison - Walker Kessler

Kyle Filipowski is not your traditional NBA big man. He perfectly fits the mold of the modern-day big as he has displayed in his second season at Duke University in 2023-24. Filipowski has been on draft boards since his freshman season in 2022-23 but stayed at Duke to continue to hone his craft in 2023-24.

What has come of that is a completely different player. While his scoring remains versatile, other facts of his game such as his handles in transition, passing, and footwork in the post on both ends of the floor have become far more attractive. His ability to initiate fast breaks, make plays from the post, and stretch the floor are all things teams like the New York Knicks will be drooling over in the middle of the first round of the draft in 2024.

17. Indiana Pacers - Kevin McCullar Jr. (SG/SF)

Stats - 20.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG

College/Team - Kansas

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’7’’, 214 lbs

Pro Comparison - Alex Caruso

As it stands, Kevin McCullar Jr. is the fifth-ranked shooting guard in the country. In his fifth season of college ball after transferring to Kansas from Texas Tech last year, McCullar has unlocked a new part of his game in 2023-24.

McCullar has been playing more aggressively than at any other point in his college career leading to scoring and playmaking numbers increasing to career-high levels. Paired with his incredible defensive skills, his three-point shooting also looks much more fluid and natural as he shoots 37.7% from three this season.

He would fit right into the high-paced and high-scoring offense of the Indiana Pacers right away as a solid rotational piece.

18. Cleveland Cavaliers - D.J. Wagner (PG/SG)

Stats - 11.9 PPG, 2.1 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 18 Years Old

Size - 6’4’’, 192 lbs

NBA Comparison - Tyrese Maxey

As a 6’4;; combo guard, D.J. Wagner has had a lot of attention on him since his high school days, Son of NBA veteran Dajuan Wagner, D.J. has shown to have an even more promising upside than his father at this point in their careers. Wagner displays the use of his large frame extremely well, handling contact well when he makes his assault on the basket.

His instincts are top-notch with an innate ability to get to his spots or stop on a dime for timely jump shots. He shoots extremely well off the dribble or in catch-and-shot situations as well which includes his own creation on stepbacks in traffic. Wagner’s best professional asset at this point is his ability to break down defenses by getting to the second level with minimal effort to get by his primary defenders.

I expect Wagner to not only make the NBA and follow in the footsteps of his father but to exceed him in terms of the career he has professionally as well.

19. New Orleans Pelicans - Yves Missi (C)

Stats - 10.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 0.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.3 BPG

College/Team - Baylor

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 7’0’’, 235 lbs

NBA Comparison - Mark Williams

As a freshman at Baylor, Yves Missi has just begun to scratch the surface of his potential as a game-changing center at the next level. It all starts with his effort and hustle which is evident by the speed in which he can get up and down the floor along with the energy he brings on every possession.

Missi is a solid rim protector who has shown great timing and instincts on that side of the ball. He has decent athleticism combined with a solid vertical leap. As he adds more weight and muscle in the NBA, Missi will reach even greater heights as a defender as he matures.

Missi is not an offensive threat that is turning heads but his finesse and touch around the rim are something to value. He is extremely effective out of the pick-and-roll, displaying a high IQ as a screener and where to be after he sets them. Although still raw, with the right coaching Missi will be a steal in the mid-late first round of the draft.

20. New York Knicks (From Dallas) - Kel’el Ware (C)

Stats - 14.9 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 BPG

College/Team - Indiana

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 7’0’’, 242 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jarrett Allen

Kel’El Ware is a lesser-known name heading into the 2024 NBA Draft but his skills and natural abilities are sure to change that very quickly. Ware is extremely effective as a defender and his athleticism has a lot to do with that distinction. His athleticism is also evident with the speed and stamina with which he gets up and down the court, proving to be a valuable asset for Indiana this season.

Along with his decent body control in the paint, Ware is extremely seasoned in getting position on his man in the post and sealing opponents off fairly easily. His soft touch in the low post is highlighted by an efficient hook shot that he can utilize over most defenders even at the NBA level with his 7’0’’ frame aiding in that area.

Ware will not be a difference-maker right away in the NBA but in the right situation such as in New York, he can certainly be an impactful defender quickly in Tom Thibodeaux’s system.

21. Miami Heat - Dalton Knecht (SF)

Stats - 15.7 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.5 SPG, 0.7 BPG

College/Team - Tennessee

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’6’’, 204 lbs

NBA Comparison - Max Strus

Dalton Knecht’s rise to the 21st pick of the 2024 NBA Draft in this edition of our mock is incredible. Knecht started his career at Junior College at Northeastern and just three years later is a starter at one of the most prestigious schools in the SEC, the University of Tennessee.

Knecht has improved across the board in his five-year college journey which has now resulted in many believing in him at the NBA level. He went from a primary ball-handler and go-to guy in Tennessee’s system to now thriving in an off-ball role which is versatility that is extremely valuable in the professional ranks.

22. Atlanta Hawks (From Sacramento) - Tristan da Silva (SF/PF)

Stats - 15.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team - Colorado

Age - 22 Years Old

Size - 6’9’’, 220 lbs

NBA Comparison - Bojan Bogdanovic

Tristan da Silva made the correct move last year when he withdrew his name from the NBA Draft and returned to Colorado for his senior year. Da Silva has showcased his agility and scoring ability this season, improving his draft position with every passing game and surprising his doubters from last season.

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.

I expect da Silva to make an impact off the bench for any NBA team that takes a flier on him in the first round if not for his overall scoring then for his shooting which has greatly improved over the years.

23. Orlando Magic - Bobi Klintman (SF/PF)

Stats - 10.5 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 0.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG

College/Team - Cairns (NBL)

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 225 lbs

NBA Comparison - De’Andre Hunter

Bobi Klintman has spent the last 17 games maintaining his late first-round draft status with the Cairns Taipans of Australia’s NBL. Klintman is yet another NBL to NBA prospect who is showing his draft value with solid all-around play and efficient shooting that teams will be searching for at this stage of the draft.

Klintman’s role has mostly been off the ball as a cutter and as a spot-up shooter rather than taking any command of the offense for himself or creating opportunities. Klintman has excelled in this role with Cairns and is now looking to put his skills to use as a contributing piece for an NBA franchise in need.

The Orlando Magic could select Klintman at No. 23 where he would fit in perfectly with their young and constantly improving roster.

24. Oklahoma City Thunder (From Los Angeles) - Trevon Brazile (PF/C)

Stats - 9.8 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG

College/Team - Arkansas

Age - 20 Years Old

Size - 6’10’’, 215 lbs

NBA Comparison - Obi Toppin

Trevon Brazile missed most of his sophomore season with the Arkansas Razorbacks after tearing his ACL. In 2023-24, he has come back nicely, showing flashes of his potential as a shooter and finishing at the rim. Brazile, currently shooting 50.0% overall and 42.9% from three is exactly what a team like the Thunder will be looking for in the later parts of the first round.

It is becoming more and more likely that Brazile’s ceiling in the NBA will be as a role player. For the Thunder off the bench, an efficient shooter and finisher would be an ideal piece to help put them over the top in the Western Conference moving into the future.

25. Denver Nuggets - Ajay Mitchell (PG)

Stats - 20.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 3.7 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG

College/Team - Santa Barbara

Age - 21 Years Old

Size - 6’4’’, 184 lbs

NBA Comparison - Jamal Murray

Ajay Mitchell is an interesting prospect in the later rounds of the 2024 NBA Draft. What Mitchell lacks in explosion and athleticism, he makes up for with his quick change of direction, work in the pick-and-roll, and his ability to knock down shots in catch-and-shoot situations.

Mitchell will have people who doubt his ability to beat NBA-level defenders off the dribble due to his lack of burst and struggle to knock down pull-up shots. However, his ability to slow the pace of a game down and move at his pace has been impressive, and we have seen how well that has worked in the NBA lately.

26. Philadelphia 76ers - Tyrese Proctor (PG)

Stats - 10.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 4.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.2 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.

Proctor has been a bright spot for Duke this season, averaging 10.1 points and 4.4 assists per game on 45.7% shooting from the field and 34.3% from three. He can improve his draft stock a bit if he shows more aggression as a playmaker and attacks the basket more often as well.

27. Indiana Pacers (From Oklahoma City) - Justin Edwards (SF)

Stats - 9.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.4 BPG

College/Team - Kentucky

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 203 lbs

NBA Comparison - Harrison Barnes

One of the players at the NCAA level whose draft stock has taken a plummet as of late is Justin Edwards from Kentucky. Edwards has been abysmal shooting the ball from three, going 1-13 in his last five games and shooting 25.7% for the season. He has also struggled to create for himself and others, averaging just 1.0 assists per game while committing 1.1 turnovers per game.

With all of that knocking him down draft boards, Edwards 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.

28. Milwaukee Bucks - Jared McCain (PG/SG)

Stats - 11.7 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.9 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.0 BPG

College/Team - Duke

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’3’’, 197 lbs

NBA Comparison - Gabe Vincent

As we have seen from the Milwaukee Bucks so far in 2023-24 despite their stout overall record, they could use some depth across the board at all positions. There is a good chance that the Bucks will be seeking a backup point guard for Damian Lillard heading into 2024-25. Jared McCain out of Duke fits that mold perfectly as he has shown through 12 games in his freshman season.

So far in 2023-24, McCain is averaging 11.7 points per game on 47.1% shooting overall and 44.8% shooting from three on 4.8 attempts. Another efficient shooter and point guard who takes care of the ball behind Lillard in Milwaukee would certainly be an improvement on their depth and a smart choice for them toward the end of the first round.

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

Stats - 14.2 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.9 BPG

College/Team: UConn

Age - 21 Years Old

Size - 6’8’’, 220 lbs

NBA Comparison - Duncan Robinson

In 2022-23, Alex Karaban made his presence known for UConn’s championship team averaging 9.3 points per game on 40.2% from three. Although he is in a bit of a shooting slump this season, Karaban has improved everywhere else on the floor, shooting 51.1% overall which is up from last season.

The Minnesota Timberwolves could use a long and efficient shooter coming off the bench for them even if Karaban doesn’t see a ton of time to start. His smooth shooting stroke from deep will translate well to the pro game and adding another shooter to the already versatile Minnesota offense cannot hurt moving forward.

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

Stats - 14.1 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 5.2 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 have the fortunate/unfortunate distinction of having the final selection in the 2024 first round. That’s the cost of having the best record in the NBA. It turns out that the Celtics could land the steal of the draft with a lesser-known freshman guard prospect out of Pittsburgh, Carlton Carrington destined to be hanging around at that time.

Carrington has been impressive in 13 games for Pittsburgh this season, averaging over 14.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game on 42.9% shooting from the field. Considering Boston’s success with guards that do a little bit of everything on the court such as with Jre Holiday, Derrick White, and recently with Malcolm Brogdon in 2022-23, Carrington seems like an extremely logical selection with the final pick.

Where Is Bronny James And What Is His Projection In The 2024 NBA Draft?

Stats - 7.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.2 BPG

College/Team - USC

Age - 19 Years Old

Size - 6’4’’, 210 lbs

NBA Comparison - Derrick White

The fact that Bronny James was even able to hit the basketball court for the USC Trojans this season is remarkable. After suffering cardiac arrest this summer at the USC facilities, James made his debut for USC on December 10 against Long Beach State. Expectedly, James struggled to find his rhythm in his freshman season coming back from a traumatic event such as what he went through.

In his last contest against Oregon State, James dropped 15 points on 6-11 shooting, by far his best game in a college uniform thus far. Even with his latest performance, James remains a second-round talent with a chance to sneak into the first round should he get more of an opportunity to play.

If he does fall to the second round, I expect a team like the Lakers or Heat to select him even if it means making a minimal trade deal to make it happen. As we all know, the team that drafts Bronny is likely going to see his father, LeBron James, join their ranks as well which is an asset many teams will covet that late in the NBA Draft.