With March Madness on the horizon, I've delved into evaluating the top prospects for the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft. This year's draft class marks a distinct departure from the past few years. In prior drafts, buzz surrounded standout talents like Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, and Scoot Henderson. The 2022 draft saw a fierce competition between Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren, and Paolo Banchero for the top spots.
However, this year presents a new challenge.
Unlike last year, where the debate began at the second pick, the 2024 draft lacks a clear frontrunner for the number one spot in June.
Team draft boards vary greatly this year, as the 2024 draft class is not considered particularly strong, especially at the top. As we approach the NBA draft in four months, it's time to revisit the top players available, potential landing spots, and how these picks could impact the projected lottery teams in the NBA.
This mock draft is a result of discussions with NBA executives, scouts, and agents, but mostly my own personal projections.
As the draft approaches, my rankings and predictions will continue to evolve alongside evaluations from around the NBA. Stay tuned for ongoing analysis and updates throughout the year.
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1. Detroit Pistons
Alex Sarr
Perth Wildcats (Australia)
International
PF/C
7’1” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.1
The Pistons entered the All-Star break with a league-worse 8-46 record and are expected to be one of the more active teams on draft night and in free agency this summer.
Sarr may not be the perfect fit next to Jalen Duren, but he's the best prospect in the class, and the Pistons are not in a position to draft based on need. However, Detroit could look to move back a few slots and select fellow French prospect Zaccharie Risacher who would be the ideal complimentary wing to pair with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Duran.
Sarr is an elite prospect who checks all the boxes NBA teams are looking for in a modern-day big man. His versatile offensive toolbox allows him to score from all over the floor and guard wings in space while serving as a rim protector.
The biggest knock on Sarr is that he lacks strength and has a tendency to shy away from physicality. But his combination of size, length, and shooting upside would be hard for Detroit to pass on.
2. Washington Wizards
Nikola Topić
Crvena Zvezda(Serbia)
International
Point Guard
6’7” | 200
Age on draft night: 18.8
The Wizards swung for the fences in last year's draft when they swapped picks with the Indiana Pacers to land Bilal Coulibaly after he was selected No. 7 overall. The gamble is paying off, as Coulibaly is showing great potential as a top-tier defender, frequently tasked with shutting down the opposing team's star player.
The Wizards could be looking to take the international route again with Nikola Topić, who catapulted up draft boards with his dominant play in the Adriatic League before transferring to his childhood team, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet, in late December.
Standing at 6'7", Topić is a big playmaker known for his aggressive slashing style and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. During his time with Mega Mis, he averaged an impressive 18.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 3.7 rebounds while shooting an efficient 52% from the field across 13 games.
Unfortunately, Topić is currently sidelined due to a left knee injury that was expected to keep him out for 4-6 weeks. However, recent reports indicate that he is progressing well in his recovery, with hopes of returning to the court as soon as the six-week mark approaches.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Matas Buzelis
G League Ignite
Wing
6’11” | 195
Age on draft night: 19.6
Choosing between Risacher and Buzelis presents a dilemma - the safe pick versus the high-risk, high-reward gamble. Risacher may be the more appealing option for San Antonio, but I can't help but be drawn to Buzelis' potential as a versatile three- level scorer.
Despite his struggles from beyond the arc, shooting at a mere 26% clip, there is something captivating about Buzelis' offensive game. At 6'10", he possesses a unique combination of size and skill that allows him to create scoring opportunities in a variety of ways. Whether it's through stepbacks, floaters, pull-up jumpers, or crafty finishes at the rim, Buzelis has all the tools to be an All-Star or top starter in the NBA.
With a strong performance in the pre-draft process, Buzelis could very well find himself in the conversation for the top pick. His athleticism, ball-handling ability, and potential as a perimeter threat will make him attractive to teams picking near the top of the draft. Despite his struggles adjusting to the longer three-point line, his shooting potential remains enticing as Buzelis shot 43% from beyond the arc as a senior at Sunrise Christian Academy.
One of the most exciting aspects of Buzelis' game is his upside as a jumbo wing playmaker. He has shown flashes of court vision and passing instincts, utilizing his size advantage to create opportunities for his teammates. While there is room for improvement in terms of turnovers and decision-making, there is a sense of optimism that his passing skills will continue to develop at the professional level. Ultimately, the decision to bet on Buzelis' upside is a risk I believe is worth taking.
4. Charlotte Hornets
Zaccharie Risacher
JL Bourg (France)
International
Wing
6’10” | 205
Age on draft night: 19.2
The Charlotte Hornets blew up their roster at the trade deadline and, outside of a miraculous turnaround, will miss the playoffs for the eighth consecutive season.
However, it is not all doom and gloom in the Queen City. Brandon Miller has been a major bright spot for Charlotte, averaging 23 points per game in February and helping the Hornets end the first half of the season on a high note with a three-game winning streak.
The Hornets have a strong foundation of young talent already in place with LaMelo Ball, Miller, and Mark Williams. Charlotte is reportedly interesting in resigning Miles Bridges, who is averaging a career-high 21.5 points per game and recorded back-to-back 40-point games earlier this month.
Charlotte would be the ideal landing spot for Risacher as his game is perfectly suited for a complimentary role as a 3 & D cutter to provide wing depth for a Hornets team that is looking to make a move up the East standings.
Arguably the safest pick in an uncertain draft class, Risacher's play this season has solidified him as a top-five pick due to his crazy efficiency from long-range while playing professionally in France's premier league at just 18 years old.
At 6'10", Risacher boasts ideal NBA positional size and possesses the athleticism to effectively defend anywhere on the court. Through 40 games, Risacher has been on fire from beyond the arc, shooting a sizzling 44.8% from downtown.
5. Portland Trailblazers
Cody Williams
Colorado
Freshman
Wing
6’8” | 190
Age on draft night: 19.5
Williams has caught the attention of NBA scouts with his impressive blend of size, length, versatility, and playmaking skills, making him a top contender to be the first college player chosen in the upcoming draft.
As the younger brother of Oklahoma City's rising star Jalen Williams, Cody faced skepticism entering his freshman season due to concerns about his value being inflated by his sibling's success, as well as doubts about his outside shooting.
Known for his struggles as a 3-point shooter in the past, Williams shot 19% from deep in EYBL and only 2-of-8 from downtown at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer. His inability to shoot off the catch raised eyebrows and left many wondering if he could thrive if forced to play off the ball.
Williams has addressed the most significant concerns and is currently averaging 14.2 points on 59% shooting, but more importantly, draining an impressive 47% of his 3-point attempts.
Williams is on track to potentially be the highest-selected Colorado draft pick since current Blazers coach Chauncey Billups was taken third overall by the Boston Celtics in 1997.