With the National Championship done, it’s time to focus on the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft in June. While this class isn’t as flashy as previous ones, it is guaranteed that a few players will inevitably come out on top in a few years. With June fast approaching, the 2024 NBA Mock draft will become a staple here in TPS.
Let’s take a look at the 2024 NBA First-Round NBA Mock Draft for all 30 picks: 1.0 (After The National Championship Game)
Presenting our 2024 NBA Mock Draft for all 30 picks in the first round 1.0
1. Detroit Pistons – F Zaccharie Risacher (France)
Bourg-en-Bresse’s French forward Zaccharie Risacher prepares to shoot the ball during the French Ligue Nationale de Basket (LNB) Pro A match between Nanterre 92 and JL Bourg (Bourg-en-Bresse), at the Palais des Sports in Nanterre, on the western outskirts of Paris, on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Ian LANGSDON / AFP) (Photo by IAN LANGSDON/AFP via Getty Images)
If we’re talking about long-term upside, then the rebuilding Pistons should target Zaccharie Risacher in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old teenager steadily displayed his improved three-point shot and has shown promise in handling the ball in transition.
2. Washington Wizards – C Alex Sarr (France)
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 08: Alex Sarr of the Wildcats warms up before game one of the NBL Semifinal series between Perth Wildcats and Tasmania Jackjumpers at RAC Arena, on March 08, 2024, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
The Wizards have a big hole to fill in the middle and the defensive-minded Alex Sarr would immediately address the team’s needs from day one. Plus, the 7-foot-1 Frenchman is capable of defending in the perimeter and would be able to switch against smaller opponents with ease.
3. San Antonio Spurs – G Reed Sheppard (Kentucky)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 15: Reed Sheppard #15 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Texas A&M Aggies during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
The Spurs desperately need a point guard and Sheppard fits the bill for this team. While his athleticism doesn’t pop out compared to his peers, Reed is a high IQ player who could easily feed Wembanyama consistently anywhere on the court.
4. Charlotte Hornets – G Rob Dillingham (Kentucky)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 15: Rob Dillingham #0 of the Kentucky Wildcats against the Texas A&M Aggies during the quarterfinals of the SEC Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 15, 2024 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
With LaMelo Ball constantly battling injuries throughout his career, it might be time for Charlotte to select someone who could either play on and off the ball for them. Dillingham is arguably the best choice going forward as he has the tools to become an elite scorer in the league.
5. Portland Trail Blazers – F Matas Buzelis (G-League Ignite)
HENDERSON, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 06: Matas Buzelis #13 of G League Ignite walks on the court during a break in the second half of an NBA G League Fall Invitational game against the Perth Wildcats on September 06, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. Ignite defeated the Wildcats 124-105. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Blazers need all the help they can get and selecting Buzelis in the 2024 NBA draft should improve their team’s performance next season. Buzelis already has professional experience as he has gradually improved his game during his time with the G-League Ignite.
6. Toronto Raptors – G Nikola Topic (Serbia)
01/02/2024 Istanbul, Turkey. Nikola Topic, #44 of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade warms up before the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 18 match between Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade at Ulker Sports Arena. (Photo by Altan Gocher / Middle East Images / Middle East Images via AFP) (Photo by ALTAN GOCHER/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images)
While a wing option might be an appealing option for the Raptors, they just need to draft the best talent available at this point. The 6 foot 6 Topic is a wizard with the ball and could seamlessly slide into the starting lineup for Toronto right from the get-go.
7. Memphis Grizzlies – C Donovan Clingan (UConn)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 08: Donovan Clingan #32 of the Connecticut Huskies celebrates after beating the Purdue Boilermakers 75-60 to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Grizzlies need a solid big man in the middle and that’s why selecting UConn’s dependable big man Donovan Clingan makes a lot of sense at the 7th spot. The 7-foot-2 center could potentially form a formidable defensive frontcourt alongside Jaren Jackson Jr. for Memphis next season.
8. Utah Jazz – G Cody Williams (Colorado)
DAYTON, OHIO – MARCH 20: Cody Williams #10 of the Colorado Buffaloes dribbles the ball while being guarded by Roddie Anderson III #0 of the Boise State Broncos in the first half in the First Four game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at University of Dayton Arena on March 20, 2024 in Dayton, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The younger brother of OKC’s Jalen Williams, Cody Williams should perfectly fill up the shooting guard position for the Jazz from day one. He already has a nice stroke from the outside, shooting at an insane 41.5% on threes with Colorado.
9. Houston Rockets – G Dalton Knecht (Tennesee)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MARCH 31: Dalton Knecht #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 31, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
With the Rockets looking to contend for a playoff spot next season, don’t be surprised if the sweet-shooting shooting guard from Tennesee will be snatched by the team as the 9th pick of the 2024 NBA draft. They need players who can contribute now and Knecht is the best option for Houston.
10. Atlanta Hawks – G Ron Holland (G-League Ignite)
HENDERSON, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 08: Ron Holland #0 of G League Ignite shoots a free throw against the Perth Wildcats in the first half of an NBA G League Fall Invitational game on September 08, 2023 in Henderson, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated Ignite 127-112. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
With all the possible trade talks surrounding either Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in the upcoming offseason, the Hawks might look to add a scoring guard to their roster through the draft. Holland has proven during his time in the G-League Ignite that he has the potential to lead a team.
11. Chicago Bulls – G Stephon Castle (Connecticut)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 06: Stephon Castle #5 of the Connecticut Huskies reacts in the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four semifinal game at State Farm Stadium on April 06, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
On a loaded Connecticut team, Castle wasn’t able to showcase his full arsenal as a player. Many scouts are enamored with his potential to succeed at the NBA level and the Bulls would be a great landing spot for the 6 foot 6 freshman.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – C Kyle Filipowski (Duke)
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Kyle Filipowski #30 of the Duke Blue Devils controls the ball as Mohamed Diarra #23 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack defends in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
OKC has a thin rotation on the front court and with their current young core on the rise, Duke’s Kyle Filipowski should be an interesting addition to this team in the 2024 NBA draft. Filipowski has steadily improved in his two seasons with the Blue Devils and has the tools to contribute right away for the Thunder.
13. Portland Trail Blazers – G/F Ja’Kobe Walter (Baylor)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 22: Ja’Kobe Walter #4 of the Baylor Bears shoots a free throw in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament against the Colgate Raiders at FedExForum on March 22, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
At this point, the Blazers should draft the best available talent regardless of position. While Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter is deemed a raw prospect in the eyes of NBA scouts, he has the potential to become a solid contributor for the Blazers down the line.
14. New Orleans Pelicans – G Isaiah Collier (USC)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 14: Isaiah Collier #1 of the USC Trojans handles the ball in the second half of a quarterfinal game against the Arizona Wildcats during the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wildcats defeated the Trojans 70-49. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
New Orleans needs a reliable backup point guard who could steadily improve and eventually start for the team a few years from now. USC freshman Isaiah Collier would be a perfect prospect for them as he already has a smooth game and a body built for the pros.
15. Philadelphia 76ers – G Devin Carter (Providence)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 15: Devin Carter #22 of the Providence Friars dribbles in the first half against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the Semifinal round of the Big East Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 15, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
The Sixers might select the best prospect who can contribute immediately next season. With that being said, Providence guard Devin Carter should be a great value pick for them in the 14th spot. Carter is a three-year player in college and was the best player in the Big East this past season.
16. Miami Heat – G Jarred McCain (Duke)
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 31: Jared McCain #0 of the Duke Blue Devils drives to the basket as DJ Horne #0 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack defends in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
McCain has impressed everybody with his lone season at Duke, especially during their Elite Eight run. With Terry Rozier’s infamous inconsistency streak, having another young floor general on the floor should help the Heat tremendously, especially in adding a good talent at the 16th spot in the 2024 NBA draft.
17. Toronto Raptors – F Tidjane Salaun (France)
Tidjane SALAUN of Cholet Basket during the Betclic Elite match between Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 and Cholet Basket at Salle Marcel Cerdan on October 4, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Herve Bellenger/Icon Sport via Getty Images
Considered one of the fast high risers in this year’s draft class, Tidjane Salaun is quite an intriguing prospect with tons of upside in his game. He is a big wing equipped with great shooting mechanics and Toronto can certainly bring him up slowly as they are in a rebuilding phase right now.
18. Atlanta Hawks – F Bobi Klintman (Sweden)
CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 31: Bobi Klintman of the Taipans in action during the round 13 NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Melbourne United at Cairns Convention Centre, on December 31, 2023, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)
This is definitely a pick for the future as Klintman is a 6-foot-10 prospect who’s projected to play limited minutes during his first couple of years in the league. His potential to become a solid 3 and D player has some scouts salivating especially if he adds some bulk in his skinny frame.
19. Cleveland Cavaliers – G Terrence Shannon Jr. (Illinois)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 30: Terrence Shannon Jr. #0 of the Illinois Fighting Illini dribbles against Stephon Castle #5 of the Connecticut Huskies during the second half in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at TD Garden on March 30, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
One of the oldest prospects in this year’s draft class, the soon-to-be 24-year-old guard out of Illinois is projected to contribute right from the get-go for any team in the league. With Donovan Mitchell’s uncertainty in his upcoming free agency, the Cavs should pounce on the opportunity to draft a shooting guard who is ready to play on opening night next season.
20. Phoenix Suns – F Jaylon Tyson (California)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 13: Jaylon Tyson #20 of the California Golden Bears reacts after a 3-pointer against the Stanford Cardinal during the first half of a first round game in the Pac-12 Conference basketball tournament at T-Mobile Arena on March 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)
Phoenix may lack a true point guard in the roster but they’ll prefer to sign a veteran during the offseason rather than select one through the 2024 NBA draft. California’s Jaylon Tyson should be a great addition to this team as the 6-foot-7 forward is projected to become a solid role player in the NBA.
21. New Orleans Pelicans – C Ke’lel Ware (Indiana)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MARCH 15: Kel’el Ware #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers dunks the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Target Center in the Quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament on March 15, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Cornhuskers defeated the Hoosiers 93-66. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
Indiana’s Ke’lel Ware’s drastically improved game should entice the Pelicans to add the 7-foot big man to their roster next season. He can catch lobs, rebound the ball and also shot 42% on threes for the Hoosiers.
22. New York Knicks – F Ryan Dunn (Virginia)
DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 2: Ryan Dunn #13 of the Virginia Cavaliers moves the ball against Kyle Filipowski #30 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half of the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on March 2, 2024 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 73-48. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
With coach Tom Thibodeau’s hard emphasis on the defensive end, Virginia’s Ryan Dunn should be a great addition to the Knicks in the 2024 NBA draft. While his offensive game needs a lot of time to develop, his defensive instincts are already on par at the NBA level.
23. Orlando Magic – F Tristan da Silva (Colorado)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 24: Tristan da Silva #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes dunks the ball against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The German-born forward had a steady growth to his game during his three-year stint with the Buffaloes. He was named a member of the first-team All-Pac-12 this past season. With the Magic having some inconsistencies at the center spot, da Silva could slide right in and contribute from day one.
24. Milwaukee Bucks – C Yves Missi (Baylor)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – MARCH 24: Yves Missi #21 of the Baylor Bears looks on during the first half against the Clemson Tigers in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at FedExForum on March 24, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)Surely, the Bucks will be more than happy to land a possible top-15 talent at this stage in the first round. Although widely billed as an extremely raw prospect, Missi had some plays for Baylor last season in which he displayed his intriguing potential for NBA teams to salivate.
25. New York Knicks – G Carlton Carrington (Pittsburgh)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 15: Carlton Carrington #7 of the Pittsburgh Panthers handles the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the Semifinals of the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 15, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Knicks are currently thin at the guard spot and selecting the 6-foot-5 Carrington out of Pittsburgh in the 2024 NBA draft should be an appealing option for them. In addition, he is a willing defender, which bodes well for the Knicks.
26. Washington Wizards – G/F Johnny Furphy (Kansas)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 21: Johnny Furphy #10 of the Kansas Jayhawks is defended by Jaden Campbell #2 of the Samford Bulldogs during the second half in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Delta Center on March 21, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Australian-born Furphy was a solid contributor for Kansas during his lone season there. While it is uncertain that he could contribute meaningful minutes for the Wizards next season, his potential upside had some scouts intrigued and he’s mostly a first round draft pick in most 2024 NBA mock drafts. The Wizards could benefit tremendously if they develop him right.
27. Utah Jazz – G Tyler Kolek (Marquette)
DALLAS, TEXAS – MARCH 29: Tyler Kolek #11 of the Marquette Golden Eagles looks on against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the second half in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 29, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The senior guard from Marquette was arguably one of the best players in the entire nation this past season. With the Jazz having a disastrous time juggling their backcourt rotation throughout the entire year, selecting Kolek in the 2024 NBA draft should bring some stability to the position in a short-term capacity.
28. Minnesota Timberwolves – C Zach Edey (Purdue)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – APRIL 08: Zach Edey #15 of the Purdue Boilermakers walks across the court in the first half against the Connecticut Huskies during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game at State Farm Stadium on April 08, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The two-time National College Player of the Year and Purdue star should be a seamless fit for the Wolves in a backup role. It also would not compromise the Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert frontcourt if the latter is on the bench for a breather. His performance throughout the NCAA tournament has shot him up in most 2024 NBA mock drafts.
29. Denver Nuggets – C Ulrich Comche (Cameroon)
DAKAR, SENEGAL – MARCH 20: Ulrich Chomche #14 of REG dribbles the ball during the game against the US Monastir on March 20, 2023 at the Dakar Arena. (Photo by Nacer Talel/NBAE via Getty Images
This could be a hit or miss, but Denver certainly needs another backup big man on their roster who they can possibly develop into a solid rotational piece in the future. Comche is still raw but he could hasten his development by watching Nikola Jokic on the sideline.
30. Boston Celtics – G/F Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kansas)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – MARCH 05: Kevin McCullar Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks reacts after drawing a foul during the 2nd half of the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse on March 05, 2024 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Boston doesn’t have the time to develop another young prospect as they are poised to contend with Jayson Tatum entering his prime years. Kansas senior Kevin McCullar Jr. would be a great selection in the 2024 NBA draft as he is a defensive specialist who has the tools to contribute right away for the Celtics.
