2024 NBA Mock Draft 3

Every year, I release 3 mock drafts prior to the NBA Draft, and this is the third and final!  While there has been a lot of commentary on the fact that this is considered a weak draft class and it is possible that there are no franchise altering players in this class, there are still several players who are really interesting and could play a large role for a team. 

All of my drafts are aggregates of several drafts and are intended to give an idea of what the draft is looking like at this point in time (while I would love it if I am right on several picks in the mock, there’s movement that I won’t know about until during the draft).  While I account for need in certain picks (more so in the first round, especially the lottery), these are not a reflection of what I think of each pick or how I would rank the prospects.  The picks are divided into three sections:  for the lottery, I provided vitals, in depth analysis, comparison, and the fit with the team.  For the remaining first round picks, I provided vitals, brief analysis, and comparison (I didn’t include fit with the team since many of these picks get traded on draft night).  For the second round, I provided vitals.  Lastly, note that I am doing this as a hobby and will almost certainly miss something that professionals will see; take my analysis with a grain of salt in that regard, and please do not think my opinions should supersede any other scouting reports, especially in a draft that contains so many different opinions.

This draft intended to give an overview of potential ranges of picks and where teams are leaning.  While I would love to credit where I heard/read each rumor, I neglected to keep track of where I heard everything, so my apologies to those whose information I used without credit.

As a note, all measurements for remaining drafts will utilize those from the Combine if the measurements are available.

 

 

 

 

1:  Atlanta Hawks – Zaccharie Risacher (I)

LNB Pro A (France), 19, SF, 6’8.5, 194.6 lbs., 6’9.5 Wing

Style Comp:  Maybe some combo of Harrison Barnes and Michael Porter Jr.?

Previous:  2

It’s sounding like Atlanta is considering either Risacher or Donovan Clingan; while Alexandre Sarr was number one during my previous two drafts, there are reports (particularly from ESPN) that he has yet to practice with Atlanta because he likes the fit with Washington more.  While I’m lower on Risacher, his shooting and defensive ability make him an easy fit, though I think he’s more raw than people are giving him credit for.

2:  Washington Wizards – Alexandre Sarr (I)

Perth Wildcats (Australia), 19, PF/C, 6’11.75, 224.2 lbs., 7’4.25 Wing

Style Comp:  Jaren Jackson Jr.

Previous:  1

I’ve heard that Washington favors Risacher and Sarr.  With their current players they are building around, I would guess that they favor Sarr, though I’d be shocked if they end up drafting another player.  While raw, Sarr has a lot of upside on both ends, especially defensively; he is incredibly raw and could end up not hitting, especially if his offensive game doesn’t develop, but Washington can be patient with him.

3:  Houston Rockets (from BRK) – Reed Sheppard (I)

Kentucky, Fr, 20, PG/SG, 6’1.75, 181.6 lbs., 6’3.25

Style Comp:  Malcolm Brogdon with some Mike Conley glimpses

Previous:  3

One to watch

It is widely expected that Houston will try to trade this pick.  If they do, there is a good chance that Donovan Clingan will be the selection here, as several teams in the lottery reportedly love him (two to watch are Oklahoma City with all their picks and Memphis with a 3-9 flip which includes Marcus Smart).  If they don’t trade this pick, it will likely be either Sheppard or Clingan, though Sheppard is more likely in this scenario.  I think the fit for Sheppard will be seamless due to his shooting ability and off-ball skills, especially if they have Amen Thompson continue to play not quite a guard type role.

4:  San Antonio Spurs – Stephon Castle (I)

UConn, Freshman, 19, PG/SG, 6’4.5, 193 lbs., 6’9 Wing

Style Comp:  Jalen Suggs without a consistent jumper

Previous:  8

Reed Sheppard is the player that San Antonio tends to like the most at this pick, though Castle is considered the second choice if Sheppard is off the board.  Castle provides upside as a combo guard who wants to be a point guard and has the size, ability, and upside to make it work.

5:  Detroit Pistons – Matas Buzelis (I)

G-League Ignite, 19, SF/PF, 6’8.75, 197 lbs., 6’10 Wing

Style Comp:  Raw Franz Wagner, prospect Deni Avdija

Previous:  5

Buzelis is the player that has been most linked to Detroit.  While I don’t expect him to fall this far, Zacharie Risacher is also likely if he somehow falls to 5.  I’m not high on Buzelis and don’t love this fit since I have concerns about his jumper and what skillset he can immediately rely on in the NBA.  The interesting thing to watch is that now that Monty Williams has been fired, I think there’s the ability to have a guy who isn’t a good shooter fit in this lineup since Williams won’t have them stand in the corner (he literally did this with Ausar Thompson, even though I said he was a poor shooter at that time).

6:  Charlotte Hornets – Donovan Clingan (I)

UConn, Sophomore, 20, C, 7’1.75, 282 lbs., 7’6.75 Wing

Style Comp:  Ivaca Zubac with some Mason Plumlee touch

Previous:  6

Clingan’s draft stock could start as early as 1, though it is expected that he won’t fall past Portland at 7.  I wouldn’t be surprised if a team trades up to get him at 3, though Charlotte feels like they could go with pretty much anyone here.  I’m not sure if Charlotte is targeting anyone in particular, so there aren’t many players I would be surprised by out of players I have as potential lottery picks.  I think he’s more raw than people give him credit for, but he projects to be a very good NBA player.

7:  Portland Trail Blazers – Cody Williams (I)

Colorado, Fr, 19, SF/PF, 6’6.5, 178.4 lbs., 7’1 Wing

Style Comp:  Maybe Jaden McDaniels?

Previous:  11

Williams’s stock is all over the place, though I don’t expect he will go past 11 (if he does, OKC tends to be the lowest I’ve seen him mocked).  There are a bunch of guys that Portland has been linked to, including Donovan Clingan and Dalton Knecht, but Williams could provide a versatile combo forward to help with their rebuild that is missing a bit of size.  I’m lower on Williams than most because I think his tools are so raw and theoretical at this point, but if he somehow hits, there is upside.

8:  San Antonio Spurs (from TOR) – Dalton Knecht (I)

Tennessee, RS Sr, 23, SG, 6’5.25, 212.2 lbs., 6’9 Wing

Style Comp:  Leaner Corey Kispert

Previous:  7

Reportedly every team in the 4-9 range likes Knecht except for Detroit (because of course they wouldn’t).  It’s possible that San Antonio moves this pick, though I’ve heard a couple reports that they don’t feel pressure to make a brash win-now move at this time.  Knecht provides them some shooting, ability off the ball, and shot creating ability, all of which they were lacking last season.

9:  Memphis Grizzlies – Devin Carter (I)

Providence, Jr, 22, SG, 6’2.25, 193 lbs., 6’8.25 Wing

Style Comp:  Bruce Brown

Previous:  14

One to watch

The rise of Carter is one that absolutely fascinates me, especially since I don’t think it’s a lock that he will play a role offensively; it’s at the point where not only does he feel like a lock to be a lottery pick, but a top-10 pick feels extremely likely.  It should be noted that Memphis is linked to Donovan Clingan and a trade up that includes Marcus Smart going to Houston has been mentioned a lot.  If they pass on him, there is some speculation that they might take Zach Edey instead with this pick.  That said, I would suggest they not force the selection of a big just because they need one.  Carter will provide defensive versatility and could immediately fill into a complimentary role.

10:  Utah Jazz – Tidjan Salaun (I)

LNB Pro A (France), 18, PF, 6’8.75, 217.4 lbs., 7’1.5 Wing

Style Comp:  More chaotic Herb Jones

Previous:  12

There are reportedly teams all throughout the lottery who have brought Salaun in for a workout and have scouted him, so his stock appears to be all over the place.  The team I hear linked to him most often is OKC, which makes sense given their affinity for length and athleticism, though top-10 isn’t an unreasonable expectation.  Another thing to note is that Utah has often been linked to Nikola Topic lately, though his stock has been all over the place.  Salaun is raw, but he has upside due to his athleticism, IQ, and defensive upside.

11:  Chicago Bulls – Ron Holland (I)

G-League Ignite, 18, SF, 6’6.5, 196.8 lbs., 6’10.75 Wing

Style Comp:  Jerami Grant, what everyone hoped Josh Jackson would be

Previous:  9

At this point, I’m genuinely not sure what the Bulls are doing with their roster.  On top of that, I have no idea what is going to happen with Holland; while I am a big fan of him, there have been reports that several teams are lower on him.  I’ve heard a couple people link Matas Buzelis to Chicago if he is still available (I don’t think he will be), so maybe they view Holland as a solid comp?  He could fall further, though I expect he won’t fall much further out of the lottery.

12:  Oklahoma City Thunder (from HOU) – Nikola Topic (I)

Crvena Zvezda (Serbia), 18, PG, 6’6, 201 lbs.

Style Comp:  Goran Dragic with some early career Lonzo Ball

Previous:  4

One to watch

Due to his ACL injury, Topic’s stock might be the most in question.  While he could have gone as high as 4^th prior to the injury, he could end up falling to the low 20’s because teams tend to overreact to injuries (in my opinion).  I don’t love the fit in OKC, but with the aggregate, that was where he placed at this moment; he likely would have a redshirt year where he could train and recover.  It is worth noting that Topic could end up being drafted by Utah (I’ve heard them a bunch with him), and OKC could go with Tidjan Salaun if he’s still available here.

13:  Sacramento Kings – Jared McCain (I)

Duke, Fr, 20, PG, 6’2, 203.2 lbs., 6’3.5 Wing

Style Comp:  Seth Curry

Previous:  16

For the longest time, Ja’Kobe Walter and Zach Lavine were both linked to the Kings; now that they’ve resigned Malik Monk, I’m not sure what Sacramento is going to look for.  I’ve heard a couple people speculate that they might try to trade this pick instead if they can get something of value back.  McCain has gotten a lot of attention with teams in the top-20, so I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s drafted somewhere in the teens.  If he isn’t drafted here, he has been linked to Philadelphia as well.

14:  Portland Trail Blazers (from GSW) – Rob Dillingham (I)

Kentucky, Freshman, 19, PG, 6’1, 164.2 lbs., 6’3 Wing

Style Comp:  Hybrid of Lou Williams and smaller De’Aaron Fox

Previous:  10

One to watch

While he was already falling due to his size, he wasn’t able to work out for several teams due to a minor injury.  He has been able to more recently, so it’s possible that his stock settles a bit.  That said, I have no idea where he’s going to go, especially if San Antonio, who I think is the right fit at 8, passes on him.  I don’t expect Portland will take him.  If he is still available at pick 9, there is a chance that he can slide significantly.

 

15:  Miami Heat – Ja’Kobe Walter (I)

Baylor, Fr, 19, SG, 6’4.25, 197.6 lbs., 6’10 Wing

Style Comp:  Raw Austin Reaves

Previous:  13

One to watch

Now that Sacramento resigned Malik Monk, Walter, who was widely projected to go there as an insurance policy, suddenly doesn’t have a perfect fit.  While he has a lot of potential as a shooter and playmaker, he is raw and probably would need seasoning in the G-League for a few years.  The first team that even might be able to accommodate a guard like that is Toronto at 19, though they’ve been linked to another player (I’ll get to that in a bit).  His stock could be all over the place if he ends up falling out of the lottery; his best hope might be for a poor team ends up trading up for another first round pick.

16:  Philadelphia 76ers – Tristan da Silva (I)

Colorado, Sr, 23, PF, 6’8.25, 216.8 lbs., 6’10.25 Wing

Style Comp:  Joe Ingles

Previous:  19

There have been some rumblings about this pick since Philadelphia has only brought a few players in for a workout, and might opt to trade it to create more cap space.  While he was already selected, Jared McCain is one player they have brought in.  If they keep this pick, da Silva makes a lot of sense as a high-IQ player who can play both on and off the ball; he should slide into a role as a consistent role player pretty quickly into his career.

17:  Los Angeles Lakers – Zach Edey (I*)

Purdue, Sr, 22, C, 7’3.75, 299 lbs., 7’10.75 Wing

Style Comp:  Boban Marjanovic

Previous:  24

One to watch

Edey’s stock is going to be interesting to watch, especially with several teams looking for big men.  There have been some grumblings that if Memphis strikes out on getting Donovan Clingan then they might consider taking Edey with the 9^th pick.  While the Lakers have also been linked to Tristan da Silva, there is speculation that they might be on the market for a big man as well.  Edey likely won’t fall past the 19^th pick because Toronto reportedly really likes him.

*Edey was invited to the draft, but declined to celebrate with his family, coaches, and teammates at Purdue.

18:  Orlando Magic – Carlton Carrington (I)

Pittsburgh, Fr, 18, PG, 6’3.75, 194.8 lbs., 6’8 Wing

Style Comp:  Jamal Crawford

Previous:  23

One to Watch

Carrington has continued his rise that started around he Combine.  While I don’t expect Orlando, who has tried several guards over the past few years, will end up taking him, there has been some buzz surrounding him in the lottery; that said, I’m not sure how many teams in that range are looking for guards with his skillset.

19:  Toronto Raptors (from IND) – Isaiah Collier (I)

USC, Fr, 19, PG, 6’2.5, 204.6 lbs., 6’4.75 Wing

Style Comp:  Tyreke Evans

Previous:  15

One to watch

Collier’s stock has been slowly falling, but I don’t expect it would fall out of the first round.  The big question regarding this:  where does he go?  He’s super raw, so I think a rebuilding team or a team who can have him play some in G-League would be the best route, but would a team that has an established guard take a chance on him?  If Zach Edey is still available at 19, there are reports that Toronto is interested in him.

20:  Cleveland Cavaliers – Kyshawn George (I)

Miami, Fr, 20, SG, 6’7, 208.8 lbs., 6’10.25 Wing

Style Comp:  Sam Hauser with some passing ability

Previous:  20

It’s a bit of a mystery what Cleveland will do this offseason, so that also impacts the draft.  That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if they get a wing player who can play off the ball, especially one who can shoot.  George feels like a lock to go in the top-25, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes in the top-20.  He’s a good shooter and playmaker who should find a role in the NBA, despite being raw.

21:  New Orleans Pelicans (from MIL) – Kel’el Ware (I)

Indiana, So, 20, C, 6’11.75, 230 lbs., 7’4.25 Wing

Style Comp:  Myles Turner

Previous:  22

One to Watch

Ware has been a polarizing player due to concerns about his motor and work ethic, but the fact that he was a late addition to the Green Room might be a sign that he is expected to be a first-round pick; I think he’s a no-brainer for the first round given his skillset and upside.  While there are questions about what New Orleans will do in this draft, there is speculation that they will either target a wing (to replace Brandon Ingram, if they trade him) or a big (to replace free agent Jonas Valanciunas).  They already have a few wings/forwards on their roster, so I’m guessing a big feels more likely.  If Zach Edey falls here, don’t be surprised if New Orleans takes him; I also wouldn’t be shocked if they consider Yves Missi.

22:  Phoenix Suns – Tyler Kolek

Marquette, Sr, 23, PG, 6’1.25, 196.6 lbs., 6’2.75 Wing

Style Comp:  Dallas version of Jalen Brunson

Previous:  26

While I don’t love this, there is a lot of speculation that Phoenix will go with a guard here (I think that a veteran minimum guard is often better than a rookie guard, especially one drafted later in the first round, so I would favor one of the more NBA-ready wings).  Kolek has been linked to them a lot due to his playmaking and shooting, as well as his high basketball IQ.

23:  Milwaukee Bucks (from NOP) – Yves Missi (I)

Baylor, Fr, 20, C, 6’10.25, 229.4 lbs., 7’2 Wing

Style Comp:  DeAndre Jordan

Previous:  18

One to watch

Missi has been falling a bit and the biggest reason I’ve been able to find is…nobody knows.  I’d guess that it’s an effect of some players rising, but I’m shocked that Missi has been falling since he has such high upside.  It’s anyone’s guess what Milwaukee does here; while I’ve heard people project that they might take a big since Brook Lopez is getting older, it’s worth noting that Khris Middleton and Damian Lillard aren’t exactly spry chicken either.  If they take a big, it will likely either be Missi, Kyle Filopowski, or DaRon Holmes.

Missi is a freak athlete who could be a great finisher and defender, which should make him an interesting prospect.  That said, he is incredibly raw, is a bad shooter, tries for blocks, and fouls a lot.  He will take some time to develop, but I love him and think he has high upside.

24:  New York Knicks (from DAL) – Johnny Furphy (I)

Kansas, Fr, 19, SG/SF, 6’7.5, 188.8 lbs., 6’8 Wing

Style Comp:  Raw Jalen Johnson

Previous:  25

Furphy’s stock is all over the place, as I’ve read that he could even go as high as 12 to OKC.  It’s possible that he slips into the second round, but I don’t expect that this will happen.  There are also rumors that New York is interested in trading at least one of their picks, so that’s worth monitoring as well.

25:  New York Knicks – Ryan Dunn

Virginia, So, 21, SF, 6’6.25, 213+.6 lbs., 7’1.5 Wing

Comp:  Andre Roberson

Previous:  32

One to watch

It’s sounding like Dunn has really impressed in the workouts and his stock is starting to rise, which is wild since he is a zero on offense, but I think is the best defender in this class.  Several reporters and publications have expressed that New York is in love with him, with many considering this his floor.

26:  Washington Wizards (from LAC) – Kyle Filipowski (I)

Duke, So, 20, PF/C, 6’10.75, 229.8 lbs., 6’10.5 Wing

Style Comp:  A strange combination of raw Alperen Sengun and more complete Mo Wagner

Previous:  17

One to Watch

As I expected after he measured with a minus wingspan, Filipowski has been rapidly falling.  I’ve been lower on him than most since I don’t think he’ll last on the court with his lack of defense, athleticism, and mobility, but he is a really good playmaker.  It’s possible that he ends up going earlier just because there are multiple teams that might be looking for bigs.  That said, I think he’s the most likely invitee to fall out of the first round.

27:  Minnesota Timberwolves – Terrence Shannon

Illinois, RS Sr, 23, SG/SF, 6’5.75, 219.4 lbs., 6’8.75 Wing

Style Comp:  Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Previous:  29

One to watch

Shannon was found not guilty of rape at his trial, so he was able to schedule some late workouts.  That said, I have no idea what his current draft range is since he ramped up late.  Versatile wings are a nice commodity, but I wonder if he still ends up slipping to the second round.  It’s also worth noting that Minnesota might target a point guard if there is one that makes sense here (if Kolek is still available, I wouldn’t be surprised if they take him).

28:  Denver Nuggets – DaRon Holmes (I)

Dayton, Jr, 21, PF/C, 6’8.75, 236.2 lbs., 7’1 Wing

Style Comp:  Jalen Smith

Previous:  30

There is a lot of speculation and reporting that Denver made a promise to draft Holmes, after which he abruptly cancelled several workouts.  Denver has been looking for a backup center to Nikola Jokic ever since Mason Plumlee wore a Pistons uniform and hasn’t been able to find one who resulted in a monumental drop off.  At this point, it might be worthwhile to take a big who they are confident can give them quality minutes no matter whether there is a huge drop off or not.  If enough teams are looking for bigs (which is possible), Holmes could end up going earlier in the draft.

29:  Utah Jazz (from OKC) – Tyler Smith

G-League Ignite, 19, PF, 6’8.75, 223.8 lbs., 7’1 Wing

Style Comp:  Early career Michael Porter Jr.

Previous:  21

One to Watch

Smith has been rapidly falling as of late and could end up being a second round pick as a result.  I think he is the type of player who would struggle in workouts against other players since he is a poor defender and finisher when not dunking.  That said, watch out for a team that is rebuilding and has a late pick or a team that wants a bigger guy who can shoot to consider snagging him here.

30:  Boston Celtics – Jaylon Tyson

California, Jr, 21, SF, 6’5.5, 218.2 lbs., 6’8 Wing

Style Comp:  Pacers T.J. Warren (pre-injury)

Previous:  28

While Tyson has proven that he has the skillset and ability to fit with a competitive team, there are a surprising number of people who question the fact that he didn’t win much in college (I’ve always found that kind of silly).  Boston has been linked to several wing players recently, as Baylor Scheierman and Pacome Dadiet have also been rumored picks.

 

 

31:  Toronto Raptors (from DET) – Baylor Scheierman

Creighton, RS Sr, 23, SG, 6’6.25, 201.6 lbs., 6’8.25 Wing

Previous:  33

32:  Utah Jazz (from WAS) – Pacome Dadiet

Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany). 18, SF, 6’7.75, 216.8 lbs., 6’9 Wing

Previous:  34

33:  Milwaukee Bucks (from POR) – Bobi Klintman

Cairns Taipans (Australia), 21, PF, 6’8.5, 212.2 lbs., 6’11 Wing

Style Comp:  John Collins with defense

Previous:  27

One to Watch

Klintman has been rapidly falling, and while I predicted it since he is polarizing, I’m not sure if there is a reason for him to fall.  My guess is that several teams are favoring safer picks rather than taking home run swings, but I have no idea.

34:  Portland Trail Blazers (from CHO) – Cam Christie

Minnesota, Fr, 18, SG, 6’4.5, 190.4 lbs., 6’8 Wing

Previous:  44

One to Watch

Christie’s rapid rise after the Combine has continued, and it’s entirely possible that he could end up in the first round.  He wasn’t invited to the Draft, but if teams are looking for a sharpshooting wing with upside, he fits the bill.

35:  San Antonio Spurs – Kevin McCullar

Kansas, RS Sr, 22, SG, 6’5.25, 205.8 lbs., 6’9 Wing

Previous:  31

One to Watch

While McCullar’s fall has slowed down a bit, there are mixed opinions about him, with some thinking he could be a key role player, and others not buying his jumper, especially after his injury.  I’m not certain if he falls too much more, but I’m also at a loss for what his range is right now.

36:  Indiana Pacers (from TOR) – AJ Johnson

Illawarra Hawks (Australia), 19, PG, 6’4.25, 167 lbs., 6’8.5 Wing

Previous:  37

37:  Minnesota Timberwolves (from MEM) – Justin Edwards

Kentucky, Fr, 20, SF, 6’6, 209.4 lbs., 6’10 Wing

Previous:  36

38:  New York Knicks (from UTA) – Jonathan Mogbo

San Francisco, RS Jr, 22, SF, 6’6.25, 217.2 lbs., 7’2 Wing

Previous:  49

One to watch

Mogbo must be really killing it in workouts, since he’s risen higher than I expected (in my last mock draft, I said that I didn’t think he would rise much higher than the low-40’s).  While it’s possible that he ends up going higher, picks ranging from 20-50 often vary based on who you ask; he’s athletic and long, so it wouldn’t shock me if a team even earlier than this makes him an offer.

39:  Memphis Grizzlies (from BRK) – Adem Bona

UCLA, So, 21, PF, 6’8.25, 243.2 lbs., 7’3.75 Wing

Previous:  40

40:  Portland Trail Blazers (from ATL) – Nikola Djurisic

Mega Basket (Serbia), 20, SG, 6’7, 208.8 lbs., 6’8 Wing

Previous:  42

41:  Philadelphia 76ers (from CHI) – KJ Simpson

Colorado, Jr, 21, PG, 6’0.25, 187 lbs., 6’4.5 Wing

Previous:  38

42:  Charlotte Hornets (from HOU) – Dillon Jones

Weber State, Sr, 21, SF, 6’4.5, 236.8 lbs., 6’11 Wing

Previous:  35

One to watch

Jones has continued to fall after being a potential first round pick early in the process.  I’m not surprised by this since players who aren’t elite athletes who played at non-power conference schools tend to not fare well in the draft.  He is skilled, so a team could still snag him before this pick.

43:  Miami Heat – Harrison Ingram

North Carolina, Jr, 21, SG, 6’5.25, 233.6 lbs., 7’0.25 Wing

Previous:  43

44:  Houston Rockets (from GSW) – Juan Nunez

Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany), 20, PG, 6’4, 205.6 lbs., 6’6.5 Wing

Previous:  45

45:  Sacramento Kings – Ajay Mitchell

Santa Barbara, Jr, 21, SG, 6’3.25, 197 lbs., 6’6.5 Wing

Previous:  46

46:  Los Angeles Clippers (from IND) – Pelle Larsson

Arizona, Sr, 22, SG, 6’5.25, 212.4 lbs., 6’7.5 Wing

Previous:  54

One to watch

Larsson has risen a bit recently, which isn’t surprising when considering older wings with good size who can shoot.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he rises a little more and even sneaks into the late-30’s.

47:  Orlando Magic – Jamal Shead

Houston, Sr, 21, PG, 6’0.25, 200.8 lbs., 6’3 Wing

Previous:  53

One to watch

In recent years, smaller guards who are second round picks tend not to get drafted and fall late.  On the other hand, Shead has risen throughout the process, which is unusual.  I’m not sure how he will fare on draft night.

48:  San Antonio Spurs (from LAL) – Keshad Johnson

Arizona, RS Sr, 23, PF/C, 6’6.25, 224 lbs., 6’10.25 Wing

Previous:  48

49:  Indiana Pacers (from CLE) – Jaylen Wells

Washington State, Jr, 20, SF, 6’6.5, 206.2 lbs., 6’7.25 Wing

Previous:  Undrafted

One to watch

Wells is a late riser due to support with his skillset and playing style.  I don’t see him rising too much more, but I wouldn’t be surprised if a team in the 30’s likes him and goes with him.

50:  Indiana Pacers (from NOP) – Melvin Ajinca

LBN Pro A (France), 19, SF, 6’7

Previous:  39

One to watch

I’m honestly not sure why Ajinca is falling so rapidly; while he’s not a polished NBA ready player, most players in the second round aren’t, especially those who are only 19.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he is drafted earlier if a team has a bunch of picks and is looking for a draft-and-stash type player.

51:  Washington Wizards (from PHO) – Ulrich Chomche

APR (Africa – Rwanda), 18, C, 6’10.25, 232.4 lbs., 7’4 Wing

Previous:  41

One to Watch

Chomche continues to fall, which I think is due to just how raw he is.  That said, if he is willing to be a draft-and-stash player, don’t be surprised if he ends up being drafted earlier.

52:  Golden State Warriors (from MIL) – Trentyn Flowers

Adelaide 36ers (Australia), 19, SF, 6’6.5, 201.4 lbs., 6’8.25 Wing

Previous:  55

53:  Detroit Pistons (from NYK) – Oso Ighodaro

Marquette, RS Jr, 21, PF, 6’9.5, 222 lbs., 6’11 Wing

Previous:  47

One to watch

I am stunned that Ighodaro has fallen as much as he has, since he was a potential first round pick at points during the season.  I think the lack of shooting is throwing teams off, though he could fit in with the right team and system easily due to his passing and defensive versatility.

54:  Boston Celtics (from DAL) – Jalen Bridges

Baylor, RS Sr, 23, SF, 6’6.75, 213.4 lbs., 6’10 Wing

Previous:  58

55:  Los Angeles Lakers (from LAC) – Bronny James

USC, Fr, 19, 6’1.5, 210.4 lbs., 6’7.25 Wing

Previous:  Undrafted

56:  Denver Nuggets (from MIN) – Cam Spencer

UConn, RS Sr, 24, SG, 6’3, 201.8 lbs., 6’5 Wing

Previous:  Undrafted

57:  Memphis Grizzlies (from OKC) – Enrique Freeman

Akron, RS Sr, 23, PF, 6’7.25, 212 lbs., 7’2 Wing

Previous:  Undrafted

58:  Dallas Mavericks (from BOS) – Tristen Newton

UConn, RS Sr, 23, PG, 6’3.25, 191.8 lbs., 6’6.75 Wing

Previous:  56

 

 

Next 10

1.      Antonio Reeves, Kentucky, RS Sr, 23, SG, 6’4.25, 186.6lbs., 6’10 Wing

2.      Trey Alexander, Creighton, Junior, 21, PG, 6’3.25, 187 lbs., 6’10.5 Wing

3.      PJ Hall, Clemson, Sr, 22, PF, 6’8.25, 239.6 lbs., 7’1.5 Wing

4.      Isaac Jones, Washington State, RS Sr, 23, PF/C, 6’7.25, 235 lbs., 7’3 Wing

5.      Reece Beekman, Virginia, Sr, 22, PG, 6’1.25, 196.4 lbs., 6’6.5 Wing

6.      Isaiah Crawford, Louisiana Tech, RS Sr, 22, SF, 6’6, 220 lbs., 7’0.5 Wing

7.      N’Faly Dante, Oregon, RS Sr, 22, C, 6’10, 260.2 lbs., 7’6 Wing

8.      Ariel Hukporti, Riesen Ludwigsburg (Germany), 22, C, 6’10.75, 246.2 lbs., 7’2.5 Wing

9.      Quinten Post, Boston College, RS Sr, 24, C, 7’0, 244.4 lbs., 7’2.5 Wing

10.   Blake Hinson, Pittsburgh, RS Sr, 24, SF, 6’8, 230 lbs.

 

Removed

·        PJ Hall (48)

·        Izan Almansa (51, withdrew)

·        Trey Alexander (52)

·        Antonio Reeves (57)

 

Risers

Calculated by % difference, minimum 5 spots changed

1.      Devin Carter (14 to 9, 35.71%)

2.      Zach Edey (24 to 17, 29.17%)

3.      Cam Christie (44 to 34, 22.73%)

4.      Jonathan Mogbo (49 to 38, 22.45%)

5.      Ryan Dunn (32 to 25, 21.88%)

 

Fallers

Calculated by % difference, minimum 5 spots changed

1.      Nikola Topic (4 to 12, -200%)

2.      Kyle Filipowski (17 to 26, -52.94%)

3.      Tyler Smith (21 to 29, -38.10%)

4.      Melvin Ajinca (39 to 50, -28.21%)

5.      Yves Missi (18 to 23, -27.78%)

 

Top international prospects

Every year, there are several international players who end up rising in the rankings due to teams drafting a player to hold onto their draft rights for a later time (also known as draft-and-stash).  While the number of draft-and-stash players have declined due to the addition of 2-Way contracts, there are still several international players to watch in this draft.  While some international players will presumably come over to the NBA immediately (such as Zaccharie Risacher or Alexandre Sarr), others will likely not be coming over immediately (for instance, I wouldn’t be surprised if Armel Traore doesn’t come over immediately).  I also included American players who are in Australia’s program (such as AJ Johnson and Trentyn Flowers).  All countries listed are the country the player played in this past season, not necessarily their nationality.  The following 18 players are in the top-100 players on my draft order.

1.      Zaccharie Risacher (France, 1)

2.      Alexandre Sarr (Australia, 2)

3.      Tidjane Salaun (France, 10)

4.      Nikola Topic (Serbia, 12)

5.      Pacome Dadiet (Germany, 32)

6.      Bobi Klintman (Australia, 33)

7.      AJ Johnson (Australia, 36)

8.      Nikola Djurisic (Serbia, 40)

9.      Juan Nunez (Germany, 44)

10.   Melvin Ajinca (France, 50)

11.   Ulrich Chomche (Africa – Cameroon, 51)

12.   Trentyn Flowers (Australia, 52)

13.   Ariel Hukporti (Germany, 66)

14.   Mantas Rubstavicius (Australia, 74)

15.   Armel Traore (France, 77)

16.   Yannick Kraag (Spain, 83)

17.   Quinn Ellis (Italy, 89)

18.   Taran Armstrong (Australia, 90)

 

Who are some of your favorite picks in this draft?  Any picks you would like to see?  Let me know in the comments!