2025 NBA Draft Thread


NBA mock draft: Pick predictions after withdrawal deadline

With less than a month before the 2024 NBA draft begins, players are making big-time decisions that will impact their futures.

With the NCAA's early-entry withdrawal deadline passing on Wednesday, several prospects withdrew their names from the draft process in order to return to their prior college program or transfer to a new one. Take former BYU 6-foot-7 wing Jaxson Robinson, who told ESPN Thursday that he is out of the draft and has committed to play for the Kentucky Wildcats. Robinson joins other high-profile players, such as Alabama's Mark Sears, UConn's Alex Karaban and Arizona's Caleb Love, who withdrew their names and are returning for another year of collegiate eligibility.

The top prospects who are staying in the draft and hope to hear their names called in the new two-day event (June 26-27 in New York) include Johnny Furphy (a 6-9 guard out of Kansas who ranks No. 18 in ESPN's Top 100), Bronny James (a 6-3 guard out of USC) and David Jones (a 6-5 forward out of Memphis).

Now, NBA teams are jumping into individual workouts that will help them narrow down their boards and get a handle on whom they might draft. The Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 1 pick, and then the draft turns to the Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets at Nos. 2 and 3.

Draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo considered the draft board and the likely players available at each spot to update the ESPN 2024 NBA mock draft accordingly. Their latest mock, which reflects a long period of exhaustive evaluation of the 2024 draft class and considers intel gathered from conversations with scouts and front office personnel, also accounts for picks owed and owned by all 30 teams.

ROUND 1
1. Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Bourg (France) | Age: 19.1
The intel out of the Atlanta Hawks continues to indicate that their front office is at an early stage in its decision-making process and there likely won't be clarity on which way the team is leaning with this pick until closer to draft night. It's unclear how much of an appetite ownership has for entering a rebuilding mode, and that might be difficult to avoid depending on what the team does in regard to the futures of stars Trae Young and Dejounte Murray,
Trading this pick for more immediate contributors or moving down to take multiple swings in this relatively flat lottery class are options. Take for example a scenario in which San Antonio would trade the No. 4 and No. 8 selections for the right to move up and draft Risacher.
Should Atlanta stand pat at No. 1, Risacher is looking like an increasingly attractive option. His season came to a close with Bourg's semifinal loss to No. 1 seed Monaco, capping off a playoff run in which he averaged 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, shooting 67% from the field and 38% on 3-pointers; all outstanding numbers for a 19-year-old at this level of competition. His next stop is the NBA Global Camp in Treviso, Italy, where he'll have a medical examination and undergo draft combine activity including interviews with interested teams.
Every team in the top five has significant interest in Risacher, and it is looking highly unlikely, barring a major surprise, that he'll drop out of the top two. -- Givony

2. Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr, PF/C, Perth (Australia) | Age: 19.0
Which direction Washington goes here appears to hang on where Atlanta ultimately lands at No. 1, with rival teams connecting the Wizards to Risacher and Sarr. The long-term upside Sarr presents makes for a strong fit with Washington's situational timeline, with the front office beginning the very early stages of its rebuilding process.
Expect the Wizards to look at all options on the trade front -- suffice to say that much of the league is open to moving back for additional value given the difficult nature of this draft -- with players such as Donovan Clingan and Matas Buzelis viewed as options further down their board. Sarr's high ceiling as a defender and potentially versatile offensive big makes him a worthwhile swing for the Wizards at the top of this draft. -- Woo

3. Houston Rockets (via Nets)
Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Kentucky | Age: 19.9
Most teams expect the Rockets to heavily pursue trade opportunities, either to move down the board (for example with teams such as the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies or Chicago Bulls) or to get out altogether if a major building block of a player -- such as Mikal Bridges -- presents itself unexpectedly.
Should Houston stand pat at No. 3, continuing to add shooting will likely be a priority after it finished toward the bottom of the league last season. With that in mind, adding a sharpshooter such as Sheppard, who converted over half of his 3-point attempts and proved capable of playing on or off the ball, could be attractive. Sheppard's unselfishness, feel for the game and sharp defensive instincts could make him a strong fit alongside the Rockets' core. -- Givony

4. San Antonio Spurs
Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn | Age: 19.5
The Spurs have been exploring all options with their two top-10 picks as they enter a critical offseason. With Victor Wembanyama on a superstar-level trajectory, San Antonio has an opportunity to accelerate its path toward the playoffs, whether that's via the draft, trades or other means. The biggest roster need is at point guard, and rival teams have connected the Spurs to the Cleveland Cavaliers' Darius Garland as they work to revamp the team.
Keeping both these picks and taking multiple swings in the draft is also an attractive path, with the challenge being nailing the right pairing of players who will fit together with Wembanyama. San Antonio has reportedly demonstrated strong interest in Castle, who might well land here if the Spurs stay put. Castle's two-way versatility, playmaking potential and size give him attractive upside, and also make him an easy player to pair with whomever the Spurs draft at No. 8. -- Woo

5. Detroit Pistons
Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.6
The Pistons recently hired New Orleans Pelicans general manager Trajan Langdon to oversee their front office, which creates a new dynamic for both how management views the existing roster as well as the fit of prospects in this range that corresponds with the team's timeline. It will probably take time for Langdon and any new executives he brings in to flesh out the fit of the Pistons' backcourt (Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey) and frontcourt (Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren) before making drastic moves. With that in mind, it might make sense to look at small forward options who can connect the roster and bring defensive versatility, perimeter shooting and playmaking.
Buzelis has terrific size at 6-foot-10 and explosive ability, and he has shown promising signs of perimeter shooting and rim-protection prowess over the past few years. The fact he doesn't need the ball in his hands to be successful but has significant upside to grow into with his developing frame could be attractive with this pick. -- Givony

6. Charlotte Hornets
Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky | Age: 19.4
The Hornets are sitting in a tricky spot at No. 6, with some prospects thus far unwilling to work out in Charlotte. With a new front office in place and the team's new ownership also known to be heavily involved in decision-making, it remains to be seen what direction the franchise will take. And, there is much curiosity around the league surrounding LaMelo Ball's long-term fit.
With less than a month to the draft, Charlotte has been connected to perimeter players, with the team said to be high on the long-term future of Mark Williams -- which might preclude drafting Donovan Clingan as an option here. Other names to watch for the Hornets include Cody Williams and Ron Holland. But Dillingham's shooting ability and playmaking make him an attractive fit as someone who can play alongside Ball and Brandon Miller in the short term, and also offer long-term cover at point guard (depending what happens with Ball). -- Woo

7. Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan, C, UConn | Age: 20.2
It's hard to see a scenario in which Clingan -- the No. 3 player on ESPN's Big Board -- falls to No. 7, but the Trail Blazers would surely be ecstatic with this outcome, driven by the fact Houston, San Antonio, Detroit and Charlotte all have centers in place in whom their front offices are already invested.
There's chatter around the league that teams such as Portland, Memphis and Chicago might look to move up to draft Clingan earlier than this, but in this mock scenario, he falls right into the Trail Blazers' lap. Clingan brings size, length, defensive prowess, nonstop intensity and passing ability along with a back-to-back national championship pedigree. He has plenty of room for growth alongside the Blazers' core at just 20 years old. -- Givony

8. San Antonio Spurs
Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet (France) | Age: 18.8
Salaun has arrived in the U.S. for workouts, but will head back overseas next week to the NBA's pre-draft camp in Treviso, Italy, to complete his required medicals and testing. He has gained steam as a lottery candidate after finishing his season in strong form, showcasing his physical tools and potential versatility at either forward spot.
Salaun, yet to turn 19, is still a ways away from contributing at a high level, but the room for long-term growth makes him an appealing development pick in the mid-to-late lottery. His familiarity with Victor Wembanyama likely doesn't hurt his case as an option for San Antonio, but the Spurs are considering a handful of prospects at this spot, including Dillingham, Nikola Topic, Cody Williams and Dalton Knecht. -- Woo
More: Victor Wembanyama breaks down France's 2024 draft prospects

9. Memphis Grizzlies
Dalton Knecht, SF, Tennessee | Age: 23.1
An injury-plagued 2023-24 season gives the Grizzlies a chance to add more talent to a roster already featuring three significant building blocks of stars in Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane. Considering the team's timetable, and the urgency surely in place to make a run back to the NBA playoffs next season, finding plug-and-play options who can contribute immediately without too long of a development runway will be important.
At 23 years old and coming off an All-America season, Knecht looks like an attractive option. He's one of the best shooters in this class, putting the ball in the basket in a variety of ways, and has the frame and length to play either wing position. -- Givony

10. Utah Jazz
Nikola Topic, PG, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 18.8
Teams are awaiting Topic's forthcoming medical information, and he will participate in his required portion of the pre-draft process next week in Treviso, Italy. He sustained multiple knee injuries this season, returning in April before injuring himself again a few weeks later, and his health status looks likely to impact his place in the lottery hierarchy.
Teams drafting in the top 15 will receive his medicals, in accordance with the NBA's new collective bargaining rules. Utah is among the interested parties in Topic, with Dalton Knecht, Ron Holland and Ja'Kobe Walter among other prospects who are getting looks from the Jazz at No. 10. Topic's size, basketball IQ and playmaking skills make him an intriguing long-term player and a potential value pick should he end up in the back part of the lottery. -- Woo

11. Chicago Bulls
Ron Holland, SF, G League Ignite | Age: 18.8
Holland, who is ranked No. 11 in ESPN's Top 100, is in the conversation for teams that are drafting higher than this, including Detroit at No. 5. Scouts were hoping to see Holland show more progress with his perimeter shooting than what they saw at the draft combine or at his pro day, making him somewhat of a situational fit for certain lottery teams that are grappling with surrounding their existing players with ample spacing.
The Bulls have been treading water for several seasons now and are staring at an aging roster with few prospects for improvement internally. Rolling the dice on an 18-year-old such as Holland, who at one point was ranked the No. 1 player in his high school class and a strong prospect at the top of this draft, could make sense at No. 11. Holland's competitiveness, aggressiveness and scoring instincts give him a chance to emerge as a productive NBA player as his perimeter shooting and decision-making evolve. -- Givony

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets)
Devin Carter, PG/SG, Providence | Age: 22.2
Carter has earned himself looks in the top 10 from teams, including San Antonio and Memphis, who value his reliability, toughness and all-around readiness to step in and contribute immediately. He brings quite a bit to the table defensively, has made strides as a shooter and plays with a nonstop motor, making him a particularly appealing choice for teams angling to compete sooner than later.
The Thunder have quite a bit of depth in the backcourt already, with two excellent defensive guards in Lu Dort and Cason Wallace, but could opt to stack the deck further at this spot and let Carter challenge for minutes right away. Oklahoma City will eventually have to consolidate some of its talent, potentially making roster fit less important at No. 12. -- Woo

13. Sacramento Kings
Ja'Kobe Walter, SG/SF, Baylor | Age: 19.7
There's quite a bit of trade talk around this No. 13 pick, which makes sense considering the Kings' timeline and urgency for returning to the playoffs coming off their 2022-23 season. Should they stand pat, picking a movement shooter such as Walter, who can run off screens and bring high-level intensity defensively, makes sense.
He also has plenty of upside to grow into at 19 years old. Other perimeter shooters, such as local product Jared McCain and sharpshooting wings Johnny Furphy and Kyshawn George, will also likely be in play here for Sacramento. -- Givony

14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors)
Cody Williams, SG/SF, Colorado | Age: 19.5
Williams has drawn strong interest from teams in the top 10, including Charlotte, San Antonio and Utah. Another viable landing spot would be Portland, where his size and defensive upside make for an appealing fit alongside the Trail Blazers' guards. His draft stock hit a bit of flux as he struggled toward the back end of Colorado's season, but lottery teams with an eye toward long-term development view him as a viable long-term project.
The direction Portland ultimately decides to go with here might hinge on what it decides to do with the No. 7 pick. But Williams -- who once was viewed as a possible top-five selection and is now ranked No. 14 in ESPN's Top 100 -- would be a good value pick should he fall here. -- Woo

15. Miami Heat
Zach Edey, C, Purdue | Age: 22.0
Edey's positional fit alongside Bam Adebayo would be a topic of discussion in Miami, but his productivity, physicality and intensity would surely be welcomed by the Heat, who have valued experience more than other teams at times. Edey slowly incorporated a 3-point shot into his offensive arsenal this past season, and he has the type of defensive versatility that could be useful alongside another big man in small doses.
Edey's offensive rebounding and interior scoring are skills the Heat don't have much of, potentially making him an attractive pick at No. 15. -- Givony

16. Philadelphia 76ers
Jared McCain, PG, Duke | Age: 20.2
McCain has been receiving interest as high as the late lottery, with teams drawn to his shooting ability, intangibles and work ethic. He might be more prepared than most freshmen to step into a role and help an NBA team. He figures to not last long into the teens, with the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers all in need of what McCain brings to the court.
Depending on who falls, Philadelphia is in position to draft the best available prospect at No. 16 but should be angling to grab a cost-controlled role player to contribute during this window as Joel Embiid enters his 30s and rising star Tyrese Maxey is ticketed for a big contract. The level of spacing and versatility McCain provides on offense should be attractive to the Sixers. Expect this pick to surface in trade conversations, as has been team president Daryl Morey's M.O. for quite some time. -- Woo

17. Los Angeles Lakers*
Tristan Da Silva, SF/PF, Colorado | Age: 23.0
The New Orleans Pelicans have until 11:59 p.m. ET on June 1 to inform the Lakers of their decision to either claim this pick or defer it until 2025. Barring a trade, the Pelicans are likely to defer the pick, sources tell ESPN. The Lakers will likely be in the market for proven players who can play an immediate role on an experienced roster centered around LeBron James, who turns 40 on Dec. 30.
Da Silva, 23, is a plug-and-play option who brings coveted defensive versatility, feel for the game and perimeter shooting, making 40% of his 3-point attempts this past season for Colorado. Expect this pick to be in trade talks as well, as the Lakers weigh the possibility of adding a third star to their roster, which would better fit their timetable if that's available to them. -- Givony

18. Orlando Magic
Johnny Furphy, SG/SF, Kansas | Age: 19.4
Furphy's decision to turn pro went down to the wire on Wednesday, as he weighed a return to Kansas but ultimately felt comfortable enough with his prospect status to remain in the 2024 draft. Furphy has been a bit divisive from team to team, with some scouts highly intrigued by his shooting, size and physical skills at his age, and others concerned with his defense and the fact it might take him some time to contribute.
This is a situation that should bear out in the coming weeks, as Furphy schedules additional workouts with teams drafting in the first round. The Orlando Magic have generally favored tall, skilled prospects in his mold, and could take a shot on him long-term here. -- Woo

19. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers)
Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Miami | Age: 20.4
The Raptors were one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the NBA last season, both in terms of 3-point makes and accuracy, and will need to continue to surround Scottie Barnes with enough floor spacing to keep opposing defenses honest.
George (6-8 and 205 pounds) is the type of oversized, long-armed wing this Raptors front office often covets, making 41% of his attempts at Miami. Ranked No. 19 in ESPN's Top 100, George still has plenty of upside to grow into thanks to his feel for the game, playmaking and the unique developmental trajectory he's on, having grown 9 inches in the past five years. -- Givony

20. Cleveland Cavaliers
Carlton Carrington, PG/SG, Pittsburgh | Age: 18.8
After a good showing shooting the ball at the draft combine in Chicago, Carrington has been selective with where and for which teams he chooses to work out. His range is still a bit wide, but teams view him as a strong first-round upside pick because of his size (6-5, 190 pounds), youth and developing point guard play on a successful Pitt team last season.
The Cavaliers might have an active offseason ahead, with the fate of the Donovan Mitchell-Darius Garland pairing uncertain. That might put Cleveland in position to deepen its backcourt at this spot, with Carrington a good candidate if he falls here. -- Woo

21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks)
Isaiah Collier, PG, USC | Age: 19.6
Being drafted at No. 21 would indicate a big slide for Collier, who entered college as the No. 1-ranked recruit in his high school class and was at one point considered a candidate to be the No. 1 pick (see ESPN's mock draft from Nov. 30). With few teams in the Nos. 12-20 range in the market for a lead guard with questionable shooting ability, Collier has a wide range because of the amount of playmaking usage he'll likely need to reach his full potential and the fact that most of the teams picking outside the top 10 are in win-now mode.
The Pelicans might be a team willing to take a longer view, as they don't have any glaring roster needs that they are likely to fill at this stage in the draft. -- Givony

22. Phoenix Suns
Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Duke | Age: 20.5
The Suns are in a precarious position as they attempt to construct a contender around their trio of highly paid stars. Phoenix is spending more aggressively than any team in the league and has also traded away control of its future drafts with picks and swap rights outgoing through 2030.
Expect the Suns to look for a ready-made contributor at the No. 22 pick, with Filipowski's size (7-0 and 230 pounds) and skill level adding a potentially useful dimension to their frontcourt. Filipowski's range is also somewhat wide at this point, running toward the end of the first round. Phoenix also has a glaring need for a true point guard, which is something it will likely consider here as well. -- Woo

23. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pelicans)
Kel'el Ware, C, Indiana | Age: 20.1
The Bucks have needs at several positions and will likely be opportunistic depending on which player falls to No. 23. Center is certainly one of them, with 36-year-old Brook Lopez entering the final year of his contract.
Ware, who is ranked No. 25 in ESPN's Top 100, has done a good job of addressing some of the red flags in his profile from his time at Oregon with stronger-than-expected interviews and background intel, helping to solidify his standing in the first round. He has elite physical tools and brings intriguing potential at 7-foot-1 with his ability to stretch the floor and protect the rim. -- Givony

24. New York Knicks (via Mavericks)
Yves Missi, C, Baylor | Age: 20.0
The Knicks are understandably looking into trade scenarios involving their two picks in the 20s as they work to prolong their current competitive window. Missi is in play all over the first round for teams searching for depth at center, with his tremendous physical profile at 6-11 and 223 pounds making him an interesting long-term project as a vertical spacing big.
It's going to take him some time to contribute, but he could be a solution for the Knicks as insurance with Isaiah Hartenstein headed into free agency. -- Woo

25. New York Knicks
Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette | Age: 23.1
Kolek, who is ranked No. 29 in ESPN's Top 100, has drawn serious looks from teams that are selecting higher than this in the first round. He has experience, playmaking savvy and intense competitiveness that could provide a pathway into backup point guard minutes early in his pro career. He's likely not going to offer a ton defensively, where he's limited because of his size (6-3, 190 pounds) and athletic ability, but he's also not going to take plays off or want for effort.
That mentality will likely be attractive to the Knicks and coach Tom Thibodeau if they opt to keep one or both of these picks. -- Woo

26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers)
Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, Cairns (Australia) | Age: 21.2
The Wizards are in an ideal position to take a swing on long-term upside at this stage of the draft. Every NBA team is looking for oversized wings with athleticism, perimeter shooting ability, transition scoring prowess and defensive versatility, all areas Klintman shows impressive flashes of depending on which night you catch him on. Most teams expect him to come off the board somewhere in this range. -- Givony

27. Minnesota Timberwolves
Baylor Scheierman, SG/SF, Creighton | Age: 23.6
The Timberwolves had a fantastic season, making the Western Conference finals, and have enviable depth and talent at nearly every position. Adding wing depth and shooting will likely be priorities to continue to space the floor effectively for their twin-towers lineup of Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Scheierman, ranked No. 26 in ESPN's Top 100, was one of the big winners of the combine, as he appeared to be one of the best players in the scrimmages. He looks like a plug-and-play option with his excellent combination of size, perimeter shooting versatility, feel for the game and competitiveness. -- Givony

28. Denver Nuggets
DaRon Holmes II, PF/C, Dayton | Age: 21.7
Sources told ESPN Holmes recently canceled several workouts, raising strong suspicions that he has secured a guarantee in the back part of the first round. Coming off a productive career at Dayton in which he made strides as a shooter (38% from 3 last season), Holmes appears to have helped himself in the pre-draft process, moving himself into the first-round picture.
The Nuggets could be a landing spot, considering the need for frontcourt depth behind Nikola Jokic and their proclivity for targeting experienced college talent. -- Woo

29. Utah Jazz (via Thunder)
Justin Edwards, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 20.4
Edwards did not have the season many expected at Kentucky, but he's still worthy of consideration in this range of the draft. Standing 6-7 with some perimeter shooting acumen and upside to grow into after one season in college, Edwards ranks No. 28 in ESPN's Top 100.
The Jazz have multiple picks at their disposal and can afford to take a swing on a player many considered a top-10 candidate entering the season. -- Givony

30. Boston Celtics
Kevin McCullar, SF, Kansas | Age: 23.2
Boston is working out a wide range of prospects for this pick at No. 30 as it weighs an addition to a championship-caliber roster. They have depth across positions, but perimeter depth behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown could be an area to target.
Late-season injuries put a bit of a damper on McCullar's season at Kansas, but a strong first month helped reframe his NBA readiness and moved him from two-way contract candidate into what will likely be guaranteed money on draft night. -- Woo

ROUND 2
31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons)
Tyler Smith, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.5
32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards)
Cam Christie, SG, Minnesota | Age: 18.8
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Trail Blazers)
Jaylon Tyson, SG/SF, California | Age: 21.4
34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets)
Ryan Dunn, SF/PF, Virginia | Age: 21.3
35. San Antonio Spurs
Terrence Shannon Jr., SG/SF, Illinois | Age: 23.8
36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors)
A.J. Johnson, SG, Illawarra (Australia) | Age: 19.4
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies)
Juan Nunez, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Age: 19.9
38. New York Knicks (via Jazz)
Pacome Dadiet, SG/SF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Age: 18.8
39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets)
Nikola Djurisic, SG/SF, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 20.2
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks)
Adem Bona, C, UCLA | Age: 21.1
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls)
Jonathan Mogbo, PF/C, San Francisco | Age: 22.5
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets)
Ulrich Chomche, PF/C, NBA Academy Showcase (Africa) | Age: 18.4
43. Miami Heat
Harrison Ingram, SF/PF, North Carolina | Age: 21.5
44. Houston Rockets (via Warriors)
Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara | Age: 21.9
45. Sacramento Kings
Pelle Larsson, SG, Arizona | Age: 23.2
46. LA Clippers (via Pacers)
Jamal Shead, PG, Houston | Age: 21.8
47. Orlando Magic
Melvin Ajinca, SG/SF, Saint Quentin (France) | Age: 19.9
48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers)
Izan Almansa, PF/C, G League Ignite | Age: 18.8
49. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers)
Dillon Jones, SF/PF, Weber State | Age: 22.5
50. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans)
Keshad Johnson, PF, Arizona | Age: 22.9
51. Washington Wizards (via Suns)
KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado | Age: 21.8
52. Golden State Warriors (via Bucks)
Bronny James, PG/SG, USC | Age: 19.6
53. Detroit Pistons (via Knicks)
Jalen Bridges, SF, Baylor | Age: 23.0
54. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)
Oso Ighodaro, PF/C, Marquette | Age: 21.8
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers)
Ariel Hukporti, C, Melbourne (Australia) | Age: 22.1
56. Denver Nuggets (via Timberwolves)
Isaac Jones, PF/C, Washington State | Age: 23.8
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder)
Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Washington State | Age: 20.7
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics)
Antonio Reeves

Note: The Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns forfeited a 2024 second-round draft pick.
 

2024 NBA draft: Player comps for all 14 projected lottery picks

Coming up with player comparisons for 2024 NBA draft prospects can be a useful exercise, if done responsibly. It's easy to make hyperbolic claims about ceiling and potential, or harp on a player's downside, but the eventual outcome for a career tends to be somewhere in the middle. Few players reach the high end of their perceived upside, and those who bust might wind up well below what modest expectations can be set.

The real utility in this exercise ahead of the two-day draft June 26-27 is understanding what a prospect's role might look like down the line, what level of growth it might take for him to reach a great outcome, and how much risk there is if things don't pan out the way one hopes. There are few true one-to-one comparisons that wind up being accurate, but this type of thought process can help in player evaluation from a conceptual standpoint, and in envisioning how a prospect's profile might fit a certain team.

With that goal in mind, ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo chose high- and low-end comparisons for each prospect who is projected in the lottery in our most recent Top 100.

Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Bourg (France)
Top 100 rank: No. 1 | Mock draft projection: No. 1 to Atlanta Hawks
High end: Khris Middleton with more defense
Low end: Trey Murphy III
Risacher brings a lot to the court as an athletic, 3-and-D wing with room to expand his game on both ends. While not likely to become a No. 1 option on offense, as he gets more comfortable playing off multiple dribbles and develops as a shooter, it's easy to see him becoming a viable wing scorer a la Middleton, who has had an outstanding run in Milwaukee, including a title in 2021.

Risacher should also offer more defensively, where he has plus-lateral agility and should be switchable. There's a high level of two-way upside here if one can get past the limited shot-creation ability. Floor-wise, provided Risacher continues to improve as a shooter, you can envision him functioning like Murphy currently does for New Orleans: bringing excellent size and athleticism coupled with quality floor-spacing and defense, but without creating a ton of offense for himself or taking many dribbles.

Alex Sarr, PF/C, Perth (Australia)
Top 100 rank: No. 2 | Mock draft projection: No. 2 to Washington Wizards
High end: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Low end: Nic Claxton
The blueprint for Sarr's role at the next level is something like Jackson, who gives Memphis high-quality spacing and elite paint protection while toggling between power forward and center. Sarr has a long way to go as a shooter to get to Jackson's level, but that ceiling is within reach for him, with a huge, mobile frame at 7-foot-1 that makes him an excellent long-term prospect.

If he doesn't develop at that rate, Sarr could still be a solid contributor along the lines of Claxton, who has fashioned himself into a useful defensive-minded role after five seasons with the Nets but hasn't taken a major leap on the offensive end.

Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Top 100 rank: 3 | Mock draft projection: No. 7 to Portland Trail Blazers
High end: Rudy Gobert and late-career Brook Lopez
Low end: Walker Kessler
Clingan's advocates around the NBA view him as a potential top-flight defensive center in the realm of Gobert, presuming he can stay healthy and continue to improve his body. His elite measurables, at 7-foot-3 in shoes with a nearly 7-foot-7 wingspan, give him a unique physical presence. Even if he doesn't reach those heights on defense, Clingan projects to be a more versatile offensive player than Gobert, and if his 3-point shot develops, he could function somewhat like Lopez, who turned himself into a quality floor-spacer and top defensive center midway through his 16-year career.

At worst, it feels like Clingan should end up somewhere around where Kessler is right now (and granted, after just two seasons, his development is far from over), as a huge defensive big who can impact the game in drop coverage and protect the paint.

Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Kentucky
Top 100 rank: 4 | Mock draft projection: No. 3 to Houston Rockets
High end: Steve Nash
Low end: Payton Pritchard
Nash is certainly a lofty name to start with for Sheppard, but it reflects the optimism from scouts that has helped him boost his draft stock as a likely top-five pick. While his role at Kentucky didn't let him play point guard full-time, the upside lies in Sheppard's ability to make plays in transition, knock down shots and develop half-court creation.

His knack for making the right play and impressive shooting splits give him a chance to outkick expectations. Of course, it's always hard to bank on a star-level outcome, but Sheppard should be able to find a role as a top bench player at worst thanks to his shooting and basketball IQ.

Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, G League Ignite
Top 100 rank: 5 | Mock draft projection: No. 5 to Detroit Pistons
High end: Chandler Parsons
Low end: Kyle Anderson
Buzelis is an interesting player to project at this point in his career, with a well-rounded base set of skills at his size (6-foot-10, 197 pounds). If he can make strides with his shooting and ball skills, he could go the route of a bigger wing like Parsons, and potentially offer more on the defensive end, where he has exhibited prowess blocking shots.

Buzelis fits a pretty safe mold as a skilled combo forward, and if he doesn't make big strides as a scorer, he should still have a solid career as a rotation player because of his versatility, similar to what Anderson has carved out for himself.

Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn
Top 100 rank: 6 | Mock draft projection: No. 4 to San Antonio Spurs
High end: Andre Iguodala (Golden State version)
Low end: Justise Winslow
While Castle doesn't have the same quick-twitch athleticism of early-career Iguodala, the role the latter played in Golden State as a multi-positional stopper and secondary playmaker lays a good blueprint for the type of value Castle could provide in the NBA. Castle hopes to play point guard full-time, and if that transition proves successful, that probably changes the parameters for comparison. If he remains in more of a versatile role, he could fall somewhere on this spectrum, with a name like Winslow illustrating some of the downside if he doesn't make strides on the offensive end.

Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Top 100 rank: 7 | Mock draft projection: No. 6 to Charlotte Hornets
High end: Darius Garland
Low end: Bones Hyland
Dillingham's creative playmaking and long-distance shooting has drawn comparisons to players such as Garland and Trae Young, but scouts acknowledge the wide range of outcomes for guards his size (6-foot-2, 164 pounds) in the NBA. If he makes a quick adjustment and proves capable of handling starting minutes, he has the shiftiness and scoring ability to be a potent scorer and playmaker.

If things go the other direction, Dillingham may wind up as more of a microwave option off the bench, which could lead to some longevity, but isn't what teams are hoping for with a top-10 pick.

Dalton Knecht, SF, Tennessee
Top 100 rank: 8 | Mock draft projection: No. 9 to Memphis Grizzlies
High end: Bojan Bogdanovic
Low end: Max Strus
Knecht, 23, was a three-level scorer in college and has a chance to translate that into a long-term NBA scoring role. Finding the longevity of a similar type of scorer in Bogdanovic, who was also an older rookie after coming over from Europe, would be a terrific outcome and justify his likely status in the lottery.

If Knecht doesn't score quite well enough to help anchor an NBA offense, he could still find success in a supporting role similar to what Strus has done over the past few seasons.

Nikola Topic, PG, Mega MIS (Adriatic League)
Top 100 rank: 9 | Mock draft projection: No. 10 to Utah Jazz
High end: Josh Giddey
Low end: Tomas Satoransky
Topic enters the league further along than Giddey in terms of on-ball prowess, having demonstrated that this season in Serbia. He might wind up somewhere along the same vein, as a jumbo playmaking guard with the size to fit into a variety of lineups.
While Topic is a good free throw shooter and highly efficient in the paint, he faces some of the same questions as Giddey did about his long-range shooting, but his feel for the game makes him a good bet to have a solid NBA career regardless.

Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet (France)
Top 100 rank: 10 | Mock draft projection: No. 8 to San Antonio Spurs
High end: Jerami Grant and Kyle Kuzma
Low end: Maurice Harkless
While still at a very early stage of his development, the 18-year-old Salaun has demonstrated growth this season and has an intriguing mix of physical skills and two-way potential. He can be an effective scorer and floor-spacer at both forward spots, and leans toward a perimeter-oriented role despite having the size to defend bigs.

His flashes on both ends of the floor portend upside in the mold of a Grant or Kuzma. But there's a ways to go here, and while he seems to be on a positive developmental trajectory, without leaps in the skill and feel departments, Salaun could end up as more of a back-end rotation player rather than a starter.

Ron Holland, SF, G League Ignite
Top 100 rank: 11 | Mock draft projection: No. 11 to Chicago Bulls
High end: RJ Barrett
Low end: Josh Jackson
Holland has always been a productive player, earning him accolades in high school, but the questions about his game center on how his shooting, efficiency and decision-making will translate in the NBA. He's a physically mature player who will have to find an edge in other ways, similar to the adjustment Barrett continues to face five seasons into his NBA career. Jackson was similarly viewed as a prospect with a high-floor skill set, but never made major strides offensively after landing in the NBA.

It's probably lofty to expect a huge efficiency jump from Holland, but he'll have to find the right balance of scoring and playmaking, and likely get used to not having the ball in his hands as much.

Cody Williams, SG/SF, Colorado
Top 100 rank: 12 | Mock draft projection: No. 14 to Portland Trail Blazers
High end: Otto Porter Jr.
Low end: Troy Brown Jr.
The inconsistent nature of Williams' season in Boulder makes him a tricky player to project, but the long-term idea is that he can offer versatility on both sides of the floor at his size on the wing. He needs to get stronger and make significant strides as a shooter and ball handler, but the long-term concept could be something like Porter, who played more on the ball at Georgetown and needed multiple NBA seasons to become a reliable 3-point shooter.

If Williams can be consistent from deep, make plays when needed and defend across the perimeter at a high level, he can be an indispensable type of player long-term. But without becoming more consistent, adding strength and improving his skill level, the downside might be that he ends up more of a bench player.

Devin Carter, PG/SG, Providence
Top 100 rank: 13 | Mock draft projection: No. 12 to Oklahoma City Thunder
High end: Marcus Smart
Low end: De'Anthony Melton
Carter's tenacious defense, physical style and plus length at both guard spots call to mind players such as Smart and Melton. The variety of things he can do creates a pretty solid floor, and teams value his reliability and view him as a safe option. The upside lies in whether he can play point guard and run a team for long stretches like Smart, giving him extra lineup versatility.

If not, he could still succeed in a Melton-like role, as more of an off-ball guard who defends the point of attack, makes enough shots to space the floor adequately and can function as more of a secondary handler.

Ja'Kobe Walter, SG/SF, Baylor
Top 100 rank: 14 | Mock draft projection: No. 13 to Sacramento Kings
High end: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
Low end: Gary Trent Jr.
Walter profiles as more of a true two-guard due to his size (6-foot-5, 198 pounds), but has the makings of a prototypical off-ball wing who can knock down shots and defend his position well enough to stay on the floor. Most NBA scouts expect his 3-point shooting (34.6% on 6.3 attempts last season) to improve over time, and he's shown the ability to make shots off movement. His plus length (6-foot-9.25 wingspan) helps him project out adequately on defense.

He's not much of an on-ball creator yet, but should be able to provide enough spacing and potential to expand his skills. There's a relatively safe pathway for him to help someone, but the upside might be more like that of a reliable 3-and-D wing such as Caldwell-Pope.
 
Did Risacher improve? Watched him a year ago and he looked out of place and way too raw. Strictly a potential pick.
 

NBA Mock Draft 2024: Alexandre Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher emerge as top picks in unpredictable draft

The NBA Draft’s first early-entry deadline has come and gone, which means it’s time to update our NBA mock draft.

Unsurprisingly, a number of players withdrew from the draft to take advantage of substantial name, image and likeness opportunities — ones now even drawing some of the best international prospects to the NCAA.

However, one other reason a number of players withdrew, according to a number of team employees and agents, was that it was exceedingly difficult for prospects to get any assurances from teams with selections in the 30s this year. With the move to a two-day draft, many league sources expect significant movement within the first 10 picks of the second round:
  • Portland has two of the first 10 selections in the second round in addition to two lottery picks. It’s highly unlikely the Trail Blazers bring four rookies to camp.
  • San Antonio, at No. 35, also has two lottery picks, and may not want to bring a third rookie onto its roster with two second-year players and three third-year players.
  • The Knicks have picks Nos. 24 and 25 in addition to No. 38, and it’s hard to see a Tom Thibodeau-coached team bringing in three rookies.
  • Utah has No. 32 and multiple first-round picks.
  • Milwaukee (No. 33), Indiana (No. 36), Minnesota (No. 37) and Memphis (No. 39) want to contend now and could move those picks in larger deals.
There is also significant expectation league-wide that Toronto could command a serious overnight offer for its No. 31 pick from a team looking to jump to the front of Thursday’s line and select its top remaining player. Essentially, no team in that range could offer players and their representation anything resembling a guarantee that they’d be standing pat.

A few other notes:
  • My two highest-ranked players who withdrew from the draft were Connecticut wing Alex Karaban and Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis. Both had outstanding seasons, and I think they likely would have been selected somewhere in the top 40. (I actually had a first-round grade on Karaban.) However, they will not press their luck and instead return to school to try to improve their draft standing.
  • I suspect a couple of older wings who also decided to depart the draft process — Iowa’s Payton Sandfort and Colorado State’s Nique Clifford — would have been selected somewhere in the second round had they stayed in. I also think Alabama guard Mark Sears would have heard his name called, and I heard some late buzz for his Crimson Tide teammate Jarin Stevenson before he also departed the process. Other prominent names to withdraw included Jamir Watkins and Jaxson Robinson, two wings who are in the transfer portal (with Robinson committing to play at Kentucky with his former coach at BYU, Mark Pope.)
  • May 29 was not the last early-entry deadline date. June 16 is the last day for international professionals to pull their name out of the draft to try their luck next season. Some of the key players teams are watching include Ratiopharm Ulm wing Pacôme Dadiet, Mega wing Nikola Djurišić, G League Ignite forward Izan Almansa, Mexico City Capitanes wing Malique Lewis, Saint Quentin wing Melvin Ajinca, and Ratiopharm Ulm guard Juan Núñez.
  • I’m still keeping Illinois wing Terrence Shannon Jr. out of this mock. His trial on felony rape charges is scheduled to begin June 10. Shannon has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Here’s where we stand now that we officially have a draft order. (Ages listed are as of draft night; heights listed are NBA Draft Combine or G League Elite Camp measurements without shoes, when available):

1. Atlanta Hawks
Alex Sarr | 7-0 big | 19 years old | Perth Wildcats
Since winning the lottery with just a 3-percent chance, the Hawks, according to league sources, are still in the information-gathering process with the top prospects in this class. Atlanta was in the Eastern Conference Play-In tournament and moved up nine spots on lottery night, so it didn’t have quite as much intel on the prospects at the top as teams that knew they would have high selections, like the Wizards below. The Hawks are catching up quick, though, with several front-office members taking a trip to France to see Zaccharie Risacher in a playoff game, in addition to spending hours on the phone gathering information on all of their potential selections.

Because the Hawks are still earlier in their process than many of the other teams at the top of the lottery, this selection is still seen as being fluid. The two most popular names that come up around the league remain Sarr and Risacher, but the Hawks continue to perform due diligence beyond those two. Donovan Clingan is also seen as a potential option at all three of the top selections before his range goes dark for the teams currently slotted at Nos. 4 through No. 6.

For now, I’ve gone with Sarr, who emerged early in this draft cycle as a potential No. 1 pick. His performance against the G League Ignite in early September had scouts believing he was the best prospect on the court.

Sarr is a defensive difference-maker who covers a ton of ground with his arms and quick feet, much like bigs such as Memphis’ Jaren Jackson Jr., Cleveland’s Evan Mobley and Brooklyn’s Nic Claxton. Sarr flies around off the ball and can thrive in a variety of ball-screen coverages ranging from switching to drop. If he’s waiting at the rim and opponents challenge him, odds are he’ll contest the shot, if not outright block it.

The other end is the question. Sarr has shown potential as a rim runner in ball screens, but for the most part, his offensive game involves pick-and-pops, and he doesn’t make great screen contact. He’s not a high-impact defensive rebounder, which has led to some questioning if he can consistently play center in the NBA. If Sarr indeed requires a more physical center alongside him, his limited offensive game may be exposed. He’s best served playing next to a floor-spacing five, unless he can become a dangerous perimeter shooter himself.

2. Washington Wizards
Zaccharie Risacher | 6-8 wing/forward | 19 years old | JL Bourg
The Wizards have built up wing depth in recent years, with 23-year-old Deni Avdija and Bilal Coulibaly, last season’s No. 7 pick, who will turn 20 this summer. That duo is seen as the only young, long-term franchise cornerstones on the roster. Risacher allows Washington to continue building with another versatile player who can shoot, play solid team defense and make high-IQ plays. General manager Will Dawkins comes from the Oklahoma City Thunder tree, where positional size, skill and on-court intelligence reign supreme.

For his part, Risacher turned on the jets in the French league playoffs, averaging 15.1 points and 7.4 rebounds in two series against Nanterre and Monaco. The French wing also produced at a high level in EuroCup competition. Overall, he averaged 11.1 points across 65 EuroCup and French League games while shooting 47 percent from the field, 38.7 percent from 3 and 70.7 percent from the free-throw line. He rebounded at a reasonable rate for a wing and has shown some passing and decision-making chops.

This last little playoff burst was critical for Risacher’s stock. After a prolonged three-month shooting slump, Risacher seemed to be falling down into the tier of players beneath this pick for many evaluators. However, league sources now see Risacher as a likely top-four pick following his excellent final month, during which he had a strong playoff run.

3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn Nets)
Reed Sheppard | 6-2 guard | 20 years old | Kentucky
The Rockets are well stocked with young players, with a potential All-Star big man in Alperen Şengün, plus athletic wings and forwards in Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason. You could also throw last year’s No. 4 pick Amen Thompson into that group, but he was drafted as a point guard and played tremendously down the stretch of the 2023-24 season as a do-everything, multi-positional talent.

The Rockets don’t really have a “need” among their young core positionally, which allows them to explore a number of avenues with this pick. Unsurprisingly, league sources believe the Rockets will explore trade scenarios involving this selection. With all of that young talent in addition to this pick and control of the Nets’ draft picks in 2025 (swap), 2026 (outright) and 2027 (swap), there may be no team across the NBA more well-positioned to make a star trade.

For now, I’ve gone with Sheppard. His stock is polarizing among teams, with more analytically inclined organizations seeing him as a No. 1 pick contender and others viewing him more as a late lottery pick due to his lack of size. The Rockets can afford to take a swing on him because he is a perfect connective piece next to all of their young talent. He’s an elite shooter, which is the one skill this young core lacks. While Smith can hit from the perimeter, Green has had stretches of great shot-making and Whitmore has potential to fill it up, teams don’t really guard Eason, and neither Şengün nor Thompson are proficient marksmen. Sheppard also thinks the game at an elite level and quickly moves the ball to get everyone involved. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting an absurd 53.6 percent from the field and 52.1 percent from 3. He also blocked nearly a shot per game and grabbed 2.5 steals.

4. San Antonio Spurs
Stephon Castle | 6-6 wing | 19 years old | Connecticut
The Spurs have both the No. 4 and No. 8 selections, putting them in an excellent position to add young talent that fits Victor Wembanyama’s age timeline and accentuates his skill set. Do they simply take the player highest on their board at all times? Could they try to float someone that they like at No. 4 all the way down to No. 8 because they see a potential run on a type of player type that they also want to fill?

Castle got a lot of publicity at the combine for saying that he views himself as a point guard, but NBA teams view him more as a secondary playmaker who could grow into more on-ball reps in time. Connecticut sources rave about Castle’s character and competitiveness; many loved how he showcased a willingness to do whatever it took for the Huskies to win games. He took on the defensive stopper role at times on players such as Alabama’s Mark Sears at the Final Four, or Creighton’s Baylor Scheierman during the season. He shared responsibilities for initiating the offense, showcasing real passing skills and the ability to get to the rim. He moved the ball well across the perimeter and was a high-impact player on both ends despite hitting only 27 percent of his 3s. He stepped up in almost all of their big games, including a 21-point Final Four performance and a 15-point national title game showing.

It makes sense for the Spurs to have interest in Castle. They can give him some of the on-ball reps he desires given their point guard situation, and his well-rounded skill set allows them to continue to be flexible in building their roster around Wembanyama.

5. Detroit Pistons
Matas Buzelis | 6-9 wing/forward | 19 years old | G League Ignite
It’s not entirely clear what type of player new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon prefers, since he wasn’t running the show in New Orleans. However, the Pelicans have a history of taking long, rangy players such as Herb Jones, Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy. That type of bigger wing seems to be among the most notable positional needs for the Pistons.

Buzelis ticks that box at least, offering tremendous positional size for the wing/forward role. Players with somewhat similar profiles in last year’s class, such as Charlotte’s Brandon Miller, Memphis’ G.G. Jackson, Coulibaly and Whitmore, put together promising rookie seasons while displaying skills they didn’t consistently show in their pre-draft seasons. Perhaps that will happen with Buzelis, too, after a G League Ignite season in which he averaged 14.1 points per game, but only shot 45.5 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from 3. (He upped those numbers to 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 blocks over his last 13 games).

6. Charlotte Hornets
Dalton Knecht | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Tennessee
The Hornets’ pick is seen as an inflection point, as teams around the league are unclear on the direction new head of basketball operations Jeff Peterson will take. Peterson was an assistant general manager in Brooklyn and Atlanta during times when his teams made varied picks.

Knecht makes sense as a way to accentuate the trio of Miller, LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, which the organization views as its core moving forward. Knecht scored at a dizzying pace, averaging 25.5 points in 18 SEC games while shooting 48.4 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from 3. Overall, he averaged 21.7 points per game on 46 percent from the field, but those stats are dragged down by a stretch during which he played at less than 100 percent following an ankle injury. His offense should translate to NBA settings. Not only is he a terrific shooter, especially off movement, but also he’s a higher-end athlete than most shooters who can sky in transition and finish inside with hang time. He’d open up a ton of space for Ball and Miller.

7. Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan | 7-2 center | 20 years old | Connecticut
Clingan is in the mix to go higher than this, as the teams with top-three picks have each displayed interest. He had a monster close to the season, helping lead Connecticut to the national title while averaging 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks over his last 18 games, including 16 points, 9.4 rebounds and three blocks per game in his last seven. After returning from early-season ankle and foot injuries and getting back up to speed, he was one of the most dominant players in college basketball.

Using his enormous frame, Clingan shuts down the paint. He moves well for his size and is an elite drop coverage defender who stops ballhandlers from turning the corner on him and getting to the rim. His ability to backpedal on-balance is rare for his size. When not defending the ball, he makes his presence felt when necessary. The other part of Clingan’s game that impressed evaluators was his passing. In the back half of the season, he became an excellent dribble-handoff big, as well as a playmaker for cutters and shooters off kickouts. He’s a sharp screener and knows how to play in a modern offense.

The Blazers already have Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams III at center, so Clingan does not seem like a clear fit. If the Blazers simply think he’s the best player — or at least the best non-ballhandler — on the board, they might just take him and figure out the rest later, especially with a second lottery pick in hand. Also, if Clingan dropped into the No. 4 to No. 8 range — where all of the teams have long-term answers at center that they’re comfortable with — don’t be surprised if another team looks to trade up to get him. He’s viewed favorably across the board by NBA teams due to his defensive prowess and seemingly easy fit into an NBA drop coverage scheme.

8. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors)
Nikola Topić | 6-6 lead guard | 18 years old | Crvena zvezda
Topić is the choice here with the pick San Antonio acquired from the Raptors in last year’s trade involving Jakob Poeltl.

In 13 Adriatic League games for Mega Basket before his transfer to Crvena zvezda, Topić averaged 18.6 points and 6.9 assists while shooting 52.4 percent from the field. He’s a dynamic ball-screen distributor and consistently lives in the paint in the Adriatic League, which consists of the top teams from the six countries that once made up Yugoslavia. He can execute nearly every pass in the book once he gets a downhill advantage, and hits teammates with flair and creativity. Topić also scores proficiently at the rim, using inventive touch to finish high off the glass and around rim protectors.

However, Topić has suffered two recent sprained knee injuries, causing him to miss most of the 2024 calendar year to this point. His range is wider than expected right now, with a chance he could slip down the board even farther than this.

Topic is attending the June 4-7 pre-draft camp in Treviso, Italy, for prospects excused from the now-mandatory NBA Draft Combine because their overseas seasons had not finished. The medical report teams get from that setting will be vital in determining Topić’s ultimate range. Teams are also trying to wrap their head around basing a lottery grade of him off a 13-game sample.

9. Memphis Grizzlies
Rob Dillingham | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | Kentucky
This pick could be traded on draft night, for two reasons. First, the Grizzlies are expecting to jump back into contention after an injury-riddled season that saw nearly every key player miss significant time — most importantly, All-NBA point guard Ja Morant. Second, president of basketball operations Zach Kleiman has a history of aggressively moving up the board to acquire the player he wants. Recent first-round picks Desmond Bane, Brandon Clarke, Jake LaRavia, Santi Aldama and Ziaire Williams were each acquired in trade-up moves.

None of the prospects in this range scream Grizzlies. The strength of this area of the draft is in developmental wings, and the Grizzlies already have a number of those on the roster. Still, I think Dillingham makes sense. Morant is the straw that stirs the Grizzlies’ drink, but he’s never played more than 67 games in a season. His injury history is why Tyus Jones was such an important part of the team prior to being traded for Marcus Smart last summer. The 30-year-old Smart, now healthy after missing most of last season with various injuries, can fill in at point guard, but I love the idea of using Dillingham next to him as a scorer who can get his own shot from Day One.

Dillingham averaged 15.2 points and 3.9 assists per game this past season while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from 3. He maintains control well despite playing at a fast pace, using a bevy of crossovers and well-timed hesitation moves to maximize his speed. Evaluators are confident he will be able to separate from his man in the NBA. He’d be an interesting backup who could approximate Morant’s contributions when the soon-to-be 25-year-old star inevitably misses time.

10. Utah Jazz
Cody Williams | 6-7 wing | 19 years old | Colorado
Utah’s decision-makers seem to be putting a premium on positional size and length. Danny Ainge, the Jazz’s CEO of basketball operations, had a significant part in building the versatile Celtics team that is about to begin the NBA Finals. We saw the Jazz take Taylor Hendricks in the top 10 last year, and he epitomizes that long wing profile.

Cody Williams, the younger brother of blossoming Thunder wing Jalen Williams, profiles as the kind of prized high-end prospect who can pressure the rim, pass, make plays and potentially defend multiple positions. Standing 6-7 with a 7-1 wingspan, Williams showed the ability to play some point guard this past season in addition to attacking in transition and slashing from the wing in a straight line. He struggled to finish after an ankle injury sapped some of his explosiveness, but in his previous 14 games, he’d been averaging 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists while shooting 60.6 percent from the field.

11. Chicago Bulls
Ron Holland | 6-7 wing | 18 years old | G League Ignite
The Bulls are one of the tougher teams to get a gauge on in this draft process, in part because their roster has so many balls up in the air. DeMar DeRozan, the team’s leading scorer, is a free agent. The Zach LaVine situation continues to hang over the organization, as does Lonzo Ball’s injury. Patrick Williams, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 draft, is a restricted free agent this summer. The Bulls arguably face the most offseason questions of any team in the league.

Holland was the Ignite’s most productive player this past season, averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game while being one of the team’s few offensive creators. Most of those points, however, came in transition or inefficiently in half-court settings. He had a below-average true shooting percentage and more turnovers than assists as he struggled with his decision-making. Those issues are somewhat to be expected from an 18-year-old playing professionally for the first time, but they also have made it tricky for evaluators to slot him. He also missed the end of the G League season with a thumb injury that occurred just as he was beginning to improve.

Holland’s motor excites NBA teams most. He constantly plays hard, getting the most out of his terrific athleticism. His energy can sometimes cause him to be overaggressive and overly physical on defense, but amid the Ignite’s poor season, Holland showed a capacity for growth that impressed many scouts.

His range is seen as quite wide right now, especially because league sources were not particularly impressed by his recent pro day in southern California. He’ll need to perform well in his individual workouts.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets)
Tidjane Salaun | 6-9 wing/forward | 18 years old | Cholet
The Thunder have a loaded core with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. They have a ton of effective role players. But they need a player who provides more size who also fits into their dribble-pass-shoot mold, especially if it also includes high on-court intelligence and strong character.

Salaun ticks just about all of those boxes. He is a big forward with some perimeter skill who has been productive for his youth in the French League and Basketball Champions League this season. He averaged 9.5 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 32 percent from behind the 3-point line. He has a smooth stroke and also shows some upside handling the ball in transition.

More importantly, Salaun simply plays hard and has terrific basketball character. He is aggressive and willing to playing physically in the paint despite a still-developing frame. His motor runs hot, and he’s clearly competitive out there on the court. He would make an intriguing potential long-term frontcourt partner for Holmgren if things broke right for him.

13. Sacramento Kings
Devin Carter | 6-2 guard | 22 years old | Providence
The Kings will look into all avenues with this pick, from trades to players who could help the team sooner rather than later.

Carter was one of the best players in college basketball this past season, and he’s had an impressive pre-draft process as teams get to know him better. The son of former NBA point guard Anthony Carter, Devin has improved every single season over his last five years. He’s a terrific defender who would fit perfectly with De’Aaron Fox in the backcourt, especially if the team loses Malik Monk in free agency.

However, Carter’s biggest jump this past season came on offense. After years of being a questionable shooter, Carter hit 37.7 percent of his nearly seven 3-point attempts per game. His shot is something of a moon ball that arcs high in the air, but it went in consistently this season. A number of teams in the No. 9 to 15 range are excited by Carter, and it’s possible he hears his name called higher than this.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors)
Jared McCain | 6-2 guard | 20 years old | Duke
The Blazers have a number of options with this pick and should be open to all of them. Here, I went with McCain because he potentially could be a terrific long-term backcourt partner for Scoot Henderson and would open up some potential trade avenues for veterans Anfernee Simons and Malcolm Brogdon, both of whom have contracts that expire within the next two years.

McCain was seen as a potential one-and-done lottery prospect entering the season before a slow start made evaluators pause. However, over the last two-thirds of the season, McCain was one of the best freshman scorers in high-major college basketball. Starting with Duke’s Dec. 9 game against Charlotte, McCain averaged 16.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists over his last 28 games. He made 41.6 percent of his 6.4 3-point attempts per game during that span and consistently got into the lane in transition or when driving closeouts. I also thought he improved drastically on defense over his final 15 or so games.

15. Miami Heat
Kyle Filipowski | 6-11 big | 20 years old| Duke
As a big man who can shoot, Filipowski could pair well with Bam Adebayo or serve as a third big. The Duke product averaged 16.4 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists while shooting about 50 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3 this season. He carried the Blue Devils through long stretches of games with his ability to catch the ball on the block and score, but pro scouts are more intrigued by his well-rounded perimeter game. Filipowski can shoot from 3, attack heavy closeouts and bring the ball up the court in grab-and-go situations. His passing took a nice leap this past season, and he was more comfortable reading the court.

I think Filipowski’s defense is better than its reputation. The Blue Devils had a top-16 defense this past season, and he usually positions himself well, contests enough shots and can slide his feet a couple of times on an island to stay with wings and even some guards. It’s difficult to find 7-footers who can dribble, pass and shoot. Filipowski can do all three.

The Heat had a lot of success with Kelly Olynyk previously, and also found use for an older Kevin Love over the last two seasons. Filipowski brings a lot of similar attributes to the table while potentially being more capable of defending.

16. Philadelphia 76ers
Isaiah Collier | 6-3 guard | 19 years old | USC
Many around the league believe the 76ers could move their first-round pick to get immediate help. Philadelphia has cleared significant cap space to be in the star-hunting game, so, if the right deal came available, this pick could be used to further that goal. However, even if the Sixers believe a star could potentially sign in free agency, filling out the roster with ready-made veterans around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey would be critical.

If the 76ers keep the pick, Collier offers some upside. He started the season on fire and looked like a candidate to be the No. 1 pick, but he tailed off as USC’s season fell apart due to struggling with turnovers and defense. He also hurt his hand and missed time. Once he returned, he took the Pac-12 by storm, averaging 18.7 points and 4.3 assists over his final seven games while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from 3. He was the bruising, powerful driver we saw early in college and throughout his high school career, generating seven free-throw attempts per night. Collier is an impressive downhill threat who lives in the paint and has the wherewithal to hit kickout passes and dump-offs.

However, Collier did not test or measure well at the combine, and evaluators wonder how well his finishing and power-based game will translate to the NBA given that factor.

17. Los Angeles Lakers
Tristan da Silva | 6-8 forward | 23 years old | Colorado
The New Orleans Pelicans had an option to take the Lakers’ No. 17 pick this year or defer the pick to the 2025 NBA Draft. They decided to defer, giving the Lakers a selection here. This pick is another one many believe is ripe to be moved as the Lakers scour the trade market for immediate upgrades around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

If they keep it, da Silva has long been one of my favorites. Other scouts have finally come around following his strong finish to the year and play in the NCAA Tournament. Over his final 14 games, da Silva averaged 17.1 points while shooting 51.4 percent from the field and 42.6 percent from 3. He grabbed 4.6 rebounds, dished out 2.2 assists and grabbed 1.3 steals. He’s made nearly 40 percent from 3 over the last two seasons.

Da Silva moves well without the ball but can also handle it himself and make good passing decisions. He processes the game quickly and plays at a high speed, even if he doesn’t have great athletic tools. He isn’t an elite defender, but he’s smart, adequate against other forwards and sharp off the ball. He ticks a lot of boxes that make him profile well as a solid rotation player in today’s NBA.

18. Orlando Magic
Johnny Furphy | 6-8 wing | 19 years old | Kansas
Furphy and his family weighed all of the options and strongly considered a return to Kansas, but decided that his status as a potential top-20 pick was too alluring to pass up.

It’s easy to see why scouts are excited. He has a lot of the attributes NBA teams seek when identifying projects worth a long-term investment. It’s hard to find wings with Furphy’s physical profile. He’s come a long way in just 18 months to even get to this point. While his athleticism and shooting ability always made him an intriguing upside swing, he didn’t seem to know how to impact the game when he played at the Center of Excellence in Australia. He was up and down this past season at Kansas, but he clearly earned Bill Self’s trust, which is not easy for freshmen to do.

He ticks a lot of the boxes that Orlando president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman tends to seek, namely positional size, a strong work ethic and character.

19. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers)
Yves Missi | 6-11 big | 20 years old | Baylor
Missi is a project, but with elite tools that project to a clear NBA role. As a 7-footer with a 7-5 wingspan, Missi might have the best frame of any low-usage center prospect in the class. He’s a terrific athlete who moves his feet fluidly in space, given his size, and can sky for impressive lob finishes in transition and from the dunker spot. He blocks shots well and has potential to stick with guards for multiple slides on defense. He made the Big 12 All-Defense team as a freshman while averaging 10.7 points per game on 61 percent from the field.

He profiles as a Clint Capela-style big man who can guard a bit in space once he picks up the nuances of ball-screen coverage and protect the rim with his physical frame. He needs to put on some weight and get stronger through his base, as he too often gets moved on the block and can struggle on the defensive glass. But he has the look of a competent defensive starting center if he can reach his ceiling.

The Raptors could use big-man depth behind Poeltl. They tried to fill that center depth hole by drafting Christian Koloko early in the second round in 2022, but he was released after a blood clot issue threatened his NBA career.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers
Bub Carrington | 6-4 guard | 18 years old | Pittsburgh
Carrington was the talk of the scouting community after NCAA conference championship week, when he put together several monster games as Pittsburgh made a late bid for the NCAA Tournament. He’s also had a strong start to his pre-draft process, with a number of teams noting his impressive pro day. There is a real expectation that he will be selected somewhere within the first 20 picks.

He is a monster pull-up shooter, a sharp passer and improved defender throughout the year. He was productive at Pittsburgh this season in averaging 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game, though he shot just 41.2 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from 3. He’s also the youngest high-level college player in the class, not turning 19 until July. But despite that youth, he processes the game exceptionally well.

Any team that takes him will need to let him go through some growing pains, but if they stay patient, they may end up with a lottery-level talent. The Cavs could use more scoring depth off the bench behind Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland, especially if they end up having to split that duo up depending on Mitchell’s impending decision when Cleveland offers him a max contract extension this summer.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL)
Zach Edey | 7-4 center | 22 years old | Purdue
Edey was the best player in college basketball, averaging 25.2 points, 12.2 rebounds and more than two blocks per game on his way to back-to-back National Player of the Year awards. He establishes position anywhere and everywhere on the court because of his size and strength, yet possesses remarkable touch around the rim. One could make the case that he was the best screen-setter in the country with the way he consistently crushed guards trying to get through and rolled to the rim for deep post-ups or easy buckets. Edey improved defensively over his time in college, becoming an impactful drop-coverage pick-and-roll defender who takes up enough space to dissuade guard from driving and finishing around the basket.

The issue with his fit in the NBA is obvious: He’s a 7-4 giant who doesn’t move particularly well laterally. Can he stop ballhandlers from turning the corner on him? Can he get back in transition in the up-and-down NBA?

The Pelicans might have a significant need at center with Jonas Valančiūnas hitting free agency. Ideally they’d find one who can shoot from 3 to play next to Zion Williamson, but Edey is clearly the best big on the board at this point.

22. Phoenix Suns
Ja’Kobe Walter | 6-4 wing | 19 years old | Baylor
Walter had an up-and-down season, averaging 14.5 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He was an inconsistent shooter, although teams don’t worry about his long-term upside there because his motion looks clean and he can make shots from a variety of situations. Teams, however, worry about everything else. Walter isn’t really a lead guard because he doesn’t see the floor well as a passer. Defensively, Walter struggled at times to stay in front of players.

Scouts are split on Walter’s upside. Most don’t see him as a star, but they disagree on whether he’s a long-term NBA starter or merely a rotation player. Those who believe he will a high-level shooter despite making just 34.1 percent from 3 last season tend to be buyers. But his range is quite wide; some teams near the end of the lottery are considering him, while others feel he could drop well into the 20s.

The Suns are another team league sources believe could trade their pick, given their all-in approach and owner Mat Ishbia’s aggressive posture.

23. Milwaukee Bucks (via NOP)
Tyler Smith | 6-9 big | 19 years old | G League Ignite
The Bucks need depth across the board and especially need younger players who can fit specific needs long-term around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Smith is an upside swing for a team seeking a big that can really shoot from distance. Brook Lopez only has one year left on his contract before hitting free agency again, and it’s harder to find players like him cheaply in free agency, which is the pool the Bucks will generally need to swim in given their contractual obligations to Antetokounmpo, Lillard and Khris Middleton.

Smith averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds this season while drilling 36 percent from 3, and measured at 6-9 without shoes to pair with a 7-1 wingspan. He was effective within a limited role where he pick-and-popped, cut to the rim and dove to the hoop out of ball-screens. The Bucks also have a track record of taking G League Ignite players, having selected MarJon Beauchamp in the first round two years ago.

24. New York Knicks (via Mavericks)
Tyler Kolek | 6-1 guard | 23 years old | Marquette
Kolek exploded onto the scene before suffering an oblique injury that held him out the Big East tournament. From Jan. 15 until Feb. 25, Marquette went 10-1 as Kolek averaged 16.9 points and 9.6 assists per game while shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3. In total, Kolek rightfully won All-American honors on his way to 15.3 points and 7.7 assists per game.

Kolek is a crafty guard. I’m not convinced he can even dunk, but he knows exactly how to play off two feet and is an elite distributor in ball screens. He made a big leap as a shooter this past season, drilling 38.8 percent from 3 while looking much more confident pulling up when opportunities arose. Kolek must prove he has the foot speed to hold up on defense in the NBA, and he’ll need to prove he can create separation with the ball in his hands against better defenders. But any team looking for a backup guard could plug Kolek in early.

25. New York Knicks
DaRon Holmes | 6-9 big | 21 years old | Dayton
Holmes had an outstanding season at Dayton, winning All-American honors by averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.1 blocks while hitting 54.4 percent from the field and 38.6 percent from 3. He’s a versatile big who has a lot of answers for opponents’ ball-screen coverages. He can pick-and-pop, short roll to pass, short roll to finish himself or dive all the way to the rim to catch a lob. Defensively, he’s a good shot blocker and has flashed potential to stick with guards for a couple of slides on the perimeter.

The Knicks are another team likely to trade at least one of their three picks in the top 40. In the past, the Knicks have tried to add future draft picks to create more potential avenues to complete trades. Don’t be surprised to see them try to extend these assets further out into the future again.

26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers)
Baylor Scheierman | 6-6 wing | 23 years old | Creighton
I’ve maintained a first-round grade on Scheierman since the end of the college basketball season. He averaged 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists while drilling a number of 3s off significant movement. He’s one of the best shooters in the class, with an extremely versatile motion that allows him to fire from distance off any kind of footwork. He’s a quick ball-mover and passer, and I think his defense is better than it gets credit for being. Go back and watch the team’s Sweet 16 game against Tennessee, where he held Knecht to 6-of-17 shooting from the field as the primary defender.

Scheierman has also had one of the better pre-draft processes of any player. He was the best player in the 5-on-5 portion of the NBA Draft Combine, impressing teams with his ability to fill multiple roles. I think he hears his name called in the first round at this point, as NBA teams generally see him as a player who can come in and help sooner rather than later.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves
A.J. Johnson | 6-4 guard | 19 years old | Illawarra
Johnson is another big riser from the pre-draft process. He looked outstanding during the 5-on-5 portion of the combine, especially coming off a season where he didn’t get many opportunities playing in a professional league filled with much stronger, more physical players on a condensed, FIBA-style court. He weighed in at just 167 pounds at the combine, so he’ll need to put on weight. However, his upside is quite large. At lower levels, he showcased significant shot creation upside. In Illawarra, he had a solid run late in the season as an energetic defensive player who sped up the opposition on the ball and created transition opportunities.

28. Denver Nuggets
Jaylon Tyson | 6-6 wing | 21 years old | California
Tyson has gone on a real journey. After entering college as a top-40 player in his recruiting class, Tyson went from Texas to Texas Tech to Cal in three years before finally emerging as an NBA prospect this past season. At 6-7 with long arms, he has great measurements for the NBA. He’s not an explosive athlete, but he’s powerful and isn’t all that bothered by contact, allowing him to get the most out of his length and athleticism. He averaged 19.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 47 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from 3.

The Nuggets tend to draft older under general manager Calvin Booth, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they viewed Tyson as the kind of player who could potentially create shots in their second unit — especially if they lose Reggie Jackson in free agency and promote Christian Braun to the starting lineup if Kentavious Caldwell-Pope departs in free agency.

29. Utah Jazz (via Thunder)
Bobi Klintman | 6-9 wing/forward | 20 years old | Cairns Taipans
Klintman had an up-and-down season in the National Basketball League. Playing for Cairns as a member of the league’s Next Star development program, Klintman had some big games, especially in the first half of the season when Cairns was rolling. However, he missed sporadic time dealing with a few injuries over the back half of the season as Cairns fell out of contention.

Klintman can knock down shots from the perimeter, having made 35.4 percent from 3 this season and 80 percent from the line. He’s excellent on the break, where he can handle and make nice passes. He’s still learning his own capabilities as he grows into his frame, and his feel for the game is still developing after he picked up the sport late in his youth. In total, he averaged 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season.

Not every team likes Klintman, but the ones who do tend to like the idea of a big wing who can shoot. I think somewhere between No. 20 and No. 35 range is his likeliest landing spot. The Jazz value positional size and skill, and Klintman fits that mold.

30. Boston Celtics
Cam Christie | 6-5 wing | 19 years old | Minnesota
Christie was the player I was most surprised to see remain in the draft after the early-entry deadline. He was arguably the highest-profile player left in the NCAA’s transfer portal, so he must have turned down significant NIL offers to make this call. That makes me a bit more suspicious that he he got the kind of assurance he needed to stay in the draft.

Boston, by and large, does not issue draft-pick promises to prospects under Brad Stevens. However, Christie would make an enormous amount of sense for them as a young wing who can really shoot and gives real effort on defense. He averaged 11.3 points as a freshman this season at Minnesota, but upped those numbers to 13 points and 38 percent on six 3-point attempts per game over his final 15 games. With the importance of shooting in Boston’s style of play, and with how much money the Celtics will have on the books moving forward if they sign Derrick White to a long-term deal, they will need more players like Christie who can come in and make shots.

Second Round
31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons): Kyshawn George | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Miami (Fla.)

32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards): Kel’el Ware | 20 years old | 7-0 big | Indiana

33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Trail Blazers): Ryan Dunn | 6-6 wing | 21 years old | Virginia

34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets): Pacome Dadiet | 6-8 wing | 18 years old | Ratiopharm Ulm

35. San Antonio Spurs: Ajay Mitchell | 6-3 guard | 22 years old | UC Santa Barbara

36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors): Cam Spencer | 6-3 guard | 24 years old | Connecticut

37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies): Nikola Djurišić | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Mega

38. New York Knicks (via Jazz): Adem Bona | 6-8 big | 21 years old | UCLA

39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets): Trey Alexander | 6-3 guard | 21 years old | Creighton

40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): P.J. Hall | 6-8 big | 22 years old | Clemson

41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls): Pelle Larsson | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Arizona

42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets): Melvin Ajinca | 6-6 wing | 20 years old | Saint-Quentin

43. Miami Heat: Jamal Shead | 6-0 guard | 21 years old | Houston

44. Houston Rockets (via Warriors): Antonio Reeves | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Kentucky

45. Sacramento Kings: Justin Edwards | 6-6 wing | 20 years old Kentucky

46. LA Clippers (via Pacers): Jonathan Mogbo | 6-6 big | 22 years old | San Francisco

47. Orlando Magic: Oso Ighodaro | 6-10 big | 21 years old | Marquette

48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): Jaylen Wells | 6-7 wing | 20 years old | Washington State

49. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Enrique Freeman | 6-7 forward | 23 years old | Akron

50. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans): Tristen Newton | 6-3 guard | 23 years old | Connecticut

51. Washington Wizards (via Suns): Kevin McCullar | 6-5 wing | 23 years old | Kansas

52. Golden State Warriors (via Bucks): Jalen Bridges | 6-7 wing | 23 years old | Baylor

53. Detroit Pistons (via Knicks): K.J. Simpson | 6-0 guard | 21 years old | Colorado

54. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): Juan Núñez | 6-3 guard | 20 years old Ratiopharm Ulm

55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers): Bronny James | 6-1 guard | 19 years old | USC

56. Denver Nuggets (via Timberwolves): Dillon Jones | 6-5 wing | 22 years old | Weber State

57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder): Ariel Hukporti | 6-11 big | 22 years old | Melbourne United

58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics): Harrison Ingram | 6-5 wing | 21 years old | North Carolina
 
I do kinda like the Iguodala comp for Castle though.

If you’re considering this to be a draft of role guys, that seems like a good one to pick.
 
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