2024 NBA Draft on B/R

Bleacher Report: Latest 2-round mock draft and pro comparisons as tournament play heats up

Scouts will be taking a close look at how the top prospects fare in the increased spotlight of NCAA Tournament play.

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report

Scouts will be closely watching the Kentucky backcourt of Rob Dillingham (above) and Reed Sheppard this March.

Editor’s Note: Find more of Jonathan Wasserman’s coverage of the 2024 Draft on Bleacher Report or to read this article on BleacherReport.com, click here.

(B/R) — Conference tournament play is underway, which means NBA executives are leaving their teams to start really scouting and focusing on the draft.

Despite many prospects having already approached 30 games this season, every college player still has room to improve their stock.

There is a major focus right now on Kentucky’s top two guards, who both started the season off our board and have each slowly crept into the top-five conversation.

There also a number of prospects whose seasons have already ended, and now big decisions loom with a perceived weak 2024 draft field to take advantage of.

Some of the analysis is repeated from our previous mock draft published on March 6. Draft order and stats up to date entering Wednesday’s games.

1. Washington Wizards: Alexandre Sarr

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 1
  • Team: Perth Wildcats
  • Position: PF/C
  • Size: 7-foot-1, 216 lbs
  • Age/Year: 18
  • Nationality: French
  • Pro Comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr

Through two NBL playoff games, Alexandre Sarr has totaled seven blocks and a handful of other shot-altering contests in under 25 total minutes. At 18 years old, he’s been a defensive difference-maker with his size, length and mobility for court coverage. And that presence is something the Washington Wizards would be able to bank on.

But he’s become a strong candidate to go No. 1 thanks to some of the offensive flashes of 3-point range, pull-up shooting and open-floor ball-handling—unique skills for a 7-foot-1, switchable rim protector.

Of all the projected top picks, Sarr is starting to look like the best bet to help change a team’s identity and upside.

2. Detroit Pistons: Zaccharie Risacher

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 2
  • Team: JL Bourg-en-Bresse
  • Position: SG/SF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 204 lbs
  • Age/Year:
  • Nationality: 18
  • Pro Comparison: Harrison Barnes

A big question for the Detroit Pistons’ front office asks how much they’ll take fit into account at No. 2. With Cade Cunningham’s and Jaden Ivey’s development being priorities, there isn’t room for guards like Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. And with Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren as quality starters, adding a poor shooter like Ron Holland seems problematic.

Zaccharie Risacher comes off as both a best-prospect-available option and an easy fit in a lineup with two ball-handlers. While scouts still have questions about his on-ball skill set creating and playmaking, his 43.8% 3-point mark and shotmaking are obvious draws for a 6-foot-8 wing.

He’s being viewed as a safe, plug-and-play prospect, which could be more attractive in a draft where it’s difficult to identify any sure-thing stars.

3. San Antonio Spurs: Reed Sheppard

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 6
  • Team: Kentucky
  • Position: PG/SG
  • Size: 6-foot-3, 187 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Kirk Hinrich

The hottest topic right now among scouts is Reed Sheppard’s ceiling after he added another ridiculous performance to his NBA prospect resume with 27 points and five assists in a road win at Tennessee.

The analytics say Sheppard’s impact stacks up with top-five pick freshmen—only Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, Chet Holmgren, Karl-Anthony Towns and Evan Mobley recorded higher box plus-minuses for a season, per Bart Torvik.

He’s maintained outrageous efficiency and per-minute production throughout the year. Sheppard entered the SEC tournament with a 70.4 true shooting percentage, 140 assists to 62 turnovers and wild steal (4.7%) and block (2.7%) rates.

The big question is how much his underwhelming physical profile and athletic traits will restrict him at the next level.

His measurements will be the most anticipated and scrutinized at the NBA combine. There are sure to be teams who nitpick at each inch when assessing height, wingspan and standing verticals. Questions asking how easily he’ll create in the half court or separate and finish are understandable for a guard who may check in at 6-foot-2 in socks and lacks Darius Garland-like quickness or Donovan Mitchell-like explosion.

But there will also be teams who simply buy his effectiveness against top NCAA competition, the translation of elite shooting, finishing craft, skill set for on/off-ball offense and IQ for passing and defense.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Ron Holland

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 4
  • Team: G League Ignite
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 204 lbs
  • Age/Year: 18
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Cam Whitmore

The Charlotte Hornets may be tempted to replace Terry Rozier’s scoring with a similarly (small) shot-creator and shotmaker in Rob Dillingham. But they might also be drawn to Ron Holland’s downhill explosiveness and defensive quickness next to LaMelo Ball’s creativity and Brandon Miller’s shotmaking.

Despite seeing his stock dip since being projected No. 1 earlier in the season, Holland still averaged 19.5 points in the G League at 18 years old. And he made some encouraging adjustments throughout the season, particularly with his ability to play at different speeds, rather than fast.

At worst, Holland should be able to inject his team with transition offense, rim pressure and easy baskets. But given his age and the flashes, there is still plenty of untapped self-creation, passing and shotmaking to bet on.

5. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 8
  • Team: Colorado
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 190 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Jaden McDaniels

Drafting Scoot Henderson No. 3, extending Anfernee Simons and developing Shaedon Sharpe could make it difficult for the Portland Trail Blazers to justify adding another guard like Rob Dillingham.

Opinions vary on Cody Williams, specifically his offensive ceiling and whether it tops out at complementary scorer/play-finisher or if there is untapped self-creation and playmaking potential.

Missing time with an ankle injury does mean fewer opportunities to show more on-ball upside. But his off-ball efficiency, effectiveness as a driver and defense will prevent most teams from worrying too much about Williams’ one-on-one skills.

6. Memphis Grizzlies: Rob Dillingham

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 7
  • Team: Kentucky
  • Position: PG/SG
  • Size: 6-foot-3, 176 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Darius Garland

The draft order should play a big role in where Rob Dillingham winds up, as some teams in the projected top five don’t have a need for a lead ball-handler. There is also a debate raging among scouts about who’d they prefer between Dillingham and his teammate Reed Sheppard.

Sheppard going first could push Dillingham outside the top five, though in this range, he’ll look too enticing as a best-prospect-available for teams pass. He continues to score efficiently with arguably the highest skill level for self-creation and tough shotmaking in the draft.

The only hesitation on Dillingham will be caused by that 176-pound frame, which will feel less problematic if he’s able to convince coaches that he can run the point. Iffy shot selection and some promising playmaking flashes have scouts torn.

7. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Nikola Topić

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 3
  • Team: KK Crvena Zvezda
  • Position: PG
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 198 lbs
  • Age/Year: 18
  • Nationality: Serbian
  • Pro Comparison: Goran Dragic

It’s been over two months since Nikola Topić has played (knee injury), and in that time, the Kentucky guards have changed the conversation at the top of this draft. Their growth—and ability to play off the ball—could push Topić down the board a few spots. But it’s difficult to imagine him sliding past the San Antonio Spurs, who need more creation and passing and would own the Toronto Raptors’ pick if it’s outside the top six.

This missed time may be costing Topić opportunities to strengthen his case as the draft’s top guard, particularly since he transferred to Red Star for EuroLeague experience.

However, leading the Adriatic League in assists and ranking second in scoring (at 6-foot-6 and 18 years old) should have been enough to secure lottery interest, regardless of what happens upon his return. Teams should feel comfortable about his potential to come in and provide instant rim pressure, pick-and-roll offense and playmaking.

8. Houston Rockets (via Nets): Matas Buzelis

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 5
  • Team: G League Ignite
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 209 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19
  • Nationality: American/Lithuania
  • Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu

The Houston Rockets should be active shoppers with the No. 8 pick, considering how many young prospects the roster already has, no surefire star in the late lottery and a presumed desire from the front office to start pushing for the playoffs.

Matas Buzelis will be in the best-prospect-available conversation from here on with his coveted big-wing archetype, scoring versatility and athleticism around the rim. There is some disappointment from scouts in his shooting, consistency and overall aggression. But at this stage of the draft, teams won’t nitpick a 6-foot-8 19-year-old who clearly has 3-point range, tough shotmaking skill, handles to attack and bounce for picking up easy baskets and blocks.

9. Utah Jazz: Kyle Filipowski

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 9
  • Team: Duke
  • Position: PF/C
  • Size: 7-foot-0, 248 lbs
  • Age/Year: 20, Sophomore
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Santi Aldama

Scoring mismatch isn’t the draw to Kyle Filipowski anymore. It’s the versatility—a specific combination of shooting, passing, physical finishing and switchable defense that separates him from most 7-footers and can give a frontcourt a different feel or advantage.

The flashes of transition ball-handling or half-court face-up moves into drives are a bonus and allow Filipowski to generate his own offense in space. But his real value comes from making his lineup better with floor-spacing, post passing, cleaning up inside and his ability to slide and guard around the perimeter.

10. Atlanta Hawks: Donovan Clingan

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 11
  • Team: Connecticut
  • Position: C
  • Size: 7-foot-2, 280 lbs
  • Age/Year: 20, Sophomore
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Jakob Poeltl

There may be sexier picks with more modernized skills or compelling archetypes, but with Donovan Clingan, teams know what they’re getting, and that could hold extra weight for a front office directly looking to strengthen its interior defense and add more physicality. At 7-foot-2, 280 pounds with length, surprising mobility and excellent anticipation, he’s going to instantly improve a team’s rim protection, alter decisions in the paint and prevent second-chance points.

Offensively, his size, strength and soft hands will naturally translate to easy baskets off rolls, dump-downs and putbacks, though playing Clingan may require forwards who can handle the ball or space the floor.

11. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Kel’el Ware

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 19
  • Team: Indiana
  • Position: C
  • Size: 7-foot-0, 242 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Sophomore
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Brook Lopez

Kel’el Ware continues a run that feels like a career turning point after he’s scored at least 26 points in three of four games. Two of those three games were wins by five points or fewer.
Narratives that point out empty stats or low-impact production are losing steam. Indiana seems to be doing a better job of featuring him, and he’s delivering in one-on-one situations around the basket while also flashing the bonus shotmaking touch and range that create more offensive upside.

He’s only going to look more enticing during workouts, where his physical tools, athleticism and shooting could push teams to ignore previous questions about inconsistency or motor.

12. Chicago Bulls: Devin Carter

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 10
  • Team: Providence
  • Position: PG/SG
  • Size: 6-foot-3, 195 lbs
  • Age/Year: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Brandin Podziemski

Devin Carter’s 19.4 points per game have been the story, but he’s going to earn NBA minutes and paychecks off versatility and intangibles. For a 6-foot-3 guard, the 30 blocked shots and 8.6 rebounds per game are telling. Unteachable defensive intensity, toughness and instincts separate Carter and fuel his identity, though he’s entered the lottery conversation by developing into a dangerous shotmaker and crafty pick-and-roll ball-handler.

13. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors): Ja’Kobe Walter

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 15
  • Team: Baylor
  • Position: SG/SF
  • Size: 6-foot-5, 195 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

Sixty-five made threes, a floater game and defensive tools have shielded Ja’Kobe Walter from taking too much heat for his lack of creation or shooting consistency. There is a feeling of safety around his shotmaking and three-and-D projection, and there figures to be no shortage of NBA teams interested in his archetype.

14. New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers): Isaiah Collier

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 12
  • Team: USC
  • Position: PG
  • Size: 6-foot-5, 210 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Tyreke Evans

The scouting report on Isaiah Collier remains well-defined, with his quickness, power and tough finishing good for creation, rim pressure and gravity, and his shooting struggles and turnovers troublesome for a lead ball-handler.

Scouts are deciding what role will suit Collier best and if his shot and decision-making are likely to improve.

Regardless, without many starting point guard jobs open, he figures to begin his career as a change-of-pace bench spark.

15. Miami Heat: Dalton Knecht

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 17
  • Team: Tennessee
  • Position: SG/SF
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 204 lbs
  • Age/Year: 22, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Wally Szczerbiak

Dalton Knecht’s 2024 draft profile now shows a 40-point game against Kentucky, 39 points in a win over Auburn, 31 points against South Carolina, 39 points in a blowout over Florida and 37 points against North Carolina.

At this stage, the only debate around Knecht’s NBA outlook is over his ceiling. Scouts all see a plug-and-play pro based on his solid frame, special shotmaking and business-like approach.

The list of quality NBA starters who were drafted at 23 years old remains short. But there will be unfazed teams in the teens who’ll be sold on Knecht’s floor and the easy translation of his off-ball scoring.

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Stephon Castle

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 22
  • Team: Connecticut
  • Position: SG
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 215 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: RJ Barrett

Hit-or-miss all season, Stephon Castle is enticing with a 6-foot-6 frame and point-wing archetype, yet polarizing due to inconsistency, quiet games and poor shooting. It’s reasonable to think a team could reach early on a big playmaker with strong defensive tools, physical driving ability and the potential to improve his shot. It’s also reasonable to think he could slide past teams unwilling to draft a ball-handler who struggles with his pull-up, lacks explosion around the basket and doesn’t offer much off the ball.

His impact during the Big East and NCAA tournaments could tip the scales, particularly given the number of high-level games Connecticut could wind up playing.

17. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers): Tyler Smith

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 13
  • Team: G League Ignite
  • Position: PF
  • Size: 6-foot-11, 224 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Channing Frye

Tyler Smith has now gone four consecutive games without making a 3-pointer, a potential concern for a prospect whose shooting has been the sole driving force behind his rise. In the meantime, it’s also a good sign he’s found other ways to score off his finishing and mid-range touch.

This current mini-slump from three won’t negate the 56 makes he’s had throughout the season. Smith will also have a good opportunity to sell teams on his shot during workouts. But scouts have asked whether Smith projects as more of a spot-up threat.

Overall, he does have fans who’d take him lottery, but there are also skeptics who see a one-dimensional player.

18. Orlando Magic: Terrence Shannon Jr.

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 14
  • Team: Illinois
  • Position: SG/SF
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 225 lbs
  • Age/Year: 23, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Terrence Shannon Jr. will enter the Big Ten tournament coming off another game of at least 25 points. He’s made real strides this season optimizing his speed and quickness to create advantages, easy-basket chances and trips to the line. And he he took another step forward with his shotmaking, drilling 33 catch-and-shoot threes and 28 off the dribble.

Regardless of how consistent his jump shot will be at the next level, Shannon should be able to change the dynamic of a lineup with how he’s able to put pressure on defenses in transition, turning the corner or off his first step.

Still, it’s impossible to talk about Shannon’s draft stock without mentioning his May 10 hearing for a September rape allegation.

19. New York Knicks (via Mavericks): Jared McCain

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 16
  • Team: Duke
  • Position: PG/SG
  • Size: 6-foot-3, 197 lbs
  • Age/Year: 20, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Immanuel Quickley

Jared McCain has demonstrated enough proven shotmaking, floater touch and crafty handling in ball-screen situations to keep scouts from losing sleep over his size and athletic limitations. He should be able to provide some backcourt flexibility/versatility with his dangerous catch-and-shoot game or his ability to play on the ball as a pick-and-roll scorer and passer.

20. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Johnny Furphy

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 18
  • Team: Kansas
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-9, 202 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: Australian
  • Pro Comparison: Trey Murphy III

Playing exclusively off the ball makes Johnny Furphy vulnerable to quiet games. Even on 17.2 % usage, he’s still been productive by capitalizing on spot-up threes and transition opportunities.

His NBA role won’t be any different early on in the NBA, where his shotmaking and athleticism can translate to play-finishing from behind the arc and at the rim.

21. New York Knicks: Yves Missi

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 20
  • Team: Baylor
  • Position: C
  • Size: 7-foot-0, 235 lbs
  • Age/Year: 19, Freshman
  • Nationality: Cameroon
  • Pro Comparison: Mark Williams

Yves Missi’s tools and athleticism are designed for lob-catching and shot-blocking. He’s also showing some face-up skill using his handle and body control to attack bigs in space. Missi has struggled to convert putback chances and post-ups, so teams will need to address why that’s been the case. He could work on his touch, creating angles and using his body to carve out space. Regardless, Missi’s value early on will revolve around picking up easy baskets, guarding pick-and-rolls and protecting the basket.

22. Phoenix Suns: Tristan da Silva

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 23
  • School/team: Colorado
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-9, 220 lbs
  • Age/Year: 22, Senior
  • Nationality: German/Brazilian
  • Pro comparison: Kyle Kuzma

There are scouts on the fence about Tristan da Silva’s lack of explosion and physicality inside the arc, and there are scouts who value his shotmaking at 6-foot-9, overall skill level and IQ. There is still time for more convincing during the Pac-12 tournament and potentially the NCAA tournament. Regardless, there should be teams looking for or drawn to da Silva’s stretch-forward archetype.

23. New Orleans Pelicans: Tidjane Salaun

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 26
  • School/Team: Cholet
  • Nationality: French
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Age: 18
  • Size: 6-foot-9, 212 lbs
  • Pro comparison: Obi Toppin

The mixed results from Tidjane Salaun remain understandable, given his age and a role that calls for a lot of standing around the arc. Regular flashes of shotmaking and athleticism at the rim figure to outweigh the quiet scoring games on draft night. The 6-foot-9 18-year-old is up to 58 made threes and 29 dunks, a combination that highlights his play-finishing as a spot-up shooter and finisher. Anything he adds in between will take time and feels like bonus, but he’ll draw first-round interest for his ability to space the floor, run in transition, cut for easy baskets and crash the glass.

24. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kevin McCullar Jr.

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 27
  • School/team: Kansas
  • Position: SG/SF
  • Size: 6-foot-7, 214 lbs
  • Age: 22, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Josh Hart

Kevin McCullar Jr.’s knee injury has limited him over the past several weeks, and now it’s expected to keep him from the Big 12 tournament after he was forced to leave the Houston game early and scoreless. It’s now a storyline to watch with the predraft process not far away, though McCullar has likely done enough to still warrant first-round consideration, as long as no red flags are raised during medical reports. While it’s difficult to picture upside with a 23-year-old wing who’s still limited from three, his slashing, passing, secondary playmaking, defense and passable jump shot could draw comparisons to glue guys like Josh Hart.

25. Milwaukee Bucks: Ulrich Chomche

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 24
  • Team: NBA Africa Academy
  • Position: C
  • Size: 6-foot-11, 225 lbs
  • Age/Year: 18
  • Nationality: Cameroon
  • Pro Comparison: Serge Ibaka

Scouts will now have multiple opportunities to see Ulrich Chomche during April’s Nike Hoop Summit and May’s BAL Elevate season in Africa. His play over the next two months will likely dictate whether the 6-foot-11 18-year-old will declare for the draft or considering his college offers (or G League Ignite) for the 2024-25 season.

Chomche had some wow moments back in December at the G League Showcase, making a strong impression with his rim protection and offensive flashes of shot-making, ball-handling and passing.

26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers): Carlton Carrington

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 29
  • School/team: Pittsburgh
  • Position: PG/SG
  • Size: 6-foot-5, 190 lbs
  • Age: 18, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Nickeil Alexander-Walker

One of the more interesting names teams will monitor during the predraft process, Carlton Carrington has divided scouts with his shotmaking, playmaking production and some athletic and statistical red flags. He finished the regular season averaging 1.9 threes, 5.2 boards and 4.2 assists, impressive production for a 6-foot-5, 18-year-old point guard in the ACC. But he also shot 47.7% on layups, made just 23 half-court field goals at the rim and recorded 17 steals in 31 games. Scouts are drawn to his positional size, pull-up game and live-dribble passing, but they’re torn by his lack of rim pressure, heavy reliance on jumpers and scary defensive playmaking rate.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Bobi Klintman

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 31
  • Team: Cairns Taipans
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 215 lbs
  • Age/Year: 20
  • Nationality: Swedish
  • Pro Comparison: De’Andre Hunter

Bobi Klintman has started preparing for the draft after an encouraging season in the NBL, showing teams his transition ball-handling, shooting range, athleticism around the rim, some live-dribble passing and strong defensive tools. While he hasn’t established one signature skill, versatility and fit have become selling points for an NBA combo forward.

28. Utah Jazz (via Thunder): Jaylon Tyson

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 21
  • Team: California
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-7, 215 lbs
  • Age/Year: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Caleb Martin

Jaylon Tyson entered the Pac-12 tournament averaging 19.6 points and 3.3 assists per game, numbers that reflect impression ball-handling/footwork for creation and shotmaking skills for a 6-foot-7 wing.

He’ll eventually have to adjust to playing off the ball at the next level, something he hasn’t looked proficient doing at California. But he could also find success as a second-unit scorer based on how advanced he’s become on the ball, getting into his shot, rising up off the dribble and finishing at the rim off his own moves.

29. Denver Nuggets: Collin Murray-Boyles

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 28
  • School/team: South Carolina
  • Position: PF
  • Size: 6-foot-7, 231 lbs
  • Age: 18, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Julius Randle

It still sounds like scouts are in the early stages of their evaluation on Collin Murray-Boyles, whose production spiked later in the season off a skill set that isn’t considered modern. At some stage, a team may have to buy his effectiveness using a clear NBA body and movement to overpower, beat defenders in the post, finish through rim protection and defend in space. There will likely be executives seeing him live for the first time at the SEC tournament, a big opportunity for the 18-year-old freshman to back up the numbers/analytics and make an impression.

30. Boston Celtics: KJ Simpson

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 30
  • Team: Colorado
  • Position: PG
  • Size: 6-foot-2, 189 lbs
  • Age/Year: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Fred VanVleet

Despite averaging 19.6 points and 4.9 assists on 61.6% true shooting, some scouts still sound blinded by Simpson’s lack of size and athleticism. Generally, teams in the late first or early second round become willing to take the highly productive but older, smaller or less explosive ball-handlers like Jalen Pickett, Andrew Nembhard, Marcus Sasser and Jalen Brunson. Being billed as a potential backup or third-string point guard, Simpson may be on steal watch this late with creation, shotmaking and toughness that can often trump physical limitations at his position.

31. Utah Jazz (via Wizards): Dillon Jones

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 25
  • School/Team: Weber State
  • Nationality: American
  • Position: SF
  • Age/Year: 22, Junior
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 235 lbs
  • Pro comparison: Tosan Evbuomwan

With Weber State’s loss to Montana State in the Big Sky tournament, Dillon Jones’ season is over. The only NCAA player on record to average at least 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a 3-pointer, he has scouts divided on his historic production and unusual fit/position for the NBA. Teams are asking whether he’ll be a useful creator on the ball and if he offers any value playing off it.

There figures to be one team willing to take a chance earlier than others. At 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, his ball-handling, live-dribble passing, finishing, improving touch and capable shot ultimately create tempting versatility.

32. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons): Kyshawn George

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 33
  • Team: Miami
  • Position: SG/SF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 205 lbs
  • Age/Year: 20, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Kevin Huerter

Miami’s season ended. Now the question is if Kyshawn George’s predraft season is about to begin. Scouts expect that he’ll test and ultimately generate enough interest to stay in the draft, assuming there will be teams willing to invest time and patience in a 6-foot-8 shooter who can handle the ball, pass and disrupt defensively.

On the flip side, he suffers from a severe lack of explosion that raises questions about his ability to be of use off the dribble and inside the arc.

33. San Antonio Spurs: Zach Edey

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 32
  • School/team: Purdue
  • Position: C
  • Size: 7-foot-4, 300 lbs
  • Age: 21, Senior
  • Nationality: Canadian
  • Pro comparison: Jonas Valanciunas

Despite concerns over Zach Edey’s offensive fit and defensive switchability for today’s NBA, his height, strength, footwork, touch and reach may be too advantageous for some teams pass on in the 20s and 30s. The ability to create and fall into high-percentage shots is what could sway a front office.

34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets): Oso Ighodaro

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 34
  • Team: Marquette
  • Position: PF/C
  • Size: 6-foot-11, 235 lbs
  • Age/Year: 21, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Brandon Clarke

The ball-handling, passing and touch shots continue to separate Oso Ighodaro from most bigs. His 2.8 assists per game and 67 made runners/floaters are unique numbers for a projected center. Teams will be drawn to Ighodaro’s potential to give them a different look up front with his playmaking and signature push shots around the free-throw line.

35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Blazers): Harrison Ingram

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 38
  • School/team: North Carolina
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-7, 235 lbs
  • Age: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Naji Marshall

There will be interest in Harrison Ingram’s box-checking versatility. Between his shotmaking, physical/active rebounding and a comfort level handling and passing in ball-screen situations, coaches should be able to use Ingram in different sets and roles.

36. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies): Hunter Sallis

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 35
  • School/team: Wake Forest
  • Position: SG
  • Size: 6-foot-5, 185 lbs
  • Age: 20, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Malaki Branham

Hunter Sallis finished the regular season shooting 41.6% from three (69 3PTM), making 51 mid-range jumpers and converting 65.4% of his rim attempts. At 6-foot-5, 185 pounds and limited as a playmaker, he won’t have much margin for error, but Sallis possess enough self-creation, three-level shotmaking and athleticism for NBA teams to bet on his scoring potential.

37. Philadelphia 76ers (via Raptors): Ryan Dunn

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 36
  • School/team: Virginia
  • Position: PF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 216 lbs
  • Age/Year: 21, Sophomore
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Matisse Thybulle

As Ryan Dunn’s scoring and shooting limitations have become more obvious, the idea of a 6-foot-8 wing/forward climbing into the lottery has faded. His explosiveness and unique defensive steal/block rates may still be strong enough for teams to picture an outlier, capable of impacting games strictly with athletic play-finishing and defensive court coverage.

38. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets): Pelle Larsson

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 37
  • School/team: Arizona
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 213 lbs
  • Age: 23, Senior
  • Nationality: Swedish
  • Pro comparison: Christian Braun

Even if there isn’t an obvious path to upside for Pelle Larsson, he possesses an adaptable game playing on and off the ball with his ball-screen slashing/playmaking, cutting and improved catch-and-shoot stroke. He reads the game well, capitalizes within the flow of Arizona’s offense, can be used in different roles and doesn’t take bad shots.

39. New York Knicks (via Jazz): Jamal Shead

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 41
  • School/team: Houston
  • Position: PG
  • Size: 6-foot-1, 200 lbs
  • Age: 21, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Jevon Carter

Jamal Shead has scouts thinking about the success of smaller, pesky defenders like Jevon Carter, Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado and Patrick Beverley. The Big 12 Player and Defensive Player of the Year will compete for NBA minutes by providing relentless ball pressure, wild instincts/reactions and toughness, though Shead’s 6.2 assists per game, 41 made pull-ups and 31 made floaters suggests he can add some offensive value as well.

40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Justin Edwards

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 46
  • School/team: Kentucky
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 203 lbs
  • Age: 20, Freshman
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: James Posey

It seemed like time was running out on Justin Edwards. He’s now made 14-of-21 threes over Kentucky’s last six games entering the SEC tournament.

It’s a key development, as it restores some of the shotmaking credibility and shooting potential that he arrived at Kentucky with. And Edwards needs that shot, given his ball-handling and creation limitations.

41. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets): Adem Bona

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 39
  • School/team: UCLA
  • Position: C
  • Size: 6-foot-10, 245 lbs
  • Age: 20, Sophomore
  • Nationality: Turkish/Nigerian
  • Pro comparison: Isaiah Jackson

Adem Bona’s best game in months came during UCLA’s regular-season finale against Arizona State, when he went for 20 points, 12 boards and four steals while making all eight of his free throws.

Still, the scouting report hasn’t changed much on Bona, an exciting finisher, capable low-post option, rangy defender/shot-blocker and foul/turnover-prone big man. While he isn’t sharp enough with the ball for NBA teams to feed in the half court, he does have the right tools, athleticism and motor for an energizer role.

42. Boston Celtics (via Bulls): Baylor Scheierman

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 47
  • School/team: Creighton
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-7, 205 lbs
  • Age: 23, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Joe Ingles

Baylor Scheierman finished the regular season with 97 made threes, giving him 343 for his NCAA career and some of the strongest shotmaking credibility in the draft. Throw in 6-foot-7 size, high-level passing IQ and outstanding rebounding numbers, and certain teams with second-round picks will look past his age and athletic limitations. There is a clear connector role for his shooting and pick-and-roll play.

43. Houston Rockets (via Warriors): Ajay Mitchell

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 43
  • School/team: Santa Barbara
  • Position: PG
  • Size: 6-foot-5, 190 lbs
  • Age: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: Belgian
  • Pro comparison: Andrew Nembhard

Ajay Mitchell recently had one of those games in which he looked like a first-round pick, scoring 37 points on four made threes and 13-of-18 shooting overall against Long Beach State.

Santa Barbara’s schedule, record (seventh in the Big West) and Mitchell’s lack of 3-point volume work against him. But there will be believers in his scoring translating based on how effectively he uses change of speed to get to spots and touch shots/adjustments around the paint.

Plus, despite taking just 2.6 threes in 31.2 minutes as a third-year college guard, he’s making them at a solid rate (38.9%), burying free throws (85.4%) and demonstrating the shotmaking versatility to connect off the catch and dribble.

44. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): Pacome Dadiet

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 44
  • Team: Ratiopharm Ulm
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 210lbs
  • Age/Year: 18
  • Nationality: French
  • Pro Comparison: Isaac Okoro

Athletic, 6-foot-8 and 18 years old, Pacome Dadiet is finding ways to score in the German League and Eurocup by running the floor, cutting and making 41.7% of his jump shots. NBA teams could determine that he has the right physical traits, motor and an adequate shooting stroke for off-ball finishing and defensive versatility.

45. Miami Heat: Tyler Kolek

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 42
  • Team: Marquette
  • Position: PG
  • Size: 6-foot-3, 195 lbs
  • Age/Year: 22, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Jason Preston

Predraft measurements, athletic testing and workouts aren’t likely to help Tyler Kolek. An impact postseason performance as Marquette’s engine could, assuming he returns from an oblique injury.

There is debate about how much of his scoring will carry over to the pros. But his pick-and-roll playmaking and passing are considered translatable, and he should still be able to threaten defenses as a shotmaker with his catch-and-shoot game and floater.

46. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Kam Jones

  • Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 56
  • Team: Marquette
  • Position: SG
  • Size: 6-foot-5, 200 lbs
  • Age/Year: 22, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro Comparison: Malik Monk

Kam Jones finished the regular season with his fourth 30-point game since February, though it was the nine assists with Tyler Kolek out that stood out. Still, he’s going to earn NBA looks for the self-creation flashes, high-level shotmaking and crafty finishing that together create microwave scoring ability. It’s rare to see a guard this potent also be this efficient—Jones is at 60.1% inside the arc and 41.1% from three, averaging just 1.1 turnovers in 28.2 minutes.

47. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): Payton Sandfort

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 40
  • School/team: Iowa
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-7, 215 lbs
  • Age: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Sam Hauser

Payton Sandfort recorded the first triple-double in Iowa men’s basketball history at Penn State, showing passing IQ and more aggression (18-of-19 FTs) than a typical shotmaking specialist. Shooting versatility and touch shots will still be Sandfort’s moneymakers in the NBA, but the ball-moving and toughness do make him more attractive and well-rounded for a supporting role.

48. Orlando Magic: Melvin Ajinça

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 45
  • Team: Saint-Quentin
  • Nationality: French
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-7
  • Age: 19
  • Pro comparison: Evan Fournier

Between FIBA and LNB Pro A, there has been enough evidence of Melvin Ajinça’s shotmaking for teams to target it in the second round. They’ll just have to accept the idea that he may not offer much else in terms of creation, passing or defensive upside.

49. Sacramento Kings: Izan Almansa

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 50
  • School/team: G League Ignite
  • Position: PF/C
  • Size: 6-foot-10, 230 lbs
  • Age: 18
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Pro comparison: Goga Bitadze

While Izan Almansa hasn’t flashed any skill or defensive trait that points to upside, he should generate second-round interest with an unteachable mix of size, good hands, touch and instincts for play-finishing.

He will be appealing to teams interested in adding frontcourt depth and interior activity.

50. Washington Wizards (via Suns): Coleman Hawkins

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 48
  • School/team: Illinois
  • Position: PF
  • Size: 6-foot-10, 225 lbs
  • Age: 22, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Georges Niang

Interest in Coleman Hawkins will be driven by the appeal to his archetype as opposed to his upside. Plenty of teams will see value in adding a stretch-4 who can handle and pass.

51. Detroit Pistons (via Knicks): Trey Alexander

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 51
  • School/team: Creighton
  • Position: SG
  • Size: 6-foot-4, 190 lbs
  • Age: 20, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: E’Twaun Moore

Despite Trey Alexander lacking any standout physical trait or specialty skill, teams in the Nos. 45-60 range may see too well-rounded of a guard to keep passing on. He’ll have a chance to stick in a backup 2-guard role with his three-level shotmaking, on- and off-ball shooting and improved secondary playmaking.

52. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans): Judah Mintz

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 53
  • School/team: Syracuse
  • Position: PG/SG
  • Size: 6-foot-4, 185 lbs
  • Age: 20, Sophomore
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Jaden Ivey

Judah Mintz finished the regular season strong with four consecutive 20-plus-point games. Still, no signs of real 3-point improvement will keep the 6-foot-4 combo guard from climbing boards. Teams could still see a bargain in the 40s or 50s, given how effective he is attacking and using his quickness, shiftiness and gravity to set up teammates. Those strengths, paired with some tough two-point shotmaking, could help Mintz compensate for his limited range.

53. Indiana Pacers (via Cavs): Johni Broome

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 52
  • School/team: Auburn
  • Position: C
  • Size: 6-foot-10, 240 lbs
  • Age: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Markieff Morris

Johni Broome’s identity revolves around his physicality, toughness and interior defense. But he’s updated his game this year with improved shooting and passing to create a more modern look, versatility and ways to impact games.

54. Indiana Pacers (via Bucks): Antonio Reeves

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 55
  • School/team: Kentucky
  • Position: SG
  • Size: 6-foot-6, 195 lbs
  • Age: 23, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Gary Trent Jr.

It’s going to be tough for Antonio Reeves to show scouts anything in the postseason that he hasn’t consistently delivered throughout the year. Age will keep his name stuck in second-round tiers, but one of the draft’s most proven shotmakers should get an NBA opportunity. His 45.6% catch-and-shoot mark and 49 made floaters (52.7%) are the numbers to bet on for off-ball scoring.

55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers): DaRon Holmes II

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 49
  • School/team: Dayton
  • Position: C
  • Size: 6-foot-10, 235 lbs
  • Age: 21, Junior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Trayce Jackson-Davis

There is still room for Daron Holmes II to improve his stock in the postseason, as scouts continue to debate over the legitimacy and translation of his improved 3-point shot and face-up game. Maybe teams will see a teaching moment from last year’s draft when Trayce Jackson-Davis undeservingly slipped all the way into the 50s. Holmes has to convince executives there will be more to his game than just athletic finishing and post play.

56. Denver Nuggets (via Timberwolves): Jalen Bridges

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 58
  • School/team: Baylor
  • Position: SF/PF
  • Size: 6-foot-9, 225 lbs
  • Age: 22, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith

Jalen Bridges’ name is starting to surface in sleeper conversations, particularly after his 32-point game against Texas. He had his most convincing season as a shooter this year, and there is finally some real optimism starting to form over the 6-foot-9 forward’s three-and-D potential.

57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder): PJ Hall

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 54
  • Team: Clemson
  • Nationality: American
  • Position: PF/C
  • Size: 6-foot-10, 238 lbs
  • Age: 22, Senior
  • Pro comparison: Dean Wade

More perimeter shotmaking has helped PJ Hall look better suited for the NBA, given teams’ limited interest in adding a post-up-heavy big. He doesn’t rebound or block shots at substantial rates, so Hall may have to convince a team that his shooting is real and he’s nimble enough to defend away from the basket.

58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics): Blake Hinson

  • Previous mock draft spot: No. 57
  • School/team: Pittsburgh
  • Position: SF
  • Size: 6-foot-8, 230 lbs
  • Age: 24, Senior
  • Nationality: American
  • Pro comparison: Julian Strawther

Scouts are expecting Blake Hinson to earn himself two-way contract offers from teams who see a shooting specialist. Regardless of what else does or doesn’t translate, it will be worth giving a look to a 6-foot-8 wing who’s made 106 threes in 31 games at a 42.4% clip.

Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on  X, formerly known as Twitter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Brothers Discovery.

Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference.

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