Donovan Clingan has led UConn to the Final Four behind a strong Tournament and moves into the mock draft Top 5.
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) — Even after two weeks of March Madness, NBA scouts could still have key matchups and evaluation opportunities in the Final Four.
Scouts’ opinions remain fluid on tournament stars Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey, while Stephon Castle and the rest of Connecticut’s starters still have room to climb rankings.
Though Alabama and North Carolina State don’t have any prospects projected to get drafted right now, Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Rylan Griffen, Jarin Stevenson and DJ Burns Jr. will each continue to be monitored and considered.
The Sweet 16 and Elite Eight also saw some notable, potentially needle-moving performances from Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, Duke’s Jared McCain, Marquette’s Kam Jones and North Carolina’s Harrison Ingram.
While scouts’ immediate focus will be on the final three games, it’s going to quickly shift to next week’s Nike Hoop Summit, and then to shaping boards ahead of the NBA combine and draft workout season.
1. Detroit Pistons: 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.
Even with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson, the Detroit Pistons will be too far away for positions or needs to matter in the draft. They still need to prioritize finding the best prospect available. The challenge this year is identifying him, as scouts continue to throw out all different answers for who should and will go No. 1.
Alexandre Sarr may have the best case right now with physical tools, pro-level production and translatable defense that scream high floor, plus flashes of inside-out offensive skills that hint at room to improve and a path to higher scoring upside.
His season is over after Perth lost two of three to Tasmania in the NBL semis. At 18 years old, he averaged 9.6 points and 1.5 blocks in 18.0 minutes with 16 made 3s in 30 games.
There is no doubt that the primary draw to Sarr revolves around his potential defensive impact as a roaming shot-blocker who can sit in a stance and guard ball-handlers and wings around the perimeter.
But he’s become a strong candidate to go No. 1 thanks to glimpses of three-point range, pull-up shooting and open-floor ball-handling—unique skills for a 7-foot-1, switchable rim protector.
2. Washington Wizards: Rob Dillingham
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 2
- Team: Kentucky
- Position: PG/SG
- Size: 6-foot-3, 176 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Darius Garland
No team has fewer surefire franchise cornerstones to bank on and build with than the Washington Wizards. Fit and position aren’t likely to factor into the front office’s decision, regardless of where the Wizards pick.
But Rob Dillingham may have both a best-prospect-available case and the right opportunity in Washington to earn immediate point-guard reps and develop his lead-guard feel and decision-making.
An off-night in Kentucky’s loss to Oakland won’t move the needle much. Scouts had always acknowledged how his style and shot selection left him vulnerable.
Even with that jumper-heavy diet and underwhelming finishing tools, he still shot 47.5% from the floor with a 59.5 true shooting percentage. Along with his mostly reliable shotmaking on and off the ball, he offers the most convincing creation ability in the class with his ball-handling skill and shiftiness. He even surprised with how well he leveraged his elusiveness and gravity for playmaking and finding teammates (29.7 assist percentage).
Defense is the biggest issue with Dillingham, and scouts remain concerned by how much his lack of size/physicality, effort and awareness will negate his offensive contributions. He’ll likely require a specific type of roster-building to ultimately hide his core weaknesses.
3. 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
Despite Ron Holland’s stock having dipped since being projected No. 1 earlier in the season, he 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 just fast.
At worst, he 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 shot-making to bet on.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Zaccharie Risacher
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 3
- Team: JL Bourg-en-Bresse
- Position: SG/SF
- Size: 6-foot-8, 204 lbs
- Age/Year: 18
- Nationality: French
- Pro Comparison: Harrison Barnes
Consistent shooting has powered Zaccharie Risacher’s draft stock for most of the season. But he’s started cooling off lately. Since January 20, he’s just 17-of-62 from 3 (27.4%). And now it’s suddenly worth thinking about his 69.4 free-throw percentage, whether it’s more indicative than the early-season 3-point accuracy — or the fact that he hadn’t been known for advanced shooting coming in.
Still, at 18 years old, the eye test will hold more weight, and Risacher looks like an obvious NBA-level shotmaker with excellent positional size, athleticism for open-floor finishing and defensive quickness/court coverage. The most common, plausible projection pictures a quality off-ball scoring starter.
5. Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 7
- Team: Connecticut
- Position: C
- Size: 7-foot-2, 280 lbs
- Age/Year: 20, Sophomore
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Jakob Poeltl
Lottery teams looking to improve defensively will have to start thinking about Donovan Clingan. None of Connecticut’s four opponents so far have scored more than 58 points, including Illinois’ No. 4-ranked offense, per KenPom.com.
He’s changing games with his paint presence, contesting shots around the key and eliminating finishing windows for drivers. So far this tournament, he’s given up four total points around the basket and two points in the post, per Synergy Sports.
Now Clingan gets Alabama’s No. 3-ranked offense and another chance to strengthen his case as a defensive star worth taking over guards and wings with more enticing archetypes.
Despite lacking a skill set or path for offensive upside, he can still provide value with his finishing, pressure on the glass and low-post game. But he’s also demonstrated significant improvement as a passer, looking like a legitimate assist weapon who’s seeing the floor, reading plays and delivering the ball over the top at 7-foot-2.
6. Toronto Raptors: Reed Sheppard
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 5
- Team: Kentucky
- Position: PG/SG
- Size: 6-foot-3, 187 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Kirk Hinrich
An uncharacteristic showing against Oakland re-raised questions asking how high is too high to draft Reed Sheppard. Aside from some bad passes and defensive lapses, he played mostly a background role during Kentucky’s loss, which was the bigger concern for a prospect who’d recently started to generate top-five buzz.
It added fuel to skeptics’ primary argument that he doesn’t provide enough half-court creation for a 6-foot-3 guard.
However, the bigger full-season picture still shows an excellent pick-and-roll ball-handler thanks to his pull-up game, passing IQ and feel/timing slashing to the basket. And he graded out as college basketball’s most efficient spot-up scorer (1.5 points per possession).
The case right now for Sheppard is more about fit over upside and translatable strengths/skills that teams always value, like shooting, playmaking, a reliable floater and generally sound decision-making. Even without an advanced one-on-one game or scoring ability, he finished tied for the 12th-best box plus-minus on record for a freshman, behind 11 top-10 picks.
7. Memphis Grizzlies: Stephon Castle
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 6
- Team: Connecticut
- Position: SG
- Size: 6-foot-6, 215 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: RJ Barrett
Stephon Castle continues to give scouts reasons to remain patient with his shooting.
Even without a reliable jump shot or consistent on-ball reps, he’s making a clear impact at both ends during Connecticut’s Final Four run. Castle had some outstanding defensive possessions guarding 23-year-old, 23-point-per-game scoring wing Terrence Shannon Jr. and 24-year-old Boo Buie. He also delivered five assists against Illinois, and though he struggled to finish in the Elite Eight, Castle averaged 12.3 points and 6.0 boards on 14-of-25 shooting in the previous three wins.
Highly effective in transition, physical attacking in the half court, a live-dribble playmaking threat and a defensive stopper, Castle comes off as a high-floor glue guy in a worst-case outcome. Even moderate shooting improvement could create quality-starter upside, and it’s at least somewhat encouraging to see him show off touch on his floaters (44%) and free throws (76%).
8. Houston Rockets (via Nets): Nikola Topić
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 8
- Team: KK Crvena Zvezda
- Position: PG
- Size: 6-foot-6, 198 lbs
- Age/Year: 18
- Nationality: Serbian
- Pro Comparison: Goran Dragić
Rare production for an 18-year-old overseas had led to top-five buzz for Nikola Topić. But he’s becoming vulnerable due to an injury that’s now cost him three months, plus the fact that he doesn’t play off the ball and most lottery teams already have lead guards.
This missed time is costing him opportunities while Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham strengthened their cases. However, leading the Adriatic League in assists and ranking second in scoring 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.
9. Utah Jazz: Matas Buzelis
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 9
- Team: G League Ignite
- Position: SF
- Size: 6-foot-8, 209 lbs
- Age/Year: 19
- Nationality: American/Lithuanian
- Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu
Mixed feelings swirl around Matas Buzelis as he heads into the predraft process.
Throughout the season for Ignite, he impressed with flashes of scoring versatility fueled by open-floor drives, shotmaking, athletic finishing and defensive playmaking. The 14.1 points and highlights have also been clouded by 26.1% 3-point shooting and Buzelis’ team going 2-32.
He should be able to make up some ground during workouts, where his size and bounce will pop, and he can convince teams to buy his stroke over the numbers.
10. Atlanta Hawks: Dalton Knecht
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 15
- Team: Tennessee
- Position: SG/SF
- Size: 6-foot-6, 204 lbs
- Age/Year: 22, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Wally Szczerbiak
Despite the loss to Purdue, Dalton Knecht added another special scoring performance to a resume that already shows 30-40-point games against Kentucky, Auburn, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.
He put up 37 points in the Elite Eight off mostly signature shotmaking that scouts deem translatable, given his size, stroke and general shooting versatility. He seemingly has an ideal skill set for a complementary role at the next level, where he can space the floor, curl off screens and take dribble handoffs into pull-ups or drives.
Turning 23 years old this month, Knecht will have some skeptics who worry about age for a lottery pick. But most teams won’t be overly picky in 2024. The idea of adding a plug-and-play scorer with a valued core skill and professional approach will look appealing outside the top five.
11. Chicago Bulls: Cody Williams
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 10
- Team: Colorado
- Position: SF/PF
- Size: 6-foot-9, 190 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Jaden McDaniels
Cody Williams finished the year on a high note in a loss to Marquette, looking more aggressive with drives, hitting a 3 and delivering some impressive defensive sequences.
He’s still clearly on the raw side, lacking polish off the dribble, showing no real pull-up game and averaging just 1.7 3-point attempts per game. But he’ll remain a top-10 candidate, with the likelihood that one team covets a big, two-way wing archetype and can afford to wait on his creation and shot development.
Even if the team that drafts him doesn’t have time to wait, Williams would still have something to offer as a 6-foot-9 driver, off-ball play-finisher and wing stopper who generally plays the right way.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Jared McCain
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 11
- Team: Duke
- Position: PG/SG
- Size: 6-foot-3, 197 lbs
- Age/Year: 20, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Immanuel Quickley
North Carolina State’s upset win over Duke overshadowed Jared McCain’s 32-point game, which was the second time he went for 30-plus in this tournament.
He’s become one of the draft’s most convincing shotmakers, and though his size and athletic limitations do raise questions, he’s shown plenty of ways to compensate with his crafty ball-handling and pace, shooting versatility, touch shots in the lane and finishing adjustments.
Teams will view McCain as either a scoring combo and secondary playmaker or offensive spark to bring off the bench.
13. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors): Kyle Filipowski
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 13
- Team: Duke
- Position: PF/C
- Size: 7-foot, 248 lbs
- Age/Year: 20, Sophomore
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Santi Aldama
A strong sophomore season for Kyle Filipowski ended in disappointing fashion in the Elite Eight, with his 3-point shot not falling and North Carolina State’s physical bigs forcing tougher two-point attempts.
But the biggest scouting takeaway was that he struggled defensively to contain DJ Burns Jr.’s strength and footwork in the post. It served as a reminder that Filipowski should be better suited to play the 4 most nights in the NBA.
Overall, his draft stock remains relatively unchanged after he hit three threes against Houston and totaled eight assists through the tournament’s first two rounds. Shooting range, post skill, improved finishing and passing and defensive mobility create versatility that should lock Filipowski into the late-lottery/mid-first-round range.
While he doesn’t project as a top option like he was at Duke, he checks the right complementary boxes to make a quick transition to a supporting stretch 4 or 5 role.
14. New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers): Isaiah Collier
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 14
- Team: USC
- Position: PG
- Size: 6-foot-5, 210 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Tyreke Evans
USC missed the NCAA tournament, so Isaiah Collier figures to start training for the draft and learn how he can alleviate scouts’ concerns over his shooting and decision-making.
The scouting report 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. Regardless, without many starting point guard jobs open, he figures to begin his career as a change-of-pace bench spark.
15. Philadelphia 76ers: Tristan da Silva
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 18
- School/team: Colorado
- Position: SF/PF
- Size: 6-foot-9, 220 lbs
- Age/Year: 22, Senior
- Nationality: German/Brazilian
- Pro comparison: Kyle Kuzma
A strong three-game NCAA tournament (18.0 PPG, 60% FG) helped Tristan da Silva continue to sell his scoring versatility and IQ for passing and defense. The lack of explosiveness and physicality brings down his perceived ceiling, but he’s too big, skilled and efficient for it to matter outside the lottery. Regardless of how much his athletic limitations hold him back, teams can bank on da Silva’s shooting, passing and overall discipline.
16. Miami Heat: Devin Carter
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 16
- Team: Providence
- Position: PG/SG
- Size: 6-foot-3, 195 lbs
- Age/Year: 22, Junior
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Derrick White
Providence was kept out of the NCAA tournament, but the sample size of Devin Carter’s offensive development was big and strong enough to lock in first-round interest.
He closed the year with another outstanding performance, putting up 27 points on 14 shots against Marquette.
Regardless of the scoring outbursts this year, he’s going to earn NBA minutes and paychecks off versatility and intangibles. For a 6-foot-3 guard, the 32 blocked shots and 8.7 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 shot-maker and crafty pick-and-roll ball-handler.
17. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers): Terrence Shannon Jr.
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 12
- 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. was the country’s hottest scorer until he ran into Connecticut, specifically Donovan Clingan’s rim protection and Stephon Castle’s perimeter defense.
That Illinois loss did expose some of Shannon’s reliance on using speed and athleticism over creativity and counter moves.
Regardless, scouts see Shannon continuing to apply pressure on defenses with a scoring attack fueled by confident shotmaking and explosiveness in transition, off his first step and turning the corner in ball-screen situations.
For Shannon, however, the predraft process will be all about teams’ investigations into September’s rape charge and the outcome of a May 10 hearing. The results could determine whether he’s in the mix for lottery teams or deemed undraftable.
18. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Kel’el Ware
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 17
- Team: Indiana
- Position: C
- Size: 7-foot, 242 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Sophomore
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Brook Lopez
Though Kel’el Ware struggled during Indiana’s finale and loss to Nebraska, he mostly had a strong last two months in terms of scoring and impact.
Narratives that point out empty stats or low-impact production have lost steam. He delivered more consistently in one-on-one situations around the basket while also flashing bonus shotmaking touch and range that create more offensive upside.
Ware is 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.
19. Phoenix Suns: Ja’Kobe Walter
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 19
- Team: Baylor
- Position: SG/SF
- Size: 6-foot-5, 195 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
After struggling during the Big 12 tournament, Ja’Kobe Walter scored 19 and 20 points, respectively, against Colgate and Clemson. He showed exactly what the scouting report read all season — catch-and-shoot shotmaking, physical line-driving and limited creativity off the dribble.
In 35 games, he had 75 3s, 145 made free throws and just 50 assists, numbers that clearly reflect his strengths and weaknesses.
Walter figures to interest late-lottery to mid-first-round teams who could use more wing depth and see a 3-and-D rotation player.
20. Orlando Magic: Tyler Smith
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 20
- Team: Ignite
- Nationality: American
- Position: PF
- Size: 6-foot-11, 224 lbs
- Age: 19
- Pro comparison: Channing Frye
Scouts debate whether Tyler Smith is merely a spot-up shooter or a more versatile, inside-out scorer.
At 6-foot-11, a convincing stroke and strong finishing tools should draw top-20 interest regardless, but he has fans around the league who’d take him earlier than mid-first round.
The ability to catch, rise and fire from anywhere in the half court could turn Smith into a more useful/dangerous scoring threat.
21. New York Knicks: Kevin McCullar Jr.
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 22
- School/team: Kansas
- Position: SG/SF
- Size: 6-foot-7, 214 lbs
- Age: 23, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Josh Hart
Kansas ruled Kevin McCullar Jr. out for the NCAA tournament before it started, and now the conversation heading into predraft revolves around his knee.
The Jayhawks looked like a different team without him, which speaks to his impact and wide-ranging contributions getting Kansas into offense, finishing plays, making shots and defending opponents’ top wings.
Scouts buy his versatility and defense for a supporting NBA role, though he’ll have to avoid any medical report concerns predraft.
22. New Orleans Pelicans: Johnny Furphy
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 23
- Team: Kansas
- Position: SF
- Size: 6-foot-9, 202 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Nationality: Australian
- Pro Comparison: Cam Johnson
The strengths on Johnny Furphy’s scouting report popped against Samford in Kansas’ opening NCAA tournament game. He buried three spot-up 3s, drove past closeouts and made plays in transition.
His reliance on shooting and play-finishing was evident against Gonzaga, though he was still able to hit a pair of threes and show some defensive toughness.
NBA teams will ultimately have a clear picture of his future role and value, with Furphy’s shotmaking and athleticism built for a stretch-forward, off-ball role.
23. Cleveland Cavaliers: Yves Missi
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 21
- School: Baylor
- Nationality: Cameroon
- Position: C
- Size: 7-foot, 235 lbs
- Age/Year: 19, Freshman
- Pro comparison: Mark Williams
A quiet game in a loss to Clemson capped off a productive season of 63 dunks, interior defense and occasional face-up drives for Missi. Teams interested in adding another easy-basket target and shot-blocker will have to assess Missi versus Zach Edey, who’s far more productive and skilled, but also older and less athletic/mobile.
Missi’s 61.6 free-throw percentage and 13 total assists are worth thinking about, but given his tools, foot speed, coordination and leaping, it’s also easy to picture his finishing, switchability and rim protection carrying over.
24. New York Knicks (via Mavs): 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 consider his college offers for the 2024-25 season.
Chomche had some wow moments 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.
25. Milwaukee Bucks: Zach Edey
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 30
- School/team: Purdue
- Position: C
- Size: 7-foot-4, 300 lbs
- Age: 21, Senior
- Nationality: Canadian
- Pro comparison: Jonas Valanciunas
A 40-point game against Tennessee gives Zach Edey an average of 30.0 points through four tournament wins heading into the Final Four. The combination of 7-foot-4 size and improved touch and mobility simply create too big of an advantage against most college defenses.
He’s been dominant without showing anything. Opponents have had no answer for his drop steps into the lane and jump hooks, and nobody has had the strength or height to regularly keep him from catching and finishing off rolls or positioning himself for putbacks.
Edey has been disruptive in rim protection as well, contesting shots without fouling and altering penetrating guards’ decisions in the lane.
Scouts remain hopeful for a Purdue championship game against Connecticut and Donovan Clingan, who may be the only prospect capable of physically matching up.
Regardless, as rare and powerful as Edey’s impact has been, there will continue to be skeptics questioning his fit and value on an NBA floor. He’s still going to require a specific team, presumably one with shooters, that’s drawn to the idea of adding more physicality, easy baskets and shot-blocking in the middle.
26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers): Tidjane Salaun
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 26
- Team: Cholet
- Nationality: French
- Position: PF
- Size: 6-foot-9, 212 lbs
- Age: 18
- Pro comparison: Obi Toppin
The flashes and eye test figure to outweigh Tidjane Salaun’s numbers and inconsistency, given his age and the appeal of an athletic, 6-foot-9 shot-maker who can defend wings.
The 18-year-old forward is up to 60 made 3s and 32 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 a 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.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: 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
Five 3s against Michigan State and five assists versus Alabama highlight Harrison Ingram’s shooting and passing for an NBA connector role. He also averaged 8.8 boards and 1.4 steals for the year. Ingram’s improved shotmaking off the catch and dribble are behind his rise up boards, but he’s become a well-rounded forward with secondary playmaking skill and defensive/rebounding activity.
28. Denver Nuggets: Tyler Kolek
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 29
- Team: Marquette
- Position: PG
- Size: 6-foot-3, 195 lbs
- Age/Year: 23, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Jason Preston
Tyler Kolek couldn’t generate enough offense for Marquette when the team shot 4-of-31 from 3 against NC State.
Though the scouting report hasn’t changed much from one season to the next, he made more fans this year with his advanced ball-screen feel and crafty finishes. He’s going to draw interest from teams that could use a second-unit engine capable of creating and setting the table, though his efficient catch-and-shoot stroke figures to also give Kolek an extra scoring method from off the ball.
29. Utah Jazz (via Thunder): Kyshawn George
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 27
- Team: Miami
- Position: SG/SF
- Size: 6-foot-8, 205 lbs
- Age/Year: 20, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Dalano Banton
Kyshawn George finished the year at 40.8% on 4.2 3-point attempts, highlighting impressive shot-making for a 6-foot-8 wing who can handle and pass.
Scouts believe he can generate first-round interest from teams drawn to his archetype and upside, though his floor does feel low thanks to zero explosion and a 46.7 two-point percentage.
30. Boston Celtics: Bobi Klintman
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 28
- Team: Cairns Taipans
- Position: SF/PF
- Size: 6-foot-8, 215 lbs
- Age: 21
- 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.
31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons): Jaylon Tyson
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 25
- Team: California
- Nationality: American
- Position: SF/PF
- Size: 6-foot-7, 215 lbs
- Age/Year: 21, Junior
- Pro comparison: Caleb Martin
Jaylon Tyson has become one of the draft’s most advanced on-ball forwards with handles and footwork for self-creation into drives, jumpers and floaters.
His shot-making off his own dribble and post moves powered his scoring production. He just wasn’t as efficient off the ball, and some teams may question how he’ll adjust and fit after this year’s 30.2 usage percentage.
32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards): KJ Simpson
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 31
- School: Colorado
- Nationality: American
- Position: Guard
- Size: 6-foot-2, 189 lbs
- Age/Year: 21, Junior
- Pro comparison: Cole Anthony
While there will always be skeptics in undersized scoring guards, KJ Simpson demonstrated the type of craftiness, high-level shotmaking and competitiveness for teams to bet on a 6-foot-2 guard overcoming some physical limitations. At least if the gamble only requires a pick in the late 20s or second round.
Simpson had an ultra-productive and efficient season that continued into the NCAA tournament. A contested, game-winning dribble jumper against Florida gave Colorado a second win.
A 43.1% catch-and-shoot guard who hit 42.7% of his pull-ups and 43.2% of his mid-range shots, totaled 110 made half-court buckets at the rim, and registered a 25.0 assist percentage in three consecutive seasons, Simpson is still likely to go late in the draft due to size and athletic question marks.
33. San Antonio Spurs: Carlton Carrington
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 33
- School/team: Pittsburgh
- Position: PG/SG
- Size: 6-foot-5, 190 lbs
- Age: 18, Freshman
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
NBA teams are still waiting to hear from Carlton Carrington, who’d have a path to rise further in next year’s draft should he return. But he’s still a first-round candidate in 2024 after he averaged 13.8 points, 2.0 3s and 4.1 assists at 18 years old.
Carrington’s lack of rim pressure and steals (0.6 per game) highlight very limited burst and quickness for a lead guard. On the other hand, at 6-foot-5, he’s a potent shotmaker off the dribble with playmaking feel.
34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets): Dillon Jones
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 32
- School/Team: Weber State
- Nationality: American
- Position: SF
- Age/Year: 22, Junior
- Size: 6-foot-6, 235 lbs
- Pro comparison: Tosan Evbuomwan
The only NCAA player on record to average at least 20 points, nine rebounds, five assists and a 3-pointer, Dillon Jones 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.
35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Blazers): Baylor Scheierman
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 34
- School/team: Creighton
- Position: SF
- Size: 6-foot-7, 205 lbs
- Age: 23, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Joe Ingles
Baylor Scheierman went out swinging in Creighton’s loss to Tennessee with 25 points off deep shooting and some improvised shotmaking. He finished the season with 110 3-point makes and a 19.9 assist percentage, numbers that reflect shooting and passing skills, which don’t require plus athletic traits.
36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors): Pacome Dadiet
- Previous Mock Draft Spot: No. 43
- Team: Ratiopharm Ulm
- Position: SF/PF
- Size: 6-foot-8, 210 lbs
- Age/Year: 18
- Nationality: French
- Pro Comparison: Isaac Okoro
Pacome Dadiet is coming off one of his better games lately with 15 points in 19 minutes on Sunday. The wing was turning into a regular shooting threat with range and a reliable two-point pull-up. At 6-foot-8, he’s flashed the right tools, shotmaking potential, finishing, activity and motor for an NBA off-ball role, and that’s while playing this entire season in the German League and EuroCup at 18 years old.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies): Ajay Mitchell
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 35
- School/team: UC Santa Barbara
- Position: PG
- Size: 6-foot-5, 190 lbs
- Age: 21, Junior
- Nationality: Belgian
- Pro comparison: Andrew Nembhard
Ajay Mitchell’s year ended with him scoring over 35 points in two of Santa Barbara’s final three games. A weak strength of schedule, record (seventh in the Big West) and his 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 2.9 3s in 31.5 minutes as a third-year college guard, he made them at a solid rate (39.3%), burying free throws (85.8%) and demonstrating the shot-making versatility to connect off the catch and dribble.
38. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets): Jamal Shead
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 37
- School/team: Houston
- Position: PG
- Size: 6-foot-1, 200 lbs
- Age: 21, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Jevon Carter
You could feel Houston’s Final Four chances plummet once Jamal Shead went down early with an ankle injury against Duke. It robbed him of more chances to showcase his leadership and intangibles, though at this stage, they’re well-documented.
While a lack of size and questionable shooting will limit his upside and first-round looks, translatable defense, playmaking and toughness point to a backup point guard role and second-round value.
39. New York Knicks (via Jazz): Adem Bona
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 39
- School/team: UCLA
- Position: C
- Size: 6-foot-10, 245 lbs
- Age: 21, Sophomore
- Nationality: Turkish/Nigerian
- Pro comparison: Isaiah Jackson
NBA teams should know what they’re getting and what they’re not with Adem Bona. He can bring instant defensive activity/switchability and athletic finishing. And he’ll remain a threat in the post with his drop steps into hooks. Being foul- and turnover-prone will just mean a reduced role, likely one off the bench for the foreseeable future.
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Pelle Larsson
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 36
- School/Team: Arizona
- Nationality: Swedish
- Position: SF
- Age/Year: 23, Senior
- Size: 6-foot-6, 215 lbs
- Pro comparison: Christian Braun
During Arizona’s loss to Clemson, Pelle Larsson had a forgettable offensive performance and some bad defensive lapses late in the game.
The timing was poor, but Larsson had been highly reliable all season, finishing at 42.6% from 3 and 47.2% on pull-ups with 3.7 assists and highly efficient pick-and-roll and transition play. Teams could see a plug-and-play wing with Larsson if this year’s improved shooting wasn’t fluky.
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls): Ryan Dunn
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 41
- School/team: Virginia
- Position: PF
- Size: 6-foot-8, 216 lbs
- Age/Year: 21, Sophomore
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Matisse Thybulle
Ryan Dunn finished the year with one double-digit scoring game in February and March. But certain teams will be willing to accept his scoring limitations, given his defensive specialist potential and explosiveness for play-finishing.
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets): Kam Jones
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 49
- School/Team: Marquette
- Nationality: American
- Position: SG
- Age/Year: 22, Junior
- Size: 6-foot-5, 200 lbs
- Pro comparison: Malik Beasley
Kam Jones averaged 22 points through three NCAA tournament games, mostly off spot-up, movement and rhythm-dribble shotmaking. He still showed some two-point scoring ability on drives and runners, though a lack of burst/explosion suggests NBA teams should expect to bank on his shooting.
43. Houston Rockets (via Warriors): Jalen Bridges
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 45
- School/team: Baylor
- Position: SF/PF
- Size: 6-foot-9, 225 lbs
- Age: 22, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Dorian Finney-Smith
Scouts are starting to mention Jalen Bridges in the second-round sleeper discussion. After hitting 6-of-10 3-pointers in two NCAA tournament games, he finished the year at 41.2% on 5.1 attempts per game. Even if teams aren’t buying the improved self-creation and pull-up flashes, he’s developed into an accurate off-ball shotmaker (15-of-27 off screens) with an excellent defensive profile at 6-foot-9, 225 pounds.
44. Miami Heat: Justin Edwards
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 42
- School/Team: Kentucky
- Nationality: American
- Position: SF
- Age/Year: 20, Freshman
- Size: 6-foot-8, 203 lbs
- Pro comparison: James Posey
Shooting is a clear swing skill for Justin Edwards, who has an NBA physical profile for a wing but no translatable creation or playmaking skills. He finished the season missing six of his seven 3-pointers in losses to Texas A&M and Oakland immediately following a six-game heater (14-of-21).
Going first round will require a real optimistic believer in Edwards’ shotmaking. But he did finish the year with some encouraging percentages: 38.8% catch-and-shoot, 38.1% on pull-ups and 77.6% free throws.
45. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): Melvin Ajinca
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 44
- Team/nationality: Saint-Quentin
- Nationality: French
- Position: SG/SF
- Age: 19
- Size: 6-foot-7
- Pro comparison: Evan Fournier
Melvin Ajinca has been ruled out with a sternum injury, and it’s unclear if he’ll be ready to participate next week at the Nike Hoop Summit in front of dozens of NBA executives. He hasn’t been able to show much this year other than shooting, but at 6-foot-7 and 19 years old, Ajinca already has an impressive shotmaking resume between FIBA and LNB Pro A.
46. LA Clippers (via Pacers): DaRon Holmes II
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 46
- School/team: Dayton
- Position: C
- Size: 6-foot-10, 235 lbs
- Age: 21, Junior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Trayce Jackson-Davis
DaRon Holmes II went out strong with 23 points and 11 boards against Arizona, though it was the two 3-pointers and three assists that were the most meaningful numbers from an NBA scouting perspective. The improved range, handles/body control attacking the basket and passing have raised his draft stock. There still seems to be some reluctance from scouts who question his defensive fit and how translatable his new shot is.
47. Sacramento Kings: PJ Hall
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 47
- Team: Clemson
- Nationality: American
- Position: PF/C
- Size: 6-foot-10, 238 lbs
- Age: 22, Senior
- Pro comparison: Dean Wade
PJ Hall’s strengths and weaknesses were evident during Clemson’s four NCAA tournament games. He showed his ability to get shots off in the post by sealing defenders, spinning off them or fading away. Hall showed confidence in his shooting range, even if the 3s weren’t falling. He became vulnerable when forced to face up and put the ball down, and despite encouraging form and shotmaking ability, his 31.5 3-point percentage reflects some unreliability.
48. Orlando Magic: Hunter Sallis
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 50
- School/team: Wake Forest
- Position: SG
- Size: 6-foot-5, 185 lbs
- Age: 21, Junior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Malaki Branham
A breakout season with Wake Forest reignited interest around Hunter Sallis’ three-level scoring. His team couldn’t survive Georgia in the NIT with Sallis missing the game with an ankle injury. He’ll presumably now start the predraft process after averaging an efficient 18 points on 40.5% shooting from 3. Sallis is viewed more safely as a second-rounder due to limited playmaking for a 185-pound guard. But he flashed enough creation, shotmaking and athleticism to sell scouts on his scoring, and he’ll likely be advised to try to improve his stock further during NBA combine scrimmages.
49. Washington Wizards (via Suns): Oso Ighodaro
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 40
- Team: Marquette
- Position: PF/C
- Size: 6-foot-11, 235 lbs
- Age/Year: 21, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro Comparison: Brandon Clarke
Oso Ighodaro went out quietly to North Carolina State, playing mostly a background role to Marquette’s guards and wings. His value at the next level will revolve more around his ball-handling and passing from the frontcourt, skills that can give a lineup a different look and Ighodaro advantages against bigs. But he’ll also earn minutes with his play-finishing, touch shots and defensive versatility.
50. Detroit Pistons (via Knicks): Jaxson Robinson
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 52
- Team: BYU
- Nationality: American
- Position: SF
- Size: 6-foot-7, 190 lbs
- Age: 21, Senior
- Pro comparison: Julian Champagnie
Despite BYU’s upset loss to Duquesne, Jaxson Robinson made his strongest pitch of the season to scouts with his shooting versatility and bonus flashes of self-creation into jumpers and drives. He’ll have a chance to improve his odds of getting drafted with more impact shotmaking during NBA combine scrimmages.
51. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Tristen Newton
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 57
- School/team: Connecticut
- Position: PG
- Size: 6-foot-5, 195 lbs
- Age: 22, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Terance Mann
Even if there are flaws tied to Tristen Newton’s athletic limitations and shooting, his versatility and winning percentage will earn him two-way contract offers. Connecticut didn’t need his offense (0-of-6 shooting) during its blowout over Illinois. NBA teams won’t be asking for Newton’s scoring, either. He’ll have the chance to earn glue-guy minutes for his passing, rebounding and defense.
52. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans): Payton Sandfort
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 51
- School/team: Iowa
- Position: SF
- Size: 6-foot-7, 215 lbs
- Age: 21, Junior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Sam Hauser
Payton Sandfort’s season ended in strange fashion during the NIT after he followed up his best game of the year (30 points against Kansas State) with his worst (1-of-11 against Utah).
Neither game will ultimately move the needle, with Sandfort’s shotmaking, passing IQ and athletic limitations all well-documented by now. He’ll be a second-round candidate for teams who see a fit in a 6-foot-7 shooter who can add some secondary playmaking with his dribble and decision-making.
53. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): 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
Coleman Hawkins was having a strong NCAA tournament until Illinois ran into Connecticut. While scouts have their reservations, he has their attention with a shoot-dribble-pass skill set that creates a valuable stretch-playmaking 4 archetype.
54. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers): Antonio Reeves
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 55
- School/Team: Kentucky
- Nationality: American
- Position: SG
- Age/Year: 23, Senior
- Size: 6-foot-6, 195 lbs
- Pro comparison: Justin Holiday
Antonio Reeves’ 27 points weren’t enough to make up for his and Kentucky’s defensive struggles against Oakland. For a 6-foot-6 guard, he’s too advanced of a shotmaker with his spot-up, movement and pull-up shooting (and floater) to not think about in the 50s for a scoring specialist role.
55. Golden State Warriors (via Bucks): Alex Karaban
- Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
- School/Team: Connecticut
- Nationality: American
- Position: SF/PF
- Age/Year: 21, Sophomore
- Size: 6-foot-8, 220 lbs
- Pro comparison: Bojan Bogdanovic
Alex Karaban has shown a comfort level scoring from off the ball, playing to his strengths as a cutter and spot-up, pick-and-pop and movement shooter. He won’t need to put up big numbers in this NCAA tournament or Final Four to draw NBA interest, given his role and these Connecticut blowouts. Efficient behind the arc and at the rim, he comes off as having a translatable offensive skill set with adequate defensive foot speed.
56. Denver Nuggets (via Timberwolves): Cam Spencer
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 54
- School/team: Connecticut
- Position: SG
- Size: 6-foot-4, 205 lbs
- Age: 23, Senior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Jeff Hornacek
At 23 years old with underwhelming physical and athletic traits, Cam Spencer will be earning himself draft looks thanks to consistent, off-screen shooting and ball-screen skills with his pull-up, floater and passing. His competitiveness and toughness could give him an extra edge in front-office conversations.
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder): N’Faly Dante
- Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
- School/Team: Oregon
- Nationality: Malian
- Position: C
- Age/Year: 22, Senior
- Size: 6-foot-11, 265 lbs
- Pro comparison: Daniel Gafford
Through five postseason games between the NCAAs and Pac-12 tournament, N’Faly Dante averaged 22.4 points on 74.6% shooting. Even though he hasn’t expanded his range or added any ball-handling skill, he’s improved offensively in the paint with his footwork, poise and off-hand. A career 2.8 steal percentage is also extremely rare for a center. Dante has become a name worth watching heading into the predraft process, and more impact two-way play at the combine could further strengthen his chances of being drafted.
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics): Johni Broome
- Previous mock draft spot: No. 58
- School/team: Auburn
- Position: C
- Size: 6-foot-10, 240 lbs
- Age: 21, Junior
- Nationality: American
- Pro comparison: Markieff Morris
Johni Broome’s 24 points, 13 boards and four assists in Auburn’s NCAA tournament opener were seemingly erased by a Yale upset. He still had a year worthy of NBA attention after he stood out last year at G League Elite camp, returned and improved key areas like shooting and passing. Broome should have done enough this season to earn an invite straight to the NBA combine.
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.
