2024 Dizzle Dynasty Mock Draft 3.0: Pre-Lottery Edition
Before the NBA Lottery kicks off this Sunday, let's take a final look at the Class of 2024 and the chaotic shake-out of a draft still without a surefire superstar.
We’re right back at it, folks! We’re inching closer to the NBA Lottery this Sunday, May 10th and with the hype of it, I’m taking one more shot at trying to make sense of this class before we have a firm order established.
As usual, before we get started, let’s lay down a few points:
First and foremost, I tried to better simulate the full 2024 NBA Draft order with how much of a crapshoot the lottery will likely be both for better accuracy and partially because I got sick of the same order. To properly account for odds at their current percentages and the total lack of a consensus, I simulated the NBA Lottery through Tankathon by spinning it a total of 10 times. This order is 100% representative of the calculated order on my 10th spin.
Like my 2.0 Mock, this new edition will remain representative of player fits with each team. As usual, my picks will be comprised of fit, upside, team need and my overall evaluation of rookies throughout this season. This is not necessarily an endorsement of who a team should take.
Due to the depth of analysis of my 1.0 Mock, I will follow my process from my 2.0 Mock and give a short blurb on each player, along with their previous spot and player comparisons. If you want more detail on players, feel free to check out my previous (and future) mocks, or check out Brian’s scouting reports.
Take these player comparisons with a grain of salt. They’re not perfect and many of these are with the idea of “shades”, what their attributes remind me of or can be projected for an archetype. I tried to come up with a few various comps for each one, whether it’s just vibes, a similar style, a potential archetype in the right direction, a best case scenario or high-end/low-end outcomes. You’ll get some of the low-down on what each one means in my write-up.
In reference to the point(s) above: this is solely my opinions, my write-ups and notes as I see them. I do this for fun only and I’m far from a professional or trained eye for talent. I’m prone to being wrong like everyone out there, I was wrong on things even on my 2.0 Mock and that’s what makes these exercises fun. Take this as just one of many with a nuanced take on this class.
Did I miss something or someone? Is there a pick you’d like more clarity/thoughts on? Let me know about it! My lines are always open via Substack, Twitter and email and love getting every bit of feedback I can get.
Let’s get started!
Round 1
1. Washington Wizards: F/C Alexandre Sarr, Perth (NBL, 2005)
Player Comparison(s): Jaren Jackson Jr., OKC Serge Ibaka, Nic Claxton, Evan Mobley
Previous Spot: 1
DDS 2.0 Big Board Spot: 1
Sorry to be boring and keep putting Perth Wildcats big Alex Sarr as my 1.01, but hey, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. As we’re all abundantly aware, the Washington Wizards hard-launched their rebuild this offseason, and things are looking OK in that department by Michael Winger and Will Dawkins so far. Despite a silver lining of some nice talent for the long haul, including a steal of a contract for Deni Avdija, Bilal Coulibaly flashing his ridiculously high ceiling, an end-of-season turnaround by Jordan Poole, some good veteran play, and an emerging diamond in the rough with Tristan Vukcevic joining the team in March, the Wizards are undeniably bad with the 2nd worst record in the league. There are bits of talent on the roster, but still not enough to be good for a while.
This draft is shaping up to be one of the weirdest in arguably a decade with no clear-cut top lottery consensus, but it’s becoming clear that Sarr is the closest thing to it. His ceiling still feels quite high with the combination of his fluidity, athleticism, size and versatility fitting the exact mold you want to see out of high level bigs today. He’s also arguably the best defender of the entire class. There’s been some positive trends in his offensive game even if it needs work in an Evan Mobley type of way, which I trust can come around to a good degree. Even with the full range of development over time, he’s the perfect answer for Washington going forward and their current best bet at finding that highest level building block next to Avdija and Coulibaly.
2. Charlotte Hornets: G Reed Sheppard, Kentucky (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Mike Conley, Fred VanVleet, Donte DiVincenzo
Previous Spot: 3
DDS 2.0 Big Board Spot: 2
The Hornets have found something great on the wing with Brandon Miller. Despite this another arguably lost year with LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams out for long stretches of time, the Hornets are finally seeing a changing of the guard with Steve Clifford, Mitch Kupchak, and former owner Michael Jordan stepping out of their roles.
Given the new management and coaching’s assessment of needs and structure, there are a lot of different paths the Hornets can take here. Ball’s injury troubles recently and the loss of Terry Rozier have shown that guard depth remains an issue, even with the emergence of Tre Mann and Vasilije Micic finally getting the minutes we hoped for. There’s also some inevitable questions about the future of Miles Bridges, who may not return to Charlotte after taking a qualifying offer this season to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. That’s really the big key in all of this, but given his performance this season, I have trouble believing that the Hornets don’t try everything they can to retain him. If that is indeed the case, the answer is simple here: Reed Sheppard. He’s become a truly electric and historically elite shooter at Kentucky with a real growth to his skill and fit as a passer and all-around combo guard that give me a great deal of confidence in him. His size is always going to be a point of contention, especially in how we discuss his defensive skills and peskiness translating to the NBA, but I’m fully in on him becoming a really good NBA player off the talent we’ve seen.
3. Toronto Raptors: F Ron Holland, G League Ignite (2005)
Player Comparison(s): RJ Barrett, Jonathan Kuminga, Andrew Wiggins
Previous Spot: 6
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 3
I’ve been a critic of the Toronto Raptors’ brass for some of their odd decisions this season, including shipping off another first-round pick for guys they don’t really need with Kelly Olynyk and Ochai Agbaji. I have to give credit where it’s due: their 15-game losing streak has been just enough to almost guarantee they’ll prevent the top 6-protected pick from conveying to the San Antonio Spurs. They get even luckier here sliding up to 3rd overall to snag Ron Holland.
You’ve probably seen a lot of people slotting this one, and understandably so if you’ve seen his fercious play. Holland plays really physically and with a nonstop engine that’s made him into a strong scorer at the rim and excellent at playing through contact to generate more shots. He’s a perfect transition scorer for the free-flow tempo and style that Toronto and HC Darko Rajakovic play with, and he also has tons of defensive tools and size to make him effective the other way. The shooting will be a key part to unlocking his upside, but with some real potential for self-creation and passing, I like this bet on a high-level piece with the chance of becoming a great player on a team that’s been rock-solid with development in recent times. He’s exactly what they need in a forward for the future and I love his fit with someone like Scottie Barnes.
4. Utah Jazz: G, G/F Stephon Castle, UConn (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Clippers SGA, Cade Cunningham, Bulls Jimmy Butler (high-end outcomes); Jalen Suggs, Bruce Brown (current role outcomes)
Previous Spot: 4
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 4
Like the Raptors a spot above them, the Jazz have almost masterfully secured their 2024 pick back from the clutches of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Danny Ainge will have 2 more picks in the late first and early second round and should have some good options to work with, and that begins with the addition of UConn’s Stephon Castle, arguably the most polarizing prospect in this entire draft cycle.
Most of my DDS readers know by now, but I’ve been a complete Castle believer from the very beginning and remain standing on my belief he has some of the highest potential of the entire class. Much like the rest of this class, he’s not without his knocks and fair questions. He’s disappeared in more than a few games this season. He’s a poor shooter and really needs to keep expanding his general offensive game. In theory and in high school, he’s got great star-level gravity as an on-ball player, but he’s not shown a lot of it in his UConn role that’s been more akin to Andre Jackson Jr.’s last season. Moreover, he hasn’t wowed as an off-ball guard for someone who likely *should* be on-ball for what you hope he can be even though I’ve been optimistic about it. The advanced numbers also aren’t very in his favor. Still, I really love the potential he has as a dynamic playmaker and great connective player who plays excellent defensive, has great size and versatility at 6’6”, and is a great finisher who plays through contact effectively. In his best games, he’s shown to be very effective as a two-way jumbo creator that we saw the high-level stuff from in high school. He’s heated up more as a shooter over time and had some very standout moments during March Madness that make me excited that he can build off them. The floor might give some pause for a guy in the top end of the lottery, but I think he has the full potential to be one of the best players in this draft when it’s said and done.
5. Detroit Pistons: G/F Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (2005)
Player Comparison(s): Khris Middleton-ish, Harrison Barnes, DeAndre Hunter
Previous Spot: 2
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 8
As we’re all pretty aware by now, Risacher has cooled off considerably after an incredibly efficient early streak that went pretty off course for him. He’s corrected it a decent bit, but all things considered, he’s remained heavily in the lottery from the jump as one of the best shooters in the class when it does fall for him.
As I noted in my previous mock, Simone Fontecchio made a big difference on the court with his shooting, and when you consider the addition with someone with even higher upside in Risacher, there’s a lot to like about the fit even with the actual player concerns. Risacher could be a deadly catch-and-shoot threat from the jump off of Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey that finally fills in a much-needed shooting and spacing gap. Add in his size, athleticism and the skills and performance as an 18-year old against grown men, there’s a lot to get excited over for his ceiling despite some of his recent performances being less than.
6. San Antonio Spurs: G Rob Dillingham, Kentucky (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Darius Garland-lite, Immanuel Quickley, Bones Hyland+
Previous Spot: 9
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 7
San Antonio may not be too pleased dipping down to 6th overall, but given who’s available, I don’t think they’re going to be too upset with the prospect of adding Kentucky’s Rob Dillingham. Word on the street is that both Dillingham and the Spurs’ brass are mutually interested in teaming up and it sounds like a fun pairing with Victor Wembanyama.
Dillingham is insanely talented and has the potential to be one of the best players in this class when it’s all said and done. I’ve had my concerns about how real the shooting is, and he’s continued to sit comfortably over 40% from the very start of the season and finishes the regular season at 44.9% (!!!). I’ve had my concerns about what he can be as a playmaker, and he’s looked solid as a secondary guy and even had moments of a primary one. I’ve had my concerns about his frame, but I think he’s easily proven he’s more than a microwave/6th man type as a capable multi-level scorer. You see where I’m going here? Dilly’s simply quelled enough of my concerns to put a lot of faith in him and what he can be in a starting role on a team like the Spurs, and I think someone with the dynamic play as a scorer and passer with Wemby is going to be a blast. If he ends up being better than expected as a defender, there’s no telling how far he could go.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: F Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite (2004)
Player Comparison(s): Danilo Gallinari, Bulls Lauri Markkanen, Franz Wagner
Previous Spot: 7
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 6
I love this pick for the Blazers, somewhere I think Matas Buzelis can really thrive when he gets going and has a lot of strong guards around him that can do with his
As the Ignite closed out their season in late March, we saw Buzelis really start to heat up in the last month. Since January 31st, 2024 (10 GP), Buzelis has averaged 16.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 0.8 steals, 2.6 blocks (!!!) and 2.5 turnovers on 46.3% from the field, 31.2% from 3 (1 make on 3.2 attempts) and 70.8% from the free throw line. Sure, the loss of Ron Holland with a thumb injury plays a part, but it does feel like the game has slowed down some for Buzelis recently, and that’s exactly what I’ve hoped would happen all season where he just didn’t look consistently sharp enough. For his size (6’11”) and combination of skills as a shooter, cutter and rebounder, he will make a strong addition to the rebuilding Trail Blazers that need more strong forwards for the future. Buzelis is not without his flaws, but these are kinks that can all be worked out in time, and I trust the Blazers’ development staff knows they can unlock something great out of him.
8. Memphis Grizzlies: C Donovan Clingan, UConn (SO)
Player Comparison(s): Walker Kessler, Mitchell Robinson, Brook Lopez-ish
Previous Spot: 14
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 6
The Clingan-Grizzlies connection has been one of the easiest feeling picks of this entire class for a while now.
Clingan was unreal throughout the entire tournament run and his performance against Zach Edey was pretty strong, relatively speaking. As a true rim protector, clean-the-glass, shot blocking big mold, Clingan feels like a standard player, but I really believe in his upside to be a great NBA-level performer. Clingan has a ton of size and bulk at 7’2” and 280 pounds with a lot more mobility than you’d expect, both of which are much-needed for the Grizzlies next to Jaren Jackson Jr. He’s not going to be a shooter at any point by now, but he’s got plenty to offer with the right intangibles, touch, screening and bits of playmaking to really intrigue about his upside. So long as his medicals clear and look good in the pre-draft process, I expect Clingan to be a top 10 lock.
9. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets): G/F Dalton Knecht, Tennessee (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Mike Miller, Grayson Allen, Klay Thompson-lite, Bojan Bogdanovic
Previous Spot: 12
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 12
So, this one might be a little interesting. As we know, the Houston Rockets are on the rise as far as young rebuilders go, but they still have some bits and pieces to clean up before they fully get there. They’ve really got a lot of spots addressed thus far, so what do they really need? I think Dalton Knecht adds a great deal to this squad as a high-level shooter that would fit very well in their main unit.
Knecht has been nothing short of unreal this entire season. He’s likely the best shooter of this entire class that’s remained wildly consistent all regular season and in the tournament. Most impressive among his season was a 40-point explosion against Kentucky to cap off the regular season, and his string of near-40 pointers against very solid SEC rivals like Auburn and North Carolina gives me confidence he’ll continue to be electric in the NBA. I quite like his potential fit alongside the Rockets where he can play both the 2 and 3 in a variety of lineups where his complementary shooting can help a ton. There will be some obvious questions about his very spotty defense for his position and his real upside turning 23 whenever pre-draft workouts begin, but I’m convinced plenty of teams see the value in perhaps the most obvious plug-and-play off-ball shooter that will be ready to roll from Day 1.
10. Atlanta Hawks: G/F, F Cody Williams, Colorado (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Terance Mann+, Jaden McDaniels
Previous Spot: 13
DDS 2.0 Big Board Spot: 10
I’ve struggled a lot with an ideal fit for the Atlanta Hawks all offseason with this first-rounder, and it’s pretty tough to predict exactly what the move is when we don’t even really know what the move is on Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
Nonetheless, with Colorado’s Cody Williams left on the board, it might be a much easier decision than anticipated. While Williams has had more than a few very poor performances this season, concluded by him looking especially lost in terms of impact at the end of the season after an ankle injury, I still have a lot of hope for his upside. There’s a lot to like with signs of a good NBA starter: potential for self-creation and playmaking, great size, versatility as a defender, can score well as a finisher and in lanes and already has the tools to be an off-ball complementary piece. A smaller role where he won’t be expected to carry the load in Atlanta should suit him fine and help him work with his tools and athleticism to blossom into something more.
11. Chicago Bulls: G Nikola Topic, KKCZ (Serbia, 2005)
Player Comparison(s): Modern-day Tyreke Evans, less explosive De’Aaron Fox
Previous Spot: 8
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 9
It still remains to be seen what the Chicago Bulls really plan to do going forward. There’s a handful of needs that they could address here that don’t even include a full teardown of a roster that’s spent 3 seasons right in the middle, but I think the best practice in that regard is taking the best player available. The fit at the moment might be an odd one, especially if Lonzo Ball does indeed return, but the addition of the BPA in Nikola Topic does open up the possibility of rebuilding at some point this season with a hopeful long-term backcourt of Topic and Coby White.
Nikola Topic has his fair share of red flags that has him going lower than I both believe and think compared to that of others in the draft community, but as far as pure point guards go, Topic may be one of the best, if not the best, in this entire class. Topic is a great creator who has excelled as a lead playmaker in leagues full of grown men against him. He may not have the perimeter scoring and shooting you want to see in your modern floor general right now, but his pace, level of skill and finesse, and vision is pretty darn good to see what sticks. His athleticism leaves a lot to be desired for his size as a big guard, but there’s hope he won’t need it and can finish at the rim at a strong level. The ultimate thing that will seperate him as a good and great player comes down to cleaning up the shot mechanics and hoping the elite free throw percentages will correctly predict he can become a fine shooter.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: F, F/C Tyler Smith, G League Ignite (2005)
Player Comparison(s): Jabari Smith Jr.-lite, Brandon Clarke, Trey Lyles
Previous Spot: 17
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 13
Sam Presti is playing with house money regardless of however the Thunder fare in the playoffs with a ridiculously impressive 50+ regular season win record and a sweep of the New Orleans Pelicans. He’s found MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander his running mates in rookie big Chet Holmgren and 2nd year wing Jalen Williams and has constructed one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the NBA. Oh, and he’s assembled a bunch of quality role players and a zillion picks coming, including this one.
One move I think makes a lot of sense for OKC is adding another frontcourt player that can rebound well, and Tyler Smith fits the bill for that along with their usual brand of player. I’ve been a fan of his game even in spite of my concern about his 3-point shooting and buy his floor heavily as an immediate rotation player on nearly any NBA team. His full repertoire as a guy with athleticism, shooting, strong rebounding, physicality, feel for the game, versatility both ways and has the swing skills to become really good. I’ve spent a lot of time watching his tape for the rebounding and come away more impressed than I’ve been, especially as someone that I think has fantastic processing on the court. The two biggest keys to being a winning player will be how the defense and shooting come along, but I do like to believe both certainly can in a team as good as developing as Oklahoma City.
13. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors): G/F, F Johnny Furphy, Kansas (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Trey Murphy III, Cameron Johnson
Previous Spot: 13
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 15
Johnny Furphy has been going in a lot of interesting ranges in the community mocks I’ve paritcipated in and seen. Maybe I’m a touch too high on Furphy for what he is right now (which, of course, is going to require further development), but honestly, I think there’s a very exciting player to unlock here and a team like Portland snatching him up at 13 doesn’t feel like much of a reach for me.
Furphy had a stronger role during March Madness with Kevin McCullar Jr. being out and performed with mixed results. That tracks with the freshman season he’s had: getting hot at the end of the season after small minutes early on, and a handful of poor performances when asked to take on significantly more than he’s had to. Still, there’s plenty to like in a big wing at 6’9” and has a lot of impressive athleticism and shooting in his arsenal, the combination of which you don’t see often at the NBA level. I still have more questions about what he’s able to do in a more off-ball role and what he’s going to be able to contribute early on, but as an upside bet working into a role and hopefully more, I’m still in.
14. Sacramento Kings: C Kel’el Ware, Indiana (SO)
Player Comparison(s): Wendell Carter Jr., James Wiseman
Previous Spot: 19
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 17
The Sacramento Kings had some unfortunte struggles towards the end of the season with the loss of both Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter, but some of their troubles started early on with the regression of Harrison Barnes and still lacking a long-term backup big to Domantas Sabonis. Both spots have a clear certainty to be addressed, but for my money, I think going big here is the better route to explore trades to fill in the frontcourt, and I think Kel’el Ware is the guy to grab.
Kel’el Ware has had a pretty solid season in Indiana after a rough debut in Oregon as a freshman, and the way he closed out his sophomore season felt like a great effort to up his draft stock after some fair questions about his motor, inconsistencies on offense and his level of play against other bigs. He’s a solid athletic big that has a lot of fluidity and potential with passing touches and shotmaking that ups his ceiling to a nice degree. There’s no question that he’ll find a great suitor that wants to unlock this great ceiling, but it’s going to require some attention to detail that can refine him into an ideal player that they can play both with and without Sabonis on the court.
15. Miami Heat: G Devin Carter, Providence (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Davion Mitchell+, Cason Wallace, De’Anthony Melton, Jrue Holiday-ish
Previous Spot: 15
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 11
Man, I love this connection so much. I’ve routinely been mocking it for a while now as you’ve seen in my 2.0 mock, and I even mocked it in the first community mock draft I participated in (shoutout to MavsDraft). It’s just so good and fitting.
Carter had a fantastic breakout season for the Friars where he seemed to step up in every department. Along with being the clear best option on the team, his scoring took a nice jump. His shooting started to make some nice strides, and even though this is his first one being even an average shooter, I have faith that it’s now here to stay and can continue developing in Miami. He’s also a ferocious defender and one of the best two-way guards in the entire college landscape this season that should get him on the court from the very beginning. I also love a guard who can rebound at a high level, and his 8.7 rebounds as a 6’3” combo guard is awesome. I couldn’t be more bought in than I possibly am now. There’s a very real shot he ends up as a full-time starter in Miami and could be one of the best players of the draft when we look back one day.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: G Isaiah Collier, USC (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Eric Bledsoe, Raymond Felton, bulkier Stephon Marbury
Previous Spot: 16
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 14
It’s been a nightmare of a season for USC as a whole that exposed some of Collier’s concerns, but what remains is still some of what we like about him: he’s physical, can play through contact, can make plays for others, and can move both on and off the ball decently. He has his concerns as a poor shooter and needs to tune up on his decision making and turning the ball over too much, but in an environment with less pressure in a backup role that doesn’t necessarily need his shooting to gel, I like his potential in Philadelphia where he can thrive with the 2nd unit. I like the potential fit of him and De’Anthony Melton in a second unit.
17. New Orleans Pelicans (via Los Angeles Lakers): G Jared McCain, Duke (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Immanuel Quickley-ish, Payton Pritchard, Landry Shamet+
Previous Spot: 21
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 16
If there’s one thing that will absolutely be the case for this draft, it’s that Jared McCain has more than enough brilliant shotmaking to get him on a team in the first round. I have my share of concerns about him as a total package, but this level of scoring and being able to get a bucket without being a “me, me, me” type of player makes him a great piece to invest in. I’ve started out a bit lower on him and started to push him up more, aided by Brian’s great scouting report on him from this month. (Link)
18. Orlando Magic: G/F Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Tim Hardaway Jr., Gary Trent Jr.
Previous Spot: 18
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 18
At this point, I don’t see any way that Ja’Kobe Walter is a 2024 lottery pick after a finish to forget this season. Walter cooled off considerably as cracks in the foundation started to show and people looked past the hot shooting. Walter gets cold and inconsistent too often in this department, and his poor creation doesn’t help when you project his role as an early bucket getter that’s more likely to be an inefficient shot chucker for a bit. The defense helps, and he is indeed a good shooter and has some other tricks in his bag to be a gifted scorer, but I think it’s clear he’s got a lot more to fix up to get to a good level. All that being said, I think he’s a great add for the Orlando Magic, who could really do with more shooting to continue shoring their group up as he unlocks more of his potential.
19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana Pacers): C Yves Missi, Baylor (FR)
Player Comparison(s): DeAndre Ayton-lite, Nerlens Noel with higher offensive potential
Previous Spot: 22
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 20
Missi has a lot of impressive physical tools in his arsenal as a 7-footer with a 7’5” wingspan with excellent mobility and can hang tough against competition. The skills as a rim protector, shot blocker and lob threat come across clear as day in an NBA role and once he starts to develop further and bulk more and more, there’s no telling how solid he can be as a real starter. He’s going to need some serious time and investment to tune up his offensive instincts and touch at and around the rim, but with this level of upside, I have to think a team bringing him along slowly will turn him into a dawg. The Raptors have plenty to invest in him as a potential center of the future.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: F Tristan Da Silva, Colorado (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Kyle Anderson, Royce O’Neale, Jake LaRavia+
Previous Spot: 27
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot:
I admit that I had some worries about Da Silva in some areas, but I don’t think his play during March Madness can deny that he’s one of the most pro-ready players in this draft that’s ready to make a giant impact from Day 1.
Sure, the athleticism isn’t great for his position, but the guy just does everything else right you need in a role player: he can shoot, finish at the rim, play defense and good complementary passing. He’s got plenty to love for a competitive team that just needs to hit on how they build around the margins, and what better team for that than the Cavs if they keep the band together? You can slot Da Silva in at the 3 or 4 in nearly any amalgamation of their core 5 and best bench pieces and it just works. I’ve fallen in love the more I’ve watched him and I have to believe his feel for the gamer will be heavily coveted in this range.
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee Bucks): F/C Kyle Filipowski, Duke (SO)
Player Comparison(s): Kelly Olynyk, Santi Aldama
Previous Spot: 11
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 19
Filipowski takes a tumble down the standings and out of the lottery. I do believe that the selling points on him are solid for this range, but for what it is, we saw him get exposed a good bit down the stretch and in his tournament play that might leave a bad taste in teams’ mouths. Nonetheless, there is real value in him as a 7-foot floor stretcher that can shoot the rock at a good clip. He can shoot, score inside the arc, pass a little and has some versatility to his game that should work for a team like the Pelicans that need more shooting and good size in their arsenal in different units, especially next to Zion Williamson.
22. Phoenix Suns: G/F Jamir Watkins, FSU (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Vince Williams Jr., supercharged Kessler Edwards
Previous Spot: 30
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 22
There’s no way around it: Jamir Watkins has become one of my absolute favorite players of this class.
He’s been creeping up on me since the very end of 2023 and I’m thrilled at the possibility of what he can be with how many teams will be clamoring for a do-it-all wing to help them win. As I’ve mentioned before, Watkins has everything you want to see at this level for a contender: good size, physicality and defense, good rebounding, good scoring, good growth as a shooter and impressive athleticism and above-the-rim pop. The biggest piece of his game that I want to see improve is his shooting; as I’ve mentioned, it’s trending in the right direction and can be a key component from going from a good to a great NBA player. I have faith that all of the right pieces can come into place, especially for a team like the Phoenix Suns that need strong depth badly.
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans Pelicans): F/C DaRon Holmes II, Dayton (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Daniel Gafford, Nic Claxton-ish
Previous Spot: 29
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 23
Holmes was pretty darn good in Dayton’s short-lived March Madness run that hopefully gave a lot of good exposure to him as a strong big man for this class. There is some slivers of hope for a shot to come around; I don’t think it honestly will, but even if it never does, everything about Holmes’ game as a solid defender and post/paint scorer makes him an excellent complement to a team like the Milwaukee Bucks in finding a great big man that can play a good bit of minutes behind an aging Brook Lopez. It feels like a darn good pairing for a guy who’s been a longtime My Guy.
24. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks): G/F Ryan Dunn, Virginia (SO)
Player Comparison(s): Matisse Thybulle, Andre Roberson, Herbert Jones
Previous Spot: 24
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 31
We’ve heard plenty about Ryan Dunn and his level of defense that should make an immediate impact from Day 1, but it really can’t be overstated how strong it really is. It’s still unbelievable to me how he was snubbed for the Naismith DPOY even as a nominee. The role as a defender alone shouldn’t be hard to find, but what will be important to figure out is how a team deals with his lack of offensive play. He brings very little to the table on that end despite a few flashes, and he isn’t much of a shooter either. I wonder if he ever will be. Still, for the lockdown level of defensive versatility and tenacity on that end of the floor, I have to believe he’ll find a home in a rotation and feels like a great depth fit for the Knicks in this range. He’s very much a Thibs type of guy.
25. New York Knicks: C Zach Edey, Purdue
Player Comparison(s): Ivica Zubac
Previous Spot: 39
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 35
So, let me first say that I don’t view Zach Edey as a first-round caliber player, BUT considering the combination of potential need for more big men for the Knicks, a lot of uncertainty in this range and his objectively insane performances all season and postseason long, someone sneaking up to take a shot on Edey as a backup feels very plausible.
To many’s surprise, Isaiah Hartenstein has been one of the most impactful players for the New York Knicks in recent months with the loss of Julius Randle and a lot of banged-up players (Mitchell Robinson, OG Anunoby, etc.), which is REALLY saying something on a team with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo and more. However, Hartenstein will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and while Mitchell Robinson is still on the payroll until the summer of 2026, his durability is starting to look like a continuous red flag for a starter. Adding another big who can contribute if Hartenstein leaves for big money will definitely pay off, especially one with the freakish size of Zach Edey.
Edey’s concerns have been discussed ad nauseam by now, but what even I, as someone who pewrsonally doesn’t view him as a first-rounder, can’t deny is that his level of skill for his size is downright impressive. He’s more than just his size and he looks like he can be more than just a basic paint anchor and shot blocker with good finesse as a scorer and rebounder. It sounds derivitative like I’m talking about fantasy football and running back handcuffs, but I do think having him in a “timeshare” of sorts where he can split minutes with Robinson while still playing a meaningful bench role might be very agreeable for both bigs and their skillsets if Hartenstein does leave.
26. Washington Wizards (via Los Angeles Clippers, via Oklahoma City Thunder): G Carlton Carrington, Pitt (FR)
Player Comparison(s): D’Angelo Russell-lite, Collin Sexton with more PG skills
Previous Spot: 36
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 24
All signs seem to point to Carrington getting a first-round guarantee from a team since his announcement to enter the NBA. He originally mentioned his desire to stay put and run it back with Pitt and Jeff Chapel, but early feedback seemed to lean heavily in his favor, which shouldn’t surprise much.
I’ve been on the record as a slight critic of Carrington on a few points of the draft cycle, but what really matters the most is that his potential might be among the highest outside top group of players, and who better to take a swing on it than the Wizards? Guard will be a primary need among many others for the Wizards, and finding someone who they can pair up with Jordan Poole will be an important point if we’re to assume Tyus Jones is leaving (more a question of “should he” rather than “will he” in some respects). Carrington is dynamite as a pure scorer and shooter and plays like a ball of energy bouncing around the court. He’s got really impressive vision and passing for being 18 all season and is also a strong rebounder for a guard. However, Carrington’s biggest red flag that scares me a bit is his lack of rim finishing this season (28/52 in 33 GP, 53.8%), and that’s something the Wizards will certainly want after it being somewhat of a problem with Jones and Poole. Even for some of his tape containing some shot chucking tendencies that will need tightening, Carrington’s potential is juicy for a team like the Wizards.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: G/F Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Bruce Brown, Ochai Agbaji
Previous Spot: 20
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 32
The closest national looks at McCullar were unfortunately foiled when he missed the entire NCAA Men’s Tournament due to a lingering knee injury. Still, this will hardly impact his draft stock for me for the time being. I view him closer to being an early second-round player, but I believe he goes in the first round barring any problems in his medicals or anything related. His floor as a high-level wing defender has been very clear all throughout his season senior, and he’ll come in as one of the most pro-ready players in this draft if his shot continues to fall. I have my share of concerns about his age, his prior college seasons without a lot of high-level work and shooting, and having a Master of None vibe to his game, but he undeniably shouldn’t have an issue contributing to teams.
28. Denver Nuggets: G/F Jaylon Tyson, California (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Dillon Brooks-ish, Tobias Harris
Previous Spot: 31
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 27
Tyson has a great floor at the next level if he’s able to effectively scale down his heavy usage role into one more off the ball. I have my share of concerns about that having not done it all that well to date, but I think his creativity as a slasher with a well-rounded game can help him find a strong role and thrive. The biggest key will be the adjustment while continuing to shoot at a decent clip. There’s loads of talent here as he continues to evolve in an NBA-level role and I think a team like the Nuggets is such a fantastic pairing for his skills.
29. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City Thunder): F Pacome Dadiet, Ratiopharm Ulm (2005)
Player Comparison(s): Aaron Nesmith, Isaac Okoro
Previous Spot: 52 (!)
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 28
Pacome Dadiet is heavily on the rise and giving me some Bilal Coulibaly vibes from his meteoric rise last season. You can certainly understand why when we consider his mixture of strong shotmaking as an off-ball and pull-up shooter, strong finisher, big frame with a long wingspan, and a very good developing feel for the game, all at 18 years old. He certainly has more kinks to work out with his vision and passing, but I love the way he’s developing as an off-ball player who knows how to play smart defense and be in the right spots when needed. I’m impressed with the two-way prowress he’s continuing to evolve recently with better play. Expect to see him continue rising as we get closer to the draft.
30. Boston Celtics: F/C PJ Hall, Clemson (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Trey Lyles, Zach Collins, Larry Nance Jr.
Previous Spot: 25
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 30
Hall’s tools as a big glue guy at 6’10” are going to make him pretty good as a long-term rotation piece as a big man shooter, floor spacer, good defender and someone with a steady feel for the game. The role for him in the NBA feels very obvious if he continues to thrive and do the right things to make himself valuable, espeically on a team like the Celtics that could do with more big depth. The biggest key for him long-term is making the jump as a servicable defender.
31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons): F/C Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa (2005)
Player Comparison(s): Noah Clowney
Previous Spot: OTB
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 34
Chomche declared for the NBA Draft this past month to the surprise of myself and others. He seemed like much more of a 2025 guy to me, which is why he was mostly off my official boards until now. He’s currently the youngest player of this incoming 2024 class and despite how incredibly raw his talent is, it is certainly easy to see the talent and oogle at it. He’s already got the physical tools to impress as a super mobile big with long and lanky arms and can be a potentially elite defender one day. He’s shown a few flashes of handling and passing the ball that make me wonder what he can be as an offensive player. He clearly needs a lot of work developing his BBIQ and actual application with higher level talent, but I like what’s here overall. I feel that he’s about a year away from making a serious impact, but I think the talent is exciting nonetheless.
32. Utah Jazz (via Washington Wizards): G, G/F Kyshawn George, Miami (FR, 2003)
Player Comparison(s): Cameron Johnson-lite, Dyson Daniels with a 3PT shot
Previous Spot: 23
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 26
For me, Kyshawn George has one of the most interesting ranges of outcomes in this entire draft. This is the lowest he’s been for me out of any of my mocks or big boards, and as you can see from being 26th on my 3.0 big board, I want him to go higher. I think he absolutely can go higher, even towards mid-to-late tens if someone buys the upside enough. Utah will love to have him at this spot if he drops. His level of shotmaking, passing and ball handling for his 6’8” size is pretty exciting if teams can continue to refine it alongside his so-so athleticism and learning how to actually use his size to his advantage as a cutter.
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland Trail Blazers): G Tyler Kolek, Marquette (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Grizzlies Tyus Jones, TJ McConnell
Previous Spot: 26
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 25
I’ve been pretty adamant about Kolek being a first round-caliber player for a while now, and while I think the reality may fall more in the very early second range as we see here, whoever lands him will be getting a very, very good player for the long haul.
There’s a lot to like about Kolek, and even though I 100% understand people having him lower (whether it’s the athleticism, his measurements, questions about his scoring and finishing in the NBA, etc.), what the conversation will always start and end with is his unreal feel for the game as a pass-first guard. Kolek has spent the last 3 years commanding Marquette’s very pro-stylized, regularly efficient offense, where he’s developed premier floor general skills, vision and discipline that you want to see for a pro-ready player coming into the league. That’s not even to mention his shooting already coming in at a good level. This is the type of winning basketball player you see hang around the league for 10+ years and jump in with an almost immediate rotation role. Milwaukee will certainly need that here as they continue to maximize on their teams’ competitive standing.
34. Portland Trail Blazers: F Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France, 2005)
Player Comparison(s): Obi Toppin, Dorian Finney-Smith
Previous Spot: 10
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 29
My previous mock draft was way too high on Tidjane Salaun despite my level of intrigue for him, but I’m still very curious about his NBA development outcome in the right environment. Salaun has some legitimate holes and red flags littered across his game (especially as a finisher), but the flashes of his shotmaking, defense and how he uses his 6’9” frame and 7-foot plus wingspan to make an impact has looked very good and makes for an exciting NBA player.
35. San Antonio Spurs: G/F Justin Edwards, Kentucky (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Cam Reddish
Previous Spot:
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 37
One glaring issue that revealed itself often last season is the Spurs are really going to need additional wings in their arsenal. Julian Champagnie has been a quality rotation player for stretches of this and last season, but an overreliance of him got ugly more than few times. The Spurs should be in a perfect opportunity to snatch up Justin Edwards with much lower stock than this time last year. Edwards didn’t have a very strong freshman season for Kentucky, but he really began to pull it together in the last month plus and show just how high the upside could be. When his shot does fall, all of his other strengths as a scorer, on and off-ball defender and cutter with a good feel for the game. I think his current floor for a team like the Spurs is underrated.
36. Indiana Pacers (via Toronto Raptors): G/F Payton Sandfort, Iowa (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Joe Harris
Previous Spot: 49
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 33
Sandfort is one of the most underrated players in this entire draft. It’s easy to look both at the tape and the stats and call him a “specialist”, but I believe he could be more than that. He’s one of the best pure shooters of this entire draft, and if his actual production averaging 7 3PT attempts and making 36.5% of them this season isn’t enough to trust that, he’s also just a hair under 90% as a free throw shooter through 3 seasons at 89.8%. The defense isn’t great, but I believe it’s not nearly as bad as it’s been made to be and I believe it won’t take much to mold him into a passable one. Consider me very much in on him.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies): G Ajay Mitchell, Santa Barbara (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Mavs Jalen Brunson, Brandin Podziemski
Previous Spot: 32
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 38
Here’s a fun one that feels like a serious possibility for Minnesota. Despite Mike Conley earning a new extension that sees him playing for at least the next 2-3 seasons, it’s no secret that he’s getting up there in age. It’s even less of a secret that, for as strong as they’ve been in the regular season and playoffs, the Timberwolves have struggled when Conley hasn’t played. That’s been slightly improved with the addition of Monte Morris, but there’s going to be an eventual need for finding their next point guard. Ajay Mitchell has looked rock-solid with the Gauchos with a good balanced game. He’s a very good rebounder for a guard, and I really like how he plays with a lot of finesse and strong change of pace. His defense will be an early concern along with needing more consistency out of his 3-ball, but I have a lot of confidence someone can unlock a good player in Mitchell.
38. New York Knicks (via Utah Jazz): F Bobi Klintman, Cairns (NBL, 2003)
Player Comparison(s): Kevin Knox+, Great Value Lakers Kyle Kuzma
Previous Spot: 28
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 36
This feels a bit low for the interesting upside Klintman offers. There’s bound to be a lot of questions about his rawness for being 21, but the flashes have been pretty nice. The important takeaway is that 6’9”+ forwards with good shotmaking and defensive tools don’t grow on trees, and it’s easy to see why many teams will want to take a shot on unlocking it if he dips into the second round. I’m steadily intrigued about his ball handling and what can come out of it in his development process.
39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Brooklyn Nets): G Hunter Sallis, Wake Forest (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Ayo Dosumnu, Bryn Forbes
Previous Spot: 42
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 35
Hunter Sallis remains firmly in my 2nd round/30s range that could easily rise if a team really buys into the full package as an athlete, multi-level scorer and playmaker. I don’t really think the playmaking is all there to ever be an ideal combo guard, but it may not need to be if the scoring can continue to blossom as it has. He’s been on a season-long heater being able to create his own shot and should be a great catch-and-shoot guy at the next level with more to his scoring bag. A team like the Grizzlies could really do with a high-energy shooter that they can utilize off the catch often in different units surrounded by Ja Morant, Marcus Smart and/or Desmond Bane. If he improves defensively to where he was at Gonzaga, watch out.
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta Hawks): F/C Izan Almansa, G League Ignite (2005)
Player Comparison(s): Richaun Holmes, Marvin Bagley III, very raw Al Horford
Previous Spot:
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 40
The bigger run on big men continues in the end of the 30s, and Izan Almansa concludes this list on his way to Portland. As one of the youngest players with NBA intrigue for this draft, Almansa offers a great deal of potential and exciting athleticism that he got to flash with the Ignite this season. He’s not all set on the offensive end of the ball yet, but he’s got great defensive techniques, skills and athleticism that are more than enough to excite about what he can turn into. I love the energy and motor that can potentially work him into a role sooner than later if he keeps getting better as a rim runner and roll-man.
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago Bulls): F Dillon Jones, Weber State (FR)
Player Comparison(s): Grant Williams, David Roddy
Previous Spot:
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 42
Dillon Jones is both arguably the best mid-major player in college ball and a slightly odd NBA fit. He plays like an undersized 4 who also doesn’t have any above-the-rim play, but he’s also got legitimate ball handling skills, self-creation and slashing. He ALSO played on the ball a ton at Weber State and will need to translate his game into a smaller role. The biggest skill will be based on the 3-point shooting and how he can condense his game into a role player archetype. Nick Nurse is a good coach and the 76ers need good role players, so I feel this can be a nice match.
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston Rockets): G/F Alex Karaban, UConn (SO)
Player Comparison(s): Duncan Robinson, Sam Hauser, Jae Crowder-ish
Previous Spot: 41
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 41
We’ve seen players of Karaban’s ilk with the same skills and red flags make it as good NBA rotation pieces, so I’m certain there’s a good place for Karaban. Karaban shot an impressive 50.1% FG, 39.5% 3PT and 88.9% FT and played very well in UConn’s back-to-back tournament wins. He’s a player that’s not only conducive to winning, but can be an easy fit as a catch-and-shoot specialist from Day 1. What more he has in him at the NBA level will be interesting to see.
43. Miami Heat: G/F Nique Clifford, Colorado State (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Great Value Mikal Bridges
Previous Spot: 55
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 43
There’s a lot to like about Nique Clifford as both an NBA player and a Miami Heat player with his skillset. I’ve mentioned before that the athleticim isn’t great for what it is, but I’ve bought in more with on his all-around versatility, passing, toughness and much improved play at the rim. There’s some definite Mikal Bridges vibes here if he can keep growing his game and develop a good level of consistency at the next level. TL;DR: Big Heat Culture guy.
44. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors): F/C Adem Bona, UCLA (SO)
Player Comparison(s): Usman Garuba+, Precious Achiuwa
Previous Spot: 43
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 47
Not much has really changed for Bona. He’s good at what he’s good at and still can’t do the other things as much. I love the freak athleticism, crazy-high motor and nice fluidity that makes him a good rotational big as a finisher and post player. He’s very prone to both turnovers and getting into foul trouble, and he still doesn’t have a lot of evolved skills past what we knew he could do all of this and last season on more usage. Still should be a good energy guy and potential 3rd big behind Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams.
45. Sacramento Kings: G Trey Alexander, Creighton (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Malik Monk-ish, Spurs Derrick White
Previous Spot: OTB (Error)
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 39
Alexander has been a very fun prospect to watch during March Madness, and even though he’s not the biggest takeover scoring or heater type of guard, he’s scored 19 and 20 points in these first two games, and he’s been steady in his scoring all season. I really enjoy his role as a solid facilitator and perimeter defender combined with a scoring punch, all things desired in a rotation guard. He’s got an insane 6’10” wingspan for being 6’4” and it’ll serve him well for his future NBA team that wants a quality backup guard. He’s surely not going to be a true Malik Monk replacement you fully trust for the Kings, but you can certainly see the possibles.
46. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana Pacers): F/C Oso Ighodaro, Marquette (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Kevon Looney
Previous Spot: 35
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 44
Oso Ighodaro offers a lot of intrigue as a big with real passing touch at Marquette. He can defend well enough at the rim and on the perimeter, he’s a nice rebounder, he has good athleticism and above-the-rim play, he can be a lob threat with versatility on both ends and he offers nice floor spacing as both a passer and a screener. I have my doubts about what he can be at the next level or if he can ever be a starter, but teams should buy into the potential dimensions he adds even in a backup role. He had some up and down moments in Marquette’s recent tournament run that back up some of these doubts.
47. Orlando Magic: G/F Nikola Djurisic, Mega MIS (2004)
Player Comparison(s): Leandro Bolmero (as an ideal NBA player), Bogdan Bogdanovic
Previous Spot: OTB
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 48
Djurisic was on my radar both last season and for parts of this season, but he cannot be off my board any further after a crazy end to his season as a scorer that’s going to make a lot of teams very intrigued. His shooting has been pretty streaky for a while, but he’s now hitting them and his free throws pretty efficiently this past month that show what he can be when he’s at the right level. He’s also had some strong looks as a secondary playmaker. He’s really going to need some full-fledged consistency in a variety of departments to unlock minutes and his potential: defense, shooting, effort and all-around play.
48. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers): G, G/F Adama Bal, Santa Clara (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Dalano Banton, Shake Milton
Previous Spot: 51
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 45
Man, even for the relatively lower range, I quite like Bal and his upside on the right team. He feels like a smart investment for a team like the Spurs that can provide the patience to help him figure out his role and continue developing his feel for the game. Personally, I quite like his level of feel so far and has a good look on the eye test for a toolsy big guard-wing (at 6’7”) with improving shooting and ability to play on the ball as a scorer and playmaker. He’s pretty impressive as someone who can create his own shot, too. He’s a fun player that had some good looks at the G League Elite Camp this week and I suspect some teams might start moving him up their boards further.
49. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers): G KJ Simpson, Colorado (JR)
Player Comparison(s): George Hill, the pro-idealized version of Sharife Cooper
Previous Spot: OTB
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 46
Man, what a tournament it was for KJ Simpson, who really shone under the spotlight. Guys like that are always going to get watched heavily, and I suspect someone is going to be happy to select him this summer to see what sticks. Something almost certainly will off the strength of his abilities as a shot creator that can knock down 3s at will. He’s also shown a pretty nice change of pace that helps him get to his spots well on the ball and finish with good touch, and even though his athleticism is a little underwhelming in some respects, I think he plays with the finesse to operate above his size and hang with opposing players on and off the ball. He, to me, is what we hoped to see out of Sharife Cooper as a pro.
50. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers): F Coleman Hawkins, Illinois (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Jaylin Williams
Previous Spot: 44
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 50
The appeal for Hawkins is pretty easy to grasp: he’s a stretch 4 with a good feel that can shoot and pass. He’s continued to get better and prove himself as a winning two-way player with great connective qualities, but I still have some questions as to his level of consistent skill at his age. His play with Illinois during March Madness was a mixed bag and recency bias may not be too kind to him. Regardless, I think a rotation role is perfectly within reason for his array of skills.
51. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns): G Juan Nunez, Ratiopharm Ulm (2004)
Player Comparison(s): Jaden Springer, Facundo Campazzo+
Previous Spot: UDFA
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 49
So far, the Wizards have done considerably well in locking up two hopeful building blocks in Sarr and Carrington, both of which will be 19 years old when the season kicks off. There’s a lot of different routes that Michael Winger and Will Dawkins can go here, but I think adding someone like Juan Nunez would make a lot of sense towards building a stronger unit for the long haul.
If I’m to assume that Tyus Jones is on his way out in free agency, Washington’s core guard unit would be comprised of Jordan Poole, Carrington, and a bench amalagamation of the recently signed Jared Butler on his third team in three years, 2022’s 10th overall pick/bust Johnny Davis, and Landry Shamet. Yes, that’s literally it if they don’t keep Jones. I already have a little skepticism about the Poole-Carrington fit early on and concerns about Carrington’s rim finishing, but their depth contains very little further upside, and the lack of trustworthy shot creators scares me even more. Whether it’s making the stateside jump now or later on like Tristsan Vukcevic did, Nunez would quell the guard depth immediately by adding a young guard with an already brilliant passing stroke and a good 3-point shot at age 19. He would be a very ideal reserve guard with upside that can still manage to be a good floor raiser if he makes it this far. He could easily go in the 40s or even 30s and I really wouldn’t question it.
52. Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee Bucks): G Mark Sears, Alabama (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Devonté Graham-ish, Frank Mason III
Previous Spot: UDFA
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 51
Mark Sears is going to be a really interesting pro for a variety of reasons. We’ve seen a serious trend of smaller guards starting to fall out of the NBA, and there’s become a serious emphasis on making the case to stay based on a very good-to-elite skill or skills. I think Sears has a good shot at sticking around and bucking the trends in this regard if he can find his way as a 6’1” guard. He’s become a great shot creator who can get his from multiple levels and has such a good handle and dribble that’s continued to improve over time. His best skill at the NBA level will almost certainly be in a Jose Alvarado-style role as a guy who can hit his 3s and play super pesky defense, both of which he’s shown to do quite well in Alabama.
53. Detroit Pistons (via New York Knicks): Baylor Scheierman, Creighton (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Joe Ingles
Previous Spot: UDFA
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 55
Some in the draft community really like Scheierman in much higher ranges than myself, and I really can’t knock it at all. He’s got plenty of good juice as a connective wing that has a good body of work for his 3-point shooting. He’s also got some nice finesse and touches to his game with potential to be a good scorer at the rim and beyond the arc. It’s hard for me to really trust his athleticism and defense holding up enough to be a very strong rotation player, but I do think he has a strong possibility of being one.
54. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks): G/F Jalen Bridges, Baylor (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Naji Marshall
Previous Spot: UDFA
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 57
Bridges has been on the fringes of the draft pool for a good while for me. He was one of my higher ranked undrafted guys last season before returning to Baylor, and I think he’s likely done enough this season to land himself a nice little job on the back end of the 2nd round. He oozes 3&D glue guy vibes as a master of none type of player when his shot is falling, and his floor as a defender with strong technique is valuable for a contender in this range.
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Los Angeles Clippers): F Harrison Ingram, UNC (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Nassir Little
Previous Spot: 57
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 55
It’s hard to go too wrong here for the Lakers: they simply need role players who can legitimately contribute and soak up rotation minutes. There’s a few players that might end up declining their player options and seeking out new teams in the summer. I don’t know what the plan will be for their bench units at this juncture, but Harrison Ingram wouldn’t be too bad of an option for this range. He’s been nice for UNC as a big forward who can defend, play a point-forward passing role, has a strong feel for the game, can shoot a little bit and plays with a high motor. His shooting continuing to click will be the key to make him anything more than a lower-rung rotation piece, but there’s enough checked boxes for a contender in this range.
56. Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota Timberwolves): F/C Jonathan Mogbo, San Francisco (JR)
Player Comparison(s): Very raw Aaron Gordon
Previous Spot: UDFA
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 52
Really, I don’t think there’s much to think about fit when you’re literally picking at the very bottom of the draft, but despite my interest in the Nuggets acquiring Jaylon Tyson in the late 1st round, there’s one thing that’s still an abundant need: finding a legitimate backup center. DeAndre Jordan and Zeke Nnaji really ain’t it. My best guess is the Nuggets pony up for even a serviceable big in free agency or in a trade rather than trying to find one to draft, but maybe they can find a potential versatile 4/5 in San Francisco’s Jonathan Mogbo. Mogbo has been solid for San Francisco with great stregnth and athleticism to play inside. He’s become a very solid rebounder and has some touches of passing that could make him an interesting player to see evolve. I’m curuous if shooting can become a factor in his game to build on top of the impressive range of skills and defensive playmaking.
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Oklahoma City Thunder): G Cam Spencer, UConn (SR)
Player Comparison(s): Jaylen Nowell, Grayson Allen-ish
Previous Spot: UDFA
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 57
What more can I really tell you about Cam Spencer but that he’s a straight bucket? He unfortunately doesn’t offer a lot of intriguing skills beyond that with his meh athleticism and below-average defense, but he’s good at getting open, playing off the ball and performed at a high level in back-to-back UConn tournament wins. I think he can certainly be a capable bench scorer at the next level.
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Boston Celtics): G/F Melvin Ajinca, St. Quentin (2005)
Player Comparison(s): Cedi Osman, Ochai Agbaji
Previous Spot: 46
DDS 3.0 Big Board Spot: 54
There’s no denying that Ajinca does have some legitimate potential to be a NBA-caliber 3&D player, but he’s really given me a lot to worry about so far to think he might be better suited for 2025. Nonetheless, the Mavericks are in the position to take him and let him continue developing overseas in the hope of getting something in a depth player later on.
Recently, there was a report that Ajinca’s wingspan is currently somewhere between a wide range of 6’5” and 6’6.5”, and while there’s been some players that buck the concerns of a negative wingspan (Desmond Bane, for a more high-bar example), this with his 6’7” height is still something to consider. The tape shows that his release point and shooting mechanics look good, so I doubt that end of it is really is worth fussing over. He’s also shown some good technique as a defender with good athleticism for where he is at age 19, even if his wingspan may knock him down some pegs in that department.
What most concerns me, however, is he looks very limited to being an offball shooter with not a lot else right now. He doesn’t take or make a lot of 2s (37/73, 50.68%) and his calling card as a 3-point shooter hasn’t revealed much accuracy from range (45/144, 31.25%) in his 27 games played. Even for his athleticism, he’s underwhelmed me a lot as a finisher that can’t score through contact yet. His defense isn’t bad at all, but there’s serious concern about NBA-level defense with a smaller wingspan in someone who will largely match up on 3s. Most of all, he simply doesn’t offer much when he’s not hitting his 3s: he doesn’t play on the ball, he can’t create for himself, and he has virtually no ability to pass right now. I’ve mentioned it in my previous mock, but Ajinca only recorded one single assist from November 25, 2023 to March 4th, 2024 and 18 assists on the season. Again, what, really, can he do if he’s not hitting his shots?
I don’t want to be too harsh on Ajinca or make it look like there’s nothing here. Even for his concerns, we shouldn’t forget he’s still only 19 years old and we can’t judge someone’s full future on their play at that age. He has some real pluses to his profile as a shooter and a lot to build on, and even if it takes him a while overseas to reach a pro-ideal version of himself, he offers a lot of upside that teams might really value as a stash option. That’s exactly what the Mavs will do here. Shooters are always needed on competitive teams and the fact that Ajinca already has that going is compelling for a project player.