2024 NBA Mock Draft: Latest first-round projections at midway point of season
The top NBA draft prospects worldwide have collectively reached the second halves of their respective seasons as they look to showcase themselves in front of scouts and executives.
The class this year has seen several players help their stock, while others have struggled and fallen down draft boards. Some players have also dealt with recent injuries and other factors that have prevented them from reaching their potential.
The draft is widely considered open at the top of the board, with several prospects in the conversation to be the first selection. Unlike last year, when Victor Wembanyama was the consensus No. 1 pick, there is no clear-cut choice this year.
Prospects will continue to see their standing fluctuate over the remaining two-plus months of action on the court as scouts have more time to evaluate them. The sheer unknown atop the draft board should create plenty of storylines to follow over the remainder of the season.
The NBA announced on Wednesday that the draft will be expanded to a two-night format, with the first round set to take place on June 26 at the Barclays Center. The second round will be at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in New York the following night.
Rookie Wire looked at the class and where the top prospects stand at this point of the season. The order was determined by the reverse order of the NBA standings as of Feb. 1.
Note: Player fit wasn’t necessarily taken into account with each pick. Pick protections and other notes courtesy of Tankathon.
Detroit Pistons: Alexandre Sarr, Perth Wildcats (NBL)
Height: 7-1 | Weight: 216 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Sarr, who was born in France, has climbed draft boards since dazzling in front of executives and scouts in two preseason games against the Ignite, in which he averaged 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, six blocks and two assists on 59.2% shooting from the field.
The 7-footer is highly touted for his ability to protect the paint and block shots with his 7-foot, 5-inch wingspan, which has been displayed in the NBL: He ranks fifth in blocks (1.4). Sarr also looks to be getting more comfortable handling the ball, initiating the offense and shooting.
The 18-year-old recently missed about a month of action due to a hip injury. However, he produced a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds in his second game back on Jan. 26 and looked to be in pre-injury form with the Wildcats.
Washington Wizards: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 204 | Year: N/A | Position: F
With no clear-cut choice for the top pick this year, Zaccharie Risacher is in the conversation to be the first player chosen on June 26. He is viewed as one of the top international prospects in the draft after dazzling with JL Bourg in France.
The Frenchman is highly touted for his passing, playmaking on offense, as well as his shooting ability. He is emerging as perhaps the top shooter in the draft this year — converting 47.4% from 3-point range in 35 games — with a smooth and quick release.
Risacher has also proved himself on the defensive end with his versatility and ability to guard smaller players. He projects to impact games more off of the ball as a shooter and defender, two traits that have enabled rookies to see plenty of minutes right away in recent memory.
San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topic, Crvena zvezda (Serbia)
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 200 | Year: N/A | Position: PG
Nikola Topic began playing professionally with Crvena zvezda in Serbia at 16. He has since made stops with a few teams and is back with Crvena zvezda after beginning the season with Mega Basket.
The 18-year-old is among the prospects in the conversation to be the top pick after dazzling this season. He brings great size to the next level and is likely more advanced than other prospects at his age, given his professional experience in Serbia.
Topic is dealing with a knee injury expected to sideline him for the next few weeks. He should be able to return and help his team in the EuroLeague, and continue solidifying his draft stock over the second half of the season.
For more coverage on the Spurs, visit Spurs Wire
Charlotte Hornets: Cody Williams, Colorado
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 190 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
Williams, the younger brother of Thunder forward Jalen Williams, is garnering steam as a potential candidate to be the top pick this year after a strong start to the season.
He is averaging 14.7 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists on 59.4% shooting from the field in 13 games this season. He has scored in double figures in nine out of his last 10 games, converting 54.5% from 3-point range over that span (12-of-22).
His size and length stand out, enabling him to be very disruptive on defense. Then, on offense, he can easily get into the paint and throw down some emphatic dunks. He projects to be a good fit with just about any team drafting near the top of the board this year.
Portland Trail Blazers: Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 195 | Year: Fr. | Position: F
Ja’Kobe Walter began the year considered a mid-first-round pick but has made a leap and is now projected to be a high selection after a strong start with Baylor.
The first-year forward is averaging 14.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals on 36% shooting from 3-point range in 18 games. He leads all freshmen in the Big 12 in scoring and ranks ninth overall in that category in the country.
Walter is highly touted for his scoring ability after producing six 20-point games this season. He can get to his spots well, pull up from virtually everywhere on the court, and get into the paint and finish. He can also lock up on defense and make things tough for the opposition.
Toronto Raptors: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 176 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Dillingham is considered one of the top guards in the draft this year and has flourished playing with or without the ball. He is exciting to watch in transition, with his lightning-quick speed and ability to change directions seemingly at the drop of a dime.
The 18-year-old can get into the paint and finish or pull up from the mid-range and hit shots. He can space the floor — converting 38.1% from beyond the arc — and is second in the SEC in 3-point percentage among freshmen, trailing only teammate Reed Sheppard.
Note: This pick is protected for selections 1-6
Memphis Grizzlies: Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Height: 6-4 | Weight: 206 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Holland has slipped some from his initial preseason ranking, in which many considered him the top pick. However, he appears to be finding his footing, resulting in some strong performances of late.
He is averaging 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.3 steals on 45.5% shooting from the field in 29 games. He registered his first 30-point game on Jan. 10 and followed that up with a near triple-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists his next time out.
The Ignite have struggled this year, posting a 5-27 record between the Showcase Cup and the regular season. That may make things a bit hard for teams to scout, but Holland and the rest of the prospects on the team have shown flashes this season.
Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn): Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 209 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Buzelis, whose parents are from Lithuania, missed the first eight games of the season due to an ankle injury. He used the time off to continue to work on his body and build his strength to handle the increased physicality of playing in the G League.
He, like the rest of the Ignite, has struggled at times but has flashed his unique skill set. He has a great blend of size and ballhandling skills and can seemingly get into the paint at ease by breaking down his defender at the point of attack with his dribble moves.
Buzelis is converting just 26% from 3-point range but looks to be a better shooter than his numbers may indicate. His good form and follow-through should enable him to improve with more reps with the Ignite and at the next level.
For more coverage on the Rockets, visit Rockets Wire
Atlanta Hawks: Isaiah Collier, USC
Height: 6-5 | Weight: 210 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Collier, the top-ranked recruit in the class of 2023, is expected to miss at least 2-4 more weeks due to a hand injury suffered on Jan. 10. The injury likely came at an inopportune time for him, as his draft stock has taken a hit this season.
He was projected to be a top-five pick prior to the season and has slipped further down the first round. He struggled with his efficiency between finishing at the rim and shooting from beyond the arc prior to the injury, and has left much to be desired from a decision-making standpoint.
Collier is averaging 15.4 points, 4.1 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 16 games. He is highly touted for his ability to create offense with his size and strength, and that should still be enough to ensure Collier is still a lottery pick this year.
Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State): Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Height: 7-0 | Weight: 248 | Year: So. | Position: C
Filipowski had a productive freshman year with the Blue Devils, in which he was named the ACC Rookie of the Year after averaging 15.1 points, nine rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 36 games. He ultimately opted to return for another year, which has paid dividends for him.
He has improved his averages to 17.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals on 50.4% shooting from the field. Additionally, his 3-point percentage has climbed from 28.2% last year to 37.3% on 3.4 attempts per game.
Considering that Filipowski has an improved shot from deep and a higher block percentage in two seasons (2.7 to 6.9), the 7-footer should be a near lock to be a lottery pick. He has fine-tuned some of his weaknesses this year and has dominated, at times, this year.
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston): Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 187 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Sheppard is in the discussion as the best shooter in the draft after converting 54.2% from 3-point range on 4.2 attempts per game this season with the Wildcats. He leads the country in true shooting percentage (71.7) and is 10th in the SEC in total 3s (45). He has been more than a shooter, though, after ranking ninth in the country in defensive box plus-minus (plus-5.7) and 12th in steal percentage (4.8). He recently earned a shout-out from Hall of Famer Dick Vitale, who believes Sheppard should be taking 10 3s a game. Sheppard has been on fire and projects to be a great fit at the next level.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
Chicago Bulls: Tidjane Salaun, Cholet Basket (France)
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 203 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Tidjane Salaun, who is from France, is having an incredible season with Cholet in the French League. He is averaging 8.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals on 36.5% shooting from 3-point range. He plays at such an advanced level for being 18 years old and has dazzled with his ability to handle the ball in transition, drive and finish at the rim. Salaun crashes the glass on both sides of the court with force and can also defend multiple positions at his size.
For more coverage on the Bulls, visit Bulls Wire
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Utah): Stephon Castle, UConn
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 215 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Castle has missed time this season with a knee injury and still looks to be getting back into a rhythm offensively. He has been inconsistent on that end but recently scored in double figures in four straight games for the first time this season. On the other end, there is no denying the impact he can make: Castle has emerged as a great perimeter defender with his size, versatility and instincts. Teams will be curious to see if he can show progress on offense, but he looks to be a potential lottery pick this year.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
New Orleans Pelicans (via Lakers): Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Height: 6-6 | Weight: 213 | Year: Sr.+ | Position: G
Knecht, who played the first two years of his career in junior college, has been on a great run of late. He is averaging 31.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and two assists on 45.5% shooting from 3-point range over his last six games. He has three games with at least 35 points and is one of seven Volunteers with five 30-point games in a single season. Knecht has the scoring ability that should translate well to the next level and should be a lottery pick.
Miami Heat: Adama Bal, Santa Clara
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 190 | Year: G | Position: Jr.
Adama Bal, who was born in France, transferred to Santa Clara this year after playing sparingly in two years at Arizona. He has taken advantage of his opportunity and is putting up strong numbers. After averaging just 2.5 points last season, Bal is posting 15.7 points, 3.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds and one steal on 36.6% shooting from 3-point range. He can do it all as a guard, from creating for himself to getting others involved. He has had some crafty finishes and can score through contact at the rim. Bal boasts plenty of basketball experience and should be coveted in this range by teams looking for a playmaking guard.
Orlando Magic: Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
Height: 6-11 | Weight: 224 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Smith, a former consensus five-star prospect, is a versatile player who can run the floor and provide shooting at the next level. He played last season with Overtime Elite and is off to a good start with the Ignite, averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and one block on 36.8% shooting from 3-point range.
The 19-year-old is working to improve his defense and believes he has done just that. “I feel like people are seeing it more that I’m staying in front of my man,” Smith told Rookie Wire in December. “That is one of the big things, I think, holding me back from being a higher pick right now. I feel like (I’m showing) I can stay in front of my man.”
New York Knicks (via Dallas): Donovan Clingan, UConn
Height: 7-2 | Weight: 280 | Year: So. | Position: C
Clingan helped the Huskies to their fifth national title last season as a freshman after averaging 6.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks on 65.5% shooting from the field in 39 games. In a larger role this season, Clingan has improved in nearly every category, posting averages of 12.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 assists in 16 games. He missed nearly a month with a foot injury but came back on Jan. 17. He was a reserve in his first two games back and recently returned to the starting lineup against Xavier. He should be a mid-first-rounder due to his defensive tools and ability to protect the paint with his 7-foot-2 frame.
Toronto Raptors (via Indiana): Kevin McCullar Jr., Kansas
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 212 | Year: Sr.+ | Position: F
McCullar tested the pre-draft process last year before returning to school for one more season. Jayhawks coach Bill Self thought McCullar could improve his draft stock by staying, and the 22-year-old has done just that. He has nearly doubled his scoring from last year and is averaging a career-high 19.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.5 steals on 35.6% shooting from 3-point range. He can contribute in various ways and will be one of the more experienced players in the draft this year, which teams seem to be gravitating toward recently. His draft floor seems to begin around this range at the moment.
New Orleans Pelicans: Ulrich Chomche, NBA Academy Africa
Height: 6-11 | Weight: 225 | Year: N/A | Position: C
Chomche, who was born in Cameroon, had a strong showing with the NBA Academy Africa in December at the G League Winter Showcase in front of executives and scouts. His good size and mobility enable him to work in the post and protect the paint with his long arms. Chomche can also step out and shoot a bit, which should only improve with more reps. He isn’t 100% locked into the draft after recently visiting USC, Texas and the Ignite, so he could put the NBA on hold and spend a year elsewhere to refine his skill set. He is absolutely a prospect to keep your eye on.
Phoenix Suns: Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Height: 7-0 | Weight: 230 | Year: So. | Position: C
Ware opted to transfer to Indiana from Oregon last year. He has improved across the board in a larger role with the Hoosiers and is projected to be drafted late in the first round. Ware has impressed with his rebounding and ability to block shots, and has shown some floor spacing after converting 44% from 3-point range (11-of-25). He should have several teams in this range interested in him.
Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento): Yves Missi, Baylor
Height: 7-0 | Weight: 235 | Year: Fr. | Position: C
Missi, who was born in Cameroon, is averaging 10.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 19 games with Baylor. He averages more offensive rebounds per game (3.1) than defensive rebounds per game (2.8) and leads all players in offensive rebound percentage (17.9). He has the size and strength that will enable him to protect the paint and crash the glass at the next level and should be a first-round pick, given those abilities alone.
Philadelphia 76ers: Zach Edey, Purdue
Height: 7-4 | Weight: 300 | Year: Sr. | Position: C
Edey, who played with Canada in the FIBA Basketball World Cup last year, recently became the sixth player in program history to surpass 2,000 career points. He has improved nearly all of his numbers from a season ago, in which he was named the Player of the Year, and is averaging a career-high 23.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 1.7 assists on 63.5% shooting from the field in 22 games. He has been the most dominant player in college over the past couple of years and should draw interest from teams at the end of the first round.
For more coverage on the 76ers, visit Sixers Wire
Cleveland Cavaliers: Bobi Klintman, Cairns Taipans (NBL)
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 225 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Klintman, who was born in Malmo, Sweden, signed with the Cairns Taipans of the NBL in June after one season at Wake Forest. He was viewed as a likely second-round pick last year, but has improved his stock after a productive campaign with the Taipans, averaging 10.2 points and five rebounds on 36% shooting from 3-point range in 20 games. Klintman is highly touted for his defense and brings great versatility with him as a player that can handle the ball in transition and shoot from deep.
New York Knicks: Jared McCain, Duke
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 197 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
McCain has scored in double figures in 10 out of his last 12 games, averaging 15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.1 steals on 40% shooting from 3-point range. The Blue Devils are 7-1 when McCain hits at least three 3s, where he is converting 40.2% on 5.4 attempts per game. He has excelled in pick-and-roll situations and still finds ways to contribute when his shots may not fall. McCain should hear his name called in this range for now.
Milwaukee Bucks: Juan Nunez, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 180 | Year: | Position: PG
Nunez helped his draft stock last year with a strong performance with Spain in the FIBA Basketball World Cup. He has continued that showing this season in Germany, averaging 10.5 points, 5.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals on 35% shooting from 3-point range. Nunez has tremendous court vision and can seemingly make every pass necessary and then some. He thrives in pick-and-roll situations, as a result, and can keep it himself and get downhill and finish at the rim. He is considered perhaps the top point guard this year and has a strong argument to be that guy.
Denver Nuggets: Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Height: 6-8 | Weight: 216 | Year: So. | Position: F
Dunn is capitalizing on a larger role this season, averaging 9.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.7 steals on 58.3% shooting from the field in 21 games. He is highly touted for his defense and is third in the country in defensive win shares (2.0) and 16th in blocks (47). His great athleticism enables him to stay in front of his defenders and recover on switches to block shots at the rim. Dunn is limited offensively and will need to improve on that end to stay on the court at the next level, but his defense and instincts should still entice teams at this stage of the draft.
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): D.J. Wagner, Kentucky
Height: 6-3 | Weight: 175 | Year: Fr. | Position: G
Wagner, whose father is former NBA veteran Dajuan Wagner, was previously considered a lottery pick prior to the start of the season but has seen his stock slip a bit after struggling with his shot and decision-making at times. However, Wagner has shown flashes of being able to take over games and score from each level. He has responded well to the coaching from John Calipari this season and has been very quick to fix mistakes. Wagner could benefit from a strong finish to the season but still has likely done enough to be a late first-rounder.
For more coverage on the Thunder, visit Thunder Wire
Toronto Raptors (via Oklahoma City): Izan Almansa, G League Ignite
Height: 6-10 | Weight: 230 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Almansa, who is from Spain, is one of several Ignite prospects projected to be a first-round pick this year. He is averaging 9.7 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 54.6% shooting from the field in 29 games. He is best known as a defender with an evolving offensive game, though he isn’t much of a shooter at this juncture of his career. He will likely need some time to develop, so going to a situation like the Raptors, who are rebuilding, should help him start well at the next level.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Height: 6-9 | Weight: 220 | Year: Sr. | Position: F
Tristan da Silva, who was born in Germany, projects to be a versatile forward at the next level, given his shotmaking, ability to drive and finish and move the ball. He is a good cutter and constantly moves on offense to find the open space. He has shown some promise as a defender but sometimes lapses in coverage. Da Silva has the skill set to impact games for teams drafting in this range.
Boston Celtics: Melvin Ajinca, Saint-Quentin (France)
Height: 6-7 | Weight: 200 | Year: N/A | Position: F
Melvin Ajinca, the cousin of former seven-year NBA veteran Alexis Ajinca, leaped up draft boards after a tremendous showing with France last year in the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. He was the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging 19.3 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists en route to the silver medal. He started a bit slow in the French League but appears to be settling in and progressing with his scoring and shooting. The lefty has a quick release and good form that should translate well to the next level. He immediately projects to fill in as a floor spacer at the next level.
For more coverage on the Celtics, visit Celtics Wire
