2024 NBA mock draft roundup after Zach Edey declares
The NBA playoffs are in full swing after an exciting regular season, but it's draft season for about half of the teams in the league.
Fourteen teams missed the playoffs, either for poor regular season finishes or performances that fell just short in the play-in tournament earlier this month. Now, all 14 must await May's draft lottery and June's 2024 NBA Draft.
One player to keep an eye on as the draft approaches is former Purdue center Zach Edey, who officially declared for this year's draft on Tuesday. Edey helped guide the Boilermakers to a national championship game appearance after averaging 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game this season, marks that ranked first and third in all of D-I college basketball, respectively.
Here's where Edey and some other top picks ended up according to the latest mock drafts from NBA draft analysts around the web.
NBA MOCK DRAFT: Donovan Clingan, Zach Edey climb board
2024 NBA Draft projections
No. 1 overall pick
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Zillgitt writes: "A strong defender and shot-blocker who plays with force on both ends; has good hands, uses his body well and though he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he gets it to go in. His brother player, Olivier, is on two-way G League contract with Oklahoma City."
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Wasserman writes: "Alex Sarr will have a strong case here for Detroit, with 7'1" size, athleticism and translatable defense that create a high floor, plus shooting potential and ball-handling flashes that hint at offensive upside and a chance for the big man to play some power forward."
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Boone writes: "At 7-1, Sarr presents immense upside as an above-the-rim threat, blocking shots and finishing lobs with his elite leaping and length. The idea of pairing him next to Cade Cunningham as a building block in Detroit should be exciting for Pistons fans after a tough year."
No. 2 overall pick
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Washington Wizards – Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Zillgitt writes: "Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well."
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Washington Wizards – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Wasserman writes: "At the ground floor of a rebuild, the Washington Wizards will only think about drafting the best player available. There will be a handful of prospects capable of earning that title from their front office, including Rob Dillingham, whose core skills—shot-creation and shotmaking—could give him an extra edge."
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Boone writes: "There's still a fairly good chance Risacher winds up No. 1 in this class, but his struggles of late are tough to ignore. He's made just three of his last 28 3-point attempts, a worrisome trend for a 6-9 forward whose buy-in has centered around his improved shot this season."
No. 3 overall pick
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Charlotte Hornets – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Zillgitt writes: "As a smaller guard, he is elite at creating own shot, through spot-up shooting or dribble penetration because of his speed and ball-handling. Will need to get stronger and improve shot selection. Even though Kentucky lost in the first round, Dillingham is a hot prospect."
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Portland Trail Blazers – Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Wasserman writes: "Despite a late-season slump, there is still belief in Zaccharie Risacher's shotmaking. The Portland Trail Blazers figure to be drawn to the idea of giving Scoot Henderson a 6'8" shooter and athletic finisher."
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Portland Trail Blazers – Stephon Castle, PG, UConn
Boone writes: "Castle earned a ton of fans in NBA circles this season embracing his complementary role for a 37-win UConn team that won the national title. He embraced his role as a lockdown defender and was able to turn it up a level on offense when necessary."
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Where will Zach Edey be drafted?
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Phoenix Suns – No. 20 overall
Zillgitt writes: "Edey was outstanding in the tournament, leading Purdue to the title game where he had 37 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the loss to UConn. Had 40 points and 16 rebounds against Tennessee in an Elite Eight game. Edey is a bear to defend in the low post... But in the NBA, is he mobile enough, especially defensively, to keep up with style and pace?"
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Phoenix Suns – No. 23 overall
Wasserman writes: "[Edey]'s changed a number of minds regarding his pro outlook and potential to carve out an NBA role, even without adding any modern skills. His combination of 7'4" height and one-handed touch creates a tremendous advantage in the post. And improved mobility has led to increased, quicker defensive court coverage around the key."
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – No. 26 overall (via Los Angeles Clippers)
Boone writes: "In a head-to-head matchup with projected top-10 pick Donovan Clingan in the national championship game, Edey scored 37 points and showed why even the most capable defenders may have trouble slowing him in the NBA."
When is the 2024 NBA Draft?
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
When: June 26-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN; ABC
HOW TO WATCH: Catch the 2024 NBA Draft with a subscription to ESPN+
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NBA mock draft: Projected teams for Zach Edey, other top picks
