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Kentucky basketball 2024 NBA mock drafts: Where are Wildcats players projected to be picked?

ehsan kassim, usa today network
·4 min read

The order has been set for the 2024 NBA Draft, with the draft lottery taking place on Sunday. And, despite Kentucky basketball's early exit from the 2024 NCAA Tournament, the draft could still prove fruitful for several Wildcats.

While the Wildcats likely don't have a player in the early contention for the No. 1 overall pick ― which goes to the Atlanta Hawks, despite having the second-lowest odds to land it ― it could be a good June 26 for UK fans watching the action unfold at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

REQUIRED READING: Former Kentucky coach John Calipari speaks on ending at Kentucky and leaving for Arkansas

A mock draft published right after the lottery show on Sunday by ESPN's Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo has two Kentucky players picked in the top four, while USA TODAY's For the Win writer Bryan Kalbrosky has three Wildcats picked in the lottery.

Australian big man Alex Sarr is the early favorite to go No. 1 overall early in the process. Kentucky sharpshooter Reed Sheppard is projected to go No. 3 in a couple of mock drafts, while teammate Rob Dillingham joins him in Texas with the San Antonio Spurs at No. 4 in an ESPN mock draft and even as high as No. 3 in another.

Here's a look at where Kentucky players are expected to be selected in the 2024 NBA Draft:

Kentucky basketball 2024 NBA mock draft

Reed Sheppard

ESPN and USA TODAY have Sheppard landing with an up-and-coming young team in the Houston Rockets. The Rockets drew the No. 3 pick despite finishing the season at 41-41, with a late-season run getting them into contention for a potential NBA play-in game.

Houston has a strong young nucleus led by Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. The Rockets could emphasize adding some shooting for their young nucleus this offseason, which makes Sheppard the perfect fit.

The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds on 53.6% field goal shooting and 52.1% from 3-point range, earning USBWA and NABC Freshman of the Year honors.

"The Rockets turned the page on their rebuild by hiring coach Ime Udoka and making a splash in free agency last summer. Houston could look at plug-and-play options with this pick considering the youthful roster construction. Shooting will likely be a priority this summer, and the dynamic shot-making versatility of Sheppard -- who made over 50% of his 3s this season -- could be attractive with this pick, along with his feel for the game and defensive instincts. Expect Donovan Clingan to get a look here as well if the front office feels he can play heavy minutes alongside Alperen Sengun in a multi-big men lineups." — Givony

Mock drafts

Rob Dillingham

At 6-foot-3, Dillingham could be undersized for the NBA. But SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell still has him going as high as No. 3 to the Houston Rockets after a strong freshman season. Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 3.9 assists and 2.9 rebounds on 47.5% shooting from the field and 44.4% shooting from 3-point range. He would also be a good addition to a young team seeking a quick turnaround.

"Dillingham is an impossibly shifty shot creator for himself and others thanks to his deep shooting range, soft touch, and tremendous vision as a passer. The 6’2 guard has the best handle in the class with the ability to link dribble-crossovers, change direction, and get off a good look at the rim against bigger defenders. He’s the rare guard prospect whose shooting ability feels equally dangerous off the dribble and off the catch: Dillingham can punish unders with deep pull-ups, and also has a fantastic feel for relocating around the three-point line to knock down spot-ups."

Mock drafts

REQUIRED READING: Former Kentucky coach John Calipari speaks on ending at Kentucky and leaving for Arkansas

Justin Edwards

ESPN and FTW also agree that Justin Edwards was the final Kentucky player selected in the first round. The 6-foot-7 forward is projected to the Washington Wizards at No. 26. Edwards averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds as a freshman, not quite living up to his billing as the No. 3 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class, per 247Sports' Composite rankiings.

"Edwards did not have the season many expected at Kentucky but is still worthy of consideration in this area of the draft at 6-7 with some perimeter shooting acumen and upside to grow into after one season in college. The Wizards could look to bolster their wing depth, which would make Edwards a candidate to get drafted late in the first round." — Givony

Mock drafts

  • ESPN: No. 26 to the Washington Wizards

  • USA Today FTW: No. 26 to the Washington Wizards

  • The Athletic: No. 47 (second round) to the Orlando Magic

  • Yahoo Sports: No. 48 (second round) to the Orlando Magic

  • The Ringer: No. 53 (second round) to the Detroit Pistons

Antonio Reeves

Of the six previously mentioned mocks, only The Athletic and NBA Draft Net have Kentucky senior guard Antonio Reeves being picked. The NBA draft-dedicated site has Reeves going No. 38 to the New York Knicks, while The Athletic author Sam Vecenie has Reeves selected as the No. 44 overall pick, going off the board in the second round to the Houston Rockets. Reeves averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists on 51.2% shooting and 44.7% shooting from 3.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky basketball 2024 NBA mock drafts: Wildcat players' projections