2024 NBA Draft Lottery Mock Draft/NBA Updates

As expected, Boston won its 18th championship in franchise history. After the NBA finals, the trade market was abuzz with rumors and blockbuster deals. It was reported that Josh Giddey did not want to come off the bench in OKC. This led to a trade to Chicago for Alex Caruso. An Alex Caruso trade was expected. A few days later, a more unexpected deal happened. Mikal Bridges was traded to the Knicks to reunite with his former Villanova teammates. It was reported that Bridges wanted to be a Knick. Although the Knicks gave up Bojan Bogdanovic and a handful of first-round draft picks, this move helped the Knicks pursue taking on Boston. With the NBA draft at 8 p.m. EST, it's only fitting to come up with a final mock draft, 1. Atlanta Hawks | Zaccharie Risacher, France (Forward) Risacher's name is quickly heating up at the first pick. He fits the Hawks' positional needs. He is proven to make an impact on both sides of the ball. Risacher's ceiling is very high. He's an intelligent player and a knockdown shooter. 3&D is valued by scouts, especially in today's NBA. There's no guarantee what the Hawks will do on draft night. However, this pick seems likely. 2. Washington Wizards | Alexandre Sarr, France (Forward/Center) After trading away Daniel Gafford, the Wizards need a Center. Sarr has the potential for positional versatility. Although Sarr isn't an elite shooter, he can hit the occasional open three, and there's room for improvement. Sarr is good on both ends of the ball. He is a good defender, rebounder, and finisher. He also has an excellent handle for a center. 3. Houston Rockets | Reed Sheppard, Kentucky (Guard) If the Rockets are committed to the future, Reed Sheppard is the pick to go with. Although he won't play big minutes early, Sheppard could be the Rockets' future Point Guard with Fred Vanvleet's uncertainty. Shepphard is undersized but plays harassing defense and puts in a lot of effort. He is a hustle player who plays at 110%. He is a versatile guard with a crafty tool kit. 4. San Antonio Spurs | Stephon Castle, Connecticut (Guard) Adding a guard seems necessary for the Spurs. Stephon Castle fits in with the Spurs' culture under Gregg Popovich. He's a combo guard who is good in size. He's a hustle player who gets it done on both ends. His size and strength as a guard are a significant advantage. He's also a talented finisher and playmaker. The only concern is shooting, but there's always room for improvement.

5. Detroit Pistons | Matas Buzelis, G League (Forward) The Pistons need a lot of help. Falling to five is awful for a team with the worst record. Although this is a disappointment, Buzelis seems like a good fit for Detroit. He's an innovative, versatile player, which the Pistons are looking for. He has upside as a shooter, finisher, and defender. He also has a good motor. 6. Charlotte Hornets | Dalton Knecht, Tennessee (Guard/Forward) Knecht's name is heating up with the Hornets. He is a professional scorer who finds every way to get buckets. Charlotte needs help on offense, which makes this pick ideal. He is a great shooter who can score at all three levels. The genuine concern for Knecht is his defense. It will be interesting to see if he can progress at that end. 7. Portland Trailblazers | Donovan Clingan, Connecticut (Center) It's sad to see a talented player with a high chance of falling this low. Clingan is arguably one of the top three players in this draft. The unfortunate part is the lack of need for a center (outside of Washington) with the top draft picks. Portland is a huge mess with their overload of positions. However, they can't pass up on Clingan. Clingan is a 7'2" defensive anchor with a 7'7" wingspan. Although he's not a great free throw shooter, his interior scoring, defense, and rebounding make up for it. Clingan is a very traditional Center. 8. San Antonio Spurs | Tidjane Salaun, France (Forward) Tidjane Salaun is a name that is heating up in the draft. There is excellent French talent in this draft and the NBA, especially with Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs are a team that looks for defense. With the potential of trading Keldon Johnson, the Spurs are in the market for a forward. Salaun is a great defender with the potential to improve on offense. This is an excellent fit for San Antonio. 9. Memphis Grizzlies | Cody Williams, Colorado (Guard/Forward) Cody Williams could jump up in the draft; however, if he's available for Memphis, they should snag him. Although trading up for Donovan Clingan is a dream move for Memphis, that's not easy. Williams is a tall playmaker with positional and general versatility. The Grizzlies need depth, and this would definitely be helpful. This was really a wasted season for the Grizzlies with the season-ending injury to Ja Morant; however, a return to the playoffs is likely. 10. Utah Jazz | Nikola Topić, Serbia (Guard) Topić has a partially torn ACL, which is unfortunate for his draft stock. He was expected to be a top-five pick. Although he won't play immediately, the Jazz are a team committed to their future. This move will focus on the long run. Topic is an intelligent player and a great playmaker. Topić can get to the basket, get into the paint, and break down the defense.

11. Chicago Bulls | Ron Holland, G League (Forward) Some people suspect the Bulls will go guard here, but it doesn't exactly make sense with the addition of Josh Giddey. With Zach Lavine and Demar Derozan returning, it makes sense for the Bulls to go with a Forward. The Bulls have a lot of cleaning up to do. Holland is excellent physically. He's a great finisher and defender. Holland's biggest question is his shooting. 12. Oklahoma City Thunder | Devin Carter, Providence (Guard) The Thunder landed a lottery pick from the Rockets through Chris Paul and Russell. Westbrook swap in 2020. The Thunder believe they are contenders. Improving their depth through the draft will be beneficial. Devin Carter. is a talented hustle player. The Thunder are interested in players committed to getting it done at both ends of the ball.

13. Sacramento Kings | Rob Dillingham, Kentucky (Guard)

Sacramento had a very disappointing season. After ending their playoff drought in 2023, they again missed the playoffs. It won't hurt for the Kings to improve their depth. Rob Dillingham would be a great bench spark for Sacramento. Dillingham is great on the offensive end and has become a good playmaker. Dillingham's size is one weakness that holds him back on defense. Overall, this is still a good fit for Sacramento.

14. Portland Trailblazers | Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor (Guard) Ja'Kobe Walter is a name that is heating up as a potential lottery pick. They can't go wrong with Walter and Portland having two lottery picks. He has shown potential as a shooter and defender. He is also a good finisher and hustle player. It makes sense why his name has become a potential lottery pick.