2024 NBA Mock Draft: First Round Predictions

Daniel Leonard (@danieldleonard7) provides his take on the 2024 NBA Draft with a mock draft that covers the first round.

We have just wrapped up another exhilarating and competitive NBA season that saw the Boston Celtics steamroll their way through the playoffs yet again to hang banner 18, and now we are officially in the offseason. Today, Rotoballers, I will be doing an NBA mock draft. Just so you understand, this mock draft is going to be based on overall team fit, projected draft range, and my opinion on the best landing spot. I will consider each prospect's strengths, weaknesses, and the needs of each respective team.

Some players could be in higher or lower spots, contrary to other people's opinions, but at the end of the day, we are all just guessing. I'm only using the information provided to me and making an educated guess of where each player will land. For each player, I will have a player comparison to give you guys a better understanding of their play style. I will only be giving a brief description of each pick.

Let's hop straight into this mock draft. If you have any questions or concerns, ask me on Twitter, @danieldleonard7, for any answers!

1) Atlanta Hawks: C - Donovan Clingan, Connecticut

There has been a multitude of discourse over who the Atlanta Hawks should select with the first overall pick, but to me, the best player for them is Donovan Clingan. He is a 7'3 big man with a 7'7 wingspan who is ready to be an impact player from day one. He is an elite interior defender who constantly alters shots and has shown the ability to be a great post-defender as well. His rim protection will immediately fill a need for the Hawks, who gave up the fourth-most layups per game last season.

Donovan Clingan vs Illinois today..

22 PTS (9-13 FG)
10 REBS
3 STLS
4 BLKS
1 AST

RN he is Projected to go #5 in this Draft.. how we feeling about that?? pic.twitter.com/Kw84bFbcEj

— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) March 31, 2024

Clingan's sheer size should also help him be an elite screener, which in turn will help Trae Young. Clingan also can create offense for himself in the post, he was dominant in the paint last season. His skill set is very similar to Rudy Gobert's, which should be a great fit for head coach Quinn Snyder, who helped develop him early on in Utah. With a Clint Capela trade on the horizon, Clingan should be poised to step right into his role to form a formidable front-court tandem with Onyeka Okongwu.

NBA Comp: Rudy Gobert 

2) Washington Wizards:  F/C - Alex Sarr, France

With new rumors coming out that Sarr's camp preferred Washington over Atlanta due to his offensive role, the Wizards slide in to get the best player in the draft at number two.  His elite defensive versatility makes him easily the best defender in this class and can anchor a defense from day one. Sarr is a special athlete for his size, and he moves very fluidly and quickly.

Alex Sarr
pic.twitter.com/ResrCjf5j0

— John Fricke (@JohnFricke) May 12, 2024

He has shown that he is an amazing finisher, he routinely finishes lobs because of his amazing leaping ability.  He is still a work in progress on the offensive end, but landing in Washington is the best possible place. He lands on a team that has the fastest pace in the league and has a surplus of shooting and playmaking to help him develop.

NBA Comp: Evan Mobley

3) Houston Rockets: G - Reed Shepherd, Kentucky

Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard just declared for the 2024 NBA Draft. 🚨🚨🚨

The 6-3 Freshman averaged:

🔥 12.5 PTS
🔥 4.5 AST
🔥 4.1 REB
🔥 53.6 FG% pic.twitter.com/KDT6fMPLqc

— SLAM University (@slam_university) April 18, 2024

Reed Sheppard is the perfect piece for this Rockets team as they try to improve off a good year. Reed can shoot from anywhere on the floor and in any situation. He flashed some great playmaking and on-ball creation skills last year, which will greatly benefit the Rockets when Fred VanVleet is off the floor. His versatility to play on and off the ball will mesh greatly with this Rockets team. Even though he is only 6'3, he is also a very disruptive p layer on the defensive end of the ball; he averaged 2.5 steals last year at Kentucky. Reed Shepherd is the perfect plug-and-play guard for the Rockets and should fit seamlessly.

NBA Comp: Donte DiVencenzo

4) San Antonio Spurs: G - Stephon Castle, Connecticut

The Spurs need defensive wings, and Stephon Castle fits the bill. He is 6 ft 6 with a 6ft 9 wingspan. I admire his steadiness, and he appears to be a high-IQ player on both ends of the floor. I could see the Spurs draft Dilly at 4 and Castle at 8, assuming they keep the picks. pic.twitter.com/QyncYkjloz

— PJ Hoops (@RealPjHoops) May 24, 2024

The Spurs have been rumored to be enamored with guard Stephon Castle and his fit with Victor Wembanyama. Castle comes in with the defensive skills to be an impact defender right away on the perimeter. He has all the physical attributes to fill this role for the Spurs. He's shown he can be a secondary playmaker with his high IQ and passing versatility. Castle was also an amazing slasher at Connecticut, using his strength often to finish above players. He obviously has questions about his jumper, but with mechanics and time, I think he will improve.

NBA Comp: Young Jimmy Butler

5) Detroit Pistons: F - Zaccharie Risacher, France

The unanimous selection at this pick for Detriot has to be French forward Zaccharie Risacher. The eye test and the stats showed fans that the Pistons desperately needed spacing for Cade Cunningham last year, and Risacher fits that profile perfectly. Risacher is an NBA-ready shooter with great mechanics and range, and he has also flashed some self-creation. He has the prototypical size to become a 3-and-D wing from day one.

Zaccharie Risacher in the LNB Playoffs for @JLBourgBasket (7 GP)

- 15.1 PPG | 7.4 RPG | 0.7 APG
- 52.6% FG
- 37.8% 3PT

Risacher, a projected top 5 pick, took major strides in his game during the LNB playoffs, where he showcased his perimeter shooting & defensive versatility all… pic.twitter.com/lPELNgWNZp

— mohamed (@mcfxz) June 23, 2024

Athletic and lanky enough to guard multiple positions. He should be able to start right away and be a great fit for this young Pistons team.

NBA Comp: Michael Porter Jr.

6) Charlotte Hornets: G/F - Cody Williams, Colorado

With LaMelo Ball's max contract officially kicking in this season, it's time the Hornets gear up their roster toward contending. The Hornets had the ninth-worst defense in basketball last year, so they obviously need more defense. Cody Willimas is the perfect pick for them. Though slight in frame, he is very quick and nimble on defense, combined with his massive length. He also is no slouch on the offensive end; he showed he is a capable shooter and finisher at a high level at Colorado.

Cody Williams, the younger brother of Jalen Williams, is projected to be a top 5 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft 🔥

(via @NoCeilingsNBA)pic.twitter.com/yb7Yf5d3mX

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 13, 2024

He could develop into a secondary playmaker, but I don't think he will see that many reps in the pick-and-roll. At the end of the day, the Hornets get a very polished 3 and D wing who can be a great glue guy for years to come.

NBA Comp: Jaden McDaniels

7) Portland Trailblazers: F/C - Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite

Portland is a team where a number of prospects could land and possibly be successful, but I think the right selection for them is Matas Buzelis. He is a 6'10 forward who has real point-forward potential with a nice handle and some secondary playmaking potential.

Matas Buzelis 6'10 SF - (G League Ignite)
Buzelis has gone up and down on the draft boards over the past year, but his potential is what has kept him up most of all. He uses his size to his advantage by rising up over defenders in the mid-range and post game. He also utilizes… pic.twitter.com/HgAeI6tNwl

— Isaac Mills (@isaacmills_1) June 23, 2024

He was touted as a very good shooter out of high school but saw some regression in the G League. Even with that, he has real three-level scoring potential that is very evident, as well as a nice frame that allows him to be a really effective defender. Buzelis's role with this Blazers team would be as a Swiss army knife, a player who can do a bit of everything. With Jerami Grant's name swirling in trade rumors, Buzelis could see significant playing time in year one.

NBA Comp: Franz Wagner

8) San Antonio Spurs: G/F - Nikola Topic, Serbia

Despite suffering a knee injury, the way Nikola Topic hit the ground running at Red Star has been highly encouraging. The confidence and aggressiveness he displayed shows his game should scale up nicely to higher levels, and his defense has looked better than advertised. pic.twitter.com/d46OecRCN2

— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) January 9, 2024

Nikola Topic is the best passer and playmaker in this draft by far; he is a pick-and-roll maestro who will always find the open man. Topic could help the Spurs ascending offense become even more potent with his rim pressure and vision. He has elite size at point guard and is always in control on offense. He does have questions about his defense, but the Spurs have the guys to certainly help him on that end. Nikola Topic was recently diagnosed with a partially torn ACL, which could scare some lottery teams away from him, but I think the upside is too much to pass on.

NBA Comp: Goran Dragic

9) Memphis Grizzlies: G - Devin Carter, Providence

Devin Carter was one of the late risers in this draft, but right now his stock is at an all-time high. Carter checks a lot of boxes for a lot of the team's needs immediately. He is a great point-of-attack defender and can handle tough assignments right away. He is an established secondary playmaker and consistently makes good reads out of pick and roll. Crater shot the ball really well and has the confidence to create his own shot when needed.

Devin Carter Highlights: pic.twitter.com/j5a2Ss3LXH

— 𝖇𝖔𝖓𝖊𝖘​🦴 (@Demar305) June 20, 2024

This will help the Grizzlies massively, as they finished with the worst offense in the league last year. Carter is also easily the best rebounding guard in this draft, which should help him play in smaller lineups. Carter will serve as a reliable lead and off-ball guard for the Grizzlies off the bench if this is his landing spot.

NBA Comp: Derrick White 

10) Utah Jazz: G/F - Ron Holland, G League Ignite

Ron Holland may be the best defensive wing in this draft class. A 6'7" forward with a 6'11" wingspan, his ability to anticipate passes and shut down guys 1-on-1 would be instantly valuable to any lottery team. His shooting and decision-making still have a long way to go, but the… pic.twitter.com/umnFDKzeBF

— HornetsMuse (@hornetsmuse_) May 19, 2024

If there were a poll over who would be the first overall pick before the start of the season, the overwhelming favorite would have been Ron Holland. Scouts have been sacred away from poor shooting and shot selection, but he is still an elite prospect. Holland is an amazing defender with an unreal motor and is very versatile because of his high energy. Holland is by far the best playmaking wing in this class; he has real vision and could be a lead playmaker.

Holland has some self-creation upside, but right now he is really a dynamic slasher because of his unreal leaping ability. If he can acquire any inkling of a jump shot, the Jazz will walk away from this draft as the biggest winner.

NBA Comp: Amen Thompson

11) Chicago Bulls: G/F - Tidjane Salaun, France

After acquiring guard Josh Giddey from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Bulls are obviously signaling the start of a much-needed rebuild. They could select more polished players at this pick, but I think taking a swing at 18-year-old Tidjane Salaun is the correct choice. He is a very raw prospect at this moment but has flashed skills that could be franchise-changing if refined.

Some defensive, finishing and shooting clips from Tidjane Salaun. The athletic forward is oozing with so much potential and is already producing in the LNB Pro A. Can make athletic plays at the rim and defensively. Has consistently shot over 35% from three over the last three… https://t.co/RAOeDr2iUp pic.twitter.com/89yNUgRHfk

— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) January 5, 2024

For starters, he is a 6'10 wing with a 7'2 wingspan and is an amazing athlete who can regularly finish at the rim. He is a capable spot-up shooter who has a good feel for the game and can make good reads consistently. Saluan has also shown flashes of defensive playmaking with his knack for playing passing lanes. The Bulls can't go wrong at this pick, so why not swing for the fences?

NBA Comp: Obi Toppin

12) Oklahoma City Thunder: G/F - Dalton Knecht, Tennessee

After a very successful season for the Thunder, they need a couple of seamless fits to help them reach the finals. Dalton Knecht would be the perfect piece for this Thunder team; he undeniably is the best shooter in this draft to me.

Dalton Knecht at Tennessee this Year:

21.7 PPG | 4.9 RPG | 1.8 APG | 0.7 SPG

How would y’all feel about him staying in Tennessee? 〽️
pic.twitter.com/LBRIljxDwm

— Grizzlies SZN (@Grizzlies_szn) May 14, 2024

He has elite shot versatility as well from all phases of the floor, which will only enhance the Thunder's elite 5-out offense. Knecht is not just a shooter, though he is a pure three-level scorer and a polished offensive player overall. He is also a solid passer and is really just NBA-ready. He has some defensive concerns, but OKC can mask them. Some people might OKC to grab size at this pick, but I think they will address that issue during free agency.

NBA Comp: Mike Miller 

13) Sacramento Kings: F - Tristan da Silva, Colorado

Big skilled wings that provide versatility on both ends of the floor are always in high demand. 6'9” Colorado senior Tristan da Silva boasts an enticing blend of touch, skill, fluidity, and length that can provide two-way interchangeablity at the next level. pic.twitter.com/YHLbcgC6Vk

— League Him (@League_Him) February 27, 2024

The Kings have a surplus of guards and desperately need wings who can contribute right away. Tristan da Silva is the perfect prospect to fill those needs; as an older prospect, he is essentially already NBA-ready. Silva is a very good shooter, with the ability to shoot on the move as well. He is also a very good defender and moves fluidly for a 6'9 wing. He has shown improvement as a passer as well. Silva might have peaked as a prospect, but he can come in and contribute right away to an explosive team that is in dire need of his skills.

NBA Comp: Kyle Kuzma 

14) Portland Trail Blazers: F - Tyler Smith, G League Ignite

Someone I love for the Kings with the 13th pick: Tyler Smith.

19yo, 6’11”, 7’1” wingspan, 36% 3p, 1 block/game. Stretch 4/5. Think Naz Reid with handles 🤯 pic.twitter.com/dCtUPPaO7o

— AL in CAL (@ALinCALI22) May 2, 2024

With the Blazers' second lottery selection, I have them doubling up on wings. I think Tyler Smith would be an amazing player for them. He is a 6'10 sniper, and he can shoot the ball with very good efficiency as well. He can also provide some great weakside defense and can switch and hold his own when needed. I think the Blazers' main concern in this draft should be getting guys who can easily mesh with their young players, and Tyler Smith fits that mold.

NBA Comp: Jabari Smith Jr.

First Round Picks 15-22

15. Miami: G - Rob Dillingham, Kentucky

Now, Rob Dillingham falling out of the lottery might be a surprise to some people, but I think some teams would pick fit over talent, which would cause him to drop. I think this is the perfect spot for Rob, though; he is an elite shot creator and maker, which is something the Heat have struggled with over the past years. Dillingham can shoot from anywhere, and he also has all the tools to be a team's lead playmaker. Though he has major defensive concerns, Miami has the perfect personnel to protect him from being hunted on that end.

NBA Comp: Kemba Walker

16. 76ers: G - Jared McCain, Duke

Jared McCain is an elite shooter with amazing mechanics that will translate from day one in the NBA. He is the quintessential dream-fit role player next to Joel Embiid. McCain can also create his own shot regularly while also being able to find open guys regularly. He is a very strong guard, which helps him be a good team defender; he should be a contributor right away for Philadelphia.

NBA Comp: Immanuel Quickley

17. Los Angeles Lakers: C - Zach Edey, Purdue

The Lakers have searched relentlessly for a center who could be a fit next to their superstar Anthony Davis; why not swing for the fences and take the most polarizing player in this class? Zach Edey, who is 7'5 with a 7'11 wingspan, is a constant interior mismatch on both ends of the floor. His elite rebounding and finishing are so formidable to the point where he demands extra attention. He showed off a great shot at the draft combine; if that translates into the game, the Lakers could have a home run pick.

NBA Comp: More conditioned Boban Marjonavic

18. Orlando: G - Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor

The one thing that was clearly evident for the Magic this year was that they need scoring and shooting if they ever want to seriously compete. Ja'kobe Walter is the perfect combo guard who is a great spot-up shooter and off-the-dribble shooter. He is also a solid perimeter defender; if he gets bigger, that could be his primary role. Walter fits seamlessly on the Magic's elite defense while also being a plus on the offensive side.

NBA Comp: Gary Trent Jr.

19. Toronto: G - Isaiah Collier, USC

Isaiah Collier, similar to Ron Holland, saw a slight dip in draft interest compared to the start of the year. Collier still has the tools to be a lead guard; he's an elite playmaker with a great deal of IQ. He's very great at getting downhill; he has a good mix of speed and strength. Collier has the physical tools to be a good perimeter defender, and this could be his calling card early on in his career. I think Toronto banks on his potential and lets him develop on a very good young team.

NBA Comp: Eric Bledsoe

20. Cleveland: G/F - Jaylon Tyson, California 

The Cavaliers could go numerous routes with this pick, but I think they pick wing Jaylon Tyson. They opt for an NBA-ready guard who is polished and can contribute to a team with championship aspirations. Tyson is a very efficient scorer from all facets of the floor; he is already a three-level scorer. He rebounds very well for his size and can easily take on secondary playmaking duties if needed. Will mesh well with the Cavaliers stars and won't be able to be schemed off the floor.

NBA Comp: Keldon Johnson

21. Pelicans: C - Kel'el Ware, Indiana

The Pelicans went into the offseason with the mindset of fully building around superstar Zion Williamson. A great step for building around him is finding players who fit next to him. Kel'el Ware is one of those players. The Pelicans will have an obvious hole at Center after free agency, so Ware can slide right in. Ware is an amazing rim-protecting big who has shown consistent potential to be a stretch big. He is very skilled and coordinated, and he will only have room to improve.

NBA Comp: Brook Lopez

22. Suns: G - Tyler Kolek, Marquette

It's painfully obvious after last season that the Suns' no-point guard offense was a disaster. They have been constantly linked to Tyler Kolek and reportedly love his game. Kolek is a great finisher, and he finished efficiently on a very high volume as well last season. He is a gifted passer; he can make any read on the floor and can run an NBA offense. He's a great passer, but he also does not turn the ball often. Though he is undersized and has questions about his athleticism, he is a polished prospect ready to contribute right away.

NBA Comp: Tre Jones

First Round Picks 23-30

23. Milwaukee: G/F - Ryan Dunn, Virginia

After a very disappointing season, the Bucks reportedly want to create a more versatile defense heading into next season. This was evident as the Bucks finished as a bottom-10 team despite having players who are great on defense. Ryan Dunn is by far the best defensive playmaker in this draft; he creates havoc wherever he is positioned on the floor. He has some major questions about his jumper, but his athleticism still carves him out a great slashing role on offense, which is something the Bucks could use.

NBA Comp: Stronger Matisse Thybulle

24. Knicks: C - Yves Missi, Baylor

The Knicks are rumored to be shopping Mitchell Robinson to resign Isaiah Hartenstein, so no matter what, they will need a center. Yves Missi is a perfect fit, he has the potential to be an elite rim protector. Missi can run any pick-and-roll coverage because of his fluid movement and high motor. He is an elite athlete and routinely catches lobs at a high rate. Missi as a backup center would be amazing because there would be no dropoff on the defensive end.                               v

25. Knicks: G/F - Terrance Shannon, Illinois   

With the Knicks second selection, I think they select Terrance Shannon. During the playoffs, the Knicks needed a more potent scoring punch when it came to their bench. Shannon is a pure three-level scorer and is probably the most physical guard in this draft. He is relentless when trying to get downhill and can routinely create his own shot. This selection should add another big guard who is versatile and can mesh well in the offense.

NBA Comp: Kelly Oubre Jr.

26. Washington: G - Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh

Carlton Carrington is the perfect late-round selection for Washington. He adds another wrinkle to their already exquisite offense and brings a big scoring punch off the bench. Carlton can make tough shots regularly and is also a great pick-and-roll guard. He is only 18, but his game is light years ahead, and if given the chance off the bench, he could be an effective lead guard.

NBA Comp: Keyonte George

27. Minnesota: G/F - Kyshawn George, Miami

Kyshawn George has amazing size and could help the Timberwolves offense with some much-needed spacing. George is a great shooter off the catch and has remarkable range to complement it. He can be a secondary playmaker if asked to, but he will mostly thrive as an off-ball player. George showed he is also a tough shot-maker and is comfortable from any spot on the perimeter.

NBA Comp: Athletic Joe Ingles

28. Denver: F/C - Daron Holmes II, Dayton

All last year, it was obvious that the Nuggets simply did not trust their frontcourt depth and would rather play small when Jokic went out for a rest. Daron Holmes solves those problems for the Nuggets and brings more things as well. He thrives in the pick-and-roll defense and can run any coverage necessary because of his fluid movements and motor skills. Holmes is a great interior scorer and is a very improved outside shooter, to the point where defenses have to respect him. He can also make consistent short-roll reads when needed.

NBA Comp: Myles Turner

29. Utah: G/F - Johnny Furphy, Kansas

Johnny Furphy is a very intriguing prospect because he has amazing size for a wing but is just a raw prospect right now. The established skills that he does have right now make this a great fit for the Jazz. Furphy has shown that he is a capable spot-up shooter and is exceptionally good in the corners. He finishes well and is a good athlete at 6'9. His motor and intensity will help him thrive as a role player in the league, and he should be able to contribute to Jazz at some point.

NBA Comp: Sam Dekker 

30. Boston: C - Kyle Filipowski , Duke

Boston is a rare team that won a championship and won't have any major pieces moving this offseason, so this pick is more for the future. With Al Horford only getting older and major health concerns for Kristaps Porzingis, I think Kyle Filipowski is the perfect fit. He is an amazing passer for a big man who can stretch the floor consistently. Filipowski is a polished offensive player with a versatile scoring repertoire and great handles. He is a very fluid mover, which greatly helps him on defense. Flipowski would fit seamlessly in the Celtics' nuclear offense if needed to play right away.

NBA Comp: Alperen Sengun

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