With the NBA regular season complete and the play-in games underway, the NBA draft now takes precedence for the 10 NBA teams outside the playoff mix.
From Europe to Australia and the college ranks, scouts are scouring the globe for the next impact NBA players in an uncertain draft class. Several prospects have climbed in the mock draft after stellar runs in the NCAA tournament, and two French prospects continue to top the draft board.
Which players from back-to-back champion UConn will land in the lottery? How did Kentucky’s lackluster March impact how its top prospects are viewed? And which international players are trending upward as seasons come to a close?
ESPN NBA draft insiders Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo look at these questions and break down the prospects in the latest mock draft.
FIRST ROUND
1. Detroit Pistons
Zaccharie Risacher
Bourg
SF
Age: 19.0
The Pistons are the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting team while ranking among the league’s worst defenses, meaning they could very well be attracted to the combination of perimeter shooting, defensive versatility and youth Risacher offers. He’s having an extremely productive season competing at a very high level of competition for Bourg, guarding every position from 1 to 4 while making 39% of his 3-pointers through 60 games, despite being in a late-season slump. Risacher looks like a strong fit positionally with the rest of Detroit’s core and is the type of player who doesn’t need plays called for him. — Jonathan Givony
2. Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr
Perth
PF/C
Age: 18.9
As the Wizards continue the nascent stages of a long rebuild, they can afford to take a longer view with a player such as Sarr. Coming off a positive developmental season in Australia, Sarr is the most physically gifted big in the draft and can help fix Washington’s leaky defense in time. As his offense develops, he’s potentially the type of versatile contributor who can fit universally into lineups at the 4 or the 5. The Wizards selected another French player, Bilal Coulibaly, in last year’s draft and have the type of patient runway to help Sarr maximize his considerable ability. — Jeremy Woo
3. Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan
UConn
C
Age: 20.1
The Trail Blazers appear too early in their rebuilding process to be overly concerned with positional fit and might not be married long-term to center DeAndre Ayton, who has two more years on his contract. Portland could be attracted to the size, length, defensive prowess and passing ability of Clingan, who is coming off back-to-back national championships and has plenty of room for growth alongside the Blazers’ core at just 20 years old. — Givony
4. Charlotte Hornets
Rob Dillingham
Kentucky
PG
Age: 19.2
With the Hornets transitioning to new front office leadership, an open-minded approach to this selection could make Dillingham intriguing. The shooting acumen he demonstrated at Kentucky provides a blueprint for how he might be able to fit in alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in what could be a potent offensive trio — albeit one with real defensive concerns. While he won’t be a fit for every team, the uncertain nature of this draft class will make Dillingham a consideration early on, with his uncommon mix of shot creation and 3-point ability as an upside if he can round out his game further. — Woo
5. San Antonio Spurs
Nikola Topic
Mega MIS
PG
Age: 18.6
The Spurs have an opening at point guard and will likely study the fit of both Topic and Dillingham, who is already off the board in this scenario. Pairing Victor Wembanyama with a highly unselfish, creative passer such as Topic would be attractive, as he also has excellent size to play in the backcourt with other guards. His defensive shortcomings might not appear as glaring with Wembanyama behind him, but improving his perimeter shooting will be key. — Givony
6. Toronto Raptors
Matas Buzelis
G League Ignite
SF/PF
Age: 19.5
Toronto owns a top-six protection on this pick and has a 45.8% chance of keeping it. Those odds will make for an anxious lottery night, as the Raptors hope not to get jumped in the draft order. With the team rebuilding and the roster somewhat in flux around Scottie Barnes, grabbing another versatile forward in Buzelis could be beneficial, giving Toronto more positional size and lineup optionality to play with in the frontcourt, something this front office has traditionally favored. Buzelis finished his G League season with a productive stretch and made strides defensively, reminding scouts what makes him an intriguing development pick in the lottery. — Woo
7. Memphis Grizzlies
Reed Sheppard
Kentucky
PG/SG
Age: 19.8
The Grizzlies will surely be attuned to Sheppard rating as one of the best players in this draft class from an analytics perspective, while also bringing the type of scoring efficiency the team usually covets in the draft. He’d form one of the smallest backcourts in the NBA with Ja Morant but could help ignite an offense that ranked last in the NBA this season in efficiency due to a myriad of injuries to core players. — Givony
8. Utah Jazz
Stephon Castle
UConn
PG/SG
Age: 19.4
The Jazz have been exceedingly patient with their rebuild and could see long-term benefits in a potential backcourt partnership between Keyonte George and Castle, the latter of whom has established himself as one of the top defensive prospects in this class. Castle’s size, matchup versatility and secondary playmaking ability as a ball handler could fit quite nicely with George’s scoring ability. Teams will want to see Castle shoot the ball with confidence in workouts, but if he can assuage some of those concerns, he figures to warrant an upside swing in the lottery and benefit from UConn’s March dominance. — Woo
9. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)
Dalton Knecht
Tennessee
SF
Age: 22.9
The Rockets turned the page on their rebuilding process by hiring head coach Ime Udoka and making a splash in free agency last summer, indicating they could look at more ready-made players with this pick considering the plethora of youth already on the roster. Shooting will likely be a priority for Houston this summer, and the dynamic perimeter game of the nearly 23-year-old Knecht — who made 40% of his 3s this season — could be attractive with this pick. — Givony
10. Atlanta Hawks
Cody Williams
Colorado
SG/SF
Age: 19.4
Following this year’s draft, the Hawks won’t control their own first-round pick until 2028, owing picks and swaps to the Spurs. This could be an offseason of big changes in Atlanta as the Hawks weigh the luxury tax. Considering those factors, taking a long view with this selection and playing for upside over fit makes sense. Williams had an uneven freshman season but flashed upside as a big playmaker in his best moments, making him an interesting lottery candidate. His frame and defensive upside make him one of the draft’s more interesting development bets if he can refine his handling and shooting. — Woo
11. Chicago Bulls
Isaiah Collier
USC
PG
Age: 19.5
With Zach Lavine reportedly on the trade block and a need for additional playmaking from the backcourt as a priority this offseason, the shot-creation prowess and scoring instincts of Collier will be studied closely by the Bulls’ front office should he be available with this pick. Collier has flaws but also offers some real star power and upside with his size, strength and slashing ability at 19 years old, especially if his perimeter shooting improves. — Givony
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)
Ja’Kobe Walter
Baylor
SG/SF
Age: 19.6
The Thunder can essentially go any direction in adding to their collection of talent with this pick from the Rockets, a luxury for the Western Conference’s top seed. Walter’s 3-point shooting could make him an attractive fit here, as a young player who could eventually slide into a valuable role as OKC’s roster gradually becomes more expensive. Walter isn’t much of a shot-creator and has work to do in expanding his contributions, but his intangibles and smooth shooting should make him an attractive piece with a feasible pathway to NBA success. — Woo
13. Sacramento Kings
Ron Holland
G League Ignite
SF
Age: 18.7
The Kings could look to bolster their wing depth with key reserve Malik Monk entering free agency, either through the draft or other means. Holland had an uneven season in the G League from an efficiency standpoint, but he is one of the youngest players in the draft and brings impressive intensity and scoring aggressiveness, which makes him a candidate to be picked higher in the lottery depending on how the pre-draft process plays out. — Givony
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State)
Tidjane Salaun
Cholet
PF
Age: 18.6
Salaun would be another intriguing addition to Portland’s frontcourt, helping to balance out a guard-heavy roster. He could be an interesting fit with this young core thanks to his potential to space the floor, supply energy and versatility as an off-ball player, with the future in mind. Salaun is still raw in important areas of his game but should be an appealing project if he can make strides as a shooter and decision-maker. — Woo
15. Miami Heat
Zach Edey
Purdue
C
Age: 21.9
Edey’s positional fit alongside Bam Adebayo would be a topic of discussion in Miami, but his productivity, physicality, intensity and cultural match would be welcomed by the Heat. Adebayo has started to slowly incorporate a 3-point shot into his offensive arsenal late this season and has the type of defensive versatility that could be useful alongside another big man. Edey’s offensive rebounding and interior scoring are skills the Heat don’t have much of, making him an attractive pick here. — Givony
16. Los Angeles Lakers*
Kyle Filipowski
Duke
PF/C
Age: 20.4
The Pelicans have the rights to this Lakers pick but are expected to defer it to 2025, in what should be a deeper draft. Assuming that happens, the Lakers can keep getting younger on the fringes of their roster. Los Angeles could use long-term frontcourt depth in particular, and Filipowski’s versatility and playmaking ability supply the type of skill set the current role players lack. It may take him some time to adjust, and he’ll need to become a more consistent shooter, but his size/skill combination is certainly of interest. — Woo
17. Philadelphia 76ers
Devin Carter
Providence
PG/SG
Age: 22.0
Most playoff teams could use the defensive versatility, toughness and developing outside shooting Carter brings, especially on a roster with ample shot creation already in place like the 76ers have with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. The 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year looks like a plug-and-play option at 22 years old, which will be attractive to several teams drafting in this range. — Givony
18. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana)
Jared McCain
Duke
PG
Age: 20.1
McCain came on in a big way toward the end of the season, showcasing his shooting and feel for the game in place of great measurables. He offers a higher floor than usual for a freshman guard as a result, with the ability to play on and off the ball, knock down shots and make plays for teammates. His defense is still a work in progress, but there’s a lot to like about him in the long term, as he could make for a useful addition on a young roster in need of shooting like Toronto’s. — Woo
19. Orlando Magic
Tristan da Silva
Colorado
SF/PF
Age: 22.9
The Magic ranked among the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting teams this season and will look to improve in that area this offseason. Da Silva, a plug-and-play option at nearly 23 years old, brings coveted defensive versatility and feel for the game. He also doesn’t need plays called for him, which could be attractive operating alongside existing stars Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. — Givony
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyler Smith
G League Ignite
SF/PF
Age: 19.4
The Cavs finished in the middle of the pack in 3-point shooting and could stand to add more floor spacing in their frontcourt. Smith fits the bill, with a successful season in the G League helping to clarify his role in the NBA. Smith likely needs another season to develop physically and get accustomed to the speed of the game, but he looks to be on a positive trajectory as one of the more legitimate stretch bigs on the board in the middle of the draft. — Woo
21. Milwaukee Bucks
Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kansas
SF
Age: 23.0
The Bucks took a major step backward defensively this season and will likely look to improve in that area this summer. They’re firmly in win-now mode with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, so adding the 23-year-old McCullar could be attractive as he’s likely more ready to help the team in the short term than other options in this range. McCullar is an excellent defender and passer and was shooting the ball as well as he ever had in his career before being derailed by a midseason knee injury. — Givony
22. New Orleans Pelicans
Yves Missi
Baylor
C
Age: 19.9
Missi would be a project pick for the Pelicans, who stand to upgrade their depth at center and could try to address that role long-term via the draft. While he’s not NBA-ready, Missi’s size, tools and flashes of scoring ability piqued interest from scouts this season enough to vault him into the draft. He might need an ostensible redshirt year but could pay dividends in this part of the draft. — Woo
23. Phoenix Suns
Bobi Klintman
Cairns
SF/PF
Age: 21.1
The Suns traded away most of their draft capital in the coming years to build a superteam anchored around Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, making this pick a rare chance to inject the team with young talent on a cost-controlled rookie scale contract. Wing depth will likely be important for the Suns moving forward, especially with perimeter shooting and defensive versatility at a premium. Klintman, who is old enough at 21 to be expected to play a role in the short term, also has some intriguing ingredients to develop long-term with his size, range and defensive playmaking ability. — Givony
24. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)
Kyshawn George
Miami
SG/SF
Age: 20.3
George is a name to track closely during the pre-draft process, as his skill set and size are often conducive to workout settings and might cause teams to look past his modest freshman-year production. He’d be a big upside swing for the Knicks, who have amassed talent nicely and can go several different directions with these picks in the 20s. George’s shooting and playmaking ability on the wing make for an intriguing package of skills, but he lacks high-level experience and will need time to deliver a return wherever he’s selected. — Woo
25. New York Knicks
Carlton Carrington
Pittsburgh
PG/SG
Age: 18.7
The Knicks have strong depth and versatility at nearly every position and can afford to take a couple of swings on long-term upside if they decide to keep one or both of their first-round picks. Carrington is one of the youngest players in this draft and will need time to gain strength and add experience before he’s ready to play a real role in the NBA, but his positional size, dynamic perimeter shooting and strong basketball instincts make him someone a team in this range could bet on. — Givony
26. Washington Wizards (via LA Clippers)
Juan Nunez
Ratiopharm Ulm
PG
Age: 19.8
With incumbent starter Tyus Jones entering free agency and potentially not on the same timetable as the rebuilding Wizards, drafting a young point guard to insert into the mix could be one direction the team opts to take this summer. Nunez is one of the best pick-and-roll playmakers in this draft at 19 years old and is coming off an excellent season in the competitive EuroCup and German league with Ratiopharm Ulm. — Givony
27. Minnesota Timberwolves
Johnny Furphy
Kansas
SG/SF
Age: 19.3
Minnesota has favored positional size and versatility at forward in recent drafts as it looks to keep building out a supporting cast around Anthony Edwards. Furphy could be another one of those players, having flashed good instincts and the ability to impact games without heavy touches while becoming a surprise one-and-done candidate. He has work to do in all areas of his game, particularly on defense, but can help himself by shooting it well in workouts and reassuring teams of his value. — Woo
28. Denver Nuggets
Tyler Kolek
Marquette
PG
Age: 23.0
The Nuggets have not been shy about targeting NBA-ready college players in recent drafts, and Kolek could be another fit along those lines. He has the moxie and pick-and-roll smarts to step in on a competitive team and provide backup minutes. His athletic limitations limit his upside, but he could be a useful plug-and-play pick off the bench in this part of the draft. — Woo
29. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City)
Justin Edwards
Kentucky
SG/SF
Age: 20.3
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 Jazz could look to bolster their wing depth, which could make Edwards a candidate to hear his name in the late first round. — Givony
30. Boston Celtics
Kel’el Ware
Indiana
C
Age: 19.9
The Celtics can take a straight upside swing here at the end of the first round if they choose. Ware did well in producing at a high level toward the end of the season at Indiana, causing teams to take a longer look despite the long-held questions about his competitiveness and motor. His length, shooting ability and shot-blocking have always made him an interesting flier from an NBA perspective and the type of prospect who can really help himself in workout settings. A strong spring could see him sneak into the first round. — Woo
SECOND ROUND
31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons)
Ryan Dunn | Virginia | SF | Age: 21.2
32. Utah Jazz (via Washington Wizards)
Utah Jazz)
San Antonio Spurs (via Indiana Pacers)
Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)
Hunter Sallis | Wake Forest | SG | Age: 21.0
50. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns
Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 21.0
51. Indiana PacersNew Orleans Pelicans
Mantas Rubstavicius | NZ Breakers | SF | Age: 21.9
52. Indiana PacersNew Orleans Pelicans)
Ryan Kalkbrenner | Creighton | C | Age: 22.2
53. Detroit PistonsNew York Knicks
DaRon Holmes II | Dayton | PF/C | Age: 21.6
54. Boston CelticsDallas Mavericks (via Boston Celtics)
Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne | C | Age: 22.0
Note: The Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns forfeited a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.
Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.
