The NBA Draft Combine concluded a couple of weeks ago, and team workouts have begun. Reports and leaks are coming in, resulting in major shakeups in the overall consensus of which teams are going to draft which players. Tiers are being broken, including the top tier which has consisted of just Alex Sarr for the past couple of months.
With the draft being less than a month away, teams are getting closer to the prospects and creating their big boards. There are even a lot of trade-down candidates at the top of the draft this year who will need to decide what's best for their roster going forward. I won't be doing any mock trades today, but it's definitely something to keep in mind.
Let's get into the mock. **note: ages are as of draft night
Pick 1 - Atlanta Hawks
Zaccharie Risacher - SF/SG
19 - 6'8" - 202lb - France
Atlanta front office members Quinn Snyder, Landry Fields, and Kyle Korver traveled to Europe to see Risacher play a little over a week ago now, and he did not disappoint, scoring 14 points, knocking down a couple of threes, and nabbing 6 boards. Risacher has been on a hot streak since then, dropping over 20 points in two of his past four games. There's been a lot of speculation about whether the Hawks will move Capela or Okongwu to make room for Alex Sarr, but this scenario would allow them to just keep both of them in the rotation and add some forward depth, behind Hunter and Johnson. Atlanta certainly has a lot of flexibility with this pick (including the option of trading it), but whether they decide to move in a win-now or rebuilding direction, Risacher would be a good fit with high potential as a tall, 3&D off-ball player.
Pick 2 - Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr, C/PF
19 - 7'1" - 224lb - France
Sarr dropping to Washington would be a dream scenario for them. He's viewed by most as the top prospect in the class with one of the highest ceilings. Not only is he the best prospect available, but he's also the best fit for the Wizards, who don't have any playable bigs on their roster besides Marvin Bagley (who isn't very solid himself). Sarr projects to be a defensive monster with his 7'1" frame, 7'4.25" wingspan, and high defensive IQ. His interior presence will make it tough to score at the rim, but he's also fast enough to keep up out on the perimeter and switch when needed. Sarr's swing skill is his outside shot; if he can develop that, it's hard to imagine that he won't develop into an All-Star caliber player.
Pick 3 - Houston Rockets
Reed Sheppard - PG/SG
20 - 6'3" - 187lb - Kentucky
Reed Sheppard to the Rockets has been one of the most common mocks in the NBA Draft community as of late, and for good reason. He shot over 52% (!) from three this season at Kentucky, and put more people on at the combine when he showed off his athleticism by notching a 42-inch vertical. The Rockets have a desperate need for three-point efficiency, and could also use another guard while Amen Thompson develops his on-ball skills. Sheppard, a combo guard, gives Houston a lot of versatility in the backcourt and provides kickout opportunities when he's playing off-ball. Sheppard is a mature player who just wants to win games, and could be a major role player for the Rockets next season as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since they started their rebuild.
Pick 4 - San Antonio Spurs
Stephon Castle - PG/SG
19 - 6'7" - 210lb - UConn
Stephon Castle has been in the media as of late after proclaiming to teams that he doesn't want to work out for anyone who has a starting PG in place. The Spurs need a PG, and there are a plethora of options on the board here, but Castle seems like a good fit for the Spurs. San Antonio clearly loves high-level defenders, as they've taken Vassell, Sochan, and Wemby in recent drafts. As a big guard, Castle is versatile in the sense that he's capable of guarding multiple positions. His energy and hustle both on and off the ball make him a pest that can annoy the opponent's best offensive player night in and night out. He isn't much of a three-point shooter, but he has nice touch at the rim and also shot 76% from the line this season. Developing more of an all-around offensive game would lead to star upside for him.
Pick 5 - Detroit Pistons
Matas Buzelis - SF/PF
19 - 6'10" - 197lb - G-League Ignite
Buzelis to the Pistons is picking up steam, as they need forwards and shooting. Buzelis did not shoot well for the G-League Ignite this year, but NBA scouts seem to be confident in his shooting upside, and he did shoot it well in high school. Defensively, Buzelis definitely has the length and tools necessary to become a good defender in the league. He's already a solid off-ball defender and also swatted over 2 shots a game for the Ignite. One of his best attributes, though, is his playmaking; he has high feel for the game and can create shots for his teammates. On top of all that, Buzelis's agent is the son of Arn Tellem, who is in Detroit's front office, so there is a connection there. This pick would be risky for the Pistons, who keep drafting raw teenagers with high upside, but giving their young core time to grow and develop together could pay off in a big way in a few years.
Pick 6 - Charlotte Hornets
Ron Holland - SF/PF
18 - 6'7" - 197lb - G-League Ignite
Ron Holland has maybe the highest defensive upside out of any prospect in the class, so it's only natural that a bottom-10 defensive team in the league would be interested in him. Though he measured in a little bit shorter at the Combine than the listed 6'8", he still remains a switchable defender with enough length to keep his man in front of him. Holland is explosive and finishes strong at the rim, and will be even scarier going downhill if he can put on some more muscle. His shot IQ wasn't very good for the Ignite last year, but he won't be asked to do nearly as much on offense in Charlotte with the other offensive weapons they have on their roster like Ball and Miller. Holland would also be able to slide into a bigger role if Charlotte's starting PF, Miles Bridges, leaves in free agency.
Pick 7 - Portland Trail Blazers
Donovan Clingan - C
20 - 7'3" - 282lb - UConn
Portland is in a spot right now where they have a bunch of valuable players that they need to move for assets because they don't fit the timeline of the rebuild. Two of those players, Robert Williams and DeAndre Ayton, are centers (although Ayton may be more difficult to move). Clingan can come in and be solidified as Portland's center of the future and defensive anchor. He measured extremely well at the combine, coming in at 7'3" and 282 lbs with a 7'7" wingspan. The paint beast can alter any shot, which was shown as he blocked 2.5 shots a game at UConn. Alongside Scoot Henderson, Clingan will make the Blazers tough to defend in the pick-and-roll game and tough to out-rebound. He's a safe pick that fills a gap in Portland's young core.
Pick 8 - San Antonio Spurs
Tidjane Salaun - PF/SF
18 - 6'9" - 212lb - France
Salaun caught fire a couple weeks back and caught the attention of several teams, including the Spurs, who are reportedly looking into taking him here at pick 8. He had a three-game stretch where he averaged 15 points on 43% from beyond the arc. At just 18 years old, Salaun is raw but has a high ceiling that could be reached with the help of an NBA developmental team, and the Spurs are known for being great at developing players. His basketball IQ is low, but he plays extremely hard, so some good coaching could definitely help him tap into that potential. His 7'1" wingspan, quickness, and energy make him tough on the defensive end already. He fits the timeline of this Spurs rebuild for sure.
Pick 9 - Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey - C
22 - 7'5" - 299lb - Purdue
After measuring extremely well at the Draft Combine and performing much better than expected in the speed/agility drills, reports came out that several NBA executives have a lottery grade Edey, with several even having him in their top 10. Memphis, who just misses out on Clingan in this scenario, is likely one of those teams, as they need win-now players, and especially need a center after trading away Steven Adams this season. The 7'5.25" big man and two-time National Player of the Year is an absolute menace in the paint on both ends of the floor. He averaged over 25 points per game on 62% from the field. It's had to stop a dunk when you're opponent has a 9'7" standing reach. Edey also blocked over 2 shots a game last year and altered too many to count. 7'5" players are usually skinny and have injury concerns, but Edey is filled into his body and doesn't have much of an injury history. He would be a great fit with the Grizzlies as their backup center next year.
Pick 10 - Utah Jazz
Nikola Topic - PG
18 - 6'6" - 200lb - Serbia
Topic had been one of the consensus top-picks of the draft for a while, but he's begun falling recently after re-injuring the same knee that took him out of play for a few months earlier this year. There have also been some concerns about his shooting and defense. As a tall guard, though, Topic does have the tools that can help him become at least a capable defender in time. To address the shooting concerns, it is true that he only shot 31% from three this season, but he did shoot 88% from the line, so the touch is there. Topic's true selling point is his ability to be a floor general and playmaker. He's constantly dishing the ball to open teammates off drives, and when he decides to take it himself he's a slithery finisher who gets around his man. Topic would be a perfect complementary piece offensively for Keyonte George, who is more of a score-first combo guard.
Pick 11 - Chicago Bulls
Cody Williams - SF/SG
19 - 6'8" - 178lb - Colorado
Most of the best available prospects here at pick 11 are guards, and Chicago has too many guards they need to play to justify picking one here, especially if they don't end up blowing it up this offseason. Cody Williams would be a good selection for Chicago whichever direction they decide to go; you can never have too many 3&D wings. At just 19 years old, Williams was efficient in his lone season at Colorado, notching 12 points a game on 59% from the field, including 41% from three on low volume. His slim frame hinders his defensive ability despite the energy he brings to the table, but with NBA-level training, he should be able to get his weight up and become more capable on that end of the floor. Whenever the Bulls do decide to rebuild, Williams would be an important piece going forward.
Pick 12 - Oklahoma City Thunder
Dalton Knecht - SF/SG
23 - 6'6" - 212lb - Tennessee
The Thunder's young core is amazing, but Oklahoma City won't be able to retain all of them once their rookie contracts expire, so getting an NBA-ready player here that can be retained for at least the next four years would be smart. Knecht was one of the shining stars of college basketball last season, leading a weak Tennessee roster (excluding him) to the Elite Eight. Knecht dropped 22 points a game and shot nearly 40% from outside, so his offensive game is above that of most other prospects in the class as of right now. Defensively, he isn't so elite, but the Thunder can surround him with enough great defenders to hide his weaknesses. Overall, Knecht would provide good depth for the Thunder if they lose anyone due to injury or lack of cap space.
Pick 13 - Sacramento Kings
Rob Dillingham - PG
19 - 6'2" - 164lb - Kentucky
Sacramento is probably about to lose Malik Monk, their third-leading scorer and three-point shooter, in free agency, so they need a replacement. Rob Dillingham was one of the most proficient scorers, outside shooters, and shot-creators in all of college basketball this past season, so the Kings should be ecstatic if he were to fall this far come draft night. Dillingham dropped 15 points a game coming off the bench for Kentucky on 50% from the field and 44% from three. He very well may have the best handle in the draft class; he has a deep bag and shifts past defenders to score at the rim or create space for a pull-up jumper. He will definitely be a liability on defense, standing just 6'2" and 164 lbs, but he could definitely be an offensive spark plug coming off the bench.
Pick 14 - Portland Trail Blazers
Ja'Kobe Walter - SG/SF
19 - 6'5" - 198lb - Baylor
This would be a nice trade-down spot for Portland, who really have no use for the best prospects available (McCain, Carter, Collier) since they are all guards and the Blazers are set at that position. Ja'Kobe Walter, who is more of a wing, has 3&D upside and could prove to be a vital role player once this rebuild is all said and done. His efficiency took a dip towards the end of the season, but that is likely due to teams starting to gameplan more for him as Baylor had him carry more of the offensive load. Walter has a smooth jumper and is a strong inside scorer through traffic. He also possesses a massive 6'10 wingspan and can halt a ball-handler. He keeps up when defending off the ball, too. Walter will start in the G-League which will allow him some minutes and a chance to boost his confidence.
Pick 15 - Miami Heat
Devin Carter - SG/PG
22 - 6'3" - 195lb - Providence
Carter to Miami is becoming another one of the most commonly mocked picks, but if Miami is still trying to compete next season, this needs to happen. Devin Carter is one of the most NBA-ready prospects available, with a strong all-around game that can complement Miami's players right away. Despite being only 6'3.5", he has nearly a 6'9" wingspan which, when paired with his strength and defensive IQ, makes him a force to be reckoned with on defense. He also grabbed almost 9 boards a game this year, proving that he plays with intensity and will do all the little things necessary to get the win. Carter is no slouch on offense, either, as he scored about 20 points per game and shot 38% from three for Providence. He'd be a great fit for Miami behind Terry Rozier.
Pick 16 - Philadelphia 76ers
Tristan da Silva - PF/SF
23 - 6'9" - 217lb - Colorado
Philadelphia is probably going to let Tobias Harris walk this offseason, and Batum and Covington aren't getting any younger. The 76ers also need an NBA-ready player if they're going to compete for a championship next season, so forward Tristan da Silva is the easy pick here. At 23 years old on draft night, da Silva is going to be a guy who comes in and immediately makes an impact on the bench unit. He has a solid all-round game, as he is an incredible passer for his position who can also space the floor and knock down threes (he shot almost 40% from beyond the arc last season). Da Silva is quick on defense and has high IQ, so he can keep up both on and off the ball. He could definitely get some playoff minutes next season, so the value for Philadelphia is high here at 16.
Pick 17 - Los Angeles Lakers
Jared McCain - SG/PG
20 - 6'3" - 203lb - Duke
**New Orleans still has a few days to decide if they want this pick or next year's, but with the 2025 class seeming to be a lot better than this one, they will most likely defer.
The Lakers have needed shooting for what feels like about five years now and they finally get it here. Jared McCain is now seen as one of the best shooters in the class after showing out in the NCAA Tournament, ending the year at 41% from outside the arc on 6 attempts per game. With rumors that Russell could be getting moved this offseason, McCain would provide Los Angeles with some backcourt depth going forward, too. He's also a capable pick-and-roll ballhandler and passer. He's not a great defender (despite giving solid effort) right now, but his offensive and playmaking upside should be valuable enough to take a swing here at 17.
Pick 18 - Orlando Magic
Tyler Smith - PF/C
19 - 6'10" - 224lb - G-League Ignite
The G-League Ignite were terrible this past season, but Tyler Smith was able to at least cement himself as a solid shooter with enough potential to merit a first-round pick. He would be a good fit with the Magic, who were one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the league in terms of both percentage and attempts. His jumper looks smooth and consistent, but one area he will need to improve is his inside scoring. Smith flashed potential to become a good interior defender if he can put on some weight, as he has a 7'1" wingspan and had enough instinct to swat about shot a game last season. He probably wouldn't get many minutes next season, but at just 19 years old, he would be a nice project play for Orlando.
Pick 19 - Toronto Raptors
Yves Missi - C
19 - 7'0" - 229lb - Baylor
Although Jakob Poeltl is under contract for a couple more years, he is clearly not a vital piece of the Raptors' rebuild. Yves Missi would be a good project play for Toronto at just 19 years old coming out of Baylor. He's a traditional, athletic center who crashes the boards hard and dominates the paint. One of the best rim protectors in the class, Missi averaged 1.5 blocks per game in under 23 minutes. He has high versatility on defense with the ability to switch on the perimeter and shut down pick-and-rolls. He can't shoot at all but can finish strong at the rim through contact and will be a lob threat night in and night out. The Raptors have a solid development staff and could get Missi ready within a year or two.
Pick 20 - Cleveland Cavaliers
Isaiah Collier - PG
19 - 6'4" - 205lb - USC
The Cavaliers are one of the toughest teams to mock for because it's impossible to predict what they are going to do this offseason. There have been rumors that the Garland/Mitchell backcourt needs to get broken up, and Jarrett Allen has even been in trade rumors as well. Collier is the best prospect available here in this scenario and would provide guard depth should one of the aforementioned backcourt members be shipped off. Collier is a strong, crafty lead guard who can bully his way to the rim and finish strong, and that bulky frame makes it tough for ball-handlers to get through him on defense. After a slow start to the season before his injury, he came back and played much better, flashing the potential that scouts saw in him when he was considered a top 3 pick before the season.
Pick 21 - New Orleans Pelicans
Kel'el Ware - C/PF
20 - 7'1" - 230lb - Indiana
New Orleans is likely going to let Jonas Valanciunas walk in free agency, so they can pick up Ware here for some big-man depth. During his breakout season at Indiana, Ware dropped 16 points a game, shooting an efficient 59% from the field. He shows potential to be a floor spacer in the league as well, as he shot 43% from beyond the arc (albeit on only 1.3 attempts a game). Ware blocked 2 shots a game for Indiana and measured well at the combine with a 7'4.5" wingspan and 9'4.5 standing reach, so he has the instincts and physical tools scouts look for when trying to find elite rim protectors. The Pelicans are bound to make some moves this offseason, so Ware could end up seeing some decent minutes next season.
Pick 22 - Phoenix Suns
Kyle Filipowski - PF/C
20 - 7'0" - 230lb - Duke
Filipowski is starting to slip down draft boards after a disappointing showing at the combine, but he would be a great fit with the Suns. Phoenix's front office seems committed to keeping the ball in the hands of the big 3, so it's unlikely that they will draft a PG, and instead go for a complementary piece. FIlipowski does all the little things on offense: cutting, setting screens, passing, shooting threes, etc. He can make plays for the big 3 with his solid vision and high basketball IQ, plus he can thrive in the pick-and-roll game. He projects as more of a stretch 4 instead of a 5 in the league because he's not super strong and has small arms for his size, but he does give high effort on defense. Filipowski would be a steal for Phoenix should he drop this far.
Pick 23 - Milwaukee Bucks
Tyler Kolek - PG
23 - 6'3" - 197lb - Marquette
Out of the remaining prospects, Kolek is clearly the most NBA-ready non-wing (Milwaukee has a plethora of young wings developing) and the Bucks should take him. He can come in and immediately provide leadership off the bench as the lead guard and playmaker. Kolek's basketball IQ is high, both on offense and defense, and he can make quick decisions to get his teammates easy baskets. As an undersized guard, he will most likely be the weakest link on defense, but he will be positioned well and limit mistakes. Kolek also shows promise to be a good off-ball guard, as he thrived in the catch-and-shoot game and also knocked down 39% of his threes overall. He's someone who could see playoff minutes next season.
Pick 24 - New York Knicks
DaRon Holmes II - C/PF
21 - 6'10" - 236lb - Dayton
One of the Knicks' biggest struggles this year was big man depth, and Holmes is the best big man left on the board, so it's an easy pick here. Hartenstein could potentially leave this offseason, and Mitchell Robinson has had injury problems, so Holmes would provide some good insurance as a rim protector and pick-and-roller. He blocked over 2 shots a game and scored 20 points per game, with most of those points coming in the paint. Holmes also took big strides as an outside shooter at Dayton this season, knocking down 39% of his threes on 2.5 attempts a game. Overall, Holmes would give the Knicks a lot of lineup versatility and depth for their championship push next year.
Pick 25 - New York Knicks
Jaylon Tyson - SF/SG
21 - 6'8" - 218lb - California
With back-to-back picks, New York doubles up on players who would benefit from G-League minutes but could help out right away if the injury bug strikes them again. Tyson had a very high usage rate at Cal this season but still managed to be somewhat efficient from the field, shooting 47% overall and 36% from three. He's a solid shot creator who can knock down pretty much any type of shot you can think of whether he's playing on or off the ball. Rebounding is a translatable skill, and Tyson grabbed 7 boards a night, showing the high effort he plays with. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions. He could become a very important role player for the Knicks down the line if given the opportunity.
Pick 26 - Washington Wizards
Carlton Carrington - PG
18 - 6'5" - 195lb - Pittsburgh
Carrington has been a riser in recent weeks but fell in this scenario due to contending teams needing more NBA-ready players. Although he will definitely be a project player, Carrington is worth the investment. The PG is an amazing shot-creator who can shake defenders easily and knock down a variety of shots. At 6'5", he can pull up over defenders or sling the ball around them to set up a teammate. He's very slender, so he will need to spend some time getting NBA training and conditioning, and will also need to spend some time developing his skills in the G-League, but Washington may be the ideal spot for him to get an opportunity to shine.
Pick 27 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Kevin McCullar Jr - SF/SG
23 - 6'6" - 206lb - Kansas
There have been concerns with McCullar, who missed the NCAA Tournament due to injury, but it's hard to deny that he fits the 3&D mold that Minnesota uses to find their rotation players. McCullar is one of the oldest prospects in the class at age 23, but he's NBA-ready and was one of the best defenders in college basketball last season. He has a 6'9" wingspan and plays with intensity and aggressiveness out on the perimeter. He showed flashes as a shooter and also dished out 4 assists a game, so he really has a solid all-around offensive game. 6 rebounds a game is also great for a player of his size. As long as McCullar gets the medical clear, he could end up being seen as one of the steals of the draft when next season is all said and done.
Pick 28 - Denver Nuggets
Kyshawn George - SF/SG
20 - 6'8" - 209lb - Miami
Denver finished dead last in three-point attempts this season, and although they were still one of the better teams in the regular season, it could still be valuable to have a pure shooter on the roster. Kyshawn George shot over 4 threes a game last season in just 23 minutes, hitting 41% of them. He plays within that sharpshooter role, as he took more than double the number of threes as he did twos, so he would be a nice complement to Jokic and Murray as Michael Porter Jr is (although he's not nearly at that level right now). He isn't NBA-ready and needs to put on weight, but given some time to develop George could fill a needed role for the Nuggets.
Pick 29 - Utah Jazz
Ryan Dunn - PF/SF
21 - 6'7" - 214lb - Virginia
Picking Topic at 10 helps the Jazz in a lot of areas, but one area they still need to improve is their perimeter defense. Ryan Dunn is a guy who can guard the 1-4 and is one of the best defenders in the whole class. He's quick on the perimeter and plays with intensity, keeping his man in front of him cutting off his man off the ball. He averaged over 2 blocks per game this season, which is outstanding for a forward. Offensively, Dunn is a liability as a terrible shooter, but he doesn't force shots. Dunn is someone who can get minutes immediately for Utah as a lockdown defender despite having little-to-no offensive game right now. His ceiling becomes much higher if he develops a jumper, but it's pretty unlikely.
Pick 30 - Boston Celtics
Adem Bona - C
21 - 6'9" - 243 - UCLA
Adem Bona showed out at the Draft Combine and proved himself as a legitimate first-round talent. Though undersized for a center, Bona is bulky and plays bigger than his 6'9" frame. He goes hard on the boards and flies in with his major athleticism, which also helps him as a shot-blocked. He swatted about 2 shots a game last season for UCLA. Bona can catch alley-oops and finish emphatically at the rim, which is a huge reason why he excels so much in the pick-and-roll game. He can't shoot but would give the Celtics some big-man depth, which they need with Porzingis's injury history and Horford's age.
Conclusion
That's my mock draft at the moment, but I'm sure there will be a lot of changes as we get closer to the draft on June 26th. There were a few players I didn't mock that I do think could go in the first round, such as Johnny Furphy, Bobi Klintman, and Pacome Dadiet. I'm excited to see more reports and learn about who teams are looking into!
Until next time...
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