2024 NBA Mock Draft: Entire First Round

2024 NBA Draft Betting

Welcome to the 2024 NBA Mock Draft, where anticipation and speculation reach their peak as we approach another exciting draft season. Last year, the San Antonio Spurs made waves by selecting Victor Wembanyama, the highly-touted French phenom, as the first overall pick. His selection was a near-certain entity, but there are no certainties or clear-cut top choices in sight this year.

As always, trades will undoubtedly shake up the draft order, adding further excitement and complexity to the proceedings. However, for the purposes of this mock draft, we've kept things straightforward and trade-free.

In addition to our mock draft predictions, we'll be highlighting betting odds and opportunities as they become available, offering a comprehensive guide for those looking to place bets on this year's draft outcomes.

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, June 26th, when the first round of the draft will unfold, followed by the second round on Thursday, June 27th. Dive in, explore the prospects, and get ready for another unforgettable NBA Draft!

1. Hawks: Donovan Clingan (C, UConn)

The Hawks have seemingly been trying to get rid of Clint Capela for years now and by selecting Clingan No. 1 overall, they’d instantly upgrade the position with a two-way big man that’s coming off of consecutive NCAA Championships at UConn. 

Known for his ability to protect the rim and alter shots, Clingan's presence in the paint makes him one of the best interior defenders in this draft class. His 2.5 blocks per game as a sophomore highlight his shot-blocking ability, making him an intimidating force against even the most skilled offensive players.

Offensively, Clingan utilizes his size to his advantage, excelling in pick-and-roll situations and as a rim runner. He is effective at sealing defenders and converting close-range shots, thanks to his soft touch and strong hands. His ability to play through contact and finish above the rim adds a valuable dimension to his game. With his unselfish play and good decision-making, Clingan often creates opportunities for teammates with well-timed passes.

Overall, Clingan would fit in seamlessly within Quin Snyder’s starting five alongside Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter with Bogdan Bogdanovic, Onyeka Okongwu and whoever they can get for Capela and/or in free agency coming off the bench. That might be a playoff team in the East.

BetMGM: Clingan 1st Overall Pick (+240), Clingan drafted before Reed Sheppard (+160), Clingan under 3.5 pick (+125)

2. Wizards: Stephon Castle (PG, UConn)

Everyone has Alex Sarr going here to the Wizards and while Washington has a glaring void to fill in the post, they also don’t have a point guard now that Tyus Jones is hitting free agency. That leaves a second, and in today’s NBA, more important void at the one. Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma will be under contract, as will Deni Avdija to round out a core that also consists of Bilal Coulibaly. Center Tristan Vukcevic, a 2023 NBA Draft pick, got some run towards the end of the season and the team will also bring back Marvin Bagley III. I’m not as high on Sarr as others are and Castle’s size, two-way abilities and team-centric championship attitude will make him a major asset for a team that allowed an NBA-worst 123.0 points per game last season, the sixth-worst mark in league history. Castle’s selection would give first-year head coach Brian Keefe an instant reliable option on the floor and someone the franchise can build around.

Castle's playing style is unorthodox and tricky; he plays at his own unique pace, keeping defenders off balance with his ability to change tempos while handling the ball. As a shifty and creative player with above-average ball-handling and facilitation skills, Castle excels at lulling defenders before driving downhill and is a master of misdirection, comfortable operating as an ambidextrous slasher on either side of the floor. His quick spin move packages and strong finishing ability around the rim (59% FG inside the arc) make him a formidable offensive threat. Castle displays promising court vision and is an effective drive-and-dish player, comfortable passing on the move in both half-court and transition settings. He excels in the pick-and-roll, consistently making precise pocket passes and alley-oops to set up his big men for easy baskets. 

Defensively, Castle is projected to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the 2024 draft class. His size, strength, and lateral quickness allow him to smother smaller guards and effectively defend bigger perimeter players. His ability to navigate through screens is advanced for his age, and he consistently cuts off dribble penetration with his low stance and quick footwork. Additionally, he is an aware off-ball defender, accumulating numerous deflections and steals that lead to turnovers and transition opportunities. 

BetMGM: Castle 2nd Overall Pick (+3000)

3. Rockets: Matas Buzelis (SF, G League)

Reed Sheppard has been mocked to this spot a lot, but I simply don’t see it. Houston is paying Fred VanVleet over $42 million in 2024-2025 and then has a club option on him (that they’ll probably decline) for just under $45 million in 2025-2026. I don’t see them being able to trade FVV at this point and instead, I think there’s a solid chance that they take a shot with the core they have: VanVleet at PG, Jalen Green at SG, Dillon Brooks at SF, Jabari Smith Jr. at PF and Alperen Sengun at C with Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Steven Adams, Jeff Green and Jock Landale coming off the bench. Since both Jalen Green and Thompson have ball-handling capabilities and FVV is a veteran presence in the backcourt I think they’re going to target a guy on the wing, especially since Sengun is a budding star and the team has depth down low. 

Buzelis might end up being the best player in this entire draft class. He brings a unique combination of size, athleticism, and skill that makes him an intriguing prospect. Averaging 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in the G League last season, he also showcases his defensive prowess with 2.1 blocks per game. His 6'10" frame and 195-pound build suggest he has room to add muscle, which will enhance his potential as a versatile frontcourt player who can guard every position on the floor, which is something that Ime Udoka would appreciate.

Buzelis's agility and ball-handling skills are exceptional for his size, allowing him to operate effectively on the perimeter and in transition. His ability to initiate offense, whether driving coast-to-coast or making sharp outlet passes, makes him a valuable asset. His point-forward skills show his strong court vision and passing ability. Offensively, Buzelis plays with poise, rarely forcing plays, and has a good feel for when to pass versus when to take shots.

His scoring ability is highlighted by a soft touch around the basket and a willingness to take deep shots. Despite a below-average three-point percentage in the G League (27.3%), his past performance (45% in high school) indicates potential for improvement. Defensively, Buzelis uses his quick leaping ability and instincts to block shots and make smart rotations, contributing significantly as a help-side defender. Overall, there’s a lot of room for him to grow and he’s a guy who could come in and contribute right away, perhaps taking over for Brooks if Houston decides to part ways with the inconsistent veteran.

BetMGM: Buzelis 3rd Overall Pick (+2500), Buzelis draft pick under 5.5 (-135)

4. Spurs: Alex Sarr (C, France)

Who doesn’t want to see Victor Wembanyama team up with Alex Sarr? While Sarr is a few inches shorter than Wemby, the fellow Frenchman brings a combination of length, mobility, and athleticism that makes him an impactful defender and a developing offensive threat. Averaging 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game in Australia last season, Sarr's ability to protect the rim and handle switches on defense is exceptional for a player of his size despite his lack of counting stats. Standing 7'1" with a 7'5" wingspan, he has the potential to be a defensive anchor, which is something that would be a lot of fun to watch alongside Wembanyama, who is arguably the best defensive player in the league already.

Offensively, Sarr excels at securing garbage buckets, catching lobs, and scoring around the basket. His ability to put the ball on the floor and finish aggressively, coupled with his fluid movement for a seven-footer, makes him a valuable asset. Though his jump shot is still developing, he shows good form and touch, indicating potential for growth in this area. Sarr's background includes playing in the Overtime Elite league and the Australian NBL, as well as international success with French youth teams, which speaks to his high-level experience and readiness to contribute.

In case you missed it, Gregg Popovich has a pretty solid track record of developing international players, so there’d likely be no better place in the entire league for Sarr to end up. This pick would signal a major shift away from “traditional” NBA centers into a new age of guys who can handle the ball, shoot and create their own shots off the dribble, which would be very exciting. 

The Spurs will likely target a point guard in this draft, but if you recall a guy named Tony Parker, they will have no trouble targeting someone early in the second round. With a core of Sarr, Wembanyama, Keldon Johnson, Devin Vassell and Jeremy Sochan, a solid basis to build on would be formed.

BetMGM: Sarr 4th overall pick (+2500)

5. Pistons: Devin Carter (PG, Providence)

The Pistons don’t have a head coach after team president Trajan Langdon fired Monty Williams with over $60 million left on his contract. After going 14-68 last season, the front office decided the team needed a fresh start and will be building around Cade Cunningham, who will sign his rookie max extension this summer. Around him under contract for next season will be center Jalen Duren, forward Ausar Thompson, power forward Isaiah Stewart, shooting guard Jaden Ivey and combo guard Marcus Sasser. 

While Cunningham operated as the team’s point guard for much of last season (similar to Devin Booker in Phoenix), he’d benefit from another ball-handler who can take some of the workload off of him and allow him to make things happen off the ball, which is where Carter could come in. 

Carter brings a unique blend of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive tenacity to the Spurs' backcourt. Standing at 6'3" with an impressive 6'8" wingspan, Carter possesses exceptional physical tools that allow him to play bigger than his listed height. His athleticism is highlighted by a 42-inch max vertical leap and a record-setting 2.84 seconds in the 3/4 court sprint at the NBA Combine, showcasing his explosiveness.

Offensively, Carter is a relentless scorer who averaged 19.7 points per game during his junior year at Providence. He excels as a slasher, using his quick first step and strong frame to attack the rim with authority. Despite facing contact, Carter finishes well around the basket and draws fouls at an impressive rate, evidenced by his 8.7 rebounds per game and 5.2 free throw attempts per game. His improved three-point shooting, nearing 38% on over six attempts per game, adds another dimension to his scoring prowess, making him a versatile threat from all areas of the floor.

Moreover, Carter demonstrates solid playmaking ability with a knack for finding open teammates, averaging 3.6 assists per game. He operates effectively in ball screen actions, utilizing his vision and timing to create scoring opportunities for himself and others. His unselfishness and willingness to make the right basketball plays contribute to his value as a team-oriented guard. Defensively, Carter is a standout with his disruptive presence and high motor. He led the Big East in steals with 1.8 per game and possesses a keen defensive awareness that allows him to generate turnovers and transition opportunities for his team. His length and strength enable him to guard multiple positions effectively, from opposing guards to larger wings, showcasing his versatility on the defensive end.

Beyond his on-court abilities, Carter brings intangible qualities such as toughness, competitiveness, and a high basketball IQ. His willingness to embrace various roles and his dedication to both ends of the floor make him a valuable asset for any NBA team, especially one looking to bolster its backcourt with a player who can impact the game in multiple facets. Carter's combination of scoring ability, defensive prowess, athleticism, and intangibles make him an ideal fit for the Pistons as they rebuild.

BetMGM: Carter draft pick under 10.5 (-175), Carter drafted before Dalton Knecht (+185), Carter drafted before Tidjane Salaun (-130), Carter Top 10 pick (-160)

6. Hornets: Reed Sheppard (SG, Kentucky)

New Hornets head coach Charles Lee just won a championship as an assistant coach with the Boston Celtics and will be looking to make a transformative impact in Charlotte. Selecting Reed Sheppard out of Kentucky, the best shooter in this class, would likely be a great start.

Sheppard has garnered attention as this year's "analytics darling," drawing interest from teams and pundits alike due to his impressive shooting efficiency, defensive prowess, and all-around statistical impact. At 6'2", Sheppard possesses a versatile skill set that includes a remarkable 52.1% three-point shooting accuracy and a 53.6% overall shooting percentage. He excels at scoring from all three levels, with a comfort zone in mid-range and perimeter shooting. Sheppard's shooting mechanics are highlighted by his good elevation and high release point, making him effective both off the catch and off the dribble.

Beyond his scoring ability, Sheppard is known for his unselfish play and strong basketball IQ. He prioritizes getting his teammates involved, adept at making outlet passes to initiate fast breaks and creating easy scoring opportunities for others. His defensive intensity is another standout trait, leading the SEC in steals with his ability to disrupt passing lanes, block shots, and generate transition opportunities. 

Despite being a freshman, Sheppard displayed maturity and a team-first mentality by willingly coming off the bench for most games. His low ego approach and willingness to contribute in various roles make him a valuable addition to any roster. In a league increasingly valuing perimeter shooting and defensive versatility, Sheppard's skill set aligns well with the evolving NBA landscape. 

Joining the Hornets under a new head coach, Sheppard would add depth and scoring prowess to complement guys like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. His ability to operate efficiently on offense and contribute significantly on defense makes him a strategic pick for a team looking to bolster its backcourt and compete in the Eastern Conference. Overall, Sheppard's blend of shooting efficiency, defensive acumen, and team-oriented mindset positions him as a promising prospect poised to make an immediate impact in the NBA, providing the Hornets with a valuable asset for their future success.

BetMGM: Sheppard 6th overall pick (+1600), Sheppard drafted over pick 3.5 (+135)

7. Blazers: Ron Holland (SF, G League)

At one point, Ron Holland, a 6'8" forward from the G League Ignite, was considered the top prospect in this entire class. Holland is an athletic wing with impressive size and length, boasting a 6'10.5" wingspan. Known for his strong frame and physical play, he initiates contact effectively and excels as a high-level athlete with remarkable run and jump ability. Holland thrives in an up-tempo style, making an impact through his quick first step, ability to slash in the half-court, and excellence in reading tip-slam opportunities.

Holland's stats from the 2023-24 season in the G League highlight his offensive and defensive prowess: he averaged 19.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game. He led the Ignite in scoring and steals, showcasing his scoring ability, especially when driving to the basket. Despite a lower three-point percentage (24.0%), his overall scoring efficiency is demonstrated by his performance in previous competitions, such as the U16 Americas Championship (19 PPG, 65.3% FG) and the U17 World Cup (11.1 PPG, 53.6% FG).

Defensively, Holland is versatile and physical, capable of guarding multiple positions. He excels in both on-ball and off-ball defense, using his lateral quickness to trap, jump passes, and turn defense into offense. His high energy, motor, and confidence are evident in his defensive play, as he takes charges, shows shot-blocking instincts, and covers ground effectively.Holland's unselfish play and passing instincts add to his versatility. He makes the right pass mid-attack, showing good timing in hitting teammates in stride. His ability to change direction with the ball and his strong aggression make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

Since the Blazers have Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, Shaedon Sharpe and Malcolm Brogdon in the backcourt and Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams at center and Jerami Grant at the four, I think they're going to go with a wing player here.

Per BetMGM, Cody Williams is the favorite to go here at pick No. 7 (+400), but I think Holland has much more value at this spot.

BetMGM: Holland under pick 9.5 (+140), Holland to be drafted before Nikola Topic (-130), Holland to be drafted before Rob Dillingham(-130), Holland 7th overall pick (+900), Holland Top 10 pick (+120)

8. Spurs: Zaccharie Risacher (SF, France)

This would be a dream scenario for the Spurs, who would basically be putting the French National Team on the floor. 

Zaccharie Risacher, a versatile and athletic small forward from France, is projected to go No. 1 overall, but I’m not quite sure why. In fact, per BetMGM, Risacher is the favorite to go No. 1 overall at -225 odds and 33.4% of the handle is on him at the moment.

Risacher brings a unique blend of skills, but most notably on the defensive end of the floor. His recent performance with Bourg in the EuroCup, where he averaged 13.1 points and shot an impressive 56.1% from three-point range, underscores his scoring ability. Risacher excels as a three-and-D player with clean shooting mechanics, effective off-ball movement, and the ability to guard multiple positions. His high basketball IQ and defensive versatility make him an ideal fit for the Spurs, who have a proven ability to mold and develop international players.

His all-around game on the offensive end is underdeveloped right now, but he has potential for further development and has received a great deal of buzz throughout the pre-draft process. I think, though, that he’s going to be the guy to slide, as he hasn’t shown a clear-cut ability to be a dominant player at either end of the floor based on his numbers or game tape that I’ve watched.

BetMGM: No play

9. Grizzlies: Kel’el Ware (C, Indiana)

With the ninth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies should select Kel'el Ware, a promising center from Indiana University. Standing at 7'1" with a wingspan of 7'4" and weighing 230 pounds, Ware brings a combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability that makes him an intriguing prospect at the NBA level. Ware is noted for his impressive shooting touch, showcasing a three-point shooting percentage of 42% during his sophomore season at Indiana. While he attempted a modest 40 shots from beyond the arc, his potential as a floor-spacing big man is evident, offering versatility in pick-and-pop situations that can stretch opposing defenses.

In addition to his shooting prowess, Ware has shown significant improvement in his scoring efficiency in the paint, demonstrating good hands and the ability to finish around the rim. His development from his freshman to sophomore year, where he saw a notable increase in scoring from 6.6 to 15.9 points per game, underscores his rapid progress and potential for further growth. Defensively, Ware's physical tools allow him to be a formidable presence in the paint. He averaged 1.9 blocks per game in college, leveraging his size, length, and leaping ability (36-inch vertical) to protect the rim effectively. His strong rebounding ability, averaging 10 rebounds per game, highlights his understanding of positioning and willingness to battle for boards.

Athletically, Ware is described as explosive with good foot speed, as evidenced by his impressive performance in agility drills at the NBA Combine. These attributes contribute to his ability to defend in space, a valuable trait in today's NBA where versatility on defense is highly coveted. While Ware's passing game is solid but not exceptional, he shows potential to improve in finding open teammates and navigating double teams. His skill set suggests he would benefit from playing alongside a playmaking guard who can capitalize on Ware's ability to draw defensive attention and create opportunities for others.

In conclusion, Kel'el Ware's combination of size, shooting ability, defensive prowess, and athletic potential make him an exciting addition to the Memphis Grizzlies. Positioned alongside stars like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane, Ware has the opportunity to contribute immediately as a floor-spacing center who can complement the team's core with his versatile skill set. With further development, Ware has the potential to become a key contributor in Memphis and evolve into a valuable asset in the modern NBA game. It wouldn’t shock me if he ended up as the best “modern-style” big in this draft class.

BetMGM: Kel’el Ware Top 20 pick (-110), under pick 19.5 (-115), Ware to be drafted before Zach Edey (+185)

10. Jazz: Dalton Knecht (SF, Tennessee)

With the 10th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz should select Dalton Knecht, a versatile small forward from Tennessee. Knecht stands out with his explosive athleticism, rangy frame at 6'6" (potentially with a wingspan of around 6'10" or more), and a skill set that has seen remarkable improvement throughout his career. Knecht is known for his relentless attacking style on offense, always in attack mode with a scorer's mindset. His ability to handle the ball and navigate through defenders with 2-3 moves on a single drive allows him to get to his spots effectively. He's a crafty finisher around the hoop, capable of converting tough scoops and floaters when driving to the rim. Moreover, his athleticism enables him to finish emphatically with dunks, often catching lobs or attacking the basket in transition with authority.

Shooting-wise, Knecht has developed into a solid shooter, boasting a 3-point percentage of 39.7%. His shooting mechanics are pure, and he's efficient overall with close to 50% shooting from the field and nearly 80% from the free-throw line. He's also a smart off-ball mover, excelling in backdoor cuts and utilizing his excellent body control to finish through contact or with mid-range fadeaways. Defensively, Knecht's athleticism and length make him a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. His improvement trajectory over the years suggests a player who not only adapts quickly but also continues to refine his skills and understanding of the game. He shows toughness and resilience, playing through injuries without significant drop-offs in production.

At Tennessee, Knecht has consistently demonstrated his ability to impact games with his scoring ability, defensive versatility, and high basketball IQ. With his maturity and readiness to contribute immediately, Knecht is poised to fit into the Jazz's rotation seamlessly, potentially providing immediate scoring and defensive impact. 

In summary, Dalton Knecht's combination of athleticism, scoring ability, shooting proficiency, and defensive potential make him a valuable addition to the Utah Jazz. Alongside established talents like Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Collin Sexton, and Keyonte George, Knecht has the opportunity to contribute early and compete for Rookie of the Year honors, bringing immediate value to Utah as they continue to build towards contention in the competitive Western Conference.

BetMGM: Knecht 10th overall pick (+700)

2024 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 11-20

11. Bulls: Nikola Topic (PG, Serbia)

12. Thunder: Zach Edey (C, Purdue)

13. Kings: Cody Williams (SG, Colorado)

14. Blazers: Tidjane Salaun (PF, France) 

15. Heat: Ja’Kobe Walter (SG, Baylor)

16. 76ers: Rob Dillingham (PG, Kentucky)

17. Lakers: Terrence Shannon Jr. (SG, Illinois)

18. Magic: Johnny Furphy (SG, Kansas)

19. Raptors: Pacome Dadiet (SF, France)

20. Cavaliers: DaRon Holmes II (PF, Dayton)

BetMGM: Nikola Topic to be drafted before Rob Dillingham (+100), Topic under 11.5 draft pick position (+100), Cody Williams over 8.5 draft pick position (-115), Tidjane Salaun over 10.5 draft pick position (-140), Ja’Kobe Walter under 15.5 draft pick position (+100), Rob Dillingham over 11.5 draft pick position (+100), Pacome Dadiet to be drafted in 1st round (+115), Pacome Dadiet to be Top 20 pick (+3000), DaRon Holmes to be Top 20 pick (+600)

2024 NBA Mock Draft: Picks 21-30

21. Pelicans: Isaiah Collier (PG, USC)

22. Suns: Tyler Kolek (PG, Marquette)

23. Bucks: Baylor Scheierman (SG, Creighton) 

24. Knicks: Ryan Dunn (SF, Virginia)

25. Knicks: Yves Missi (C, Baylor)

26. Wizards: Nikola Djurisic (SF, Serbia)

27. Timberwolves: Jared McCain (PG, Duke)

28. Nuggets: Tristan da Silva (SF, Colorado) 

29. Jazz: Carlton Carrington (PG, Pittsburgh) 

30. Celtics: Dillon Jones (SF, Weber State)

BetMGM: Isaiah Collier over 18.5 draft pick position (-190), Collier to be drafted before Jared McCain (+200), Baylor Scheierman to be drafted in the 1st round (-200), Nikola Djurisic to be 1st round draft pick (+200), Jared McCain over 15.5 draft pick position (-120), Jared McCain to be drafted before Tristan da Silva (-150, da Silva over 16.5 draft pick position (+105), Carlton Carrington over 18.5 draft pick position (+125), Dillon Jones to be drafted in the 1st round (+190)