2024 Mock NBA Draft (Lottery Picks)
This is CourtSideHeat’s official mock draft featuring this year’s lottery teams; big names like Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr, Stephon Castle, Devin Carter, and so many others will be drafted within the first fourteen spots.
In today’s article, I’ll predict where each player will go and why they are the right fit for their respective team. The draft begins at 8 PM Eastern.
First overall pick: Atlanta Hawks
When Atlanta won the first pick, many thought Alex Sarr would be selected by the franchise. The going belief was pairing him with either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray, depending on how that situation unfolds.
However, reports are now speculating that Risacher will be going first to Atlanta. Beyond the rumors and reports, CourtSideHeat believes Zaccharie Risacher will be the first selection in this year’s draft.
Even though he needs to improve his jump shot, or lack thereof, he is still a solid defenseman who can shoot the three-ball. He’s shown glimpses of being able to play professional ball at the next level, as his quick decision-making and ability to help their frontcourt are major bonuses within the organization.
The upside is very real, and he should go number one.
Second overall pick: Washington Wizards
Washington will select Alex Sarr, as Sarr is easily the team’s number-one pick. Either Sarr or Risacher could be the first player selected, but if Sarr falls to second, don’t be shocked if the Wizards select the skilled big man.
While he doesn’t have a consistent long-range shot, his inside game on both ends of the floor is deeply intriguing. It’s so intriguing that Washington will pass up on getting a high-quality point guard. His potential as a stretch big should not be ruled out; even beyond that, his defensive skills as a shot blocker are an unfair advantage for whoever drafts him.
If you want a player who can play defense and has a legit perimeter skill set, look no further than the 19-year-old Frenchman.
Third overall pick: Houston Rockets
Let’s assume Houston decides not to trade the pick, which is up in the air due to recent reports, they should draft a high-value combo guard that can sit behind Fred VanVleet and learn a lot from the former championship-winning veteran.
That is why Houston’s front office should select Reed Sheppard. The upside is ridiculous, as CourtSideHeat has him as the best point guard and combo guard in this year’s draft class. Besides him being able to play either backcourt position, he is a very skilled guard who has the potential be an elite offensive player in this league.
Sheppard is an outstanding dribbler, passer, space creator, and shot creator. What he can do for himself and for his teammates is beyond comprehension. Houston’s bench, and soon their starting lineup, would love him.
This is all predicated on the ideology of them keeping their pick.
Fourth overall pick: San Antonio Spurs
Will the Spurs be controversial? Who knows, as many do want them to take Matas Buzelis. However, CourtSideHeat is projecting San Antonio to land Stephon Castle. Don’t be taken aback when this happens; why? Because he is a cornerstone point guard who can compliment Victor Wembanyama.
He has very strong playmaking skills and the ability to play incredibly versatile defense, which should not go unnoticed. While the stats aren’t popping out, he’s seen as an underrated player who led UConn to a championship.
While shot making is questionable, how he’ll be able to get his teammates involved and be an offensive facilitator for this team will be more impactful than anything. Gregg Popovich will be happy to have him paired with Wemby.
Fifth overall pick: Detroit Pistons
This selection is tough, as people can make the case for either Buzelis or Donovan Clingan. Personally, I believe Donovan Clingan will be selected by the Detroit Pistons. To pass up on the additional rim protection and having the best center from this draft class would be criminally insane.
A frontcourt featuring him and Jalen Duren would be unstoppable, plus it would speed up their rebuilding phase. A big 3 centered around him, Duren, and Cade Cunningham (when healthy) would be a league-wide threat.
Despite his shot-making and mobility is questionable, he’s an interior beast on both ends of the court. In many people’s eyes, Clingan has been seen as a first-overall pick, but if he falls, he will go straight to Detroit.
Sixth overall pick: Charlotte Hornets
Matas Buzelis will be selected with the sixth pick in this year’s NBA draft, as the Hornets can do so many great things with him. Pairing him alongside Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball would be great for their young, talented unit.
He’s regarded as a point-forward player who communicates with teammates to keep the offense humming, has a decent shot (three-ball a little iffy), has a great touch around the rim, and can play fantastic defense. His game is not really limited, as the areas he lacks in, he makes up with in the ones he excels and punishes teams with.
Buzelis is highly talented and deserves to be a top-ten prospect.
Seventh overall pick: Portland Trail Blazers
Cody Williams is projected to be selected by Portland unless Donovan Clingan is still somehow available. However, assuming he’s gone, Williams should be the newest addition to a rebuilding Blazers.
How reliable he is as a shooter is concerning; inconsistency and reluctance are the two best words to describe his shooting game. It is definitely something that needs to be addressed, but he is a dynamic finisher and a solid playmaker.
Jalen Williams’ brother has been regarded as a top-5 pick and as a surefire lottery pick. He can play tremendous defense, foul-bait, and penetrate the defense. CourtSideHeat has him as a top-10 pick with real potential to grow and to flourish under Chauncey Billups.
Eighth overall pick: San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is one lucky team in recent draft memory, as they have two lottery picks. While this class isn’t regarded as the best, it is still monumental to have two lottery picks that allow a brighter future for an obviously rebuilding team.
That’s why they’ll be drafting Ron Holland, who is an eye-drawing wing player. Want to talk about an athletic, two-way player that is gritty-gutty? Then let’s talk about the player coming out of the G League Ignite.
The very young player is perfect for improvement and will serve to be a fantastic starting player; he can get paired with both Wemby and newly drafted Castle. Holland will create waves in the NBA.
Ninth overall pick: Memphis Grizzlies
Devin Carter should be selected by a young, rebuilding Memphis franchise – if going off of the premise they are going to take the best guard at that pick. Could it be Dalton Knecht? Yes, but older is not always better.
Plus, with Carter, he is a high volume scorer and rebounder. The level he plays with on both ends of the court is something the Grizzlies love as a characteristic in their players. Just like in college, expect to see him play defense and generate steals and blocks.
Tenth overall pick: Utah Jazz
Dalton Knecht will provide great shooting for Utah, as they are a team that needs a wing player and another shooter like Knecht. Despite him being 23-years-old, he’s an excellent movement and pull-up shooter.
Knecht can easily take his college experiences and translate them to the National Basketball Association; he plays a little gritty-gutty, will play solid defense, and drive to the hole or hit a quick three. Something the Jazz desperately need, as they aren’t rebuilding but also aren’t playoff contending.
Not only can he do it all as a shooter, but he can catch fire, and once he catches fire, it is over for everyone. Expect Knecht be gone before pick eleven.
Eleventh overall pick: Chicago Bulls
Chicago needs to replace Alex Caruso, despite adding Josh Giddey, and the perfect player would Rob Dillingham. He is a very skilled, agile point guard who plays it exceptionally well on both ends of the court.
The 19-year-old is the best option for the Bulls, as not only is his skillset an extreme positive, it provides more stability to their backcourt. Something they’ve been wanting since dealing with the Lonzo Ball fiasco.
Him and Coby White would be a top duo in this league, which could make or break their odds of going to the Play-In Tournament or first round. Also, Zach LaVine is most likely gone. So, management will be looking for a potential solution. Dillingham could be that solution.
Twelfth overall pick: Oklahoma City Thunder
Like what the Bulls did, the Thunder need to replace the hole Josh Giddey left. Despite the new plans for Giddey was to come off the bench, his production will be greatly missed. With that being said, Nikola Topic should be selected by Oklahoma City.
Now, I understand the hesitancy with selecting him this high into the draft. The 18-year-old is coming off a tore ACL, which is a horrific injury suffered way too early in someone’s career, however, Sam Presti can take the gamble.
To replace a bench player, he would be a great addition. Topic is a solid playmaker with a good shot, plus he’s a crafty shooter that can turn his game into something deadly. This point forward can play on both sides of the court pretty efficiently, which allows for better bench defense and can turn into starter-like minutes.
Thirteenth overall pick: Sacramento Kings
His stock has risen considerably since taking Purdue to the championship game and what scouts have been able to see of him, which is why Sacramento should be selecting Zach Edey in the lottery. Could this be a risk? Yes, but it is one willing to take.
Edey’s stock has been in the range of either mid-to-late first round, but it has skyrocketed the closer the draft comes. The 22-year-old is coming off an impressive 25 points and 12 rebounds per game season; something that has many teams interested.
The center position is lacking for the Kings, so it would make incredible sense for them to get an impactful player like Edey. He’s an interior player that is hard to stop on both ends of the floor, which is great for easy buckets or contesting/blocking shots.
He can play good defense, get teammates open through setting screens and causing traffic jams, and a good low-scoring package. CourtSideHeat believes Edey will go in the lottery without question.
Fourteenth overall pick: Portland Trail Blazers
Just like the Spurs, the Trail Blazers have two picks in this year’s lottery. That is why CourtSideHeat is projecting them to go all-in on remodeling their frontcourt through the draft; Portland already selected Cody Williams, now they’ll be picking Tristan da Silva.
The biggest concerns facing him would be his lack of athleticism and ability to be effective on both ends; that by far has caused the most panic amongst teams selecting him in the lottery; however, I’m pretty confident he’ll be selected in the later stages of the lottery.
For Portland, it would make sense to draft him. Da Silva has great shooting versatility, especially as a player who specializes in playing either forward position. He’s able to knock down any shot on the court, with his three-ball being a highlight of his game.
I don’t see his lack of athletic abilities being a deterrent for him being selected high in the draft; his basketball IQ is very good, he is able to shoot the ball from anywhere, can pass well, defensively solid, and controls the rim.
Portland should run the “risk” on choosing da Silva.
Conclusion:
This is the end of CourtSideHeat’s official mock draft. The draft is a two-day event starting on Wednesday and concluding on Thursday. First round is Wednesday, second round is Thursday.
All these picks are very good picks for teams that are ready to push themselves into a deeper postseason run, like the Thunder, and for teams who are continually building weapons around a franchise player, like the Spurs.
Notable names that could go in the lottery, if things were to be shaken up, would be Kel’el Ware, Tidjane Salaun, Ja’Kobe Walter, and even Tyler Kolek. However, I’m pretty certain and confident in the fourteen players who were selected in my mock draft.
However, time will tell, as we are quickly approaching this year’s NBA draft.
