The 2024 NBA Playoffs are in full swing but the rest of the league is preparing for the NBA draft lottery, which will take place in just over two weeks in Chicago. Unlike last year’s class which featured a clear No. 1 pick in Victor Wembanyama, there’s no automatic lock to be taken first overall. That makes scouting paramount, especially with a large number of international prospects.
Here’s a look at a potential lottery outcome for the 2024 NBA Draft and a prediction of how the 14 picks will shape up with this as the draft order.
1. Golden State Warriors – Zaccharie Risacher, France
Conspiracy theories surrounding the lottery will make a return if the Warriors keep their top-4 protected pick, but they’ll reach a new level if Golden State gets all the way to No. 1. This pick cannot be traded as it is still owed to Portland in 2025, so the Warriors will have to take player before making any transactions. They can go in plenty of directions but I think they take Risacher, who has been flying up mock drafts lately. The combo forward has been inconsistent as a three-point threat, though there’s plenty of upside to like. Depending on what happens with Klay Thompson in free agency, Risacher might be in line for a starting role if he shows out over the summer.
2. Memphis Grizzlies – Alex Sarr, Perth Wildcats
The Grizzlies could go in several directions here but I do think they ultimately select Sarr to bolster the frontcourt. He’s being compared to Jaren Jackson Jr. in several mock drafts, so why not learn from the original? Memphis needs to revamp its frontcourt after injuries and departures, so adding Sarr is an easy decision. We’ll see if he can develop some sort of outside shot during his first season or if he remains a post operator.
3. Portland Trail Blazers – Nikola Topic, Serbia
There’s a surplus of guards in Portland, so adding a wing creator could be a major boost for this offense. Topic can’t shoot the triple, which is concerning but he can make up for it as a distributor. The Trail Blazers do have enough versatility to make Topic a focal point of this offense, although covering for him defensively will be an interesting challenge.
4. Toronto Raptors – Donovan Clingan, UConn
I believe the Raptors will move on from Jakob Poeltl in the offseason. That means Clingan can take over as the starting big man in Toronto. He’ll be a great addition next to likes of Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick as a rim runner while also providing excellent defense at the basket. The Raptors have been able to develop players offensively, so they probably believe they can open up Clingan’s game on that side of the court.
5. Detroit Pistons – Matas Buzelis, Lithuania
Detroit can go in several directions here. I think the Pistons still have faith in Jaden Ivey, so they pass on one of the guards and go with a playmaker in the frontcourt. Buzelis’ three-point shooting is going to be the make-or-break trait for him as a player. He had a surge late this season and if that continues, he’ll be an immediate contributor alongside Cade Cunningham in this offense.
6. Washington Wizards – Stephon Castle, UConn
It’s about time something favorable happened for Washington. The Wizards get the best defensive guard in the draft in Castle, who will likely have a chip on his shoulder if he does fall this far. The UConn guard was a star in the championship game and showcased some of his shooting range, which is his biggest question mark as a player. If he can become more efficient there, he’ll be a star for this franchise.
7. Charlotte Hornets – Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Charlotte could go with Reed Sheppard or Dalton Knecht here to provide more spacing but I think the Hornets want a secondary creator alongside LaMelo Ball. Dillingham provides that and is more of an aggressor than Ball, which works well with the rest of Charlotte’s roster. He’s also not a bad three-point shooter in his own right and could become a more efficient version of what Terry Rozier was going to be for Charlotte.
8. San Antonio Spurs – Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
In my opinion the Spurs would be nuts to pass on Sheppard here, but Walter offers a bit more upside defensively and had some nice moments against Clemson in the NCAA tournament. If San Antonio still believes in Malaki Branham as a point guard, Walter is a nice alternative to Sheppard. The Spurs will be looking at fit next to Victor Wembanyama and they probably feel they can develop Walter’s shooting to the level where he can be a big contributor down the line.
9. Utah Jazz – Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
This is an obvious selection for Utah. Sheppard bombed in the NCAA tournament and that will have an impact on his stock but he was still a hyper-efficient player on one of the country’s top scoring units. He can space the floor and create for others, which works well for Utah with Lauri Markkanen emerging as an All-Star. This could be a dynamic combination for years to come in Salt Lake City.
10. Houston Rockets (via Nets) – Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
There’s a chance the Vols star doesn’t make it to 10 but the Rockets can use an immediate contributor here. Houston has its starting lineup set but there’s a host of wing players vying to get major minutes in this rotation. Knecht could play multiple spots to allow the Rockets to play multiple styles, and his ability to hit the perimeter shot would be welcomed on a team that ranked 23rd in three-point percentage last season.
11. Atlanta Hawks – Cody Williams, Colorado
After seeing the success Jalen Williams has had with Oklahoma City, the Hawks decide to add his brother to continue bolstering the wing rotation. Atlanta is likely to make some moves this offseason with its roster, and trimming a player on the wing is potentially in the cards. Williams has a similar playing style to his brother, and the Hawks could use that level of versatility going forward.
12. Chicago Bulls – Jared McCain, Duke
The Bulls need a point guard, and USC’s Isaiah Collier is also an option here. However, I think Chicago will take McCain due to his ability to hit the triple. Coby White has emerged as a scorer, which adds another dimension to this offense. If the veterans stick around, McCain could do some serious damage from deep with defenses focusing elsewhere. Plus, he’s a young guard who can be developed to fit with Chicago’s future vision.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets) – Zach Edey, Purdue
The Thunder might go with Ron Holland or Tidjane Salaun here as draft-and-stash prospects but I like the idea of them taking Edey as a backup big man. Oklahoma City has to address that position regardless of how well Chet Holmgren plays, and Edey offers them a completely different style of play. The Thunder have enough good perimeter defenders and floor spacing to make sure Edey can be productive in bursts as a rookie while he eases into the professional game.
14. Sacramento Kings – Ron Holland, G League Ignite
It feels like the Kings would take someone ready to contribute right away here, which is why I’ve had them grabbing Kansas’ Kevin McCullar Jr. However, Sacramento’s rotation appears to be largely set as long as Malik Monk and Kevin Huerter return. Holland had a rough season with Ignite but the upside is evident, even if it comes in short spurts. I think the Kings can afford to be patient with him while remaining relatively competitive in the West.