A Draft Casual’s 2024 Mock Draft

Breaking news: the draft casual series is back!

My journey as a (very) amateaur NBA draft scout continues. In the past, I’ve only put together big boards, so for the first time, I’m doing a mock draft. This is my “what I would do” full two-round 2024 mock draft using the official draft order. I’ve included a write-up for each first round selection. Let’s dive right in! 

1. Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr (Big, France) 

The Hawks need to be praising the basketball gods for blessing them with the first pick. They’re stuck treading water in mediocrity and need a big boost to get back on the competitive track. French big man Alex Sarr would be that game changer. With Sarr, you come for the defense. He has the potential to be one of the league’s best on that end because of his monstrous size and nimble feet. It’s his offensive upside, though, that you stay for. He has more skill and touch than most seven-footers, and while he’s raw, there’s a world where he becomes a two-way superstar. 

2. Washington Wizards: Ron Holland (Wing, G League Ignite)

The Wizards desperately require a talent influx, and few guys in this class have as much natural talent as Ron Holland. The guy averaged almost 20 points per game in the G League as an 18-year-old. That’s no small feat. He’s an electric athlete with an unrelenting motor who at worst will be an energizer bunny in the NBA. His slashing, shot creation, and passing flashes suggest there’s an untapped star in him, and while it’ll take a lot of work for him to get there, he’s worth the bet for Washington. 

3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn): Isaiah Collier (Point guard, USC)

Fred VanVleet is an excellent bridge point guard for Houston, but the team still needs their long term answer at the one. Isaiah Collier can be that guy. The ultra speedy guard has real offensive engine potential and would make life easier for Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. with his downhill playmaking. If he can develop his perimeter scoring, Collier will be running an NBA offense for the next decade. 

4. San Antonio Spurs: Matas Buzelis (Forward, G League Ignite)

Victor Wembanyama is the future of the league and the Spurs need to surround him with star talent. Matas Buzelis is a tall, silky, multi-talented forward who could reach All-Star heights. A guy like Franz Wagner is the blueprint for Buzelis, and that type of player is in high demand in today’s NBA. He has a few kinks to work out, mainly shooting efficiency and strength, but the Spurs historically do a great job of developing players and could turn Buzelis into Wemby’s Robin. 

5. Detroit Pistons: Donovan Clingan (Center, UConn)

The sell on Clingan is simple. He’s massive, he’s a dominant rim protector, and he can succeed in the traditional big man role on offense. He’s a sure-fire bet to be amongst the league leaders in blocks for a long time, and there’s a world where he becomes a DPOY. He’s a floor raiser and that’s the type of player the Pistons need to escape from the deep depths of the NBA’s standings. 

6. Charlotte Hornets: Zaccharie Risacher (Forward, France)

The Hornets have their stars for the future in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Now, they need to put a competent roster around them. Zaccharie Risacher is the best 3&D prospect in this class and could play alongside Ball and Miller. His ceiling is lower than other lottery draftees, but it’s easy to see him becoming a high level starter on a good team and Charlotte needs a guy like that. 

7. Portland Trail Blazers: Ulrich Chomche (Big, Cameroon) 

There’s no beating around the bush with this: Ulrich Chomche is miles away from being a good professional player. However, the youngest player in this class has astronomical potential. He’s 6’11” with wingspan well over 7’0”, he’s a phenomenal mover for his size, and he’s shown flashes in pretty much every facet of the game. He’s a sleeping giant that needs a team to be patient with his development, and he has the chance to reward that team handsomely. The Trail Blazers are far from competitive at this point and can afford to take that high risk, high reward bet. 

8. San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto): Rob Dillingham (Guard, Kentucky)

How about two potential stars in one draft for the Spurs? Rob Dillingham is a pure bucket getter who overcomes his size disadvantage with sensational shot making and space creation. He’s a capable pick-and-roll director and passer, too. He’s overall a no-brainer good fit next to Victor Wembanyama and for the Spurs, period, who don’t have a point guard for the future. Even if Dillingham doesn’t reach his All-Star ceiling, he’s guaranteed to be valuable as a scoring assassin. 

9. Memphis Grizzlies: Yves Missi (Center, Baylor)

Yves Missi is a man amongst boys. He’s absolutely colossal and he’s a freak athlete, and he uses those physical gifts to dominate the game defensively. He and Jaren Jackson Jr. would create an ultimate no-fly zone in the paint on D. With his screening and offensive rebounding talents, Missi could replicate some of the impact former Grizzly Steven Adams made on the other end. Missi’s only been playing basketball for four years, so he’s still somewhat underdeveloped, but if he pans out he could take Memphis to the next level. 

10. Utah Jazz: Stephon Castle (Wing, UConn) 

“Dawg” has become a popular term in basketball discourse, and boy does Stephon Castle have that dawg in him. He’s athletic, he’s a competitor, and he plays hard. He’s a dogged on-ball defender and a dynamic slasher who isn’t afraid to do the dirty work. While his questionable jumper limits his ceiling, there’s no doubt he’ll be able to compete on an NBA floor, and he’d be a fun complement to Collin Sexton and Keyonte George in Utah’s backcourt. 

11. Chicago Bulls: Cody Williams (Wing, Colorado) 

Everybody knows the Bulls need to blow it up and rebuild except for the Bulls themselves. Regardless of which direction they choose, Cody Williams would be able to help them. His toolbox is endless, he can do some of everything and could be a jack-of-all-trades rotation wing from day one. He’s also very young and has wing creator upside. If Williams comes to Chicago, he would give their discouraged fans something to be excited about. 

12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston): Tyler Smith (Forward, G League Ignite)

Tyler Smith is the ideal modern power forward. He’s a legit stretch four who shot very well from behind the NBA line during his time in the G League. He can be effective as a pop man and a roll man. He can protect the rim from the weak side. He would be a terrific fit in OKC’s starting lineup and this would be a dream pick for the young up-and-coming squad. 

13. Sacramento Kings: Bub Carrington (Guard, Pittsburgh)

Even though he loves Sacramento and Sacramento loves him, Malik Monk leaving California’s capital in free agency is still a looming possibility. Carlton “Bub” Carrington could replace the elite sixth man. Carrington was one of the best creators in the country this past season and he did it as a freshman. He gets to his spots, knocks down dribble jumpers, runs the pick-and roll at a high level, and makes plays for others. Even if Monk stays, Carrington would still be a good bet in the lottery and would bring star upside to Sactown’s backcourt. 

14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State): Reed Sheppard (Guard, Kentucky) 

Reed Sheppard is the best shooter in this draft. He shot an absurd 52.1% from three during his loan season at Kentucky, and it wasn’t on low volume or an easy shot diet, either. He’s a human torch. He’s also a sharp passer and steals guy. He could be Scoot Henderson’s future backcourt mate and would be a great get for the Blazers at the end of the lottery. 

15. Miami Heat: DaRon Holmes II (Big, Dayton) 

DaRon Holmes is a classic big with a modern flair. He’s a quality rim runner and rim protector who can slide his feet defensively and hit triples. He also plays with a high motor and would fit into the Heat culture. Holmes would improve Miami’s big man room while also creating the possibility for some fun jumbo lineups with him and Bam Adebayo. 

16. Philadelphia 76ers: Dalton Knecht (Wing, Tennessee) 

As one of the most powerful forces in basketball history, Joel Embiid commands the attention of all five defenders on the court. That means his teammates are always open, and Dalton Knecht is more than capable of converting on those easy looks. He was one of the best scorers in college basketball this season because of his fiery movement shooting and he’s ready to aid the Sixers in their quest to finally reach the Conference Finals and beyond. 

17. Los Angeles Lakers: Tristan da Silva (Forward, Colorado)

If the Lakers still believe in their ability to compete throughout the twilight of LeBron’s career (if he stays in LA, that is), then Tristan da Silva would be the perfect pick for them. The Colorado product has no holes in his game— he’s an efficient shooter, a defensive switch knife, and a nice passer. He could wear many hats for Los Angeles and is ready to contribute to winning from day one. 

18. Orlando Magic: Jared McCain (Guard, Duke) 

The Magic were one of the biggest overachievers of the 2023-24 season, and they did it by locking down on defense. They have no troubles on that end— it was their lackluster scoring attack that led to their downfall in the playoffs and they need to focus on adding firepower this offseason. Jared McCain is an elite shooter who can scorch nets off the catch and off the dribble and he could bolster Orlando’s offense tremendously.

19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana): Kel’el Ware (Center, Indiana) 

As the league has become more infatuated with spacing, stretch bigs have become a hot commodity. Kel’el Ware is a seven-footer with a reliable three-ball who could hang out behind the arc and open up more space for Scottie Barnes to get to the rack. He’s also a rock-solid traditional center who can catch lobs, set screens, and block shots.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Kyshawn George (Wing, Miami)

Outside of Donovan Mitchell, the Cavaliers struggle to get buckets. They ranked 20th in the league in points per game on the season, the third lowest amongst playoff teams. Kyshawn George would give them a much-needed scoring punch on the wing. The freshman is a silky and efficient shooter with some intriguing ball handling and passing chops as well. 

21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee): Mark Sears (Point guard, Alabama)

The Pelicans operated with a by-committee playmaking effort this season, and it worked fine for them, but they could use a true point guard. Mark Sears is exactly that. He’s a textbook floor general who creates advantages and easy looks for his teammates. The lefty guard can also get his own shot from all three levels using his crafty handle and strength, a talent that has earned him Jalen Brunson comparisons. Further, he’s an outstanding catch-and-shoot guy who would be very comfortable playing off the ball next to Zion Williamson. Sears may be small, but he is mighty. 

22. Phoenix Suns: Nikola Topic (Guard, Serbia)

Phoenix has a hole the size of the sun at point guard. Relying on Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, two score-first two guards, to be primary playmakers clearly isn’t a recipe for offensive success. Serbian product Nikola Topic, who some consider a lottery guy, is a top-tier floor general in the class. He has some significant scoring deficiencies, but considering the current firepower in Phoenix, those weaknesses could be at least partially hidden. 

23. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans): Kyle Filipowski (Big, Duke) 

Brook Lopez is still a valuable player, but his (lack of) speed has limited his impact on defense as he’s gotten older and the Bucks could use a young center capable of playing multiple coverages. Kyle Filipowksi is mobile for a seven-footer and can guard at the level in the pick-and-roll. He can play drop coverage and shoot threes too, making him a worthy apprentice for Lopez. 

24. New York Knicks (via Dallas): Zach Edey (Center, Purdue)

For college legend Zach Edey to really translate to the league, he’ll need to play for someone who can accommodate for his slowness and post-up-heavy playstyle. The grit and grind Knicks are the perfect team to do that because they play at the slowest pace in the NBA. Isaiah Hartenstein could leave in free agency and Mitchell Robinson has struggled to stay healthy, so adding some insurance at center would be a good move for New York, and if Edey is able to pop in their system he would be way, way more than just an insurance player. 

25. New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn (Forward, Virginia) 

Nobody in this class screams “Tom Thibodeau” like Ryan Dunn does. Dunn’s a defensive maniac with a formidable combination of size, smarts, and hustle. If he reaches his ceiling, he could have a Herb Jones level impact, and Thibodeau could bring that level of play out of him. Dunn to the Big Apple would be a match made in heaven. 

26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers): Adem Bona (Center, UCLA)

This pick is far from exciting, but Bona would be a nice pickup for Washington with their second first round pick. He fills their biggest position of need and fills it well. Bona is bouncy, mobile, and relentless and can provide a ton of value defensively in multiple schemes. 

27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyler Kolek (Point guard, Marquette)

Mike Conley is aging incredibly well, but he will only be able to ward off father time for so long and the Wolves need to begin searching for his successor. Tyler Kolek is the ideal candidate. He’s a cerebral floor general with a trusty pullup trey and a fierce competitive spirit. The kid’s a flat-out gamer who can help Anthony Edwards and company achieve greatness. 

28. Denver Nuggets: Johnny Furphy (Wing, Kansas)

Anybody could look good playing next to Nikola Jokic, but Johnny Furphy would be an extra crisp fit next to the MVP. The Australian is a superb off-ball mover with a silky jumper who always makes the right decision. In today’s NBA you can never have too many versatile dribble-pass-shoot guys, especially come playoff time, and adding Furphy would make the 2023 champs look even better. 

29. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City): Bobi Klintman (Forward, Sweden)

The Jazz are a ways away from being a true playoff team and therefore can afford to draft project players who need more time to develop. Bobi Klintman fits that bill, and he’s a fun upside swing because he’s a fantastic mover for his size and shoots the ball pretty well too. If he gets the reps he needs, Klintman could be a very good jumbo 3&D guy. 

30. Boston Celtics: Kevin McCullar Jr. (Wing, Kansas)

The Celtics are cemented in win-now mode, and few guys in this class are more ready to contribute to success right away than Kevin McCullar. The college veteran is one of the best on-ball defenders in the draft and can hit some spot-up threes too. Those two skills are the premier parts of Boston’s identity, making McCullar a potential home-run for them at the end of the first round.

31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit): Pacome Dadiet (Wing, France)
32. Utah Jazz (via Washington): Trevon Brazile (Big, Arkansas) 
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland): KJ Simpson (Point guard, Colorado)
34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte): Coleman Hawkins (Power forward, Illinois)
35. San Antonio Spurs: Tidjane Salaun (Forward, France)
36. Indiana Pacers (via Toronto): PJ Hall (Big, Clemson)
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis): Terrence Shannon Jr. (Wing, Illinois)
38. New York Knicks (via Utah): Devin Carter (Guard, Providence) 
39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Brooklyn): Ja’Kobe Walter (Guard, Baylor)
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta): Oso Ighodaro (Big, Marquette) 
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago): Trey Alexander (Guard, Creighton) 
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston): Wooga Poplar (Wing, Miami) 
43. Miami Heat: Ajay Mitchell (Guard, UCSB)
44. Houston Rockets (via Golden State): JT Toppin (Power forward, New Mexico) 
45. Sacramento Kings: Nique Clifford (Wing, Colorado State) 
46. Los Angeles Clippers (via Indiana): Jaylon Tyson (Wing, California)
47. Orlando Magic: Alex Karaban (Forward, UConn)
48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): Hunter Sallis (Guard, Wake Forest) 
49. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland): Justin Edwards (Wing, Kentucky) 
50. Indiana Pacers (via New Orleans): Baylor Scheierman (Forward, Creighton) 
51. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix): Melvin Ajinca (Wing, France) 
52. Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee): Jaxson Robinson (Wing, BYU)
53. Detroit Pistons (via New York): Payton Sandfort (Wing, Iowa)
54. Boston Celtics (via Dallas): Chaz Lanier (Guard, North Florida) 
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers): Jamal Shead (Point guard, Houston) 
56. Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota): N’Faly Dante (Center, Oregon) 
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Oklahoma City): Jamir Watkins (Forward, Florida State)
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Boston): Harrison Ingram (Forward, North Carolina)