2024 NBA Mock Draft: Frenchmen Sarr, Risacher go first and second

Although the 2024 NBA Draft class is not touted as one of the best in recent memory, that doesn’t mean there is a lack of interest in the upcoming draft later this month.

So who is the best of the bunch and set to go No. 1 to the Atlanta Hawks?

The NBA Finals are underway, but it’s never too early to start looking ahead toward the draft.

With the lottery in the rearview mirror, teams know their position in the pecking order and prognosticators are chiming in with their hot takes.

Let’s join the party with this 2024 NBA mock draft.

1. Atlanta Hawks - Alex Sarr, C (France)

The smart money is still on Alex Sarr to be the top pick despite Zaccharie Risarcher reportedly gaining traction. Both have big upsides, but Sarr’s is even bigger and would give Atlanta more of a defensive force in the paint.

2. Washington Wizards - Zaccharie Risacher, SF (France)

The Wizards will almost certainly get whichever Frenchman is passed up by the Hawks. Zaccharie Risacher, who could become the best offensive playmaker in the class, is a +190 second-favorite to go No. 1.

3. Houston Rockets - Stephon Castle, G (UConn)

Either Stephon Castle or Reed Sheppard will likely be the first college product off the board. Castle brings a lot to the table on both ends of the floor and recently won the NCAA National Championship.

4. San Antonio Spurs - Reed Sheppard, G (Kentucky)

Reed Sheppard can shoot the lights out and the Spurs could use a guard, so he would be a nice compliment to Victor Wembanyama as San Antonio continues the rebuilding process.

5. Detroit Pistons - Matas Buzelis, SF (G League)

Matas Buzelis may be a project, but Detroit isn’t in win-now mode and will be willing to wait. He is 6’10’’ and the kind of versatile player that NBA teams covet these days.

6. Charlotte Hornets - Donovan Clingan, C (UConn)

Donovan Clingan catching lobs from LaMelo Ball sounds like a fun combination in Charlotte. The former UConn star would be a major defensive presence, as well.

7. Portland Trail Blazers - Rob Dillingham, G (Kentucky)

Portland probably wants Clingan and might even move up to get him. Nonetheless, you can never have too much talent in the backcourt and Rob Dillingham, who has a crafty game and can score and pass, would not be a bad alternative.

8. San Antonio Spurs - Dalton Knecht, SF (Tennessee)

After going with a guard in Sheppard, the Spurs would do well to get a wing player like Dalton Knecht who could make an instant impact in the league. However, there are rumors that San Antonio may want to package their two picks and swap them with Atlanta to move up to No. 1.

9. Memphis Grizzlies - Ron Holland, SF (G League)

Ron Holland was once the top-rated player in his high school draft class. His performance in the G League last season was solid but unspectacular, but the Grizzlies can afford to take on a long-term project.

10. Utah Jazz - Ja‘Kobe Walter, G (Baylor)

The rebuilding Jazz could go in any number of directions here, but addressing the backcourt is probably their best bet with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler in the frontcourt. Ja'Kobe Walter has good size and shooting ability for a point guard.

11. Chicago Bulls - Nikola Topic, G (Serbia)

Nikola Topic is dealing with a knee injury, the specifics of which will get sorted out before the draft. If he gets a good report, the smooth Serbian will be off the board before this point.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder - Cody Williams, F (Colorado)

Just what Oklahoma City needs - another Williams! And, yes, Cody is the younger brother of Jalen (not Jaylin). This would by no means be a reach just to bring the brothers together; Cody really could go in the top 10 after shooting 41.5 percent from three in his lone year in college.

13. Sacramento Kings - Devin Carter, G (Providence)

Devin Carter is 22 years old and ready to be a contributor right away. Given that Sacramento is in win-now mode (despite its lackluster 2023/24 campaign), this selection makes sense.

14. Portland Trail Blazers - Tidjane Salaun, F (France)

The lottery likely begins with a French flavor; why not end it with the same? At 18 years old and with a raw skillset, Tidjane Salaun is a long-term project, but Portland is in the business of the long term.

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The rest

15. Miami Heat - Isaiah Collier, PG (USC)
 16. Philadelphia 76ers - Jared McCain, G (Duke)
 17. Los Angeles Lakers - Zach Edey, C (Purdue)
 18. Orlando Magic - Carlton Carrington, G (Pittsburgh)
 19. Toronto Raptors - Kel‘el Ware, C (Indiana)
 20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Kyshawn George, SF (Miami)
 21. New Orleans Pelicans - Tristan da Silva, F (Colorado)
 22. Phoenix Suns - Yves Missi, C (Baylor)
 23. Milwaukee Bucks - Kyle Filipowski, C (Duke)
 24. New York Knicks - Tyler Kolek, G (Marquette)
 25. New York Knicks - Johnny Furphy, SF (Kansas)
 26. Washington Wizards - Jaylon Tyson, G (California)
 27. Minnesota Timberwolves - Tyler Smith, PF (G League)
 28. Denver Nuggets - Baylor Scheierman, SF (Creighton)
 29. Utah Jazz - DaRon Holmes II, PF (Dayton)
 30. Boston Celtics - Bobi Klintman, PF (Australia)

This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.