2024 NBA Mock Draft: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling, and Why It’s All Chaos
Eight days. That’s all we’ve got left until the 2024 NBA Draft, and honestly? This might be the most unpredictable one in years. You’ve got ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and The Ringer’s Jeremy Woo dropping mock drafts like they’re gospel, but here’s the thing—nobody really knows what’s gonna happen. Teams are playing their cards close, under-the-radar guys are shooting up boards, and trade rumors are flying faster than a Steph Curry three-pointer. Buckle up.
Latest Mock Draft Predictions: Take ‘Em With a Grain of Salt
Top 5 Picks: Risacher’s the Favorite… For Now
Atlanta’s sitting pretty at No. 1, and yeah, Zaccharie Risacher’s name keeps popping up. But let me tell you, Alex Sarr’s been turning heads in workouts—like, “maybe we should rethink this whole thing” kind of heads. Washington at No. 2? They’re stuck between drafting for need or just grabbing the best guy available. And Houston? Reed Sheppard’s shooting has them drooling, but don’t sleep on Donovan Clingan. That dude protects the rim like it’s his kid sister.
Mid-Lottery (Picks 6-14): Where Things Get Weird
This is where the draft goes off the rails. Stephon Castle’s combine numbers were insane—like, “how did we not see this coming?” insane. Dalton Knecht? Some teams love him, others are side-eyeing his workouts. Chicago at 11 is desperate for a point guard, and OKC at 12 might pull some Sam Presti magic to snag a wing. Oh, and Tidjane Salaun? French kid with hops. Scouts are losing their minds over him.
Late First Round (Picks 15-30): Finding Diamonds in the Rough
These teams just want guys who can play right away. Yves Missi from Baylor? Defensive beast. Devin Carter out of Providence? Plays like his hair’s on fire. The Knicks at 24 and Suns at 22 are hunting for shooters—because let’s be real, you can never have enough of those. And Denver at 28? They might take a flier on Ajay Mitchell, because why not?
Who’s Stealing the Spotlight Last Minute?
Breakout Names You Need to Know
Tristan da Silva from Colorado dropped 18.5 a game and shoots 39% from three. Then there’s Nikola Đurišić—some scouts say he plays like a poor man’s Luka. And Zach Edey? The guy averaged 25 and 12 at Purdue. How is he not getting more love?
Combine Warriors
Isaiah Collier jumped 42 inches. Forty-two! Rob Dillingham’s been cooking dudes in workouts, making people forget he’s kinda small. But the real winner? Cam Spencer. Dude hit 92% on spot-up threes in one session. Ninety. Two. Percent.
Trade Rumors That Could Blow Up the Draft
Who’s Moving Up, Who’s Bailing Out
Atlanta might not even keep that No. 1 pick—San Antonio’s lurking with picks 4 and 8, Detroit’s at 5 sniffing around. Chicago’s shopping Zach LaVine like last season’s iPhone, and Brooklyn’s got picks 9 and 21 to play with. One exec told ESPN: “This could be the most trade-heavy first round since 2017.” Yeah, it’s gonna be wild.
Team Strategies: Who’s Playing Chess, Who’s Playing Checkers
San Antonio’s got four picks—imagine pairing Wemby with another stud. OKC’s sitting on a war chest of assets, just waiting to pounce. And the Lakers at 17? They need someone who can help LeBron now, not in three years. No pressure.
What the Experts Are Saying (And Why They Might Be Wrong)
Wildcards That Could Change Everything
Givony says Matas Buzelis could go anywhere from 3 to 12—that’s how polarizing he is. Woo thinks Ron Holland could be the next Jaylen Brown… or the next Josh Jackson. Ouch. And Bobi Klintman? Refusing to work out for teams below 20. Bold move, kid.
Long-Term Outlook: Stars or Busts?
Woo’s all in on Sarr—”a more mobile Evan Mobley.” Givony’s worried about Knecht’s defense. But here’s the truth: nobody in this draft is a sure thing. Might get a couple All-Stars, might get a bunch of role players. Flip a coin.
Draft Night: Expect the Unexpected
Bold Predictions That’ll Probably Be Wrong
Atlanta trades down. Detroit jumps up for Risacher. Golden State buys into the late first round. And Bronny James? Some team’s gonna take him just to flirt with LeBron. You know it’s coming.
How to Watch Without Losing Your Mind
June 26, 8 PM ET on ESPN. Follow @DraftExpress and @JeremyWoo for live takes. And keep #NBADraft open—this thing’s gonna be a rollercoaster. Franchise-altering decisions incoming.
Final Take: Why This Draft Matters
No Wemby-level hype this year, but that’s what makes it fun. Risacher’s smooth, da Silva’s rising, and some team’s about to make a move we’ll talk about for years. Who’s your sleeper? Hit me with #NBADraftSleeper—maybe you’ll call the next big thing before anyone else.
Source: ESPN – News
