2024 NBA Draft on B/R

Bleacher Report: Latest two-round mock draft with new No. 1 pick

With the G League and college seasons in full swing, a new No. 1 prospect emerges in Jonathan Wasserman's latest mock draft.

Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report

December 22, 2023 8:05 PM

Catch up with G League Ignite star and top 2024 NBA Draft prospect Matas Buzelis ahead of the G League Winter Showcase in Orlando.

Editor’s Note: Find more of Jonathan Wasserman’s coverage of the 2024 Draft on Bleacher Report or to read this article on BleacherReport.com, click here.

(B/R) — With the G League Showcase and NCAA conference play underway, Bleacher Report’s updated NBA mock draft has a new No. 1 prospect.

Scouts’ level of confidence in their top player has sounded unusually low this deep into the season. And unless something major changes, that uncertainty figures to follow the draft conversation deep into June, which could make for an unpredictable yet entertaining night.

The No. 1 overall conversation has also seemingly added another contender, though an injury will keep him out for the next month.

Otherwise, the high-profile international prospects continue to produce to keep this projected lottery interesting.

1. Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis

Stock: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 5
School/Team: G League Ignite
Position: SG/SF
Age: 19
Size: 6-foot-8, 209 lbs
Pro comparison: Franz Wagner

In seven games since returning from an ankle injury, Matas Buzelis has turned heads with a combination of shotmaking, face-up fluidity, finishing and on-ball defense. For a 6-foot-8 wing, that mix creates a coveted archetype and an easy-to-picture fit, a trait that will hold extra value in a draft that’s lacking sure things at the top of the board.

The Ignite are also 4-3 since he’s been back, winning last week’s game on a Buzelis buzzer-beater that gave him 25 points.

Buzelis lost momentum in the draft discussion early, mostly due to his injury and passivity in a spot-up-heavy role. But he’s regaining scouts’ confidence with his positional size, skill versatility and plays around the rim. And he’s still finding ways to score despite not shooting to his potential, as Buzelis shot 43.1% from 3 and 50.0% on dribble jumpers at Sunrise Christian his senior year.

While he isn’t viewed as a normal No. 1 overall candidate, he’s building back steam toward the top spot on boards with the other top names struggling to convince.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topić

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 2
Team/Nationality: Mega MIS/Serbian
Position: PG
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-6, 198 lbs
Pro Comparison: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Practically good for at least 15 points or five assists in every game, Nikola Topić has consistently proved that his creativity, passing skill, finishing craft and streak shotmaking are highly effective in the Adriatic League. The conversation is becoming less about what’s left to learn about his game and more about what’s actually translatable to the NBA.

The easiest to project carrying over right now is the playmaking, as Topić consistently delivers high-level assists off transition opportunities, ball screens, penetration and from standstill position quarterbacking from behind the arc.

The big question is whether he’ll continue to have NBA success beating defenders off the dribble, shooting over them and scoring around the basket. He’s currently converting 50% of his isolation possessions and 67% of his rim attempts.

There will be skeptics who question his inconsistent jump shot and lack of vertical explosion for the next level. But there will also be teams who will try to avoid overthinking and just buy into his current effectiveness as a 6-foot-6 18-year-old in a pro league overseas.

3. Washington Wizards: Ron Holland

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 6
School/Team: G League Ignite
Position: SF
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-6, 204 lbs
Pro Comparison: Cam Whitmore

While new questions have popped up on Ron Holland since his Ignite debut, it doesn’t sound like scouts will nitpick too hard. His explosion and motor create a high floor, and he’s still delivered enough glimpses of ballhandling for drives and streak shotmaking to average 19.8 points on 48.8%.

His shooting range, pull-up game and decision-making have been problematic and raise the biggest questions regarding his ability to be a lead NBA option. But a worst-case outcome still shows a useful contributor for his transition attack, rim pressure, defensive quickness and overall energy/competitiveness.

The case for Holland to go top-three right now says his strengths are translatable, his shot is improvable and his turnovers will decrease as his usage drops next year from 30%.

4. Portland Trail Blazers: Alexandre Sarr

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 1
Team/Nationality: Perth Wildcats/French
Position: PF/C
Age: 18
Size: 7-foot-1, 216 lbs
Pro comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Eighteen games into the NBL season, Alexandre Sarr’s strengths and weaknesses are mostly well-defined. Whoever drafts him will be banking on defensive versatility, rim protection and easy baskets powered by his 7-foot-1 size and athleticism.

The gamble would be on his offensive development, with Sarr just 18 years old, showing shooting range and some limited ability to handle in space, attack closeouts or make touch shots around the key.

But at this stage, he isn’t advanced offensively in any one area, which does make him a risky pick at No. 1. No obvious All-Star among the pack should keep Sarr locked into this first tier of prospects, with his defensive upside creating a high floor and his room to grow as a face-up weapon and shotmaking fueling the upside.

5. Memphis Grizzlies: Cody Williams

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 9
School/Team: Colorado
Position: SF
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-8, 190 lbs
Pro comparison: Jerami Grant

There isn’t a more efficient projected one-and-done freshman than Cody Williams. Despite lacking high-level creation skill or shooting ability, he’s averaging 14.0 points on 62.3%, mostly by picking his spots wisely, capitalizing on driving lanes, using his positional size to finish, moving without the ball, making rhythm 3s, and playing hard.

He’s now expected to miss a month with a wrist injury, which came after consecutive 21-point games.

A coveted archetype (6-foot-9 scoring wing), efficient offense, strong intangibles and defensive effort have put Williams in the same conversation as any other projected top-five pick.

Scouts will want to see more perimeter shotmaking (six 3s in seven games) before considering Williams in the No. 1 overall discussion. But he could have a chance of getting in there, particularly with Alexandre Sarr’s offensive questions and the poor shooting and decision-making from Ron Holland and Isaiah Collier.

6. Charlotte Hornets: Zaccharie Risacher

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 4
Team/Nationality: JL Bourg/French
Position: SF
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-8, 204 lbs
Pro comparison: Michael Porter Jr.

Now up to 46.9% from 3 on the year, Zaccharie Risacher is shooting his way into the top-three mix. While we haven’t seen much growth with his creation or playmaking — something his play last year in France’s U21 League suggested we might — he’s blossomed into one of the top shotmakers, a comforting development for an explosive, 6-foot-8, 18-year-old.

He’s starting to fall into the safe category of prospects, given the expected translatability tied to his positional tools, athleticism and shooting. It’s a combination that creates a high floor, though his age and flashes of ballhandling, passing and defense hint that there’s a more well-rounded player for Risacher to develop into.

7. Utah Jazz: Ja’Kobe Walter

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 7
School/Team: Baylor
Position: SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-5, 195 lbs
Pro Comparison: Moses Moody

In a heavily scouted game at Madison Square Garden against Duke on Wednesday, Ja’Kobe Walter put up a signature performance that highlighted his shot-making versatility and driving tools. The ability to shoot off deep spot-ups and from 3-point range paints the freshman as a plug-and-play wing at the next level, particularly with his strong defensive frame.

There still isn’t a lot of creation or playmaking to his game, which makes it difficult to think of Walter as a top-five pick. But he’s fair game after that, where teams should see a 3-and-D, starting-caliber 2-guard.

8. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Collier

Stock status: Down
Previous mock draft spot: No. 3
School/Team: USC
Position: PG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-5, 210 lbs
Pro comparison: Ty Lawson

The allure to Isaiah Collier is fading behind his free-falling 3-point percentage (30.3%, 3.0 3PTA), a sky-high turnover rate (4.1 per game) and too many USC losses. It’s becoming difficult to make a No. 1 overall or top-five case for a point guard who isn’t a shooter or strong decision-maker.

While it’s difficult to imagine him running an NBA starting lineup next season, his positional strength, ballhandling, shiftiness, finishing and passing skill should still translate to rim pressure and playmaking. He’s averaging 16.1 points and 4.3 assists, converting 61.9% of his attempts around the basket. Scouts may be better off thinking about what ways Collier can help their rotation, which he should be able to do in the right role that limits his quarterback responsibility and values his ability to attack defenses, get to the rim and set up teammates.

The hope longer term will be for the game to slow down for Collier and for his shotmaking to gradually improve.

9. San Antonio Spurs (via Raptors): Stephon Castle

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 7
School/Team: Connecticut
Position: SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-6, 215 lbs

Quiet through three games since returning from injury, Stephon Castle is still trying to find some rhythm in a deep rotation that has a pair of veteran guards (Tristan Newton, Cam Spencer) who are difficult to take off the floor.

He’s going to require heavy eye-test scouting on the flashes, assuming he won’t have the same opportunities or production as the other top prospects. His ability to get to spots, change speeds, pass off a live dribble and pressure defensively have been evident. A 27.1 assist percentage reflects playmaking ability that separates him from other wings and fuels a potential point-wing archetype.

He’s also had some bad misses from outside, however. His jump shot looks stiff and not conducive to shooting from deep.

10. Atlanta Hawks: Rob Dillingham

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 11
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: PG/SG
Age: 18, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-3, 176 lbs
Pro Comparison: Kemba Walker

Rob Dillingham’s numbers have inevitably started falling back to earth, but the excitement around his shotmaking and ballhandling for creation is still there.

He’s been highly efficient in ball-screen situations, making strong reads as a driver and passer and hitting his pull-up opportunities. The fact that he’s shooting 51.5% in spot-up situations is equally as appealing, given the likelihood he winds up on a team that has a franchise starting point guard. Whether he projects as a 1, 2 or combo is starting to seem irrelevant, as teams should just think about Dillingham as an interchangeable offensive weapon.

The biggest questions focus on how his limited physical tools and athleticism will affect him as a finisher (47.6% on layups) and defender.

11. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors): Tidjane Salaun

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 30
Team/Nationality: Cholet/France
Position: PF
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-8, 212 lbs
Pro comparison: Obi Toppin

Tidjane Salaun instantly pops when he’s hitting 3s, and he’s found his range lately with 13 triples over Cholet’s last four games.

Otherwise, he does lean heavily on tools and athleticism to make plays as a finisher and disruptor on defense as he hasn’t showcased creation, passing or shot-blocking. But the combination of 6-foot-8 size, shotmaking, explosion and age is starting to look too tempting after the first two tiers of prospects.

12. Houston Rockets (via Rockets): Ryan Dunn

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 10
School/Team: Virginia
Position: SF/PF
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-8, 216 lbs
Pro comparison: Herbert Jones

Ryan Dunn’s easy-basket explosion and outrageous defensive movement/playmaking will help scouts look past his inability to create or shoot.

The question is where he’s worth taking. Team fit figures to play a key role with Dunn, who’ll likely only generate interest from general managers with rosters that are looking for a specific injection of his defensive energy.

His 4-of-21 mark from deep may be deemed problematic, though he’ll have conference play and predraft workouts to convince scouts that there is still untapped shooting potential to unlock.

13. Phoenix Suns: Donovan Clingan

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: 13th
School/Team: Connecticut
Position: C
Age: 19, Sophomore
Size: 7-foot-2, 280 lbs
Pro Comparison: Jakob Poeltl

After struggling offensively against North Carolina, Kansas and Indiana, Donovan Clingan overwhelmed Gonzaga’s front line with his powerful body and soft hands.

Still, the Bulldogs didn’t have a starter over 6-foot-9, and there are obvious questions about the offensive value of a 280-pound big who doesn’t shoot or dribble. But he’s still going to have suitors interested in adding rim protection as Clingan takes up a lot of space defensively, affects drivers’ decision-making and blocks 2.1 shots in 21.4 minutes.

He’s going to give an NBA team a new element of physicality around the basket. It will likely just take a specific roster with defensive needs to covet a one-position player like Clingan.

14. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Terrence Shannon Jr.

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 12
School/Team: Illinois
Position: SG/SF
Age: 23, Senior
Size: 6-foot-6, 215 lbs
Pro comparison: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Shooting 41.5% on 6.5 3-point attempts, Terrence Shannon Jr. is complementing his open-floor speed and halfcourt slashing with shotmaking that’s helping to diminish concerns about his scoring versatility for the NBA.

We’ve seen hot streaks from him before, so he’ll want to keep it up through conference play to avoid scouts questioning his shooting legitimacy. But the increased 3-point volume is a promising sign, and there isn’t much to question about Shannon’s ability to explode in transition, blow by, finish and defend wings.

15. Indiana Pacers: Reed Sheppard

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 17
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-3, 187 lbs
Pro comparison: Donte DiVincenzo

While scouts acknowledge that physical and creation limitations will restrict Reed Sheppard’s scoring at the next level, his shooting efficiency, passing IQ and defensive instincts remain highly convincing and translatable to a connector role.

He currently grades in the 100th percentile in both pick-and-roll ballhandling and spot-up situations, an outrageous statistic, although it is on fewer possessions compared to most draft prospects. Aside from shooting 59.4% off the catch, he’s making his pull-ups (12-of-24) and enough basic reads to find teammates off the dribble.

Meanwhile, he’s still rocking a 5.9 steal percentage and 4.0 block percentage, wild defensive playmaking rates that highlight his quick hands and anticipation.

Sheppard doesn’t get to the rim or free-throw line often, and he hasn’t showcased any real self-creation. However, without many obvious high-upside prospects available outside the top 10, NBA teams will have no problem settling on higher-floor projected role players like Sheppard.

16. New York Knicks: Kyle Filipowski

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 16
School/Team: Duke
Position: PF/C
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 7-foot-0, 248 lbs

Kyle Filipowski’s scoring versatility remains attractive, but it’s the transition ballhandling, passing and defensive foot speed that makes him interesting. While it’s worth questioning whether he’ll be able to blow by or overwhelm down low like he can now, he’ll separate himself at the next level with the ability to initiate fast breaks, facilitate from the post, stretch the floor, switch and rebound.

Otherwise, he looks mostly similar to how he did last year, except that he’s using his gravity and IQ more to find/set up teammates (20.4 assist percentage).

17. Miami Heat: Kevin McCullar Jr.

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 15
School/Team: Kansas
Position: SG/SF
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6-foot-7, 214 lbs
Pro comparison: Alex Caruso

Taking more 3s, free throws and averaging a career-best 4.9 assists, Kevin McCullar Jr. continues to play with a different level of aggression this year. He’s taking full advantage of a major usage spike, which is up to 27.4% from 19.5%.

He’ll go back to playing a more supporting role next year, however, and it’s reasonable to remain skeptical about his improved scoring translating to the NBA. But pairing his outstanding defensive tools/instincts with a more comfortable-looking 3-point shot (38.1%) and added playmaking feel is still key for his role-player potential in the NBA.

18. Cleveland Cavaliers: D.J. Wagner

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 26
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: PG/SG
Age: 18, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-4, 192 lbs
Pro comparison: Collin Sexton

D.J. Wagner has delivered more perimeter shotmaking and playmaking flashes as of late — positive signs heading into conference play.

His value to Kentucky and NBA scouts still revolves around his ability to put pressure on the rim with quick, tight ballhandling moves and a knack for identifying gaps and slicing through them.

Scouts still have questions about his finishing tools and floater game. But he’ll help diminish those concerns by continuing to show growth as a shooter and passer.

19. New Orleans Pelicans: Yves Missi

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 35
School/Team: Baylor
Position: C
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 7-foot-0, 235 lbs
Pro comparison: Mark Williams

With a double-double and five blocks against Duke, Yves Missi helped himself in a heavily scouted matchup.

He made it difficult for Kyle Filipowski to get any clean looks around the rim. He showed good foot speed sliding with drivers and contesting their finishes. At the other end, Missi played lob target and cleanup man with his outstanding physical tools, hands and athleticism.

Teams that could use more rim protection figure to see a sure thing in Missi, even if he’s a limited offensive player.

20. New York Knicks: Kel’el Ware

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 19
School/Team: Indiana
Position: C
Age: 19, Sophomore
Size: 7-foot-0, 242 lbs
Pro Comparison: Jarrett Allen

Kel’el Ware’s impact comes and goes, which is why he won’t be the consensus lottery pick that his size, athleticism and skill level suggest he should be. Talent and the potential to evolve into a stretch-shooting shot-blocker should still be enough for him to go in the teens in a draft where there aren’t obvious best-player-available options outside the top 10.

Despite a recent slump, Ware is still averaging 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds with a strong defensive showing against Connecticut’s 280-pound Donovan Clingan. With excellent finishing and shot-blocking tools, and enticing shotmaking ability around the post and out to the arc, certain teams may be willing to give Ware a pass for the inconsistency at 19 years old.

21. New York Knicks (via Mavs): Dalton Knecht

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 20
School/Team: Tennessee
Position: SF
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6-foot-6, 204 lbs
Pro comparison: Max Strus

NBA scouts are buying into Dalton Knecht’s shooting and ability to earn two-point buckets by slashing through contact and cutting off the ball.

There may be some questions about how much of his game at both ends will translate to the next level. But in a draft where there aren’t as many enticing high-upside teenagers available, Knecht could start to look like a persuasive shotmaker and tough role player in the late first round.

22. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers): Tristan da Silva

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 28
School/Team: Colorado
Position: SF/PF
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6-foot-9, 220 lbs
Pro comparison: Jake LaRavia

Tristan da Silva’s 22-point, 10-rebound, nine-assist game against Miami highlighted some extra versatility that’s not always easy to spot.

Shotmaking will still be the senior’s NBA moneymaker. Making 40% of his 3s, the Colorado forward has also made 7-of-9 off-screen jumpers and 10-of-17 post-ups. He’s also averaging a career-best 3.0 assists, and he’s had some promising sequences that show defensive IQ and tools.

Age and athletic limitations may hint at a lower ceiling, but his skill set and style could be suited for an immediate supporting role at the next level.

23. Orlando Magic: Bobi Klintman

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 22
Team/Nationality: Cairns Taipans/Swedish
Position: SF/PF
Age: 20
Size: 6-foot-8, 225 lbs
Pro Comparison: De’Andre Hunter

Bobi Klintman trades productive weeks with quiet ones, which is partly due to a strict, off-ball role that calls for spotting up and cutting. A lack of consistent touches and shots means scouts putting more stock into the flashes. He’s hit 20 3s in 17 games while showing some comfort level attacking closeouts and scoring on the move in the lane.

His upside pops the most in transition, where he’s a comfortable live-dribble passer and currently 7-of-7 converting himself as a ballhandler.

There figure to be skeptics who question Klintman’s bankable NBA skill, while optimists could see versatility tied to his potential as a shotmaker, driver, coast-to-coast threat and multiposition defender.

24. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Trevon Brazile

Stock status: Down
Previous mock draft spot: No. 14
School/Team: Arkansas
Position: PF/C
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-10, 220 lbs
Pro comparison: Thomas Bryant

Trevon Brazile has had some disappointing offensive games and trouble generating his own scoring chances. Playing mostly a spot-up role, his production is bound to fluctuate, but there will still be interest in an athletic 6-foot-10 forward with elite finishing potential and 3-point range.

The visions of a high-upside prospect come and go, and a role-player outcome is more realistic. But teams looking for frontcourt depth could target Brazile for his explosion around the basket, floor-spacing and some flashes of face-up play that suggest he could become a threat to attack closeouts.

25. Denver Nuggets: Ajay Mitchell

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 21
School/Team: Santa Barbara
Position: PG
Age: 21, Junior
Size: 6-foot-5, 190 lbs

Believers in Ajay Mitchell will buy his production, knack for getting to spots and impressive finishing craft used to compensate for limited athletic ability. Skeptics question his 3-point shooting, potential to beat/separate from NBA defenders and a Santa Barbara schedule that lacks credible opponents.

The recent success of slower, below-the-rim point guards in the NBA could help teams look past his underwhelming explosion. The biggest issue may be his 6-of-20 mark on pull-ups.

Still, one team figures to put stock into Mitchell’s consistent success using change of speed/direction, his command in ball-screen situations and improved catch-and-shoot stroke to start the season.

26. Indiana Pacers (via Thunder): Oso Ighodaro

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 32
School/Team: Marquette
Position: C
Age: 21, Senior
Size: 6-foot-11, 225 lbs
Pro comparison: Brandon Clarke

Though a non-shooter with limited shot-blocking numbers, Oso Igodaro has entered outlier territory with his unique skills and consistent impact. Coming off consecutive 20-point games, he continues to score with his timing and athleticism (31-of-34 on rolls and cuts) and signature one-handed touch on floaters and hooks (combined 22-of-31).

NBA coaches figure to be very interested in his ball-moving, short-roll game, ballhandling to attack space and his defensive versatility.

27. Philadelphia 76ers: Wooga Poplar

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 33
School/Team: Miami
Position: SG
Age: 20, Junior
Size: 6-foot-5, 197 lbs

Through 10 games, Wooga Poplar is shooting 51% on 4.9 3-point attempts per game. It’s starting to look more like legitimate, needle-moving improvement, rather than just a hot shooting streak to start the season.

When paired with Poplar’s athletic ability, the shotmaking, both off the catch and dribble, could be enough for him to overcome his limitations as a guard creator.

28. Milwaukee Bucks: Justin Edwards

Stock status: Down
Previous mock draft spot: No. 27
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: SF
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-8, 203 lbs
Pro comparison: Olivier Maxence-Prosper

It’s become difficult to identify an above-average skill for Justin Edwards, who’s down to 25% from 3, averaging 0.9 assists and struggling mightily to finish plays in transition (5-of-17). Scouts will be hoping to see his jump shot start to fall more often during conference play. The combo of 6-foot-8 size and athletic ability for finishing and defensive playmaking should buy him time.

29. Boston Celtics: Tyrese Proctor

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 24
School/Team: Duke
Position: PG
Age: 19, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-5, 183 lbs
Pro comparison: Shake Milton

Underwhelming offensive performances against Duke’s quality opponents have kept scouts from getting excited about any improvement Tyrese Proctor has made with his playmaking or two-point efficiency.

There are still reasons to see a future NBA role player with the 19-year-old’s foundational skill set still including shotmaking, some perimeter self-creation and passing. At 6-foot-5, he still has the tools, IQ, playmaking feel and range to play either guard spot.

But Proctor has to assert himself more and shoot better (whenever he returns from injury) to avoid a slide into the late 20s or 30s.

30. Minnesota Timberwolves: Baba Miller

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 26
School/Team: Florida State
Position: SF/PF
Age: 19, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-11, 204 lbs
Pro comparison: Jonathan Isaac

As promising as Baba Miller’s flashes of shotmaking, slashing and defense continue to look, the lack of aggression and production continue to make him difficult to fully buy into. Improved shooting, plus the idea of a 6-foot-11 wing who can handle, finish and disrupt, could be enough to draw first-round interest. And he should have a chance to resell himself better during predraft workouts. But 7.8 points and 6.2 field-goal attempts haven’t been raising scouts’ confidence during his second season.

31. New York Knicks (via Pistons): Kylan Boswell

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 34
School/Team: Arizona
Position: PG/SG
Age: 18, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-2, 200 lbs

Kylan Boswell had his first truly forgettable game of the season in Arizona’s loss to Purdue. That also speaks to his steadiness coming in as he’d consistently given the Wildcats efficient shooting, decision-making and pressure defense.

There are valid questions about Boswell’s ability to create and finish against NBA defenders. But his size/athletic limitations might not matter as much in a connector role that values his shotmaking, passing and toughness.

32. Detroit Pistons (via Wizards): Tyler Smith

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 31
Team: G League Ignite
Position: PF
Age: 19
Size: 6-foot-11, 224 lbs

It seemed inevitable that Tyler Smith would cool off from deep, and now that he has, his offense has unsurprisingly sputtered. For a 6-foot-11 19-year-old, the flashes should still hold more weight, as Smith clearly has a smooth stroke to go with strong physical tools and a live motor for finishing.

It’s been difficult to get too excited about his defense, however, so Smith’s early shooting success has to be a genuine indicator if he’s going to offer a rotation anything different or valuable.

33. San Antonio Spurs: Carlton Carrington

Stock status: Down
Previous mock draft spot: No. 16
School/Team: Pittsburgh
Position: PG/SG
Age: 18, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-5, 190 lbs

Carlton Carrington’s hot start is starting to look a bit fluky, but the tough shotmaking and playmaking feel have still popped.

Concerns about his burst and athleticism for penetrating and defending are the most valid. However, he doesn’t turn 19 until after the draft, and at 6-foot-5, he’s averaging 5.7 assists with 38 made pull-ups (44.2%). Teams could still see an offensive weapon that can make a living in pick-and-roll situations and knock down jumpers.

34. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies): Adem Bona

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 29
School/Team: UCLA
Position: C
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-10, 245 lbs
Pro comparison: Isaiah Jackson

Motor and athleticism for play-finishing and shot-blocking will always be behind the appeal to Adem Bona. The flashes of post play are encouraging, but NBA teams will consider drafting him to pick up easy baskets, second-chance points, play pick-and-roll defense and protect the rim. He also continues to have trouble avoiding fouls, which is raising more questions about his awareness in an area where he needs to be above average to earn NBA minutes.

35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Blazers): Caleb Foster

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 23
School/Team: Duke
Position: PG/SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6-foot-5, 197 lbs

With just a 17.7% usage, Caleb Foster has still been able to show off his ballhandling wiggle for getting into the lane. His combination of floater touch and strength at the rim has been highly effective for paint scoring.

He’s also at 38.5% from 3, taking mostly quality attempts without hunting them down.

The lack of playmaking and volume shooting will just keep scouts from reaching too high. Returning for a sophomore year may make the most sense, considering none of Duke’s high-profile recruits are point guards.

36. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets): Melvin Ajinca

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 41
Team/Nationality: Saint-Quentin/France
Position: SG/SF
Age: 19
Size: 6-foot-7, N/A

With 10 3s over Saint-Quinten’s last three games, Melvin Ajinca has been able to showcase a stroke that he’s going to try to ride into the first round. He’s almost exclusively a catch-and-shoot wing, but he’s also hit 10-of-19 jumpers off screens, and despite offering minimal creation or playmaking, teams could potentially see a 6-foot-7, plug-and-play shotmaker.

37. New York Knicks (via Jazz): Aaron Bradshaw

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No 47
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: C
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 7-foot-1, 226 lbs
Pro comparison: Mo Bamba

Aaron Bradshaw has had some encouraging stretches during his first three games, giving Kentucky another finisher, energy under the basket and a shotmaking threat. With a high center of gravity, he’s looked easy to move inside, which does raise some questions about his potential to anchor a team’s defensive paint at center. Making jump shots will presumably be the key to Bradshaw separating himself as he doesn’t do much post-scoring or passing.

38. Boston Celtics (via Bulls): Devin Carter

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
School/Team: Providence
Position: PG/SG
Age: 21, Junior
Size: 6-foot-3, 195 lbs
Pro comparison: Jose Alvarado

Devin Carter has always been a suffocating defender with his quick feet, anticipation and signature intensity. At 6-foot-3, he’s already up to 15 blocks, giving him 60 total as a guard in 74 career games.

But now he’s turning a corner as a shooter, up to 27 3s on the season after making 5 in Providence’s win over Marquette. Scouts are taking notice, and despite his limitations as a high-level creator, a threatening 3-ball and flashy passing could be enough for Carter offensively while he earns his NBA paychecks applying defensive pressure and forcing turnovers.

39. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Izan Almansa

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 36
Team: G League Ignite
Position: PF/C
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-10, 230 lbs
Pro comparison: Jabari Walker

Izan Almansa will have a difficult time luring first-round suitors without any translatable half-court creation, shooting or athletic traits. His age should buy him time with some scouts, but the most realistic outlook pictures an energy big valued for instincts and hustle for play-finishing and earning second-chance points.

40. Los Angeles Clippers (via Raptors): Kobe Johnson

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 40
School/Team: USC
Position: SF
Age: 20, Junior
Size: 6-foot-6, 200 lbs
Pro comparison: Kent Bazemore

Improved shooting would unlock easy-fit versatility for Kobe Johnson, a high-instinct wing defender, ball-mover and effective slasher. He’s currently in a rough slump from behind the arc, however, but he is attempting more 3s after starting the season 8-of-19.

A team may see a second-round bet worth taking on Johnson’s shooting development, given what it could do for a 6-foot-6, athletic two-way forward who can check the “makes teammates better” box with his passing and intangibles.

41. Houston Rockets (via Warriors): Trey Alexander

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 38
School/Team: Creighton
Position: SG
Age: 20, Junior
Size: 6-foot-4, 190 lbs
Pro comparison: E’Twaun Moore

Trey Alexander’s shooting numbers are down and his playmaking rate is up. It’s more important he gets his 3-point stroke back on track given his projected off-ball role at the next level. But his shotmaking was sharp enough last year to believe he’ll start knocking down jumpers more consistently. And if that happens and he continues to flash more creativity and passing, it should result in more teams interested in Alexander in 2024 than there were last June.

42. Houston Rockets (via Nets): Alex Karaban

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 42
School/Team: Connecticut
Position: PF
Age: 21, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-8, 220 lbs

Shotmaking at 6-foot-8, 220 pounds should get Alex Karaban drafted, though he’s also been an effective cutter and defender. Despite offering minimal creation or athletic ability, he checks the right boxes for an NBA stretch 4 with his size, shooting and foot speed to guard away from the basket.

43. Washington Wizards (via Suns): Zach Edey

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: No. 52
School/team: Purdue
Position: C
Age: 21, Senior
Size: 7-foot-4, 300 lbs

Defenses have had no answer for Zach Edey’s unmatchable size, ability to get into hook shots and touch around the paint. And this year, he’s raised his free-throw percentage and shot-blocking rate, developments that only improve his chances of staying on an NBA floor for longer stretches.

44. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Tyler Kolek

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 43
School/Team: Marquette
Position: PG
Age: 22, Junior
Size: 6-foot-3, 195 lbs

Even with an early schedule that’s included matchups against Purdue, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin and Texas, Tyler Kolek has a 66.7 true shooting percentage with 65 assists to 29 turnovers. NBA teams will see a pick-and-roll specialist who’s finding enough ways to compensate for physical/athletic limitations with body-controlled finishing, touch and shotmaking.

45. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets): Judah Mintz

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 45
School/Team: Syracuse
Position: PG/SG
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 6-foot-4, 185 lbs

While Judah Mintz’s bread-and-butter remains the same — attacking open floor and ball screens and getting to the free-throw line — he’s been far more efficient slashing and shooting from off the ball this year. Though still streaky from behind the arc (he’s 14-of-34) even marginal improvement could be enough for the next level when considering his translatable rim pressure and two-way playmaking.

46. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers): Jaxson Robinson

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
School/Team: BYU
Position: SF
Age: 21, Senior
Size: 6-foot-7, 190 lbs

Jaxson Robinson is turning heads with his shooting, having connected on 43.4% on 7.5 3-point attempts per game. The eye test on his 6-foot-7 size, quick release and ability to hit off-screen and pull-up jumpers has looked very convincing, though scouts are still monitoring Robinson’s legitimacy through a small 11-game sample size after three years of putting up mediocre to average percentages.

47. Miami Heat: Reece Beekman

Stock status: No. 50
Previous mock draft spot: Steady
School/Team: Virginia
Position: PG
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6-foot-3, 194 lbs
Pro comparison: Jevon Carter

Reece Beekman’s scoring limitations are well-documented, but teams could picture a Jevon Carter-type valued for two-way playmaking and the ability to pressure ballhandlers on defense. He is coming off his first 20-point game of the season on Saturday, so any bonus signs of rising offensive confidence could help keep Beekman on draft boards.

48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers): Zvonomir Ivisic

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 51
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: PF/C
Age: 20, Freshman
Size: 7-foot-2, 234 lbs

Scouts and Kentucky are still waiting on the debut of Zvonimir Ivišić, who missed time due to sickness after eligibility issues initially caused a delay.

There has been a buildup of anticipation after he averaged 11.4 points, 3.4 blocks and 1.6 3s for Croatia at the U20 European Championship. At 7-foot-2, his flashes of open-floor ballhandling, drives from the arc and shooting point to enticing upside.

Scouts just want a better feel for how realistic it is and how legitimate his range, defensive mobility and feel for the game are.

49. New Orleans Pelicans: Trentyn Flowers

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 46
Team/Nationality: Adelaide 36ers/USA
Position: SG/SF
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-8, 205 lbs

Trentyn Flowers’ minutes and production have fluctuated in the NBL, but he’s still been able to sell an enticing package of positional size, athleticism and shotmaking. He should be able to himself more in the predraft process, and a team willing to take a riskier swing on upside figures to see a second-round gamble worth making.

50. Philadelphia 76ers (via Knicks): Aday Mara

Stock status: Down
Previous mock draft spot: No. 44
School/Team: UCLA
Position: C
Age: 18, Freshman
Size: 7-foot-3, 240 lbs

Aday Mara has dug himself an early hole, looking too slow and outdated for a first-round center, particularly after a 1-of-6 effort in a loss to Ohio State. He still has time to build a second-round case around his 7-foot-3 size, post skill, passing and shot-blocking.

51. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers): Bronny James

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
School/Team: USC
Position: SG
Age: 19
Size: 6-foot-4, 210 lbs
Pro comparison: De’Anthony Melton

Bronny James’ early results aren’t as meaningful as the fact that he’s back on the floor after suffering from cardiac arrest. He’s going to play a limited, spot-up role, especially in a lineup with Isaiah Collier, Kobe Johnson and Boogie Ellis. While his touches and confidence figure to increase over the next few months, there is enough high school evidence of James’ shooting stroke, defensive playmaking/IQ and decision-making to warrant second-round looks. He does struggle to create for himself in the half-court, and moving into the first-round mix likely means being able to showcase some off-the-dribble burst and two-point offense. In the meantime, James’ sales pitch to NBA teams will revolve around his 3-and-D archetype and intangibles.

52. Boston Celtics (via Mavs): Mantas Rubstavicius

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
Team/Nationality: New Zealand Breakers, Lithuanian
Size: 6-foot-5, 196 lbs
Age: 21

Mantas Rubstavicius just went for 21 points in his first start after consecutive double-digit scoring games. He’s trending upward following an early-season injury, looking more comfortable with the type of positional size, shooting and passing that should catch scouts’ attention if he continues to produce.

53. Sacramento Kings: Matthew Cleveland

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 53
School/Team: Miami
Position: SF
Age: 21, Junior
Size: 6-foot-7, 208 lbs
Pro comparison: Otto Porter Jr.

Shooting will always be Matthew Cleveland’s key swing skill given his lack of self-creation and playmaking. Now 10-of-25 from deep, he’s off to the best start of his career while continuing to produce off athletic plays, instincts and mid-range shotmaking (70.5% 2PT).

54. Orlando Magic: Nikola Djurisic

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 54
Team: Mega MIS, Serbian/Belgian
Position: SG/SF
Age: 19
Size: 6-foot-7, 214 lbs

Nikola Djurisic has strung together five consecutive double-digit scoring games while regularly flashing needed playmaking ability to help separate him from other second-round wing prospects.

The inconsistency has been frustrating, but for a 6-foot-7, 19-year-old wing, teams should find his positional size, ballhandling and shotmaking worth betting on coming together at some point.

55. Houston Rockets (via Thunder) Hunter Sallis)

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 39
School/Team: Wake Forest
Position: SG
Age: 21, Junior
Size: 6-foot-5, 185 lbs

More freedom at Wake Forest has unlocked Hunter Sallis’ confidence and three-level scoring. He’s been highly effective with his pull-up (48.7%) and ability to slash off the catch, though improving his catch-and-shoot game will make it easier to picture an NBA fit.

56. Indiana Pacers (via Bucks): PJ Hall

Stock status: Up
Previous mock draft spot: Off the board
School/Team: Clemson
Position: PF/C
Age: 21
Size: 6-foot-10, 238 lbs
Pro comparison: Jeremiah-Robinson Earl

An invite to G League Elite Camp last year confirmed NBA interest in Hall. He’s taken another step forward this season, now looking like a pro prospect with a strong enough package of finishing, post skill, shooting and shot-blocking for a stretch 4 or 5.

57. Charlotte Hornets (via Celtics): Harrison Ingram

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 55
School/Team: North Carolina
Position: SF
Age: 21, Junior
Size: 6-foot-7, 235 lbs

Harrison Ingram is up to 43.2% on 4.4 3-point attempts, an interesting development for a 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward who showed more playmaking at Stanford when he wasn’t sharing a ball with RJ Davis and Elliot Cadeau. He’s also looked quicker on certain defensive possessions, and his 2.5 steal rate is noticeably higher.

There is connector potential tied to his shotmaking and passing, though the improved shooting has to be real for Ingram to have a realistic chance.

58. Denver Nuggets (via Wolves): Pacome Dadiet

Stock status: Steady
Previous mock draft spot: No. 57
Team/Nationality: Ratiopharm Ulm/France
Position: SF
Age: 18
Size: 6-foot-6, 187 lbs

Teams looking for late draft-and-stash or sleeper options will highlight Pacome Dadiet, a 6-foot-8 wing who’s been scouted at FIBA and Basketball Without Borders before this season. Despite his limited role in the German BBL and EuroCup, flashes of finishing, defensive movement and shotmaking potential could entice a team in the second round.

* * *

Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter.The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Brothers Discovery.

Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference.