New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks


It’s officially 2024 NBA draft week, and the big storyline continues to be what happens with the Atlanta Hawks and which player they will select as their No. 1 pick.

Ahead of the two-day draft, which begins Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET (on ABC, ESPN and ESPN+), Hawks general manager Landry Fields said his initial enthusiasm about landing the top pick has not been diminished as he and his staff have examined options such as two French stars, Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, along with Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard and UConn center Donovan Clingan.

Trade talks are heating up as different scenarios are being laid out from NBA decision-makers depending on how the draft evolves.

ESPN will be tracking every bit of news and intel until the Hawks go on the clock at the Barclays Center podium Wednesday, with this version of the mock draft undergoing any and all necessary alterations up until draft time, based on our latest intel and any first- or second-round moves up until that hour.

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New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

First round

New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Bourg (France) | Age: 19.2

The Hawks continue to signal that they have not yet determined their draft night direction, which makes sense considering the nature of this draft, how even the talent at the top is and trade opportunities that could unfold once they are on the clock.

They simultaneously have decisions to make with players already on their roster, especially Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, who seem destined to part ways in the not-too-distant future. The New Orleans Pelicans loom as a potential destination for one of them, with Brandon Ingram the most attractive and attainable target on the Pels’ roster. Jalen Johnson appears to be the only player the Hawks will not consider moving.

Risacher, as he has for much of the pre-draft cycle, continues to hold firm as the choice at No. 1 following a positive workout with Atlanta. The feedback from those who have seen him in the United States is that he is a better passer and does a better job of initiating contact and playing through physicality than is expected with his lean frame.

Donovan Clingan, another favorite of the Hawks’ coaching staff, remains in play at No. 1, but he might be a more realistic option if the Hawks trade down a few spots with the San Antonio Spurs, something that might not materialize until the Spurs are on the clock at No. 4.

The Hawks getting back their 2025 unprotected first-rounder from San Antonio would be a huge boon, but it isn’t clear whether the Spurs would be willing to pay such a high price, while other great trade opportunities do not appear to have materialized thus far.

NBA teams say the Hawks are indicating they could take Alex Sarr at No. 1, which some speculate might be more an attempt to force the Washington Wizards to trade up. — Jonathan Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Alex Sarr, PF/C, Perth (Australia) | Age: 19.1

With days to go until the draft, rival teams are viewing Washington as Sarr’s likely destination. Sarr still has not worked out for Atlanta at No. 1, although the Hawks have continued to try to bring him in. He is thought to be comfortable coming off the board one spot later, with the Wizards’ younger roster offering a clearer path to playing time and an opportunity to grow into an expanded role. It’s worth noting that Risacher visited the Wizards over the weekend, meeting team brass and touring the city.

The Wizards have been quiet throughout the pre-draft process. But they had a consistent scouting presence in Perth this season, and they are thought to be keen on Sarr’s long-term upside. His availability here remains contingent on there being no surprises at No. 1, but the widely held belief around the league is that Washington is Sarr’s floor. Amid a full-scale rebuild, Washington has the runway to be patient with Sarr’s development, making it a strong fit for him — and vice versa — on paper.

Sarr arguably has the greatest upside available here, with the physical attributes to be a top defender as well as the makings of a useful offensive skill set as a finisher and improving floor spacer. — Jeremy Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Kentucky | Age: 19.9

This pick has been in trade conversations since the moment the Rockets got it in the draft lottery (14 teams), and it likely will continue to be attainable until NBA commissioner Adam Silver announces the selection at No. 3. Many NBA teams are operating under the assumption it will be moved in their internal mock drafts, but that’s difficult to plan for considering how rare these types of trades are from a historical perspective.

The Rockets are clearly in win-now mode and would love to add star power to their roster, with players such as Kevin Durant, Jimmy Butler, Mikal Bridges and Brandon Ingram as well as role players including Brook Lopez and Marcus Smart being some that other teams say the Rockets could have interest in targeting (with some names more far-fetched than others).

Several of the teams rumored to be exploring the cost of moving up in the draft — for example, the Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder — appear to have interest in selecting Clingan (the No. 3 player on the ESPN Top 100 Big Board), who has not worked out for the Rockets. Clingan getting selected at No. 3 would have a cascading effect, sending the draft in an entirely different direction than the one we have mapped out below.

Should the Rockets stand pat, Sheppard has been the favorite here since draft lottery night. Houston’s ownership group traveled to meet with him in Los Angeles fairly early in the process, and he visited the Rockets’ facility to make his case as the best shooter in the draft. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn | Age: 19.6

The Spurs got an up-close look at Risacher in a private workout this past weekend, which should help them determine how aggressive they want or need to be in trade talks for moving up to No. 1, where the French wing is currently favored to be drafted. The Spurs have the assets to do so if they want, holding the Hawks’ unprotected 2025 and 2027 first-round picks as well as a pick-swap option in 2026 thanks to the Dejounte Murray trade.

The Spurs are telling rival teams they will be taking a best-player-available approach at picks No. 4 and No. 8 despite having backcourt needs and a lack of shooting and playmaking — areas they’ll need to address in due time. Taking a patient approach seems to be San Antonio’s strategy for now, as there are plenty of scenarios in which more attractive options become available in the near future.

San Antonio has expressed increasing interest in Clingan as of late, even going as far as interviewing him in recent days to get to know him better. Some think this might be a case of the Spurs signaling to rivals that the No. 4 pick is where they need to get to if they want to draft Clingan, as opposed to real interest in a fascinating twin-towers lineup with the 7-foot-3 UConn champion and 7-foot-5 Victor Wembanyama.

They also brought Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, Matas Buzelis, Dalton Knecht and others in for workouts.

With Risacher and Sheppard off the board in this scenario, Castle appears to be a strong candidate to hear his name called here. — Givony

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Stephon Castle’s NBA draft profile

Check out some highlights that have made UConn’s Stephon Castle a top NBA draft prospect.


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.6

Rival teams continue to view Buzelis and the Pistons as a likely pairing. He worked out for most of the teams in this range, including the Hawks, Wizards, Spurs and the Charlotte Hornets, but the Pistons haven’t worked out many other prospects who are ticketed for the high lottery, other than Clingan and Cody Williams. Point guard Rob Dillingham recently visited but didn’t conduct an on-court workout.

The Pistons fired coach Monty Williams last week, putting the onus on the front office, now led by Trajan Langdon, to identify the right fit without a coach in place. Detroit’s known interest in Buzelis predated Langdon’s hiring, and it remains to be seen what direction he’ll take with the roster, but there has been little indication at this point to dissuade from the thought Buzelis will land here.

Buzelis fits Detroit’s timeline and positional needs, and he has the size and versatility at forward that Langdon’s former group tended to favor (and had success with) during his five years as general manager in New Orleans. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Dalton Knecht, SF, Tennessee | Age: 23.1

Knecht’s draft range appears increasingly small, with teams in the range of Nos. 4 to 9 all expressing significant interest, except for Detroit at No. 5.

Charlotte has worked out Knecht, and his fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller appears to be strong with the perimeter shooting and all-around scoring prowess Knecht offers. If Knecht isn’t picked at No. 6, it might be because a player such as Sheppard or Castle (both of whom Charlotte has worked out) becomes available.

Rival teams say they would be surprised to see Knecht fall past both the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio at No. 7 and No. 8, where he also seems to be coveted. Buzelis worked out with Charlotte, as well, along with Ja’Kobe Walter and Cody Williams. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Donovan Clingan, C, UConn | Age: 20.3

Due to the amount of interest in Clingan coming from teams selecting further down in the draft, there’s a belief around the league right now that he won’t actually make it to Portland’s pick at No. 7, which teams view as his floor.

There’s trade chatter surrounding both the No. 3 and No. 4 picks, with Houston and San Antonio weighing potential trade-back scenarios. Clingan is considered the likely target for whichever team might move up, if that should occur. He is most frequently connected by rival teams to Memphis, which has a clear need for a player in his mold. Some also have speculated on Oklahoma City, which has the wealth of trade assets to maneuver up the board if it chooses.

In the event there are no trades and Clingan should fall here, the Blazers would presumably be thrilled to land the draft’s top rim-protector. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky | Age: 19.4

Dillingham conducted his first visits of the pre-draft process this past week with San Antonio, before moving on to Detroit and also meeting with Utah. An ankle injury he suffered prior to the NBA draft combine prevented him from conducting any competitive workouts for teams.

Dillingham’s dynamic ballhandling, playmaking and shot-making prowess could be a natural fit for the Spurs with the creativity he offers in the open court and the pick-and-roll. Pairing him with a veteran mentor guard such as Chris Paul — whom Dillingham has known from a young age, having played for his grassroots EYBL team (Team CP3) — could make sense should the Golden State Warriors elect to waive Paul’s non-guaranteed contract prior to their June 28 deadline.

Buzelis, Knecht, Williams, Tidjane Salaun and Nikola Topic are said to be other prospects under consideration here. Should the Spurs pass on Dillingham, Utah at No. 10 and the Miami Heat at No. 15 are viewed by teams as strong suitors, but there also could be trade opportunities that arise in the late lottery for the No. 8 prospect on our big board. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Cody Williams, SG/SF, Colorado | Age: 19.5

Williams has a wide array of suitors in the lottery, with every team in the range of Nos. 6 to 12 appearing to have interest. Where Williams actually lands could hang to some extent on trade activity in the top 10, but teams have remained intrigued by his upside, physical profile and flashes of strong play early in the season.

If the Grizzlies keep this pick, Williams would be an intriguing upside swing as the type of bigger, two-way wing their roster presently lacks. He is a late bloomer who will need time to actualize his skill set but could pay dividends over time as a player who was once viewed by some teams as a candidate for No. 1.

The Grizzlies also are said to be exploring opportunities to trade back from this spot, making this an interesting swing pick in the shape of the lottery. Other options for Memphis if it stays at this pick include Topic and Devin Carter. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Nikola Topic, PG, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 18.8

Utah is said to be active in trade talks, both with this pick and potentially looking to package the Nos. 29 and 32 picks to move into the late teens. The Jazz are being mentioned with center and point guard prospects and might be open to moving around some, depending on how the draft evolves.

Topic was one of 25 players voted into the draft’s green room by NBA teams, which is a good sign for his stock stabilizing in the wake of his ACL tear diagnosis at the draft combine in Treviso, Italy. Topic has been in the U.S. visiting teams, with Portland (Nos. 7 and 14) San Antonio (No. 8), Memphis (No. 9), Utah (No. 10) some he had scheduled to meet.

A team picking him will likely need to be comfortable with the idea of a redshirt season next year with long-term thinking in mind, similar to how Chet Holmgren, Joel Embiid, Michael Porter Jr. and Blake Griffin started their NBA careers. Utah might feel a degree of regret for not going more all-in on positioning themselves for draft picks the past two years and could potentially reconsider that strategy at some point.

Drafting Topic and trying to make a run at Cooper Flagg next year might not be the worst idea, something that could prove difficult with an All-Star in Lauri Markkanen in the fold and one of the NBA’s best young coaches in Will Hardy. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Devin Carter, PG/SG, Providence | Age: 22.2

It feels quite possible Carter hears his name called inside the top 10 at this point, with the Spurs, Grizzlies and Jazz all potential landing spots depending on how the board and possible trades shake out.

There also are teams said to be interested in trading up to select Carter, with the understanding that they would need to move into the top 10 to make that happen.

After trading Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey, Chicago has a clear need for a defensive playmaker in the backcourt and could plug Carter directly into that role, making him a natural fit here should he make it this far in the draft. The Bulls are viewed by many teams as Carter’s floor.

Other prospects linked to Chicago as possible options include Ron Holland and local product Terrence Shannon Jr. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet (France) | Age: 18.8

Rival teams are watching Oklahoma City closely, with the Thunder holding copious future draft picks as trade ammunition. Last week’s trade of Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso signaled a willingness to upgrade the roster with veteran talent, and this draft could present an opportunity to push more chips in.

The Thunder at this spot have been connected to Salaun, Carlton “Bub” Carrington and Johnny Furphy, all of whom are longer-term prospects who would have plenty of time to develop on this roster. There has been ongoing speculation from other teams that the Thunder could look to move up the board, culling from their collection of assets to target a player they covet inside the top 10.

Salaun has worked out or met with most of the teams in the lottery, as they are intrigued by his impressive physical profile, flashes of shot-making from range and competitiveness. Still 18 years old, it will take him some time to clean up his tendencies and get up to speed, but there’s optimism around his future, making him one of the most interesting home run swings in this part of the draft. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Ron Holland, SF, G League Ignite | Age: 18.9

This pick has been mentioned for some time as being potentially attainable, which makes sense considering the urgency that’s likely in place for a Kings team eager to return to the playoffs.

Retaining Malik Monk was a major step in that direction, alleviating the need for them to target a shooter (such as Jared McCain) with this pick, should they keep it, and maybe allowing them to take a flier on a high-upside prospect such as Holland, who was projected to be picked much higher than this before an inefficient season with the G League Ignite damaged his standing.

Older players such as Ja’Kobe Walter, Devin Carter and Johnny Furphy also are said to be getting some consideration with this pick. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Ja’Kobe Walter, SG/SF, Baylor | Age: 19.7

Walter has worked out for teams all over the lottery but has largely had a quiet pre-draft process. There are other prospects who have generated more substantive buzz inside the top 10 at present, which might push Walter into this next part of the draft.

While not as flashy or creative as some of the other guards in this draft, Walter’s shooting ability, defensive length and impressive intangibles have kept his value stable as a likely role player and floor spacer with room to keep improving.

A team such as Portland, which could use a 3-and-D type of player alongside its guards, might find value in him if he falls to No. 14. Should Walter make it outside the lottery, it likely wouldn’t be too far, with a number of teams in the teens looking like good fits. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Zach Edey, C, Purdue | Age: 22.1

Edey is drawing interest from teams that are drafting in front of and behind Miami, with every squad in the back half of the lottery after San Antonio said to be in the market for a center. Utah, Portland, Sacramento and the Los Angeles Lakers were some of Edey’s latest stops on the workout circuit.

His combination of size, power and intensity has been difficult to contain in a workout setting, as there simply aren’t many players in this draft equipped to slow him down. One player who worked out against Edey compared the experience to “trying to guard Shaquille O’Neal.”

Edey was one of the players voted by NBA teams for an invitation to the green room, but he has decided to instead watch the draft from West Lafayette, Indiana, with his coaches, teammates and family. He is the only player to decline the in-person opportunity. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Jared McCain, PG, Duke | Age: 20.3

The Sixers are known to have conducted only a handful of workouts, possibly the fewest of any team drafting in the first round. That info has caused some speculation that this pick could be on the move, depending on which player falls to No. 16.

Regardless of who is picking, McCain has an easy niche he can fill in the NBA with his scoring versatility, basketball instincts, competitiveness and smarts, making him an attractive option for teams drafting in this range. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Tristan Da Silva, SF/PF, Colorado | Age: 23.1

The Lakers likely will explore the trade market to see what type of veterans they can add to give LeBron James, Anthony Davis and new coach J.J. Redick the best chance of competing this season, with NBA names such as Dejounte Murray and Collin Sexton being batted around by rival teams as possible targets.

Should the Lakers elect to stand pat, picking a plug-and-play wing/forward such as Da Silva would make lots of sense. He has excellent size at 6-foot-10. He made 40% of his 3-pointers. And he brings a strong feel for the game, unselfishness and competitiveness on both ends of the floor.

Da Silva should be ready to play fairly soon for a team that is hoping to take a step forward. Yves Missi, McCain, Holland, Carrington, Shannon and Edey are some of the names rival teams have suggested might be in play here, as well. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Johnny Furphy, SG/SF, Kansas | Age: 19.5

Furphy should come off the board somewhere in this range, offering an appealing combination of physical tools, shooting ability and youth that makes sense as a development addition on most rosters. He has drawn interest from teams selecting higher than this, including Memphis, Chicago, Oklahoma City and Sacramento, but might be more of a trade-back option for those clubs.

The Magic tend to value much of what Furphy supplies, having selected players with positional size, skill and strong intangibles over the past several drafts. Orlando also has been tied to Carrington and Kyshawn George, two other younger prospects who fit those criteria. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Miami | Age: 20.5

Surrounding primary ballhandler Scottie Barnes with ample floor spacing will likely continue to be a priority for Toronto.

George hit 41% of his 3-pointers last season, and he is intriguing to teams as a 6-foot-8 player with guard skills, fluidity-changing speeds and strong instincts on both ends of the floor. George has significant upside he can tap into with a late-blooming trajectory.

Carrington, Da Silva, Edey, Ryan Dunn, Isaiah Collier are some of the names rival teams have suggested might be in play here, as well. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Carlton Carrington, PG/SG, Pittsburgh | Age: 18.9

Carrington earned one of the final green room invitations, and he is likely to come off the board somewhere in the top 20, with Oklahoma City, Sacramento and Orlando thought to be among the interested parties.

His impressive and creative flashes as one of college basketball’s youngest players along with solid intangibles make him an appealing long-term addition for any team in need of backcourt help. Carrington might come off the board before this, but the Cavaliers, who are in position to select the best talent available, would likely be excited to see him fall to No. 20. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Yves Missi, C, Baylor | Age: 20.1

New Orleans is said to be aggressive on several fronts, with a decision coming on forward Brandon Ingram as he enters the final year of his contract and with starting center Jonas Valanciunas becoming a free agent. So, they’ll need to ponder addressing those two positions, potentially on draft night.

Picking a big man such as Missi makes sense here, as he had no shortage of explosive moments as a freshman at Baylor, highlighting his elite physical tools as well as the potential he can grow into after having only started playing organized basketball at age 16.

Missi would likely fit in well on a roster that could use a player in this mold. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Ryan Dunn, SF/PF, Virginia | Age: 21.4

Dunn is said to be gaining steam in this range of the draft after a slew of outstanding workouts this month propelled him firmly into the first round. Several teams have said Dunn exceeded expectations with his shooting while also doing some absolutely mesmerizing things defensively in guarding point guards through centers in group settings.

Chicago, Toronto and the New York Knicks are others that rival teams indicate could be high on him.

The Suns might look more to free agency to explore adding a point guard to their roster, with Kris Dunn (not related) one potential option that rival teams expect them to look at. Trading back to resupply their depleted stockpile of assets (especially future picks) is another option the Suns’ front office is said to be considering, due to the severely limited mechanics the team has to add talent with the punitive new second-apron rules that go into effect this summer. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Duke | Age: 20.6

Filipowski primarily conducted workouts for teams selecting inside the top 20, but he looks to have a wide range of outcomes on draft night, running toward the back of the first round. He worked out for every team in the Nos. 9-to-13 range, but teams selecting in the 20s are also speculating he might be available to them.

His ability to play all over the floor on offense at his size (6-foot-11, 248 pounds) gives him unique appeal, but there are valid questions about his athletic ability and defensive impact, as he doesn’t offer much in the way of rim-protection. He figures to be in the mix for every team in need of a big in this range, including the Milwaukee Bucks, who also are viewed as a possible landing spot for Kel’el Ware. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Isaiah Collier, PG, USC | Age: 19.7

It’s not clear which team will be making this pick, as the Knicks will likely have trade opportunities with both the No. 24 and No. 25 picks and could be attracted to the idea of stockpiling future assets to maintain maximum flexibility heading into free agency.

Collier has perhaps the widest draft range of any prospect, starting at around No. 11 with Chicago and extending to the end of the first round. Teams such as Miami, Toronto, Cleveland and New Orleans are taking deep looks. But if no team bites, it’s possible Collier slides to this part of the draft or even to Washington or Minnesota at Nos. 26 and 27, which would have been a shocking prediction prior to USC’s season when he was considered among the draft’s top prospects.

Few prospects share the size, strength, shot-creation prowess, scoring instincts and star power Collier boasts, but he’ll have to find the right team willing to live through the growing pains that come with empowering him with significant ballhandling responsibility after his uneven freshman campaign. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Terrence Shannon Jr., SG/SF, Illinois | Age: 23.8

In wake of being found not guilty of felony rape and aggravated sexual assault, Shannon appears to have built considerable first-round momentum.

Following the conclusion of his trial, he was able to hold workouts for a range of teams selecting inside the top 20, including the Bulls, Heat, Lakers and Magic, giving him a chance to hear his name called much higher than this depending on how the draft breaks. The Knicks, who tend to value players with his level of toughness and motor, are also viewed as a potential fit for him if he falls.

Rival teams continue to anticipate the Knicks moving one of these draft picks, so another team might be selecting here at No. 25. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana | Age: 20.1

Ware secured one of the final green room invitations, which bodes well for his chances of hearing his name called in the first round, having conducted a wide range of workouts.

The number of teams in the market for bigs should also work in his favor, but there’s also a good deal of uncertainty surrounding picks in the 20s at the moment.

Ware could come off the board higher than this, with New Orleans and Milwaukee among the teams in need of help at center. The Wizards will likely be selecting for long-term upside and could view this as strong value if Ware falls to No. 26. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette | Age: 23.2

Kolek has interest beginning in the late teens and will be a potential fit for any team in need of guard depth, viewed by many scouts as a player that can step in and help right away. Whether he can leapfrog some of the younger guards on the board remains to be seen.

The Timberwolves, who also have the No. 37 pick, have come up as a team that could look to trade around in the draft. Adding Kolek as Minnesota looks to move toward contention would shore up its backcourt depth behind Mike Conley, who turns 37 on Oct. 11. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

DaRon Holmes II, PF/C, Dayton | Age: 21.8

Most NBA teams are operating under the assumption Holmes has received a promise from the Nuggets, as he canceled a half-dozen workouts shortly after the NCAA withdrawal deadline, with several smoking guns pointing in Denver’s direction, a scenario that is similar to what we saw play out last year with Jalen Pickett.

Holmes at 6-foot-10 in shoes, has a skill level as a pick-and-roll finishing, floor-spacing big man who can pass and create off the dribble, and it gives him intriguing versatility to tap into on the offensive end. — Givony


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Baylor Scheierman, SG/SF, Creighton | Age: 23.7

Multiple teams selecting toward the back of the first round have indicated they don’t expect Scheierman to be available when they pick — he has interest as high as the late teens due to his shooting ability, positional size, and impressive feel for the game.

Utah is one of the teams he worked out for, and the Jazz have the ability to go whichever direction they want, currently holding three selections, including No. 32, as well.

While he didn’t earn a green room invitation, he seems likely to come off the board in the 20s or be one of the first names called in the second round. — Woo


New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Pacome Dadiet, SG/SF, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Age: 18.9

Dadiet elected to remain in the draft at the NBA’s withdrawal deadline, a sign he is receiving positive-enough feedback to feel comfortable with where he might end up being drafted.

Utah and Boston are some of the teams connected with Dadiet at the end of the first round. He also visited Orlando, Miami, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Milwaukee and Brooklyn in his short time in the United States because of his mandatory appearance at the draft combine in Treviso, Italy, in the first week of June.

Dadiet’s combination of size (6-9), youth and shot-making prowess gives him an interesting upside to grow into long term, something that could be attractive at this stage of the draft. — Givony

New NBA mock draft, two days before Round 1: Latest buzz on the chaotic top 10 picks

Second round

31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons)
Adem Bona, C, UCLA | Age: 21.2

32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards)
Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, Cairns (Australia) | Age: 21.2

33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Trail Blazers)
Jaylon Tyson, SG/SF, California | Age: 21.5

34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets)
Cam Christie, SG, Minnesota | Age: 18.9

35. San Antonio Spurs
Juan Nunez, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Age: 20.0

36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors)
Tyler Smith, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.6

37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies)
A.J. Johnson, SG, Illawarra (Australia) | Age: 19.5

38. New York Knicks (via Jazz)
Kevin McCullar, SF, Kansas | Age: 23.2

39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets)
Justin Edwards, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 20.5

40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks)
Pelle Larsson, SG, Arizona | Age: 23.3

41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls)
Jonathan Mogbo, PF/C, San Francisco | Age: 22.6

42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets)
Jamal Shead, PG, Houston | Age: 21.9

43. Miami Heat
Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Washington State | Age: 20.8

44. Houston Rockets (via Warriors)
Harrison Ingram, SF/PF, North Carolina | Age: 21.5

45. Sacramento Kings
Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara | Age: 21.9

46. LA Clippers (via Pacers)
Antonio Reeves, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 23.5

47. Orlando Magic
Melvin Ajinca, SG/SF, Saint Quentin (France) | Age: 19.9

48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers)
Cam Spencer, SG, UConn | Age: 24.2

49. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers)
Nikola Djurisic, SG/SF, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 20.3

50. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans)
Dillon Jones, SF/PF, Weber State | Age: 22.6

51. Washington Wizards (via Suns)
Keshad Johnson, PF, Arizona | Age: 23.0

52. Golden State Warriors (via Bucks)
KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado | Age: 21.8

53. Detroit Pistons (via Knicks)
Jalen Bridges, SF, Baylor | Age: 23.1

54. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)
Ulrich Chomche, PF/C, NBA Academy Showcase (Africa) | Age: 18.4

55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers)
Bronny James, PG/SG, USC | Age: 19.7

56. Denver Nuggets (via Timberwolves)
Oso Ighodaro, PF/C, Marquette | Age: 21.9

57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder)
Enrique Freeman, PF/C, Akron | Age: 23.8

58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics)
Trentyn Flowers, SG/SF, Adelaide (Australia) | Age: 19.2


Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.



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Muhammad Amin
Muhammad Aminhttp://buzznews.ahkutech.com
I am a teacher and a professional blogger with 3 years of experience. In addition to my teaching career, I am also a content writer, dedicated to creating engaging and informative content across various platforms.

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