Gold99 | 2024 NBA Mock Draft Preview: Uncertainty and Key Predictions
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The NBA Draft is set to begin this Wednesday night in New York, bringing a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 1 pick, but their choice remains unclear. Their main targets are French wing Zaccharie Risacher and UConn center Donovan Clingan. If the Hawks choose Risacher, there’s a chance Clingan might slip out of the top five.
Hawks’ Top Picks: Risacher or Clingan?
With the draft night approaching, teams, including the Hawks, are completing their final workouts and strategic meetings. The decision between Zaccharie Risacher and Donovan Clingan will significantly influence the draft order. Risacher’s selection could push Clingan outside the top five, creating potential shifts in team strategies and player placements.
Draft Preparations and Scenarios
Teams are busy finalizing workouts and conducting last-minute meetings to evaluate players. They are considering multiple scenarios that could play out over the two nights of the NBA Draft. This meticulous planning is crucial as teams aim to make the best picks to strengthen their rosters.
In-Depth Projections and Analysis
Here’s an almost final look at our projections for the 2024 NBA Draft’s first and second rounds. This analysis includes intel on all 58 players, providing insights into potential draft outcomes. Stay tuned for Gold99 Sports’ final updated mock draft on Wednesday, which will highlight any significant player movements and trends.
Atlanta Hawks’ Potential Top Pick: Zaccharie Risacher
1. Atlanta Hawks
- Zaccharie Risacher, G/F
- Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 204 pounds | Team: JL Bourg (France)
Evaluating Risacher’s Potential
Zaccharie Risacher recently participated in a workout with the Atlanta Hawks, putting them in a position to choose between his dynamic perimeter skills and the defensive prowess of Donovan Clingan, a 7-2 center. Similar to Bilal Coulibaly’s rise last year, Risacher’s impressive showing in the LNB Pro A playoffs has convinced scouts and executives of his NBA potential. His youth, impressive length, and considerable upside make him a highly coveted draft prospect.
Washington Wizards’ Likely Pick: Alex Sarr
2. Washington Wizards
- Alex Sarr, C
- Ht./Wt.: 7-1, 205 pounds | Team: Perth Wildcats (Australia)
Sarr’s Strong Case for the No. 2 Pick
Alex Sarr has emerged as a near certainty for the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Despite turning down workouts with the Atlanta Hawks, Sarr made a strong impression on the Washington Wizards with his recent workout and meeting. His exceptional potential as a dominant rim protector and a versatile offensive player, capable of both pick-and-pop plays and running the floor effectively, makes him a standout prospect.
Houston Rockets’ Potential Pick: Reed Sheppard
3. Houston Rockets
- Reed Sheppard, G
- Ht./Wt.: 6-2, 187 pounds | Class: Freshman | School: Kentucky
Consistency and Precision in Shooting
Amidst the uncertainties of the draft, Reed Sheppard offers a level of reliability and skill that makes him a valuable prospect for the Houston Rockets. Known for his remarkable shooting accuracy, Sheppard shot an impressive 52% from beyond the arc during his freshman year at Kentucky. This precision in shooting provides a clear indication of his offensive capabilities and his potential to contribute immediately to any team.
San Antonio Spurs’ Potential Pick: Stephon Castle
4. San Antonio Spurs
- Stephon Castle, G
- Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Freshman | School: UConn
Defensive Prowess and Physical Attributes
If Reed Sheppard is already taken at No. 3, the San Antonio Spurs would find a valuable prospect in Stephon Castle. Standing at 6-6 and weighing 215 pounds, Castle brings significant size to the guard position, which allows him to defend the perimeter effectively. His physical attributes make him a versatile defender capable of matching up against various opponents.
Detroit Pistons’ Potential Pick: Donovan Clingan
5. Detroit Pistons
- Donovan Clingan, C
- Ht./Wt.: 7-2, 280 pounds | Class: Sophomore | College: UConn
Addressing Frontcourt Needs
If the Atlanta Hawks opt not to draft Donovan Clingan at No. 1, the Detroit Pistons might seize the opportunity to strengthen their frontcourt by selecting the highly mobile 7-2 center from UConn. Clingan’s presence would bolster the Pistons’ defense with his exceptional rim protection abilities and size, providing a formidable interior force.
Charlotte Hornets’ Potential Pick: Matas Buzelis
6. Charlotte Hornets
- Matas Buzelis, F
- Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 212 pounds | Team: G League Ignite
Versatile Skill Set and Size
Matas Buzelis offers the Charlotte Hornets a versatile forward with impressive size and ball-handling skills. Standing at 6-9 and weighing 212 pounds, Buzelis can play multiple positions, making him a valuable asset on both ends of the floor. His ability to handle the ball and drive past defenders adds a dynamic element to his game, allowing him to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Portland Trail Blazers’ Potential Pick: Cody Williams
7. Portland Trail Blazers
- Cody Williams, F
- Ht./Wt.: 6-8, 185 pounds | Class: Freshman | College: Colorado
Adding Length and Potential
The Portland Trail Blazers might capitalize on Cody Williams’ availability at No. 7 to address their need for more wing length. Despite an injury-plagued season at Colorado, Williams exhibits immense potential reminiscent of Jaden McDaniels. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility on both ends of the floor makes him an enticing prospect for a team in a rebuilding phase.
San Antonio Spurs’ Projected Pick: Tidjane Salaun
8. San Antonio Spurs
- Tidjane Salaun, G/F
- Ht./Wt.: 6-9, 203 pounds | Team: Cholet (France)
Emerging Talent from France
Tidjane Salaun, fresh off a strong performance with Cholet, is a promising prospect for the San Antonio Spurs at No. 8. Averaging 13.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 25 minutes per game during the second round against Paris Basketball, Salaun has demonstrated his capability to impact the game significantly.
Memphis Grizzlies’ Projected Pick: Dalton Knecht
9. Memphis Grizzlies
- Dalton Knecht, G
- Ht./Wt.: 6-6, 215 pounds | Class: Senior | Team: Tennessee
Experienced and Ready to Contribute
Dalton Knecht, a standout senior guard from Tennessee, is a prime candidate for the Memphis Grizzlies’ pick at No. 9. Known for his scoring prowess, Knecht led the SEC in scoring this season, showcasing his ability to be a reliable offensive threat.
Utah Jazz’s Projected Pick: Devin Carter
10. Utah Jazz
- Devin Carter, G
- Ht./Wt.: 6-3, 195 pounds | Class: Junior | Team: Providence
Rising Stock
Devin Carter’s draft stock has surged recently, thanks to his standout season at Providence and impressive performance in agility and shooting drills at the combine. His all-around skills and athleticism have made him one of the most intriguing prospects heading into the draft.
