Final NBA mock draft: Does Atlanta take a French prospect or go with an NCAA champion?

After months of anticipation, the 2024 NBA Draft is finally upon us. Questions surrounding the priorities of each team in the lottery will be clarified, as front offices determine how to shape their roster moving forward. We’ll take one last stab at predicting which players will be selected in the top 14 picks, and which teams they’ll land with.

What makes projecting 2024 NBA lottery picks so challenging is that a few teams figure to have a desire to contend for a playoff spot or make a title run next season. The Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and Oklahoma City Thunder aren’t likely to take a player who can’t help them right away, and may be more inclined to trade their picks for veteran help.

There’s an excellent chance that two out of the top five picks in the 2024 NBA Draft will be French players, while Tidjane Salaun also has a great opportunity to be selected in the first 10 picks. It speaks to the level of talent France is producing at this moment in time, which is of course where 2023 first overall pick Victor Wembanyama hails from.

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Portland feels like they’re a long way away from contention, so they can afford to invest this pick in a wing who could blossom in a couple of years. Bleacher Report feels like he’ll need to get stronger to make a difference in the NBA, but has notable ball-handling and shooting talent that could be harnessed.

Zach Edey and Yves Missi could very well be in play for the Kings here at 13, but Ware also figures to get a long look from Sacramento. CBS Sports noted that he’s a former five-star recruit who averaged nearly two blocks per game with Indiana a year ago. Ware might be able to provide a solid defensive presence next to Domantas Sabonis.

As previously mentioned, the Thunder look to be more interested in building a championship contender next season. Oklahoma City dealt Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso last week, which signals their intention. Topic’s partially torn ACL makes him more of a stash/developmental prospect, but the Thunder can afford to wait for the talented guard to get healthy.

Although it’s somewhat unclear as to how Dillingham fits on Chicago’s current roster, his talent might be too attractive to ignore at pick 11. His lack of size seems to have knocked him down draft boards, but his ability to score and make plays in college was eye-opening, as chronicled by Bleacher Report. Zach LaVine may be on the way out, which would open the door for Dillingham.

It’s anyone’s guess as to what the Jazz are looking to do as they head into the offseason. Utah could decide to double down and try to improve their standing in the Western Conference, or deal key players with the idea of rebuilding the roster. Salaun represents a developmental piece who may be a couple of years away, but Utah might elect to be patient with him.

According to the Memphis Commercial Appeal, the Grizzlies have until June 29 to decide whether to pick up Luke Kennard’s $15 million option for next season. Whether they bring him back or not, Knecht seems like a cheaper, ready-made alternative to fill in. He would be an effective floor spacer for the likes of Ja Morant, whose game primarily involves taking the ball to the rim.

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Castle seems to be one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft due to his defensive ability. It might make him more of a realistic option for one of the win-now teams picking high in the draft, or a trade-up candidate for a franchise looking to bolster its perimeter defense. If none of this takes place, Castle’s dogged pressure would be somewhat scary in San Antonio, which already has Wembanyama to anchor the paint.

CBS Sports thinks that this might be a good spot for Holland, who they believe could complement Portland’s current crop of guards well. Sports Illustrated also has him going at seven to the Blazers, as many believe that Holland won’t be picked any later than the top 10 during the NBA Draft.

Brandon Miller’s impressive rookie season gives Charlotte a few different directions to go during the draft. The Hornets could opt to select Stephon Castle here to add to their guard depth, but bringing in a raw, but tantalizing prospect like Williams might be more appealing. Williams might be able to fit in and do the dirty work as a rookie, while Miller continues to shine as a scorer.

Detroit is in a difficult spot in this draft, but they might as well take a chance on one of the highest-upside prospects. Bleacher Report mentions Buzelis’ suspect jump shot, but details the potentially perfect fit the athletic wing player would have alongside Cade Cunningham. They might not want to hear it, but Pistons fans will need to remain patient for a bit longer.

Enthusiasm for Sheppard’s elite shooting seems to have built over the last couple of weeks, which would make him a good fit with a lot of teams. There’s a lot to like when envisioning how the former Kentucky guard would space the floor for Wembanyama. The Ringer also highlights Sheppard’s effectiveness off the ball, which would allow others to handle the rock.

The Rockets are loaded with young talent up and down their roster, which might lead whomever they select at three to ride the bench for much of the 2024-2025 campaign. As mentioned earlier, Houston would likely be interested in dealing this pick for a veteran, but snagging Sarr here would be a great value. Sarr’s upside has been compared to Jaren Jackson Jr.’s.

The Wizards are in a difficult spot as they attempt to rebuild their franchise, but landing Clingan with the second pick might be the safest outcome for them. While Clingan may not have the high-end potential that others may possess in this draft, it seems like he can develop into a reliable rim protector at the very least. The Ringer calls out Clingan’s Rudy Gobert-esque dimensions.

It’s hard to remember a draft that had this much uncertainty at the top, as it still feels like the Hawks don’t actually know who they will select. Risacher seems to be the favorite heading into the NBA Draft, as many sites now have him first off the board. Bleacher Report believes Risacher can contribute right away with three-point shooting and defensive skills.

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