2024 NBA Mock Draft: Atlanta Heads to France for the First Overall Pick

The NBA Draft is just around the corner, and the future of basketball hangs in the balance. This year’s class is an intriguing one, lacking a clear-cut superstar but boasting a deep well of potential across various positions. Teams are faced with tough decisions: Do they gamble on the raw athleticism of a young international prospect, or prioritize a polished college standout ready to contribute immediately? With the lottery order set and the scouting combine complete, we take a shot at predicting where these future stars will land. Let’s dive into our first-round mock draft and see how the NBA landscape might be reshaped.

2024 NBA Draft Order – First Round

2024 NBA Mock Draft: French Star Goes No.1... but which one?
*David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NBA Draft promises to be interesting if nothing else. The Atlanta Hawks, despite having just a small chance, defied the odds and secured the number one overall pick in the . Following them at No.2 are the Washington Wizards, hungry for a franchise-altering talent. The Houston Rockets, boasting Brooklyn’s pick, landed at No.3, while the San Antonio Spurs and the Detroit Pistons round out the top five picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. See the entire NBA Draft First Round order below.

  1. Atlanta Hawks
  2. Washington Wizards
  3. Houston Rockets (from Brooklyn)
  4. San Antonio Spurs
  5. Detroit Pistons
  6. Charlotte Hornets
  7. Portland Trail Blazers
  8. San Antonio Spurs (from Toronto)
  9. Memphis Grizzlies
  10. Utah Jazz
  11. Chicago Bulls
  12. Oklahoma City Thunder (from Houston)
  13. Sacramento Kings
  14. Portland Trail Blazers (from Golden State)
  15. Miami Heat
  16. Philadelphia 76ers
  17. Los Angeles Lakers
  18. Orlando Magic
  19. Toronto Raptors (from Indiana)
  20. Cleveland Cavaliers
  21. New Orleans Pelicans (from Milwaukee)
  22. Phoenix Suns
  23. Milwaukee (from New Orleans)
  24. New York Knicks (from Dallas)
  25. New York Knicks
  26. Washington Wizards (from LA Clippers)
  27. Minnesota Timberwolves
  28. Denver Nuggets
  29. Utah Jazz (from Oklahoma City)
  30. Boston Celtics

2024 NBA Mock Draft

1. Atlanta Hawks – F Zaccharie Risacher – JL Bourg, France – 18 Years Old – 6’8, 204 lbs

Zaccharie Risacher is a rising star from France with a skillset coveted in today’s NBA: a 3-and-D wing. Standing at 6’8″ with a smooth shooting stroke and a knack for finding open looks, Risacher has impressed scouts with his ability to knock down threes (career average of 40.7%). He’s also a capable defender, possessing the size and athleticism to guard multiple positions.

2. Washington Wizards – F/C Alexandre Sarr – Perth, France – 18 Years Old – 7’1, 218 lbs

Alexandre Sarr, who could be a target for the Chicago Bulls if they move up in the lottery
*James Worsfold – Getty Images

Alexandre Sarr is a 7’1″ center with a monster 7’5″ wingspan, making him a defensive force in the 2024 NBA Draft.  His mobility and footwork are exceptional for his size, allowing him to switch on guards and patrol the paint.  Offensively, he’s a lob threat and finishes strong at the rim, but his outside shooting is still a work in progress. While his overall offensive game is developing, his defensive dominance could make him a starter right away, with the potential to be a two-way force in the NBA.

3. Houston Rockets – G Reed Sheppard – Kentucky – 19 Years Old – 6’3, 187 lbs

Sheppard shot an amazing 52.6 percent from three-point range last year at Kentucky. With LaMelo Ball in the fold, Charlotte doesn’t necessarily need a lead guard. But adding a high-upside sharpshooter who can also bring something to the floor defensively never hurts!

4. San Antonio Spurs – G Stephon Castle – UConn – 19 Years Old – 6’6, 190 lbs

Stephon Castle, a 6’6″ combo guard out of UConn, is a rising star with a unique skill set. He thrives with the ball in his hands, showcasing shifty ball-handling and an array of moves to get into the lane and create scoring opportunities. Despite his size, he isn’t a high-flyer, but his body control and ability to change pace keep defenders off balance. A strong finisher around the rim, he can absorb contact and convert through it. If he can develop into a consistent threat from beyond the arc, Castle has the potential to be a dynamic two-way force in the NBA.

5. Detroit Pistons – F Matas Buzelis – G League – 19 Years Old – 6’11, 195 lbs

He suffered an ankle injury that kept him off the floor early in the season, but after coming back and getting comfortable, Buzelis showed why he’s likely to be a lottery pick. He is versatile on offense, though his ball handling needs some work. Defensively, he’s capable of guarding multiple positions. He won’t be a top option offensively early in his career, but his catch-and-shoot ability gives him quite the high ceiling.  

6. Charlotte Hornets – F Cody Williams – Colorado – 19 Years Old – 6’8, 185 lbs

Brother of OKC’s Jalen Williams, Cody can also do a little bit of everything. Defensively, he can guard just about any position. Offensively, he’s dangerous in transition, a great finisher at the bucket, and a very good catch-and-shoot player. He’s got a chance to make an immediate impact wherever he ends up.

7. Portland Trail Blazers – C Donovan Clingan – UConn – 19 Years Old – 7’2, 265 lbs

Cling Kong is coming off an amazing NCAA Tournament run and was impressive guarding Zach Edey in the National Championship game. Clingan is a monster defensively, and he’s shown enough ability to finish around the rim offensively. He’ll likely never be a massive threat on the offensive end, but he can play with the best of the NBA’s bigs defensively and can make an immediate impact on that end. In a league dominated by players like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, high-end rim protection is becoming a necessity.

8. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR) – F Dalton Knecht – Tennessee – 22 Years Old – 6’6, 213 lbs

Dalton Knecht, a senior transfer from the University of Tennessee, has rocketed up draft boards with his lights-out shooting and well-rounded offensive game.  This 6’5″ shooting guard boasts a lethal jumper, with a career 38% three-point average and a knack for finding open looks off the ball. He’s more than just a spot-up shooter though, displaying impressive athleticism with strong finishes at the rim and surprising bounce. While defense is a work in progress, Knecht’s offensive firepower makes him a potential lottery pick and a dream for teams seeking a floor-spacing wing who can contribute immediately.

9. Memphis Grizzlies (via BKN) – SF/PF Ron Holland – G League – 18 Years Old – 6’8, 200 lbs

Holland has some incredible athleticism and all the physical traits you could want in an NBA Draft lottery pick. He can contribute defensively right away, but offensively he likely will need a little bit of time to grow and develop. If he can maximize his potential on the offensive end, he’ll be a very dangerous player.

10. Utah Jazz – G Rob Dillingham – Kentucky – 19 Years Old – 6’3, 176 lbs

Dillingham can beat you in so many different ways offensively. He can get to the hoop, finish at the rim, find the open man, and get hot shooting the ball. He’s a versatile guard who showed special flashes at Kentucky but might need some development time in the NBA. He’s not an awful defender, but not particularly noteworthy on that end either.

11. Chicago Bulls – PG Devin Carter  – Providence – 21 Years Old – 6’3, 195 lbs

Devin Carter, a 6’3″ combo guard out of Providence, has skyrocketed up draft boards with his impressive junior season. Son of former NBA player Anthony Carter, Devin brings a different kind of energy. He’s a defensive menace with his long wingspan (6’8″) and surprising rebounding ability for a guard. Offensively, Carter’s a well-rounded scorer, driving hard to the basket and developing a reliable three-point shot (nearly 38% last season). While his playmaking might not be elite, his basketball IQ and winning mentality make him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

12. Oklahoma City (via HOU) – PG Nikola Topic – Red Star, Serbia – 18 Years Old – 6’6, 201 lbs

Nikola Topic is a name that’s been generating buzz despite a recent ACL tear. The young Serbian guard boasts elite playmaking instincts with a knack for finding teammates in scoring positions. He can operate as a point guard, shooting guard, or even a small forward thanks to his well-rounded skillset. While his shooting needs refinement, his ability to create off the dribble and orchestrate the pick-and-roll makes him a potential offensive weapon. However, his athleticism raises concerns, especially on defense where NBA guards can exploit his lack of elite speed. Still, Topic’s basketball IQ and passing prowess are undeniable, making him a gamble worth taking for a team seeking a future floor general.

13. Sacramento Kings – G Isaiah Collier – USC – 19 Years Old – 6’4, 205 lbs

Collier can do just about everything. He’s a two-way player that impacts both ends of the floor. He’s dangerous driving with the basketball and can get to the bucket in a hurry. His shooting from three can use some consistency, but his ability on both ends of the floor guard gives him a pretty high floor it would seem.

14. Portland Trail Blazers (via GSW) – C Zach Edey – Purdue – 22 years Old – 7’4, 300 lbs

2024 NBA Mock Draft
*Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Edey, Purdue’s mountain of a center, is a walking paradox in the 2024 NBA Draft. At 7’4″ and nearly 300 pounds, he boasts an unstoppable post presence with a dominant hook shot and elite rebounding ability.  He even surprised scouts with a developing three-point shot. However, his lack of foot speed raises concerns about his ability to defend the perimeter in the fast-paced NBA game. Edey is a high-character, back-to-back National Player of the Year, but his fit in today’s league hinges on finding a team that can utilize his strengths while mitigating his defensive limitations.

Find great NBA gear at !

15. Miami Heat: G Ja’Kobe Walter – Baylor – 19 Years Old – 6’4, 195 lbs

16. Philadelphia 76ers: G Jared McCain – Duke – 20 Years Old – 6’2, 200 lbs

17. Los Angeles Lakers: F Tristan da Silva – Colorado – 23 Years Old – 6’8, 217 lbs

18. Orlando Magic:  G Johnny Furphy – Kansas – 19 Years Old – 6’9, 202 lbs

19. Toronto Raptors (via IND): G Kyshawn George – Miami – 20 Years Old – 6’8, 209 lbs

20. Cleveland Cavaliers: G Bub Carrington – Pittsburgh – 19 Years Old – 6’4, 195 lbs

21. New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL): C Yves Missi – Baylor – 20 Years Old – 6’11, 230 lbs

22. Phoenix Suns: F Ryan Dunn – Virginia – 21 Years Old – 6’6, 215 lbs

23. Milwaukee Bucks (via NOP): PG Tyler Kolek – Marquette – 23 Years Old – 6’3, 195 lbs

24. New York Knicks (via DAL): C Kel’el Ware – Indiana – 20 Years Old – 7’0, 223 lbs

25. New York Knicks: Terrence Shannon Jr. – Illinois – 23 Years Old – 6’6, 220 lbs

26. Washington Wizards (via LAC): F Bobi Klintman – Cairns, Sweden – 20 Years Old – 6’10, 225 lbs

27. Minnesota Timberwolves: G KJ Simpson – Colorado – 22 Years Old – 6’0, 185 lbs

28. Denver Nuggets: DaRon Holmes II – Dayton – 21 Years Old – 6’10, 221 lbs

29. Utah Jazz (via OKC): F Tyler Smith – G League – 19 Years Old – 6’11, 224 lbs

30. Boston Celtics: F Baylor Scheierman – Creighton – 23 Years Old – 6’6, 200 lbs

written by

Brian is just a regular guy whose first passion was sports. He's either been playing, watching, now working in, and recreationally betting on sports for over 30 years. His favorite sports to bet are Football (NFL/NCAAF), College Basketball, and the NASCAR Cup Series. In addition to being a content contributor here at Bleacher Nation, Brian co-hosts the Angle of Pursuit Nascar Betting Podcast , & is also the FantasyLifeApp breaking news moderator/manager.

more nba news

2025 NBA Mock Draf꧅t: New Names Enter The Fi🔴rst Round

Onto anothe🃏r 2025 NBA Mock Draft! The 2024 NBA draft is fading into memory, and the basketball world is already eagerly anticipating the next crop of rising stars. While the previous draft may not have immediately produced a wave of...

2025 NBA Mock Draft: Can♓ Anyone C✨atch Cooper Flagg?

Let's project another 2025 NBA mock draft! W🍒hile the anticipation for the new NBA season is mounting, basketball fans are already looking ahead to the next wave of talent. Although the 2024 class might not have immediately produced a crop...

Knicks’ Deuce McBride Sinks Crazy Shot for Student’s Tuition on Pat McAfee Show

College football season started off with a swish in Morgantown, West Virginia. Preparing for their first matchup of the season against No. 8 ranked Penn State, University of West Virginia students pacꦆked the campus for The Pat McAfee Show on...

2025 NBA Mock Draft: Cooper Flagg R🔯emains Atop The Board

Let's hit on another 2025 NBA Mock Draft. While the echoes of the 2024 NBA draft are still reverberating, the basketball world's attention is swif▨tly turning to the next wave of rising stars. Although the previous draft might not have...

Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft: A New Era of Talent and Promise for 2024 Starting with Dalton K🀅necht

As the 2024 NBA Draft approaches, th🉐e Memphis Grizzlies are in a pivotal position to add depth and talent to their roster. This Memphis Grizzlies Mock Draft focuses on them adding the best player available with their picks. With the...

2025 NBA Mock Draft: Which Rutgers Star Will Be Off The𓂃 Board First?

Let's roll through another 2025 NBA Mock Draft. While the reverberatiꦛons of the 2024 NBA draft are still echoing, the basketball world's focus is rapidly shifting toward the next crop of rising stars. While the previous draft might not have...

2025 𝓰NBA Mock Draft:🍌 How Many Top 10 Picks Can UConn Produce?

Let's get to another 2025 NBA Mock Draft. Although the echoes of the 2024 draft have yet to fully dissipate, the basketball world's attention is already shifting towards the next wave of talent. While t♉he preceding draft may not have...

2025 NBA Mock Draft: Top 10 Looks To Be Wide Open

Let's get to another 2025 NBA Mock Draft. The 2024 NBA Draft may still be a fresh memory, but the basketball landscape is already shifting its f𝕴ocus toward the 2025 class. While the previous draft yielded few immediate superstars, early...

2025 NBA Mℱock Draft: Is Cooper Flagg A Lock For The Top S🍒pot?

It's time for yet another 2025 NBA Mock Draft The 2024 NBA Draft may still be a recent memory for fans and analysඣts alike, yet the basketball world is already casting its gaze toward the 2025 class. While the previo♈us...

2025 NBA Mock Draft: Blue Bloods Flood 1st Round

The 2024 NBA Draft may still be fresh in the minds of fans and analysts, but the basketball world is already looking ahead to the 2025 class. While the previous draft didn't yield a plethora of instant superstars, early i🌜ndicat꧅ions...

Latest News

Kukushkin vs. Shevchenko Prediction at the Hangzhou Open – Friday, September 20

On Friday, Alexander Shevchenko (No. 58 in the world) faces Mikhail Kuku🅠shkin (No. 112) in the Round of 16 at the Hangzhou Open.Shevchenko has -135 odds to secure a win against Kukushkin (+105).Hangzhou Open InfoTournament: The Hangzhou OpenRound: Round of...

Hijikata vs. Marozsan Prediction at the Hangzhou Open – Friday, September 20

Fabian Marozsan (No. 49) will take o𝄹n Rinky Hijikata (No. 81) in the Round of 16 at the Hangzhou Open on Friday, September 20.Compared to the underdog ܫHijikata (+180), Marozsan is favored (-250) to advance.Hangzhou Open InfoTournament: The Hangzhou OpenRound:...

Zidansek vs. Podoroska Prediction at the Thailand Open – Friday, September 20

In the quarterfinals at the Thailand Open on Friday, Tamara Zidansek (ranked No. 261) ta𒁏kes on Nadia Podoroska (No. 74).In this matchup versus Zidansek (+210), Podoroska is favored with -275 odds.Thailand Open InfoTournament: The Thailand OpenRound: QuarterfinalsDate: Friday, September 20Venue:...

Nakashima vs. Wong Prediction at the Hangzhou Open – Friday, September 20

Brandon Nakashima (No. 39 ranking) wi🎃ll take on Chak Lam Coleman Wong (No. 141) in the Round of 16 ཧof the Hangzhou Open on Friday, September 20.In this match, Nakashima is favored (-752) against Wong (+475) .Hangzhou Open InfoTournament: The...

Kasatkina vs. Raducanu Prediction at the Hana Bank Korea Open – Friday, September 20

In the quarterfinals at the Hana Bank Korea Open on Friday, Daria Kasatkina (ranked No. 13) takes on Emma Raducanu (No. 70).Raducanu is the favorite against Kasatkina, with 🌱-125 odds against the underdog's +100.Hana Bank Korea Open InfoTournament: The Hana...

Musetti vs. O’Connell Prediction at the Chengdu Open – Saturday, September 21

In the Round of 16 at the Chengdu Open on Saturday, Christopher O'Connell (ranked No. 75) ไmeets Lorenzo Musetti (No. 19).In this match, Musetti is favored (-210) versus O'Connell (+160) .Chengdu Open InfoTournament: The Chengdu OpenRound: Round of 16Date: 𝓡Saturday,...

Vukic vs. Martinez Prediction at the Chengdu Open – Friday, September 20

In a match slated for Friday, Pedro Martinez (No. 42 in rankings) will take on Aleksandar Vukic (No. 92) in the Round of 16 at the Chengdu Open.Vukic carries -175 od♕ds to beat Martinez (+135).Chengdu Open InfoTournament: The Chengdu OpenRoun𓆉d:...

Rune vs. Uchiyama Prediction at the Hangzhou Open – Friday, September 20

Holger Vitus Nodskov Rune (No. 14 ranking) will face Yasutaka Uchiyama (No. 160) in the Round of 16 of the Hangzhou Open on🌱 Friday, September 20.Against the underdog Uchiyama (+310), Rune is the favorite (-450) to advance.Hangzhou Open InfoTournament: The...

Safiullin vs. Shang Prediction at the Chengdu Open – Saturday, September 21

Juncheng Shang (No. 67) will face Roman Safiulli🌊n (No. 56) in the Round of 16 at the Chengdu Open on Sat🍬urday, September 21.Against the underdog Safiullin (+130), Shang is the favorite (-165) to advance.Chengdu Open InfoTournament: The Chengdu OpenRound: Round...

Zhang vs. Bellucci Prediction at the Hangzhou Open – Friday, September 20

No. 48-ranked Zhizhen Zhang will face No. 108 Mattia Bellucci in the Hangzhou Op💦en Round of 16 on Friday, September 20.Zhang carries -130 odds🔯 to bring home a victory against Bellucci (+100).Hangzhou Open InfoTournament: The Hangzhou OpenRound: Round of 16Date:...

more nba news