2024 NBA Mock Draft Predictions - Top Prospects and Picks

Introduction

The 2024 NBA draft is just around the corner, with the draft lottery taking place in a couple weeks. As a diehard NBA fan, I wanted to take an early look at how the first round could shake out. There is a lot of talent in this draft class, with multiple potential franchise-altering players at the top. In this mock draft, I will go through all 30 first round picks and predict which players each team will select.

The Top 5 Picks

At the top of this draft class are 5 elite prospects that have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. These players will shape the future of whatever franchise drafts them, and they are all extremely talented. Here are my predictions for the top 5 picks:

#1 Pick - Houston Rockets select C Victor Wembanyama

The consensus #1 prospect in this draft, Wembanyama has been described as a "generational talent" and has drawn comparisons to players like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Rudy Gobert. The 7'4" French center has a rare combination of size, length, athleticism and skill. He will immediately bolster the Rockets frontcourt.

#2 Pick - Detroit Pistons select PG Scoot Henderson

An athletic point guard with excellent scoring ability, Scoot Henderson has been battling with Wembanyama for the #1 spot in this draft class. He has the speed and explosiveness to get to the rim at will, while also possessing an improving outside shot. Henderson will help turn around the Pistons franchise.

#3 Pick - Orlando Magic select PF Amen Thompson

The younger brother of Magic forward Oklahama Thompson, Amen is an elite two-way prospect. He has a smooth offensive game on the wing, able to shoot from deep or drive to the basket. Thompson is also a versatile defender capable of guarding multiple positions. He will fit right in alongside his brother in Orlando.

#4 Pick - Indiana Pacers select SG Nick Smith Jr.

One of the best pure scorers in college basketball, Nick Smith Jr. averaged over 20 points per game as a freshman at Arkansas. He can create his own shot from anywhere on the court and knows how to put the ball in the basket. His shooting and scoring ability will significantly improve the Pacers.

#5 Pick - San Antonio Spurs select PF GG Jackson

A superb athlete for his size, GG Jackson is an impactful two-way player. He is a force on the glass and a rim protector defensively. Offensively, he is adept at finishing at the rim and has potential as an outside shooter. Jackson gives the Spurs a high-upside prospect to build around.

The Rest of the Lottery

The remainder of the lottery also features some excellent prospects that can help turn around struggling franchises. Here are my predictions for picks 6 through 14:

#6 Pick - Oklahoma City Thunder select C Aaron Bradshaw

A 7-footer out of Kentucky, Aaron Bradshaw has tremendous potential as a rim protector with developing offensive skills. OKC continues to stockpile talented big men.

#7 Pick - Portland Trail Blazers select SF Cam Whitmore

A skilled wing with size and athleticism, Cam Whitmore gives Portland a talented scorer to pair with Damian Lillard in the backcourt.

#8 Pick - Sacramento Kings select SG Keyonte George

An explosive combo guard capable of getting buckets in bunches, Keyonte George provides an offensive spark off the Kings bench.

#9 Pick - Washington Wizards select C Kel'el Ware

A supersized center with touch around the rim, Kel'el Ware adds frontcourt depth behind Kristaps Porzingis in Washington.

#10 Pick - Atlanta Hawks select SF Dillon Mitchell

One of the most athletic wings in the draft, Dillon Mitchell gives Atlanta a high-flying finisher on the wing.

#11 Pick - New York Knicks select PG Cason Wallace

A physical, defensive-minded guard, Cason Wallace improves New York's point guard rotation with his intensity and leadership.

#12 Pick - Toronto Raptors select PF Jarace Walker

An explosive forward who can defend multiple positions, Jarace Walker adds athleticism and versatility to Toronto's frontline.

#13 Pick - Charlotte Hornets select PG/SG Anthony Black

One of the best two-way guards available, Anthony Black provides playmaking and perimeter defense for Charlotte.

#14 Pick - Cleveland Cavaliers select SG Jett Howard

The son of Heat coach Juwan Howard, wing Jett Howard gives Cleveland valuable shooting and scoring off the bench.

Later First Round Picks

The late lottery and remainder of the first round still provides quality talent that can provide immediate help. Here are some noteworthy picks from 15-30:

Los Angeles Lakers select PF Kwame Evans

The Lakers add frontcourt depth with this athletic, defensive-minded forward.

Brooklyn Nets select PG Marcus Sotelo

With excellent court vision and playmaking skills, Sotelo gives Brooklyn a talented pure point guard.

Phoenix Suns select SF Joaquito Todd

This sharpshooting wing provides valuable spacing and shooting for Phoenix's offense.

Utah Jazz select C Makur Maker

A versatile big man capable of stretching the floor, Maker adds a new dimension to Utah's frontcourt.

Chicago Bulls select SG Rayan Rupert

With athleticism and scoring ability, this French prospect provides wing depth behind Zach LaVine.

Conclusion

The 2024 NBA draft class has the potential to reshape the league. Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson and Amen Thompson appear to be franchise-changing talents at the top. The rest of the lottery and first round also features promising players that can contribute right away. It will be exciting to see how close these predictions match what unfolds on draft night in June. After securing a high draft pick this year, NBA teams will be looking to continue building through the draft in 2024.

FAQs

Who is projected to be the #1 overall pick?

Victor Wembanyama, a 7'4" center from France, is widely projected to be selected first overall in the 2024 NBA draft. He is considered a generational talent due to his combination of size, athleticism and developing skill set.

What team has the best odds of landing the #1 pick?

The Houston Rockets finished with the worst record in the 2022-23 season, giving them the best odds to secure the first overall pick in the draft lottery. However, the specific odds will change based on how teams finish this upcoming season.

How many college freshmen are projected as lottery picks?

There are several highly touted college freshmen that are expected to be top lottery selections, including Scoot Henderson, Amen Thompson, Nick Smith Jr., GG Jackson, Aaron Bradshaw and Cam Whitmore.

What NBA teams have multiple picks in the first round?

As of now, the Oklahoma City Thunder have two guaranteed first round picks, while other playoff teams like the Nuggets and Suns have optional additional picks that convey based on previous trades.

Is there international talent available in the 2024 draft?

Yes, Victor Wembanyama highlights France's presence at the top of the draft, while other international players like Rayan Rupert, Makur Maker and Ousmane Dieng are potential first round picks.