- Sep 5, 2010
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2025 NBA Draft Thread
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- Sep 5, 2010
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2024 NBA mock draft: How the prospects performed in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight
2024 NBA mock draft
The draft order is based on ESPN projections and reflects the current state of picks owed and owned:
FIRST ROUND
1. Detroit Pistons
Zaccharie Risacher | JL Bourg | SF | Age: 18.9
2. Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr | Perth | PF/C | Age: 18.9
3. Charlotte Hornets
Donovan Clingan | UConn | C | Age: 20.1
4. San Antonio Spurs
Rob Dillingham | Kentucky | PG | Age: 19.2
5. Portland Trail Blazers
Nikola Topic | Mega MIS | PG | Age: 18.6
6. Toronto Raptors (San Antonio Spurs have if 7-30)
Matas Buzelis | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 19.4
7. Memphis Grizzlies
Reed Sheppard | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.7
8. Utah Jazz (Oklahoma City Thunder have if 11-30)
Dalton Knecht | Tennessee | SF | Age: 22.9
9. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)
Cody Williams | Colorado | SF | Age: 19.3
10. Chicago Bulls
Isaiah Collier | USC | PG | Age: 19.4
11. Atlanta Hawks
Ja'Kobe Walter | Baylor | SG | Age: 19.5
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)
Ron Holland | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.7
13. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors)
Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.8
14. Los Angeles Lakers*
Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG | Age: 19.4
15. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)
Tidjane Salaun | Cholet | PF | Age: 18.6
16. Phoenix Suns
Kyle Filipowski | Duke | PF/C | Age: 20.3
17. Philadelphia 76ers
Devin Carter | Providence | PG/SG | Age: 22.0
18. Miami Heat
Tristan da Silva | Colorado | SF/PF | Age: 22.8
19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana Pacers)
Jared McCain | Duke | PG | Age: 20.1
20. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)
Yves Missi | Baylor | C | Age: 19.8
21. Orlando Magic
Tyler Smith | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.4
22. New Orleans Pelicans
Kevin McCullar Jr. | Kansas | SF | Age: 23.0
23. Washington Wizards (via LA Clippers)
Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm | PG | Age: 19.8
24. New York Knicks
Bobi Klintman | Cairns | SF/PF | Age: 21.0
25. Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyshawn George | Miami | SG/SF | Age: 20.3
26. Milwaukee Bucks
Kel'el Ware | Indiana | C | Age: 19.9
27. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City Thunder)
Carlton Carrington | Pittsburgh | PG/SG | Age: 18.6
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Johnny Furphy | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 19.3
29. Denver Nuggets
Tyler Kolek | Marquette | PG | Age: 23.0
30. Boston Celtics
Justin Edwards | Kentucky | SG/SF | Age: 20.2
*- New Orleans has until June 1 to keep or defer the Lakers' first to 2025
SECOND ROUND
31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons)
Ryan Dunn | Virginia | SF | Age: 21.2
32. Utah Jazz (via Washington Wizards)
Jaylon Tyson | California | SG/SF | Age: 21.3
33. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte Hornets)
Terrence Shannon Jr. | Illinois | SG/SG | Age: 23.6
34. San Antonio Spurs
Harrison Ingram | North Carolina | SF/PF | Age: 21.3
35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland Trail Blazers)
Payton Sandfort | Iowa | SF | Age: 21.7
36. Indiana Pacers (via Toronto Raptors)
Dillon Jones | Weber State | SF/PF | Age: 22.4
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies)
Izan Almansa | G League Ignite | PF/C | Age: 18.7
38. New York Knicks (via Utah Jazz)
Baylor Scheierman | Creighton | SG/SF| Age: 23.5
39. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston Rockets)
Melvin Ajinca | Saint Quentin | SG/SF | Age: 19.7
40. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago Bulls)
Ulrich Chomche | NBA Academy Africa | PF/C | 18.2
41. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta Hawks)
Pacome Dadiet | Ratiopharm Ulm | SG/SF | Age: 18.6
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston Rockets)
Trevon Brazile | Arkansas | PF | Age: 21.2
43. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors)
Keshad Johnson | Arizona | PF | Age: 22.7
44. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Pelle Larsson | Arizona | SG | Age: 23.1
45. Sacramento Kings
KJ Simpson | Colorado | PG | Age: 21.6
46. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns)
Ugonna Onyenso | Kentucky | C | 19.5
47. Miami Heat
D.J. Wagner | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 18.9
48. LA Clippers (via Indiana Pacers)
Hunter Sallis | Wake Forest | SG | Age: 21.0
49. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks)
Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 21.0
50. Orlando Magic
Alex Karaban | UConn | PF | Age: 21.3
51. Indiana Pacers (via New Orleans Pelicans)
Mantas Rubstavicius | NZ Breakers | SF | Age: 21.9
52. Los Angeles Lakers (via LA Clippers)
Ryan Kalkbrenner | Creighton | C | Age: 22.2
53. Detroit Pistons (via New York Knicks)
DaRon Holmes II | Dayton | PF/C | Age: 21.6
54. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)
Ajay Mitchell | UC Santa Barbara | PG | Age: 21.7
55. Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Jaxson Robinson | BYU | SG/SF | Age: 21.3
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jalen Bridges | Baylor | SF | Age: 22.8
57. Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne | C | Age: 21.9
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Boston Celtics)
Cam Spencer | UConn | SG | Age: 23.9
Note: The 76ers and Suns each forfeited a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Prospects in the Final Four
Donovan Clingan | C | UConn | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: 3
Clingan played the best game of his career in arguably the most impressive two-way performance of any player in college basketball this season, helping UConn advance to the Final Four in a 25-point blowout win over Illinois.
Illinois shot 3-for-25 from inside the arc (12%) in Clingan's 22 minutes on the floor, going 0-for-19 when challenging him directly, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. He blocked close to half of those attempts (despite only being officially credited with five) while altering many others with his 7-foot-7 wingspan and incredible timing as a rim protector.
Clingan did more than just park under the basket challenging shots while also doing an outstanding job of hedging screens out to the 3-point line and forcing opponents to shoot over length. He switched onto Illini standout Terrence Shannon Jr. and met him at the rim on one memorable play, showing excellent mobility in small spaces on the perimeter all game long. Clingan had several outstanding moments flipping his hips and getting back to protect the basket with multiple effort plays while being quicker off his feet than expected contesting shots with both hands and almost always keeping the ball in bounds to preserve possession.
His timing rotating out of drops has become nearly impeccable as his college career has progressed, and the idea of simply putting him in space and forcing him to slide his feet has become a much less attractive proposition, which bodes well for his transition to the NBA.
Clingan also scored 22 points in 22 minutes, pounding the undersized Illini inside the paint with deep seals while finishing with both hands and drawing plenty of fouls in the process. He crashed the offensive glass effectively, got a dunk rolling to the rim out of a zoom action and had one pretty give-and-go touch pass with Cam Spencer.
Clingan's dominance in the Big East championship game and the NCAA tournament has NBA teams asking just how high he could be drafted thanks to his late-season surge after recovering from foot injuries that plagued him early in the campaign. He has upside to tap into with his perimeter shooting, which is a possible part of his game down the road. (The Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez didn't start shooting 3s until he was age 28.) One general manager asked ESPN recently, "Rudy Gobert or Donovan Clingan?" regarding who will be the more impactful defensive player, which highlights a college player being compared to a three-time NBA defensive player of the year winner.
There will be plenty of debate between now and June regarding who is the better prospect: Clingan or ESPN's projected No. 2 pick Alex Sarr. (And Sarr is now firmly in the conversation at No. 1, as well.) Clingan has one or two more games to make his case at the Final Four in Arizona next weekend, and he would surely benefit greatly from a strong showing against Edey should the two meet in the championship game. In a draft lacking in star power at the top, Clingan looks as close to a surefire bet to be a highly productive starter and a major impact performer as you'll find. -- Givony
Zach Edey | C | Purdue | Age: 21.8 | Top 100: 13
Edey put forth one of the best performances in NCAA tournament history while leading Purdue to the Final Four behind the first 40-point, 15-rebound performance since Bo Kimble did so in 1990. This was a career-high scoring effort for Edey in the most important game of his college career.
Perhaps more important (and more notable from an NBA standpoint) was the way Edey shut down the paint, helping hold Tennessee to just seven made 2-pointers in the half court all game. He did an outstanding job of bothering shots with his length, coming up with several impressive possessions operating out of a drop while making the Volunteers think twice about even attempting shots with him in the vicinity. He stepped outside the paint on several occasions showing impressive mobility in sliding his feet and 7-foot- 4 frame and continued to work hard deep into the second half while playing all but 33 seconds of the 40-minute contest. Clearly battling fatigue, Edey's defensive impact did drop off somewhat in the second half, which is concerning at the NBA level. Beyond that, Edey's sheer skill-level catching and finishing out of the pick-and-roll, utilizing polished footwork and using both hands finishing inside the paint was impressive to see. He didn't receive anywhere near the same type of whistle as he usually does in Big Ten play, as Tennessee's big men were allowed to grab, hold, push and essentially foul him on every possession. His physicality and competitiveness playing through relentless contact was on display as he drew 22 free throws. He made some smart passes out of double-teams and got his teammates a number of easy baskets with his screening. In the paint, he dominated the offensive glass, as usual, being impossible to dislodge in front of the rim once he established position.
Already coming into this game a projected lottery pick, this was exactly the type of performance that could further propel him into the top 10 for one of the many teams that already has bought into the impact he'll surely make in the NBA. This effort also could go a long way in convincing the holdouts of just how impactful his tremendous size, length, strength, toughness, skill level and intensity can be at the next level. Edey has been viewed by most NBA teams ESPN has spoken with as a lock first-round pick for months now, but his standing has improved considerably with his late-blooming trajectory (he has only been playing basketball since age 15), competitiveness and the fact that he is still a young senior at age 21.
Edey will have another high-profile contest awaiting in Arizona with red-hot DJ Burns Jr. and NC State and, if both Purdue and UConn advance, a dream big-man matchup with Clingan in the championship game. -- Givony
Stephon Castle | SG/SF | UConn | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: 14
Castle had possibly the best game of his college career in the Sweet 16 against San Diego State -- dropping 16 points and 11 rebounds in an outstanding performance, but he followed that up with a season-low two points in 24 minutes against Illinois.
He does deserve significant credit for his willingness to play his role as the fifth option of the best team in college basketball while playing phenomenal defense and being a key facilitator from static situations in the half-court offense and bringing outstanding toughness crashing the glass on both ends of the court. He is a terrific role player who should be able to compete for playing time immediately in the NBA, looking well schooled and highly impactful at the college level despite his clear scoring limitations.
But those scoring limitations have been difficult to ignore while projecting to the hyper-scoring NBA he's about to enter. Castle has only made one 3-pointer (1-for-12) in seven postseason games thus far -- a wide-open spot-3 with the clock running down against Stetson with his team up 17 points. His shooting mechanics leave something to be desired, with a slow release, excessive ball rotation and little ability to do anything more than make wide-open spot-up attempts, converting 4 of 21 (19%) of his pull-up jumpers from mid-range and beyond the arc this season.
Any player tasked with ballhandling responsibility in the NBA, like some project Castle to be, needs to be some kind of threat to make pull-up jumpers, and the fact that he does not have any gravity to speak of off the ball either presents another set of concerns. To his credit, Castle has made a strong percentage of his free throw attempts (76%) this season, leaving some room for optimism in this regard.
Castle has looked quite deferential at times as a shot creator as well, passing up opportunities to create his own shot out of pick and roll or isolation regularly. He's not the most explosive athlete or ball handler you'll find, bringing somewhat of a casual approach that he's improved somewhat from his high school days. Most of his best offense comes in transition, as a cutter, crashing the offensive glass, or using his strength to bully weaker players from the elbow -- not exactly the most NBA-friendly play-types for a guard projecting in the top 10. Castle's youth, impressive physical profile, excellent defense and the consistently strong reports we've received about his intangibles and approach make him an easy player to project as a top-20 pick still, hopefully developing into a Cam Reddish-type player. He has some questions to answer regarding his offensive fit, skill level and long-term upside to be a surefire top-10 pick during the pre-draft process, but he has one or two more games left to leave a lasting impression with the way he impacts winning at the NCAA Final Four this weekend. -- Givony
Mark Sears | PG | Alabama | Age: 22.1 | Top 100: 90
The hot-shooting Sears has been the catalyst for Alabama's unexpected Final Four run, pouring in seven 3-pointers in the Crimson Tide's Elite Eight win over Clemson. And while he has become one of the stars of the tournament, Sears has been playing at a high level all season, with remarkably efficient splits (55.9% on 2s, 43.4% on nearly six 3s a game and 85.9% from the line) that seem likely to earn him longer looks from NBA teams in the pre-draft process.
From an efficiency standpoint, Sears' scoring prowess puts him among the top guards in this draft class: He has developed into an excellent shot-maker who puts a ton of pressure on defenders in transition and in screen coverage. Alabama's style of play, which harps heavily on a fast pace, high 3-point volume and quality rim attempts, helps to amplify his strengths. And while more of a scorer than a pure point guard, Sears has been able to flash some playmaking ability as well. His ability to provide a consistent spark on that end will get his foot in the door for workouts and likely puts him in the two-way contract conversation.
Sears' lack of positional size (he measured 5-10¾ barefoot at last year's G League Elite Camp) presents some concerns from an NBA perspective. In his case, the main questions come on the defensive end, where he doesn't offer a ton of resistance, primarily adding value by gambling for steals and trying to create transition opportunities via turnovers. It helps that Sears is a smart player, but he's probably going to be a liability, placing a lot of stress on his ability to generate good offense via his shooting and decision-making to compensate.
A Final Four matchup against UConn's jumbo backcourt of Tristen Newton and Castle creates a huge platform for Sears, who likely will have to be at his absolute best for Alabama to have a real chance at toppling the Huskies. Scouts will be watching closely to see how he handles the size and pressure he's going to see. -- Woo
Eliminated prospects
Dalton Knecht | SF | Tennessee | Age: 22.9 | Top 100: No. 8
Credit to Knecht for going down swinging in a hard-fought loss to Purdue, concluding a career-altering season that saw him rise from the fringes of the NBA radar into projected lottery territory. Knecht put together one of his best offensive showings of the season, scoring 37 points and tying his season-high with six made 3s in a game where the Tennessee offense otherwise ran dry, and none of his teammates managed double figures.
Knecht had his full array of skills on display, saving his best game of the tournament for last and leaving NBA teams with plenty to chew on. Not only has he proved to be an elite catch-and-shoot player from range, with a quick release, strong footwork and solid positional size, but he's capable of putting the ball on the floor, getting good looks in the midrange, and has been able to showcase his athleticism in transition. He also made some positive passing reads against Purdue while feeling pressure and distributing to teammates, something that isn't necessarily considered a strength of his game. Purdue keyed in on him but didn't successfully take him away until the very end of the game, and Knecht did what he's done all season.
Even accounting for Knecht's advanced age, he's separated himself at this point as the most complete scoring wing in the draft, with a level of polish that will help him acclimate to the NBA right away as an offensive option. He doesn't get to the line a ton for a high-usage scorer, but he likely won't live at the rim in the NBA, and some of that is reflected in his jumper-centric shot diet. His defensive play is likely never going to be his strong suit, but he has enough size and athletic ability that there's some margin for improvement as a scheme defender. Knecht's unique background as a late-blooming former juco recruit helps feed the notion that he might be able to at least get up to speed in the NBA.
Knecht has positioned himself quite well at this point. He's a known quantity in a draft set to feature scant few of those and won't see the same level of defensive attention in the pros, which could open the game up for him a bit more as a scorer in one-on-one situations. For teams in need of immediate wing help, he has to be top of mind entering the spring, giving him a chance to hear his name called in the lottery depending on how the next couple of months go. His rise into a legitimate NBA prospect has been one of this season's better stories. -- Woo
Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke | Age: 20.4 | Top 100: No. 16
Filipowski's season, and presumably his Duke career, ended on a sour note against NC State with a forgettable showing -- 11 points on 3-for-12 shooting, 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers while getting outplayed by D.J. Burns. It culminated in Filipowski fouling out with 4:52 remaining and Duke down by 12, a moment that effectively ended the game.
It's usually unfair to judge players off their worst showings, it's hard to imagine a rougher way for Filipowski to have gone out, in a game that amplified some of the concerns scouts have about his defensive mettle, toughness, and inconsistent shooting in the run of a physical game. Faced with a familiar matchup under a huge microscope, this was less about any specific mistakes, and more about the way he let negative events compound in the way of fouls and body language. It ultimately limited his ability to impact the game. Competition likely won't get easier for him in this respect in the long run, and he will have to mature a bit to deal with the rigors of an NBA season and the type of size and strength he'll have to contend with.
The bottom line with Filipowski has always been that there aren't many players his size with his natural skill level as a ball handler and passer -- his best moments this season showcase that versatility. He improved as a defender this season in ball-screen coverage and has made strides on that end, helping scouts view him as a player who can potentially chip in neutral minutes defensively. He was much better in the Sweet 16 against Houston, to his credit, and he's the type of player certain teams will view as a fit due to his ability to operate all over the floor at 7-feet. It's an offense-driven league right now, and a lower-usage role where Filipowski won't be a constant defensive focal point should suit him much better.
Filipowski often struggles with physicality, as Sunday showed, while playing on the interior as a rebounder, defender and in creating for himself on offense, where he sometimes barrels into defenders and doesn't play through contact all that consistently. He will also need to keep improving as a shooter: He upped his 3-point mark to 34% from last year's 28%, but he still shot just 67% from the free throw line in two college seasons, which can be viewed as a negative indicator of his natural shooting touch. Teams will want to see Filipowski shoot it better on the pre-draft circuit and work himself into top shape this spring. There may also be some lingering medical questions for him to answer, after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on both hips last offseason to help enhance his mobility.
Filipowski will likely be a divisive player in draft rooms, as teams weigh the intrinsically modern elements of his offensive game against the holes in his profile With all that said, in a draft this uncertain, he's still one of the most skilled bigs in the field, and there are worse gambles for teams that view him as a fit. His range likely begins in the late lottery and runs toward the back of the first round at this stage. -- Woo
Jared McCain | PG/SG | Duke | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: No. 19
McCain will be disappointed to see his season end in the Elite Eight, but it's tough to fault the effort he put forth, scoring 32 of his team's 64 points, while his teammates went just 11-of-39 from the field.
McCain's shot-making ability was on full display yet again, making difficult 3s in transition, running off screens with outstanding footwork, punishing defenders for going under pick and roll, and drifting to the corners and rising up with excellent body control. He finished the season converting 87 3s in 36 games while making 41% of his attempts, but also made a career-high 11 free throws in this game, getting downhill while attacking out of pick and roll, and showing toughness absorbing contact in the lane.
The next step in McCain's evolution will be to become a better ball handler, passer and decision-maker, which would allow him to shoulder an even heavier offensive load. He struggles with ball pressure at times, is late with his reads seeing open teammates, and still has work to do to become a more prolific shot creator, which will be important since he's not blessed with elite size, length or explosiveness relative to other players at his position in the NBA.
McCain's defense made significant strides this season due to his excellent toughness and feel for the game, but he can still stand to improve on that end of the floor while projecting to the NBA ranks. He struggles getting over screens and giving up blow-bys at times, not always having the quickness to get back into plays as he doesn't have the biggest margin for error with his average physical tools.
It's easy to envision a NBA team drafting McCain in the first round -- possibly even in the top 20 -- seeing his outstanding scoring instincts, basketball instincts and understanding he may take some time to mold into a more complete player. It also wouldn't be surprising if McCain decided to continue that process at the college level as the sophomore leader of a Duke squad that is bringing in an incredible amount of firepower into next season and will surely have national championship aspirations. We'll likely hear more about McCain's plans in the near future, a decision that probably won't be easy considering the risk and upside on both sides of the spectrum. -- Givony
Harrison Ingram | SF/PF | North Carolina | Age: 21.3 | Top 100: No. 34
Ingram's season came to an end with a narrow Sweet 16 loss to Alabama, posting the kind of numbers we've been accustomed to seeing all year -- 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals doing.
It was an overall excellent season for the 21-year-old Ingram, who revived his NBA draft stock after transferring from Stanford, showing off his strong feel for the game, improved 3-point shooting (39%) and ability to guard multiple positions and increased intensity level.
There is nothing particularly glamorous about Ingram's profile -- mediocre shot-creation prowess, athleticism and occasional passivity and all-around inconsistency offensively (including 61% free throw shooting) -- but there's also a significant need in today's NBA for players in his mold. Ingram doesn't need plays called for him, rarely steps outside his comfort zone and has the frame and length to defend up and down the floor.
Ingram's ability to carve out a niche in the NBA will likely depend heavily on whether he can make perimeter shots consistently, but he's done well to position himself this season and will likely get looks starting late in the first round depending on how he performs in the pre-draft process. -- Givony
Baylor Scheierman | SG/SF | Creighton | Age: 23.5 | Top 100: No. 38
Scheierman ended his college career with a familiar performance, scoring 25 points on a staunch Tennessee defense in a versatile performance for Creighton.
He took on the task of face-guarding Knecht most of the game, making him work hard for his points all night, and did quite a bit of shot creation for the Blue Jays while going 4-for-9 from 3.
At 6-7, Scheierman is an elite offensive player who can handle the ball, pass and hit 3s with significant volume (110 makes in 35 games), giving him an easy niche in the NBA. He is skilled, intelligent and creative with the ball, while showing the ability to make difficult shots running off screens, pulling up off the dribble and spacing the court with deep range and a quick release.
Scheierman's defense will be studied closely in the pre-draft process, and it's likely a major key to his ability to emerge as a rotation player in the NBA. He lacks great length (6-8 wingspan) and strength, doesn't have the most athletic stance and is prone to getting beaten on the perimeter while trying to stay in front of quicker players. He is an outstanding rebounder for a wing, however, and is smart about executing his team's scouting report. During his stint with Creighton, he has made significant strides from his time at South Dakota State, where he struggled defensively. There's an argument to be made that playing fewer minutes with lesser offensive responsibility will allow him to focus more heavily on his work here, as he was simply asked to do too much at times.
What you see is likely what you get with Scheierman, who turns 24 in September, but he has several key ingredients NBA teams are looking for at his position. His feel for the game, shot-making prowess and versatility, give him a great chance to be on an NBA roster next season, and possibly even hear his name called in the late first or early second round. -- Givony
Keshad Johnson | PF | Arizona | Age: 22.7 | Top 100: No. 43
Arizona made a disappointing Sweet 16 exit, ultimately unable to wrestle full control of a winnable game away from Clemson. Johnson turned in a decent individual showing, playing with energy scouts have come to expect from him (11 rebounds) while also struggling to contribute much on the offensive end -- he scored six points and missed all three of his 3-point attempts. His defensive versatility was an asset to Arizona all season, but there are also some limitations presented by his size and inability to create much for himself offensively.
It was a solid year for Johnson overall after transferring from San Diego State, and the improvement he demonstrated as a shooter (38% on 93 attempts) will help open the door for him to find a way to stick on an NBA bench next season. His energy, athleticism and ability to defend multiple positions make him the type of guy who can be useful to have on the roster in a pinch. He can fit alongside better players in a low-maintenance role. On the other hand, he's not a great rebounder, he's undersized for an NBA 4, and he struggles at times playing against length in traffic. It's unlikely he evolves into much of a skill player on the offensive end, which puts stress on his ability to space the floor and contribute in other ways.
Whether Johnson can land a guaranteed contract on draft night will hinge heavily on specific team fit. But at worst, he projects as a priority two-way contract candidate heading into the pre-draft process. -- Woo
Pelle Larsson | SG/SF| Arizona | Age: 23.0 | Top 100: No. 44
Larsson's season didn't end on a strong individual note -- a 2-for-9 shooting performance against Clemson (1-for-6 from 3). In a game where none of Arizona's guards other than Jaden Bradley could get anything going offensively, Larsson never found much of a rhythm. When his shot wasn't falling, he was overly deferential to his teammates but he was far from the only culprit in the disappointing loss.
This was a strong season from Larsson overall, and he made strides in the right direction, making a case for himself long term as an athletic wing who defends, makes the right play, and can hit enough of his 3s to keep opponents honest (42.6% on three attempts per game). While his lack of aggressiveness can at times be a hindrance, his willingness to fit into a role and involve teammates could make him a lot more valuable in an offensive framework where he's cast as an auxiliary option alongside more clinical, NBA-level scorers.
Larsson's detractors could point to his advanced age, limited self-creation ability off the bounce and sporadic turnover struggles as factors that could cap his upside. He didn't finish the season playing his best individual basketball, and he can't be expected to be a top scoring option, but he'll need to continue building confidence in his own offense in order to take maximum advantage of the looks he gets in the flow of the game. Larsson ultimately ticks a lot of the boxes NBA teams are constantly searching for in perimeter role players, and a positive pre-draft process could go a long way for him in securing guaranteed money. -- Woo
Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton | Age: 22.2 | Top 100: No. 52
Kalkbrenner's outstanding senior season, and possibly his Creighton career, came to an end in the Sweet 16 versus Tennessee. He played nearly all 40 minutes, like he has for much of the season and executed Creighton's game-plan to perfection.
The now 7-1 center was a bit player coming into college and has made significant strides every year physically and skillwise while emerging as one of the best big men in college basketball. He plays with outstanding energy, is exceptionally mobile defensively as a phenomenal rim-protector and plays a valuable role offensively as a screen-setting, lob-catching, intelligent ball mover who rarely makes mistakes.
Kalkbrenner even showed some flashes of perimeter shooting this season -- hitting 16 3-pointers in 35 games, something Creighton's coaching staff said he can do much more of based off what he shows in practice. As a surprising pull-up 3-point shooter, his overtime make against Oregon in the round of 32 will go down in memory as a signature moment in his outstanding career, and perhaps something to build on going into the pre-draft process.
His lack of physicality as a rebounder, low-usage offensive prowess and question marks about how exactly his defense will translate to the much faster-paced NBA will likely relegate him to second-round or two-way contract candidate as best, however. He isn't laden with upside, but he doesn't look very far off from being a player a team can throw into an NBA game in the near future. He does have another year of college eligibility at his disposal and would likely make more money at Creighton next season than he would on a two-way contract should he choose to use it. -- Givony
Jamal Shead | PG | Houston | Age: 21.6 | Top 100: No. 62
Shead's untimely ankle sprain in the Sweet 16 against Duke proved to be catastrophic for a top-seeded Houston team that relied heavily on him all season. It was almost a testament to Shead's positive impact that the Cougars were discombobulated offensively without him in the game, coming up three points short of an Elite Eight bid despite him playing just 13 minutes.
It does appear Shead avoided serious injury and, while still on the younger side for a senior, he's proved himself as arguably the top floor leader in college basketball. A deep tournament run would have helped his cause going into the pre-draft process, but there are still NBA teams who are willing to look hard at smaller guards in the right circumstances. Shead's intangibles, passing and nonstop defensive intensity give him a pathway to succeeding as a backup in the NBA -- Jevon Carter and Jose Alvarado are two names that invoke his style of play. Succeeding in that mold requires a special degree of mental toughness and consistency, something Shead has been able to demonstrate.
The biggest question mark surrounding Shead's skill set, however, remains his 3-point shooting -- Carter and Alvarado were more polished from 3 by the time they graduated as college players. His 3-point average (just under 31% on 3.8 attempts) has been near identical the past two seasons, and creating offense could pose an immediate challenge going up a level. To his credit, he's more of a pure point guard than those two, but it's a key area of improvement for Shead to demonstrate in team workouts.
Shead looks like a lock for a two-way contract at this point and should have opportunities to outperform his peers at the combine and behind closed doors, which gives him a chance to work his way up in a draft class that is somewhat light on true point guards. While his size and shooting are going to work against him, his overall game might allow him to break the mold at his size. -- Woo
Tyrese Proctor | PG | Duke | Age: 20.0 | Top 100: NR
Proctor's disappointing sophomore season ended in similar fashion, going scoreless while shooting 0-for-9 from the field in 30 minutes in an Elite Eight loss to NC State. Proctor was actually on an upward trajectory this month, having some of the best performances of his college career until this final disastrous showing. He was unable to generate efficient offense or make wide open 3-pointers when called upon, making some very poor decisions in the process.
Proctor just turned 20, so it's not that unusual for a point guard in his mold to need additional time and seasoning to reach their full potential as a playmaker and decision-maker. The incredible spotlight and pressure he's under at Duke likely makes that process a lot more painful after bad games like this one.
Proctor likely didn't envision himself being in this position when he announced he is returning for his sophomore year. But there's little doubt that he will need to return to college next season, as he looks nowhere near ready to play in a NBA game, especially from a physical standpoint. Proctor could still have a huge platform at his disposal as a junior at Duke if he elected to return to Durham, where his experience, unselfishness, perimeter shooting and defensive versatility would surely be coveted. -- Givony
2024 NBA mock draft
The draft order is based on ESPN projections and reflects the current state of picks owed and owned:
FIRST ROUND
1. Detroit Pistons
Zaccharie Risacher | JL Bourg | SF | Age: 18.9
2. Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr | Perth | PF/C | Age: 18.9
3. Charlotte Hornets
Donovan Clingan | UConn | C | Age: 20.1
4. San Antonio Spurs
Rob Dillingham | Kentucky | PG | Age: 19.2
5. Portland Trail Blazers
Nikola Topic | Mega MIS | PG | Age: 18.6
6. Toronto Raptors (San Antonio Spurs have if 7-30)
Matas Buzelis | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 19.4
7. Memphis Grizzlies
Reed Sheppard | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.7
8. Utah Jazz (Oklahoma City Thunder have if 11-30)
Dalton Knecht | Tennessee | SF | Age: 22.9
9. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)
Cody Williams | Colorado | SF | Age: 19.3
10. Chicago Bulls
Isaiah Collier | USC | PG | Age: 19.4
11. Atlanta Hawks
Ja'Kobe Walter | Baylor | SG | Age: 19.5
12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets)
Ron Holland | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.7
13. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors)
Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.8
14. Los Angeles Lakers*
Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG | Age: 19.4
15. Atlanta Hawks (via Sacramento Kings)
Tidjane Salaun | Cholet | PF | Age: 18.6
16. Phoenix Suns
Kyle Filipowski | Duke | PF/C | Age: 20.3
17. Philadelphia 76ers
Devin Carter | Providence | PG/SG | Age: 22.0
18. Miami Heat
Tristan da Silva | Colorado | SF/PF | Age: 22.8
19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana Pacers)
Jared McCain | Duke | PG | Age: 20.1
20. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks)
Yves Missi | Baylor | C | Age: 19.8
21. Orlando Magic
Tyler Smith | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.4
22. New Orleans Pelicans
Kevin McCullar Jr. | Kansas | SF | Age: 23.0
23. Washington Wizards (via LA Clippers)
Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm | PG | Age: 19.8
24. New York Knicks
Bobi Klintman | Cairns | SF/PF | Age: 21.0
25. Cleveland Cavaliers
Kyshawn George | Miami | SG/SF | Age: 20.3
26. Milwaukee Bucks
Kel'el Ware | Indiana | C | Age: 19.9
27. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City Thunder)
Carlton Carrington | Pittsburgh | PG/SG | Age: 18.6
28. Minnesota Timberwolves
Johnny Furphy | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 19.3
29. Denver Nuggets
Tyler Kolek | Marquette | PG | Age: 23.0
30. Boston Celtics
Justin Edwards | Kentucky | SG/SF | Age: 20.2
*- New Orleans has until June 1 to keep or defer the Lakers' first to 2025
SECOND ROUND
31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons)
Ryan Dunn | Virginia | SF | Age: 21.2
32. Utah Jazz (via Washington Wizards)
Jaylon Tyson | California | SG/SF | Age: 21.3
33. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte Hornets)
Terrence Shannon Jr. | Illinois | SG/SG | Age: 23.6
34. San Antonio Spurs
Harrison Ingram | North Carolina | SF/PF | Age: 21.3
35. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland Trail Blazers)
Payton Sandfort | Iowa | SF | Age: 21.7
36. Indiana Pacers (via Toronto Raptors)
Dillon Jones | Weber State | SF/PF | Age: 22.4
37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies)
Izan Almansa | G League Ignite | PF/C | Age: 18.7
38. New York Knicks (via Utah Jazz)
Baylor Scheierman | Creighton | SG/SF| Age: 23.5
39. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston Rockets)
Melvin Ajinca | Saint Quentin | SG/SF | Age: 19.7
40. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago Bulls)
Ulrich Chomche | NBA Academy Africa | PF/C | 18.2
41. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta Hawks)
Pacome Dadiet | Ratiopharm Ulm | SG/SF | Age: 18.6
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston Rockets)
Trevon Brazile | Arkansas | PF | Age: 21.2
43. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors)
Keshad Johnson | Arizona | PF | Age: 22.7
44. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers)
Pelle Larsson | Arizona | SG | Age: 23.1
45. Sacramento Kings
KJ Simpson | Colorado | PG | Age: 21.6
46. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns)
Ugonna Onyenso | Kentucky | C | 19.5
47. Miami Heat
D.J. Wagner | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 18.9
48. LA Clippers (via Indiana Pacers)
Hunter Sallis | Wake Forest | SG | Age: 21.0
49. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks)
Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 21.0
50. Orlando Magic
Alex Karaban | UConn | PF | Age: 21.3
51. Indiana Pacers (via New Orleans Pelicans)
Mantas Rubstavicius | NZ Breakers | SF | Age: 21.9
52. Los Angeles Lakers (via LA Clippers)
Ryan Kalkbrenner | Creighton | C | Age: 22.2
53. Detroit Pistons (via New York Knicks)
DaRon Holmes II | Dayton | PF/C | Age: 21.6
54. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers)
Ajay Mitchell | UC Santa Barbara | PG | Age: 21.7
55. Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee Bucks)
Jaxson Robinson | BYU | SG/SF | Age: 21.3
56. Memphis Grizzlies (via Oklahoma City Thunder)
Jalen Bridges | Baylor | SF | Age: 22.8
57. Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota Timberwolves)
Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne | C | Age: 21.9
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Boston Celtics)
Cam Spencer | UConn | SG | Age: 23.9
Note: The 76ers and Suns each forfeited a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Prospects in the Final Four
Donovan Clingan | C | UConn | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: 3
Clingan played the best game of his career in arguably the most impressive two-way performance of any player in college basketball this season, helping UConn advance to the Final Four in a 25-point blowout win over Illinois.
Illinois shot 3-for-25 from inside the arc (12%) in Clingan's 22 minutes on the floor, going 0-for-19 when challenging him directly, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. He blocked close to half of those attempts (despite only being officially credited with five) while altering many others with his 7-foot-7 wingspan and incredible timing as a rim protector.
Clingan did more than just park under the basket challenging shots while also doing an outstanding job of hedging screens out to the 3-point line and forcing opponents to shoot over length. He switched onto Illini standout Terrence Shannon Jr. and met him at the rim on one memorable play, showing excellent mobility in small spaces on the perimeter all game long. Clingan had several outstanding moments flipping his hips and getting back to protect the basket with multiple effort plays while being quicker off his feet than expected contesting shots with both hands and almost always keeping the ball in bounds to preserve possession.
His timing rotating out of drops has become nearly impeccable as his college career has progressed, and the idea of simply putting him in space and forcing him to slide his feet has become a much less attractive proposition, which bodes well for his transition to the NBA.
Clingan also scored 22 points in 22 minutes, pounding the undersized Illini inside the paint with deep seals while finishing with both hands and drawing plenty of fouls in the process. He crashed the offensive glass effectively, got a dunk rolling to the rim out of a zoom action and had one pretty give-and-go touch pass with Cam Spencer.
Clingan's dominance in the Big East championship game and the NCAA tournament has NBA teams asking just how high he could be drafted thanks to his late-season surge after recovering from foot injuries that plagued him early in the campaign. He has upside to tap into with his perimeter shooting, which is a possible part of his game down the road. (The Milwaukee Bucks' Brook Lopez didn't start shooting 3s until he was age 28.) One general manager asked ESPN recently, "Rudy Gobert or Donovan Clingan?" regarding who will be the more impactful defensive player, which highlights a college player being compared to a three-time NBA defensive player of the year winner.
There will be plenty of debate between now and June regarding who is the better prospect: Clingan or ESPN's projected No. 2 pick Alex Sarr. (And Sarr is now firmly in the conversation at No. 1, as well.) Clingan has one or two more games to make his case at the Final Four in Arizona next weekend, and he would surely benefit greatly from a strong showing against Edey should the two meet in the championship game. In a draft lacking in star power at the top, Clingan looks as close to a surefire bet to be a highly productive starter and a major impact performer as you'll find. -- Givony
Zach Edey | C | Purdue | Age: 21.8 | Top 100: 13
Edey put forth one of the best performances in NCAA tournament history while leading Purdue to the Final Four behind the first 40-point, 15-rebound performance since Bo Kimble did so in 1990. This was a career-high scoring effort for Edey in the most important game of his college career.
Perhaps more important (and more notable from an NBA standpoint) was the way Edey shut down the paint, helping hold Tennessee to just seven made 2-pointers in the half court all game. He did an outstanding job of bothering shots with his length, coming up with several impressive possessions operating out of a drop while making the Volunteers think twice about even attempting shots with him in the vicinity. He stepped outside the paint on several occasions showing impressive mobility in sliding his feet and 7-foot- 4 frame and continued to work hard deep into the second half while playing all but 33 seconds of the 40-minute contest. Clearly battling fatigue, Edey's defensive impact did drop off somewhat in the second half, which is concerning at the NBA level. Beyond that, Edey's sheer skill-level catching and finishing out of the pick-and-roll, utilizing polished footwork and using both hands finishing inside the paint was impressive to see. He didn't receive anywhere near the same type of whistle as he usually does in Big Ten play, as Tennessee's big men were allowed to grab, hold, push and essentially foul him on every possession. His physicality and competitiveness playing through relentless contact was on display as he drew 22 free throws. He made some smart passes out of double-teams and got his teammates a number of easy baskets with his screening. In the paint, he dominated the offensive glass, as usual, being impossible to dislodge in front of the rim once he established position.
Already coming into this game a projected lottery pick, this was exactly the type of performance that could further propel him into the top 10 for one of the many teams that already has bought into the impact he'll surely make in the NBA. This effort also could go a long way in convincing the holdouts of just how impactful his tremendous size, length, strength, toughness, skill level and intensity can be at the next level. Edey has been viewed by most NBA teams ESPN has spoken with as a lock first-round pick for months now, but his standing has improved considerably with his late-blooming trajectory (he has only been playing basketball since age 15), competitiveness and the fact that he is still a young senior at age 21.
Edey will have another high-profile contest awaiting in Arizona with red-hot DJ Burns Jr. and NC State and, if both Purdue and UConn advance, a dream big-man matchup with Clingan in the championship game. -- Givony
Stephon Castle | SG/SF | UConn | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: 14
Castle had possibly the best game of his college career in the Sweet 16 against San Diego State -- dropping 16 points and 11 rebounds in an outstanding performance, but he followed that up with a season-low two points in 24 minutes against Illinois.
He does deserve significant credit for his willingness to play his role as the fifth option of the best team in college basketball while playing phenomenal defense and being a key facilitator from static situations in the half-court offense and bringing outstanding toughness crashing the glass on both ends of the court. He is a terrific role player who should be able to compete for playing time immediately in the NBA, looking well schooled and highly impactful at the college level despite his clear scoring limitations.
But those scoring limitations have been difficult to ignore while projecting to the hyper-scoring NBA he's about to enter. Castle has only made one 3-pointer (1-for-12) in seven postseason games thus far -- a wide-open spot-3 with the clock running down against Stetson with his team up 17 points. His shooting mechanics leave something to be desired, with a slow release, excessive ball rotation and little ability to do anything more than make wide-open spot-up attempts, converting 4 of 21 (19%) of his pull-up jumpers from mid-range and beyond the arc this season.
Any player tasked with ballhandling responsibility in the NBA, like some project Castle to be, needs to be some kind of threat to make pull-up jumpers, and the fact that he does not have any gravity to speak of off the ball either presents another set of concerns. To his credit, Castle has made a strong percentage of his free throw attempts (76%) this season, leaving some room for optimism in this regard.
Castle has looked quite deferential at times as a shot creator as well, passing up opportunities to create his own shot out of pick and roll or isolation regularly. He's not the most explosive athlete or ball handler you'll find, bringing somewhat of a casual approach that he's improved somewhat from his high school days. Most of his best offense comes in transition, as a cutter, crashing the offensive glass, or using his strength to bully weaker players from the elbow -- not exactly the most NBA-friendly play-types for a guard projecting in the top 10. Castle's youth, impressive physical profile, excellent defense and the consistently strong reports we've received about his intangibles and approach make him an easy player to project as a top-20 pick still, hopefully developing into a Cam Reddish-type player. He has some questions to answer regarding his offensive fit, skill level and long-term upside to be a surefire top-10 pick during the pre-draft process, but he has one or two more games left to leave a lasting impression with the way he impacts winning at the NCAA Final Four this weekend. -- Givony
Mark Sears | PG | Alabama | Age: 22.1 | Top 100: 90
The hot-shooting Sears has been the catalyst for Alabama's unexpected Final Four run, pouring in seven 3-pointers in the Crimson Tide's Elite Eight win over Clemson. And while he has become one of the stars of the tournament, Sears has been playing at a high level all season, with remarkably efficient splits (55.9% on 2s, 43.4% on nearly six 3s a game and 85.9% from the line) that seem likely to earn him longer looks from NBA teams in the pre-draft process.
From an efficiency standpoint, Sears' scoring prowess puts him among the top guards in this draft class: He has developed into an excellent shot-maker who puts a ton of pressure on defenders in transition and in screen coverage. Alabama's style of play, which harps heavily on a fast pace, high 3-point volume and quality rim attempts, helps to amplify his strengths. And while more of a scorer than a pure point guard, Sears has been able to flash some playmaking ability as well. His ability to provide a consistent spark on that end will get his foot in the door for workouts and likely puts him in the two-way contract conversation.
Sears' lack of positional size (he measured 5-10¾ barefoot at last year's G League Elite Camp) presents some concerns from an NBA perspective. In his case, the main questions come on the defensive end, where he doesn't offer a ton of resistance, primarily adding value by gambling for steals and trying to create transition opportunities via turnovers. It helps that Sears is a smart player, but he's probably going to be a liability, placing a lot of stress on his ability to generate good offense via his shooting and decision-making to compensate.
A Final Four matchup against UConn's jumbo backcourt of Tristen Newton and Castle creates a huge platform for Sears, who likely will have to be at his absolute best for Alabama to have a real chance at toppling the Huskies. Scouts will be watching closely to see how he handles the size and pressure he's going to see. -- Woo
Eliminated prospects
Dalton Knecht | SF | Tennessee | Age: 22.9 | Top 100: No. 8
Credit to Knecht for going down swinging in a hard-fought loss to Purdue, concluding a career-altering season that saw him rise from the fringes of the NBA radar into projected lottery territory. Knecht put together one of his best offensive showings of the season, scoring 37 points and tying his season-high with six made 3s in a game where the Tennessee offense otherwise ran dry, and none of his teammates managed double figures.
Knecht had his full array of skills on display, saving his best game of the tournament for last and leaving NBA teams with plenty to chew on. Not only has he proved to be an elite catch-and-shoot player from range, with a quick release, strong footwork and solid positional size, but he's capable of putting the ball on the floor, getting good looks in the midrange, and has been able to showcase his athleticism in transition. He also made some positive passing reads against Purdue while feeling pressure and distributing to teammates, something that isn't necessarily considered a strength of his game. Purdue keyed in on him but didn't successfully take him away until the very end of the game, and Knecht did what he's done all season.
Even accounting for Knecht's advanced age, he's separated himself at this point as the most complete scoring wing in the draft, with a level of polish that will help him acclimate to the NBA right away as an offensive option. He doesn't get to the line a ton for a high-usage scorer, but he likely won't live at the rim in the NBA, and some of that is reflected in his jumper-centric shot diet. His defensive play is likely never going to be his strong suit, but he has enough size and athletic ability that there's some margin for improvement as a scheme defender. Knecht's unique background as a late-blooming former juco recruit helps feed the notion that he might be able to at least get up to speed in the NBA.
Knecht has positioned himself quite well at this point. He's a known quantity in a draft set to feature scant few of those and won't see the same level of defensive attention in the pros, which could open the game up for him a bit more as a scorer in one-on-one situations. For teams in need of immediate wing help, he has to be top of mind entering the spring, giving him a chance to hear his name called in the lottery depending on how the next couple of months go. His rise into a legitimate NBA prospect has been one of this season's better stories. -- Woo
Kyle Filipowski | PF/C | Duke | Age: 20.4 | Top 100: No. 16
Filipowski's season, and presumably his Duke career, ended on a sour note against NC State with a forgettable showing -- 11 points on 3-for-12 shooting, 9 rebounds and 3 turnovers while getting outplayed by D.J. Burns. It culminated in Filipowski fouling out with 4:52 remaining and Duke down by 12, a moment that effectively ended the game.
It's usually unfair to judge players off their worst showings, it's hard to imagine a rougher way for Filipowski to have gone out, in a game that amplified some of the concerns scouts have about his defensive mettle, toughness, and inconsistent shooting in the run of a physical game. Faced with a familiar matchup under a huge microscope, this was less about any specific mistakes, and more about the way he let negative events compound in the way of fouls and body language. It ultimately limited his ability to impact the game. Competition likely won't get easier for him in this respect in the long run, and he will have to mature a bit to deal with the rigors of an NBA season and the type of size and strength he'll have to contend with.
The bottom line with Filipowski has always been that there aren't many players his size with his natural skill level as a ball handler and passer -- his best moments this season showcase that versatility. He improved as a defender this season in ball-screen coverage and has made strides on that end, helping scouts view him as a player who can potentially chip in neutral minutes defensively. He was much better in the Sweet 16 against Houston, to his credit, and he's the type of player certain teams will view as a fit due to his ability to operate all over the floor at 7-feet. It's an offense-driven league right now, and a lower-usage role where Filipowski won't be a constant defensive focal point should suit him much better.
Filipowski often struggles with physicality, as Sunday showed, while playing on the interior as a rebounder, defender and in creating for himself on offense, where he sometimes barrels into defenders and doesn't play through contact all that consistently. He will also need to keep improving as a shooter: He upped his 3-point mark to 34% from last year's 28%, but he still shot just 67% from the free throw line in two college seasons, which can be viewed as a negative indicator of his natural shooting touch. Teams will want to see Filipowski shoot it better on the pre-draft circuit and work himself into top shape this spring. There may also be some lingering medical questions for him to answer, after he underwent arthroscopic surgery on both hips last offseason to help enhance his mobility.
Filipowski will likely be a divisive player in draft rooms, as teams weigh the intrinsically modern elements of his offensive game against the holes in his profile With all that said, in a draft this uncertain, he's still one of the most skilled bigs in the field, and there are worse gambles for teams that view him as a fit. His range likely begins in the late lottery and runs toward the back of the first round at this stage. -- Woo
Jared McCain | PG/SG | Duke | Age: 20.1 | Top 100: No. 19
McCain will be disappointed to see his season end in the Elite Eight, but it's tough to fault the effort he put forth, scoring 32 of his team's 64 points, while his teammates went just 11-of-39 from the field.
McCain's shot-making ability was on full display yet again, making difficult 3s in transition, running off screens with outstanding footwork, punishing defenders for going under pick and roll, and drifting to the corners and rising up with excellent body control. He finished the season converting 87 3s in 36 games while making 41% of his attempts, but also made a career-high 11 free throws in this game, getting downhill while attacking out of pick and roll, and showing toughness absorbing contact in the lane.
The next step in McCain's evolution will be to become a better ball handler, passer and decision-maker, which would allow him to shoulder an even heavier offensive load. He struggles with ball pressure at times, is late with his reads seeing open teammates, and still has work to do to become a more prolific shot creator, which will be important since he's not blessed with elite size, length or explosiveness relative to other players at his position in the NBA.
McCain's defense made significant strides this season due to his excellent toughness and feel for the game, but he can still stand to improve on that end of the floor while projecting to the NBA ranks. He struggles getting over screens and giving up blow-bys at times, not always having the quickness to get back into plays as he doesn't have the biggest margin for error with his average physical tools.
It's easy to envision a NBA team drafting McCain in the first round -- possibly even in the top 20 -- seeing his outstanding scoring instincts, basketball instincts and understanding he may take some time to mold into a more complete player. It also wouldn't be surprising if McCain decided to continue that process at the college level as the sophomore leader of a Duke squad that is bringing in an incredible amount of firepower into next season and will surely have national championship aspirations. We'll likely hear more about McCain's plans in the near future, a decision that probably won't be easy considering the risk and upside on both sides of the spectrum. -- Givony
Harrison Ingram | SF/PF | North Carolina | Age: 21.3 | Top 100: No. 34
Ingram's season came to an end with a narrow Sweet 16 loss to Alabama, posting the kind of numbers we've been accustomed to seeing all year -- 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals doing.
It was an overall excellent season for the 21-year-old Ingram, who revived his NBA draft stock after transferring from Stanford, showing off his strong feel for the game, improved 3-point shooting (39%) and ability to guard multiple positions and increased intensity level.
There is nothing particularly glamorous about Ingram's profile -- mediocre shot-creation prowess, athleticism and occasional passivity and all-around inconsistency offensively (including 61% free throw shooting) -- but there's also a significant need in today's NBA for players in his mold. Ingram doesn't need plays called for him, rarely steps outside his comfort zone and has the frame and length to defend up and down the floor.
Ingram's ability to carve out a niche in the NBA will likely depend heavily on whether he can make perimeter shots consistently, but he's done well to position himself this season and will likely get looks starting late in the first round depending on how he performs in the pre-draft process. -- Givony
Baylor Scheierman | SG/SF | Creighton | Age: 23.5 | Top 100: No. 38
Scheierman ended his college career with a familiar performance, scoring 25 points on a staunch Tennessee defense in a versatile performance for Creighton.
He took on the task of face-guarding Knecht most of the game, making him work hard for his points all night, and did quite a bit of shot creation for the Blue Jays while going 4-for-9 from 3.
At 6-7, Scheierman is an elite offensive player who can handle the ball, pass and hit 3s with significant volume (110 makes in 35 games), giving him an easy niche in the NBA. He is skilled, intelligent and creative with the ball, while showing the ability to make difficult shots running off screens, pulling up off the dribble and spacing the court with deep range and a quick release.
Scheierman's defense will be studied closely in the pre-draft process, and it's likely a major key to his ability to emerge as a rotation player in the NBA. He lacks great length (6-8 wingspan) and strength, doesn't have the most athletic stance and is prone to getting beaten on the perimeter while trying to stay in front of quicker players. He is an outstanding rebounder for a wing, however, and is smart about executing his team's scouting report. During his stint with Creighton, he has made significant strides from his time at South Dakota State, where he struggled defensively. There's an argument to be made that playing fewer minutes with lesser offensive responsibility will allow him to focus more heavily on his work here, as he was simply asked to do too much at times.
What you see is likely what you get with Scheierman, who turns 24 in September, but he has several key ingredients NBA teams are looking for at his position. His feel for the game, shot-making prowess and versatility, give him a great chance to be on an NBA roster next season, and possibly even hear his name called in the late first or early second round. -- Givony
Keshad Johnson | PF | Arizona | Age: 22.7 | Top 100: No. 43
Arizona made a disappointing Sweet 16 exit, ultimately unable to wrestle full control of a winnable game away from Clemson. Johnson turned in a decent individual showing, playing with energy scouts have come to expect from him (11 rebounds) while also struggling to contribute much on the offensive end -- he scored six points and missed all three of his 3-point attempts. His defensive versatility was an asset to Arizona all season, but there are also some limitations presented by his size and inability to create much for himself offensively.
It was a solid year for Johnson overall after transferring from San Diego State, and the improvement he demonstrated as a shooter (38% on 93 attempts) will help open the door for him to find a way to stick on an NBA bench next season. His energy, athleticism and ability to defend multiple positions make him the type of guy who can be useful to have on the roster in a pinch. He can fit alongside better players in a low-maintenance role. On the other hand, he's not a great rebounder, he's undersized for an NBA 4, and he struggles at times playing against length in traffic. It's unlikely he evolves into much of a skill player on the offensive end, which puts stress on his ability to space the floor and contribute in other ways.
Whether Johnson can land a guaranteed contract on draft night will hinge heavily on specific team fit. But at worst, he projects as a priority two-way contract candidate heading into the pre-draft process. -- Woo
Pelle Larsson | SG/SF| Arizona | Age: 23.0 | Top 100: No. 44
Larsson's season didn't end on a strong individual note -- a 2-for-9 shooting performance against Clemson (1-for-6 from 3). In a game where none of Arizona's guards other than Jaden Bradley could get anything going offensively, Larsson never found much of a rhythm. When his shot wasn't falling, he was overly deferential to his teammates but he was far from the only culprit in the disappointing loss.
This was a strong season from Larsson overall, and he made strides in the right direction, making a case for himself long term as an athletic wing who defends, makes the right play, and can hit enough of his 3s to keep opponents honest (42.6% on three attempts per game). While his lack of aggressiveness can at times be a hindrance, his willingness to fit into a role and involve teammates could make him a lot more valuable in an offensive framework where he's cast as an auxiliary option alongside more clinical, NBA-level scorers.
Larsson's detractors could point to his advanced age, limited self-creation ability off the bounce and sporadic turnover struggles as factors that could cap his upside. He didn't finish the season playing his best individual basketball, and he can't be expected to be a top scoring option, but he'll need to continue building confidence in his own offense in order to take maximum advantage of the looks he gets in the flow of the game. Larsson ultimately ticks a lot of the boxes NBA teams are constantly searching for in perimeter role players, and a positive pre-draft process could go a long way for him in securing guaranteed money. -- Woo
Ryan Kalkbrenner | C | Creighton | Age: 22.2 | Top 100: No. 52
Kalkbrenner's outstanding senior season, and possibly his Creighton career, came to an end in the Sweet 16 versus Tennessee. He played nearly all 40 minutes, like he has for much of the season and executed Creighton's game-plan to perfection.
The now 7-1 center was a bit player coming into college and has made significant strides every year physically and skillwise while emerging as one of the best big men in college basketball. He plays with outstanding energy, is exceptionally mobile defensively as a phenomenal rim-protector and plays a valuable role offensively as a screen-setting, lob-catching, intelligent ball mover who rarely makes mistakes.
Kalkbrenner even showed some flashes of perimeter shooting this season -- hitting 16 3-pointers in 35 games, something Creighton's coaching staff said he can do much more of based off what he shows in practice. As a surprising pull-up 3-point shooter, his overtime make against Oregon in the round of 32 will go down in memory as a signature moment in his outstanding career, and perhaps something to build on going into the pre-draft process.
His lack of physicality as a rebounder, low-usage offensive prowess and question marks about how exactly his defense will translate to the much faster-paced NBA will likely relegate him to second-round or two-way contract candidate as best, however. He isn't laden with upside, but he doesn't look very far off from being a player a team can throw into an NBA game in the near future. He does have another year of college eligibility at his disposal and would likely make more money at Creighton next season than he would on a two-way contract should he choose to use it. -- Givony
Jamal Shead | PG | Houston | Age: 21.6 | Top 100: No. 62
Shead's untimely ankle sprain in the Sweet 16 against Duke proved to be catastrophic for a top-seeded Houston team that relied heavily on him all season. It was almost a testament to Shead's positive impact that the Cougars were discombobulated offensively without him in the game, coming up three points short of an Elite Eight bid despite him playing just 13 minutes.
It does appear Shead avoided serious injury and, while still on the younger side for a senior, he's proved himself as arguably the top floor leader in college basketball. A deep tournament run would have helped his cause going into the pre-draft process, but there are still NBA teams who are willing to look hard at smaller guards in the right circumstances. Shead's intangibles, passing and nonstop defensive intensity give him a pathway to succeeding as a backup in the NBA -- Jevon Carter and Jose Alvarado are two names that invoke his style of play. Succeeding in that mold requires a special degree of mental toughness and consistency, something Shead has been able to demonstrate.
The biggest question mark surrounding Shead's skill set, however, remains his 3-point shooting -- Carter and Alvarado were more polished from 3 by the time they graduated as college players. His 3-point average (just under 31% on 3.8 attempts) has been near identical the past two seasons, and creating offense could pose an immediate challenge going up a level. To his credit, he's more of a pure point guard than those two, but it's a key area of improvement for Shead to demonstrate in team workouts.
Shead looks like a lock for a two-way contract at this point and should have opportunities to outperform his peers at the combine and behind closed doors, which gives him a chance to work his way up in a draft class that is somewhat light on true point guards. While his size and shooting are going to work against him, his overall game might allow him to break the mold at his size. -- Woo
Tyrese Proctor | PG | Duke | Age: 20.0 | Top 100: NR
Proctor's disappointing sophomore season ended in similar fashion, going scoreless while shooting 0-for-9 from the field in 30 minutes in an Elite Eight loss to NC State. Proctor was actually on an upward trajectory this month, having some of the best performances of his college career until this final disastrous showing. He was unable to generate efficient offense or make wide open 3-pointers when called upon, making some very poor decisions in the process.
Proctor just turned 20, so it's not that unusual for a point guard in his mold to need additional time and seasoning to reach their full potential as a playmaker and decision-maker. The incredible spotlight and pressure he's under at Duke likely makes that process a lot more painful after bad games like this one.
Proctor likely didn't envision himself being in this position when he announced he is returning for his sophomore year. But there's little doubt that he will need to return to college next season, as he looks nowhere near ready to play in a NBA game, especially from a physical standpoint. Proctor could still have a huge platform at his disposal as a junior at Duke if he elected to return to Durham, where his experience, unselfishness, perimeter shooting and defensive versatility would surely be coveted. -- Givony
- Nov 5, 2012
- 80,694
- 55,639
White teacher from Abbott elementary in the face ahh
- Mar 14, 2010
- 29,445
- 41,849
Shouldn’t get past San Antonio
- Jul 13, 2005
- 35,415
- 27,029
Big Roy Hibbert vibes
- Mar 22, 2003
- 28,992
- 17,662
- Mar 22, 2003
- 28,992
- 17,662
Clingan?
- Jul 13, 2005
- 35,415
- 27,029
Yea. Moves the same defensively.
- Mar 22, 2003
- 28,992
- 17,662
Had a solid little 10 year career - probably not what you want out of a top 3 pick but I agree
- Jul 13, 2005
- 35,415
- 27,029
Shows the weakness of this draft at the top. Traditional big in the top 3, I wouldnt unless its a NEED and I'm established (Grizzlies)
- Mar 22, 2003
- 28,992
- 17,662
That’s why I’d go Cody for sure
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,198
- 129,775
If Buzelis can credibly play SF, I think he would be the ideal draft pick for the Grizzlies. Otherwise, Clingan would be a great fit. Cody might be worth the gamble, but they gambled lately with SFs and failed.
- Mar 22, 2003
- 28,992
- 17,662
Comment wasn’t Grizz specific - more so faith in Cody.
I’d take Buz over Clingan if I were them - FWIW
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,198
- 129,775
- Jun 24, 2005
- 17,326
- 3,613
Officially checking in
I honestly don’t know what the Grizz doing. Pending draft position after lotto night, they may be willing to trade any pick for a vet or trade up/down scenario.
Sarr
Clingan
Sheppard (if we deal Luke/Smart)
Cody
Matas
Dillingham (see Shepp)
Castle
Knecht
Edey
All good to take a chance on in my book. Sarr would be
here next to JJJ, but starting to think Clingan would too 
Jaren took an offensive leap, BC looking like himself, willing to give Santi another year or trade him. Need another true big and willing to draft that guy for cost savings (Jaren getting a big deal soon, Santi could get an extension if he ball out next year).
We came away with Vince Williams Jr and GG Jackson last 2 drafts. Some duds too tho.
I honestly don’t know what the Grizz doing. Pending draft position after lotto night, they may be willing to trade any pick for a vet or trade up/down scenario.
Sarr
Clingan
Sheppard (if we deal Luke/Smart)
Cody
Matas
Dillingham (see Shepp)
Castle
Knecht
Edey
All good to take a chance on in my book. Sarr would be
here next to JJJ, but starting to think Clingan would too Jaren took an offensive leap, BC looking like himself, willing to give Santi another year or trade him. Need another true big and willing to draft that guy for cost savings (Jaren getting a big deal soon, Santi could get an extension if he ball out next year).
We came away with Vince Williams Jr and GG Jackson last 2 drafts. Some duds too tho.
- Jan 30, 2010
- 25,889
- 46,886
I don’t think Flagg is even the best prospect in the 25 class, they got some special talents
Harper, Bailey, and Edgecome look great
- Mar 31, 2011
- 73,081
- 117,399
My son Matas
- Sep 18, 2003
- 61,922
- 134,309
Not as high on ace bailey right now. Again, right now
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,198
- 129,775
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,198
- 129,775
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,198
- 129,775
- Mar 22, 2003
- 28,992
- 17,662
If he tests well he should go
- Sep 5, 2010
- 93,198
- 129,775
- Mar 31, 2011
- 73,081
- 117,399
Castle should go top 5.
HOU$TON
formerly convertibleburt
- Apr 14, 2016
- 13,521
- 26,411
