Cole Muzio's 2024 NBA Mock Draft

The NBA Draft is just five days away, which means it's time to run through and predict what each team will do in the first round of this year's annual selection meeting. From 1-30, here is my NBA mock draft:

1: Atlanta Hawks – C Alex Sarr 

Donovan Clingan has a lot of buzz right now as does Zaccharie Risacher, but Sarr is a great fit in Atlanta and, to me, has the most upside of this class. For now, I’m reading “smokescreen” on the Clingan buzz and sticking with Sarr, but that could change.

2: Washington Wizards – F Zaccharie Risacher

The Wizards were not the worst team in the NBA last season, but they are the most hopeless with seemingly nothing to build on. That being the case, you take the best player available, and that is Risacher. The Wizards have an abundance of wings, but none of them are guys to build around. 

3: Houston Rockets – G Reed Sheppard 

With an interesting ensemble of young talent, the Rockets need to be careful here. They could/should trade this pick, but, in the absence of a trade, you take a guy with a unique skill set. That’s Sheppard.

4: San Antonio Spurs – G Rob Dillingham

For the Spurs, every decision they make has to be about helping Wemby and advancing his development. While this pick is a slight reach, I believe it best accomplishes that goal.

5: Detroit Pistons – F Matas Buzelis

Like the Rockets – though not as deep – the Pistons are trying to build around a young core. Buzelis represents the best piece to compliment and elevate that group.

6: Charlotte Hornets – C Donovan Clingan

This represents a windfall for Charlotte, who gets a prospect that had the possibility of going No. 1 overall. The UCONN big man could form a nice core with Ball, Bridges, and Miler.

7: Portland Trailblazers – G Cody Williams

The Blazers, like the Wizards, are just bad. Cody Williams is a high talent prospect with versatility to allow other pieces to be brought in and adjust accordingly.

8: San Antonio Spurs – F Tidjane Salaun

Again, this is about Wemby. The fall of Stephon Castle made him very intriguing, but taking Salaun to go with the existing roster (plus Dillingham) gives the Spurs an incredibly exciting French frontcourt.

9: Memphis Grizzlies – G Stephon Castle

One of my favorite prospects in this class, Castle takes a tumble. This is a good situation for him, though.

10: Utah Jazz – F Dalton Knecht

After an incredible season, the Tennessee product heads to Utah where he could surpass expectations of a typical No. 10 pick.

11: Chicago Bulls – C Zach Edey

The Bulls are in basketball purgatory. This would not be a particularly compelling pick, but it makes the most sense given what’s on the board.

12: Oklahoma City Thunder – F Tristan Da Silva

A contender, the Thunder will look to make a pick that helps them right now. Da Silva brings versatility and is a ready-made product.

13: Sacramento Kings – G Nikola Topic

Here’s a high value pick for the Kings. 

14: Portland Trailblazers – F Ron Holland

Even after taking Cody Williams earlier, the Blazers double down on a versatile wing with Holland.

15: Miami Heat – G Devin Carter 

An excellent college player who has performed well throughout the process, the Heat get a steal in Carter.

16: Philadelphia 76ers – G Jared McCain

The 76ers need to maximize their window with Joel Embiid, and McCain instantly makes this team better. While this class may not be elite at the top, this is a high quality mid-round selection.

17: Los Angeles Lakers – G Ja’Kobe Walter

An excellent 3-and-D for a franchise desperately needing to get the absolute most out of this pick.

18: Orlando Magic – F Johnny Furphy

Another young team needing a versatile piece they can move around, Furphy gives the Magic what they need here.

19: Toronto Raptors – G Carlton Carrington

This would be a strong backcourt addition for a rebuilding Raptors franchise. 

20: Cleveland Cavs – G Kyshawn George

With major considerations this offseason, the Cavs are looking for a solid contributor here.

21: New Orleans Pelicans – F Kyle Filipowski

The Pelicans give Zion a fellow Blue Devil to run with.

22: Phoenix Suns – G Isaiah Collier

An incredibly gifted athlete, Collier could develop into something special with the Suns if he adapts well to a role where he’s called to facilitate.

23: Milwaukee Bucks – C Yves Missi

Gearing up for a run, the Bucks land an athletic big.

24: New York Knicks – G Tyler Kolek

The contending Knicks can’t pass up a dynamic offensive producer.

25: New York Knicks – C Kel’el Ware

And then they follow up with a bouncy, athletic big.

26: Washington Wizards – F Bobi Klintman

Again, I think this has to be all about talent acquisition for the Wizards.

27: Minnesota Timberwolves – G Jaylon Tyson

Primed and hungry for another run, the T’Wolves add a piece to help right away.

28: Denver Nuggets – C Adem Bona 

A needed additional inside presence comes to Denver.

29: Utah Jazz – F Tyler Smith

After going with the experienced Knecht, the Jazz go with upside in Smith

30: Boston Celtics – G Cameron Christie

A complimentary piece as the Celtics gear up for another run.