Welcome to InSzn Sports' 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Post-Lottery Edition. Now that the Draft Lottery order has been revealed, it is a perfect time to make the first installment of InSzn's NBA Mock Draft. In this article, only lottery selections will be provided with explanations for why that specific player could go to a team. For more NBA Draft content like this, visit the NBA page and subscribe to InSZN+.
1. Atlanta Hawks - Alexandre Sarr (C, Perth Wildcats)
Atlanta surprises everyone by landing the top selection with only 3% odds at getting the no. 1 pick. With this selection, Alexandre Sarr would be an immediate impact player that could fill the role of an Onyeka Okongwu or Clint Capela. Sarr is a 7"1 athletic freak who protects the rim and has shown flashes of being a stretch big in this league one day. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray have been in trade rumors for about a year now, and if Atlanta decides to take that direction, Sarr could be the first piece to a successful rebuild.
2. Washington Wizards - Nikola Topic (PG, Crvena Zvezda)
The Wizards received some lottery luck landing the no. 2 pick in the draft. Although Washington desperately needs a center, I believe taking a chance on Nikola Topic could change the course of their franchise. Topic is a 6"6 guard with incredible primary ball-handling and playmaking abilities that help him create advantages at the point of attack on offense. However, in order to fully unlock his potential, Topic will need to become a more consistent shooter from behind the arc.
3. Houston Rockets - Donovan Clingan (C, UCONN)
The Rockets have two aging centers on the roster, and Clingan is the perfect rim protector that can help balance Sengun's defensive struggles. Clingan is a traditional defensive anchor at the center position who has a game that resembles Walker Kessler. Houston has plenty of wings on the roster, and securing a big man for the future to pair with Sengun is a priority for this team.
4. San Antonio Spurs - Rob Dillingham (PG, Kentucky)
Dillingham is a sharpshooter who is a pure 3-level scorer for an undersized guard. Dillingham does have his defensive weaknesses, but San Antonio has other defenders at the guard position and have some player named Victor Wembanyama, who just won the ROY UNANIMOUSLY and finished TOP 3 in DPOY voting. Dillingham and Wemby is an exciting young duo that could thrive in the Pick n' Roll for years to come.
5. Detroit Pistons - Zaccharie Risacher (F, JL Bourg)
Risacher is a high-potential prospect who is an elite athlete that excels at finishing over defenders with his height and length. Risacher has also shown ball-handling and perimeter shooting capabilities, but they are not the strongest aspects of his game. Risacher would land in Detorit, where there is no pressure to win immediately and can develop alongside Ausar Thompson.
6. Charlotte Hornets - Ron Holland (SF, G-League Ignite)
Holland had a terrible shooting season with the G-League Ignite, specifically from 3-point range. However, Holland is the BEST DEFENSIVE PROSPECT in this draft class. His athleticism and long frame allow him to cause havoc on the defensive end and create transition opportunities for his team. He would be a perfect small forward alongside Brandon Miller where he can play off the ball and develop his 3-point shooting.
7. Portland Trail Blazers - Matas Buzelis (F, G-League Ignite)
Buzelis also had a very up and down year with the G-League Ignite, but has shown promise in the past of being a primary offensive creator. Buzelis has a unique skill set for his size, where he has elite athleticism and good playmaking abilities. Portland has just started their rebuild, and even if Buzelis does not work out, taking a chance on him is a good move considering their roster construction and trajectory heading into next season.
8. San Antonio Spurs - Reed Sheppard (SG, Kentucky)
Pairing Sheppard with his college teammate Rob Dillingham would be a match made in heaven for San Antonio. Reed Sheppard is a top 5 3-point shooter in this class who provides immediate value to this team. He is an underrated defender that also makes the right play, and does not need the ball in his hands to be an impact player. Sheppard would be an incredible fit alongside Wemby and the rest of this young Spurs core.
9. Memphis Grizzlies - Cody Williams (SF, Colorado)
Williams was one of the best freshman in college basketball this season. His 3-point shooting percentage is up to be desired, as he only shot around 2 threes a game. He is a dynamic offensive player that can create his own shot, but also is underrated on the defensive end. Williams could be a nice 3rd option on this Grizzlies team alongside Ja Morant and Desmond Bane.
10. Utah Jazz - Isaiah Collier (PG, USC)
Collier is a true prototypical point guard with a knack for setting up his teammates and finishing around the rim. His shooting needs to be improved in order for him to be an effective NBA guard, but his size and strength combo is an intriguing part of Collier's game. Keyonte George can now slide over to the Shooting Guard position and develop at his more natural position with the addition of Collier. Overall, Collier is a high-upside point guard with shooting inconsistencies that can be fixed.
11. Chicago Bulls - Stephon Castle (PG, UCONN)
Although point guard is a not a huge need with the breakout of Coby White, the Bulls have been in trade rumors for the past two seasons with Zach LaVine. Stephon Castle offers defensive versatility at 6"6 and has a nice scoring ability around the rim. He makes the simple plays and provides defense to a backcourt with Coby White, which could be a nice pairing in the future.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ja'Kobe Walter (SG, Baylor)
Ja'Kobe Walter definitely had his peaks and low points during this past season, but his peaks as a scorer were phenomenal. Walter is a 6"5 guard who is a pure 3-level scorer that can be impactful for the Thunder right away. His defense and ball handling needs to improve, but Walter is not expected to be elite right away, which is the beauty with this fit in OKC.
13. Sacramento Kings - Dalton Knecht (SG/SF, Tennessee)
Knecht is an elite scorer that can get a bucket at any time no matter what. His clutch performances and scoring outputs led Tennessee to their first Elite Eight appearance in school history. With Malik Monk being an unrestricted free agent this offseason, Dalton Knecht can step right into Monk's role as a bench scorer and thrive for this Kings team.
14. Portland Trail Blazers - Kyle Filipowski (PF, Duke)
Filipowski definitely showed signs of improvement in year 2 for Duke. His averages all went up, but his 3-point percentage was much higher this season, which contributed to their Elite Eight tournament run. Filipowski is a crafty offensive big that has the ability to beat his defender with his post moves or outside shooting. When doubled, Filipowksi showed off his undervalued playmaking capabilities when it came to finding the open man. For a team not competing right away, Filipowski can thrive on the offensive end and maybe develop into a better defender at the NBA level.
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