[ESPN] 2024年NBA模拟选秀:谁在上升谁在下降,以及最新情报

由生成式人工智能翻译,译文内容可能不准确或不完整,以原文为准。

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乔纳森·吉沃尼 (Jonathan Givony)

杰里米·伍 (Jeremy Woo)

2024年6月20日,美国东部时间下午6:55

纽约的2024年NBA选秀将在下周举行(6月26日至27日,ABC/ESPN/ESPN+),30支球队正在积极地进行选秀前准备,评估顶级候选人,缩减他们的选秀名单,帮助我们更好地了解首轮,尤其是首轮将会如何展开。

交易谈判仍处于早期阶段,但随着NBA决策者根据选秀的进展制定出不同的方案,交易谈判开始成形。

亚特兰大老鹰队在选秀抽签中赢得头号签,似乎正在锁定扎卡里·里沙谢 (Zaccharie Risacher) 或多诺万·克林根 (Donovan Clingan),但他们可能在选秀之夜拥有交易机会,尤其是如果圣安东尼奥马刺队有兴趣达成交易。

老鹰队总经理兰德里·菲尔兹 (Landry Fields) 周一表示,老鹰队目前对自己的情况感到满意。“今天,我们计划选择一名球员,”菲尔兹说。“我认为,即使是那些可能在稍后与其他球队出现的情况,我们不进行研究也不明智。”

未来一周还有很多事情要发生,但球员的选秀范围正在逐渐确定,NBA球队已经投票选出了他们希望看到被邀请到巴克莱中心绿房间的25名球员,还有少数球员将被添加到已经公布的21人名单中。

选秀专家乔纳森·吉沃尼和杰里米·伍考虑了选秀名单以及每支球队可能选择的球员,相应地更新了ESPN的2024年NBA模拟选秀。他们最新的模拟选秀,反映了对2024届新秀的全面评估,并考虑了从球探和球队管理层那里获得的情报,同时也考虑了所有30支球队所欠的和拥有的选秀权。

NBA选秀报道: 维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 的最佳球员匹配 新模拟选秀器:做出你的选择! 20项技能顶级球员 | 前100 | 选秀顺序 | 更多

首轮

1. 亚特兰大老鹰队

扎卡里·里沙谢 (Zaccharie Risacher),小前锋,布尔格 (法国) | 年龄:19.1

老鹰队在选秀前过程中撒下了广泛的网,积极地招募几乎所有彩票区的球员参加训练,同时还带来了预计在该范围之外的球员,这表明球队正在为不同的策略做准备,具体取决于他们所了解的信息和潜在的交易机会。

虽然老鹰队似乎还没有做出最终决定,但许多球队表示,他们的情报表明里沙谢仍然是头号签的最热门人选,部分原因是他具有双轨灵活性,要么保持在下赛季的竞争力,要么利用他的潜力,成为那种很难在选秀之外获得的大型多功能侧翼。老鹰队将在周三让里沙谢参加训练,这是他迄今为止与球队的第一次训练,这将有助于澄清他在这支球队的排名。

老鹰队至今未能让亚历克斯·萨尔 (Alex Sarr) 参加训练,但这种情况可能会发生。克林根似乎是里沙谢在头号签的主要竞争对手。他在训练中的表现——他投篮非常出色,展现出令人惊讶的传球能力,从短距离上篮中操作,并且在录像学习和面试中都很出色——帮助他提升了选秀排名,使他成为一个可能的潜在黑马选择,正如我们几周以来一直在讨论的那样。

亚特兰大特雷·杨 (Trae Young) 的状态是笼罩在这个特许经营权上的一个大问题。在球队中广泛讨论的一个选择是,老鹰队有可能从圣安东尼奥手中重新获得他们未受保护的2025年首轮选秀权(也许是与第四顺位选秀权进行交换),这将使球队拥有更多重建的灵活性。鉴于他们的下三个选秀权(2025年、2026年交换权和2027年)都被马刺队拥有,这将很难想象。

老鹰队上周让里德·谢泼德 (Reed Sheppard) 参加了训练,在此之前还让克林根参加了训练,这两位都是他们选择退位到第四顺位时有吸引力的选择。亚特兰大还让马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis)、科迪·威廉姆斯 (Cody Williams) 和罗恩·霍兰德 (Ron Holland) 参加了训练。– 吉沃尼


2. 华盛顿奇才队

亚历克斯·萨尔 (Alex Sarr),大前锋/中锋,珀斯 (澳大利亚) | 年龄:19.1

竞争对手球队普遍认为奇才队是里沙谢或萨尔的着陆点,具体取决于老鹰队的选择方向。到目前为止,这种想法一直存在,尽管华盛顿的沉默让一些球队仍然对他们在第二顺位的意图感到好奇。

也就是说,萨尔还没有去亚特兰大,而且在上周参加了华盛顿的训练。奇才队在萨尔效力珀斯的赛季中做了很多功课(也进行了旅行)来评估他。斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle)、克林根、布泽利斯和威廉姆斯是参加过奇才队训练的其他顶级新秀。其中一些球员更像是备选方案,无论通过交易还是如果萨尔排名第一,但奇才队已经做足了功课。

华盛顿有足够的跑道来耐心等待萨尔的成长,这使他们成为他的最佳选择——反之亦然——至少在纸面上是如此。萨尔可以说是这里最有潜力的球员,拥有成为顶级防守球员的身体素质,以及作为终结者和提升空间型球员的实用进攻技巧的雏形。– 伍


3. 休斯顿火箭队(来自篮网队)

里德·谢泼德 (Reed Sheppard),控球后卫/得分后卫,肯塔基大学 | 年龄:19.9

感觉上,谢泼德的选秀范围现在非常狭窄。火箭队对他在第三顺位的表现表现出浓厚的兴趣,球队管理层和老板都对他在他们已经建立起来的年轻球员身边作为射手和组织者所扮演的角色感到兴趣。

如果休斯顿决定退位或改变方向,圣安东尼奥也对谢泼德非常感兴趣,并将处于一个位置,可以在下一个顺位选择他。他还参加过老鹰队的训练(作为退位选项)和夏洛特黄蜂队的训练(黄蜂队也被认为是他的粉丝,并且看起来将在第六顺位选择他),但谢泼德搬到德克萨斯的可能性似乎更大。

休斯顿一直在测试这个顺位的市场,这个顺位具有交易价值,部分原因是人们认为克林根——许多球队都认为他是一个潜在的向上交易目标——如果前两名球员如预期那样被选中,将会被选中。无论如何,谢泼德的投篮能力、特质和作为组织者的成长空间使他成为第一个被选中的后卫,完成了从11月的一个奇怪现象到一个完全的彩票区新秀的提升。– 伍

play1:38

里德·谢泼德本赛季的最佳表现

回顾里德·谢泼德在肯塔基大学的第一个赛季中表现最出色的时刻。


4. 圣安东尼奥马刺队

斯蒂芬·卡斯尔 (Stephon Castle),控球后卫/得分后卫,康涅狄格大学 | 年龄:19.6

如果两个顶级目标——里沙谢(将在周五与圣安东尼奥进行训练)和谢泼德(上周参加了训练)——已经被选中,马刺队在第四顺位和第八顺位选择卡斯尔和罗布·迪林汉姆 (Rob Dillingham) 来加强他们的后场阵容,这并不奇怪,他们分别是ESPN大名单上的两位顶级后卫。

由于达里厄斯·加兰德 (Darius Garland) 不太可能从克利夫兰交易过来,特雷·杨的候选资格也存在不确定性,所以选择两位可以在不同阵容配置和角色中打球的顶级后卫新秀可能是明智之举,尤其是在马刺队能够从一位老将控球后卫那里得到承诺的情况下——例如,克里斯·保罗 (Chris Paul)——来指导下一代。

马刺队——上赛季联盟中投篮最差的球队之一——需要找到方法来为维克托·文班亚马 (Victor Wembanyama) 下赛季更好地拉开空间,这将指向谢泼德、迪林汉姆和达尔顿·克内克特 (Dalton Knecht) 等球员,但马刺队长期以来一直对卡斯尔等新秀的位置尺寸、长度和特质着迷,在一定程度上也对威廉姆斯着迷。

卡斯尔的防守多功能性、无私奉献和二传组织能力将成为马刺队阵容的有价值补充,前提是他能投进足够的远距离投篮来让防守球员保持诚实。他在康涅狄格大学的全国冠军之旅中发挥了重要作用,展现出愿意做出一切能帮助球队获胜的小事。这位19岁的球员拥有许多利用强壮身体工具的潜力。上周他在圣安东尼奥与德文·卡特 (Devin Carter) 进行了对抗训练。– 吉沃尼

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斯蒂芬·卡斯尔的NBA选秀资料

看看一些让康涅狄格大学的斯蒂芬·卡斯尔成为顶级NBA选秀新秀的精彩表现。


5. 底特律活塞队

马塔斯·布泽利斯 (Matas Buzelis),小前锋/大前锋,G联盟Ignite | 年龄:19.6

布泽利斯安排了与亚特兰大和华盛顿的训练,但几个星期以来,竞争对手球队普遍认为底特律是他的着陆点。到目前为止,活塞队还没有让其他有望进入高彩票区的球员参加训练,这促成了底特律可能是他的底线这一想法。

活塞队正在新任篮球运营总裁特拉扬·朗登 (Trajan Langdon) 的领导下进行转型,但他们对布泽利斯的兴趣早于朗登的到来。

目前其他球队认为这将是一段可能的婚姻。布泽利斯符合底特律的时间表、位置需求,并且拥有朗登在担任新奥尔良总经理的五年期间倾向于(并且取得成功)的大个子多功能前锋的尺寸和多功能性。– 伍


6. 夏洛特黄蜂队

达尔顿·克内克特 (Dalton Knecht),小前锋,田纳西大学 | 年龄:23.1

克内克特的选秀范围似乎越来越小,第四到第九顺位的球队都表达了浓厚的兴趣,只有底特律在第五顺位没有兴趣。

黄蜂队让克内克特参加了训练,他与拉梅洛·鲍尔 (LaMelo Ball) 和布兰登·米勒 (Brandon Miller) 的配合看起来很不错,因为他提供了远距离投篮和全能得分能力。如果克内克特在第六顺位没有被选中,可能是因为像谢泼德或卡斯尔(黄蜂队都让他们参加了训练)这样的球员出现了。

竞争对手球队表示,他们会惊讶于看到克内克特跌出波特兰和圣安东尼奥的第七和第八顺位,在那里他似乎也很受欢迎。布泽利斯也参加了黄蜂队的训练,还有贾科比·沃尔特 (Ja’Kobe Walter)。– 吉沃尼


7. 波特兰开拓者队

多诺万·克林根 (Donovan Clingan),中锋,康涅狄格大学 | 年龄:20.3

克林根在ESPN前100名中排名第三,许多竞争对手球队都认为他是有资格成为老鹰队在第一顺位选择球员的候选人,这使得他成为预测本次选秀的关键人物。

克林根也被认为是球队潜在的向上交易目标,包括孟菲斯灰熊队,这可能会导致他在这之前被选中。然而,火箭队、马刺队、活塞队和黄蜂队似乎并不是克林根的着陆点,因此也有一些情况,他可能会跌至第七顺位。

波特兰可能会为此感到高兴,因为克林根是可用的最佳球员,并且将为一支仍在前场奠定基础的球队提供长期的防守支柱。– 伍


8. 圣安东尼奥马刺队

罗布·迪林汉姆 (Rob Dillingham),控球后卫,肯塔基大学 | 年龄:19.4

迪林汉姆由于脚踝受伤,在选秀前的大部分时间都无法参加球队的训练;然而,他在周五完成了他的联合测试,以确保他的选秀资格。到目前为止,他的缺席引发了联盟的一些猜测,认为他可能会跌到彩票区末端或跌出彩票区,但他是一个为需要后卫的圣安东尼奥提供的选择,尤其是如果马刺队在第四顺位无法选中他的大学队友里德·谢泼德。

迪林汉姆将在周三参加马刺队的训练,底特律已经排队,犹他和芝加哥也表达了兴趣。这位为克里斯·保罗的耐克EYBL球队(Team CP3)打球的后卫,天生就具有创造力,但体型和防守能力不足使他成为一个两极分化的新秀。他是球队愿意冒险选择的球员类型,尤其是当他越跌越低的时候。

如果马刺队选择其他方向,爵士队和公牛队可能是彩票区末端的着陆点,如果他跌出这两支球队,也不会跌得很远。– 伍


9. 孟菲斯灰熊队

科迪·威廉姆斯 (Cody Williams),得分后卫/小前锋,科罗拉多大学 | 年龄:19.5

威廉姆斯最终将参加几乎所有排名前10的球队的训练(除了休斯顿),孟菲斯是上周末他的最新目的地。排名前10之外的球队还没有能够让他参加训练,这表明他的团队对他的最终归宿和他们迄今为止收到的反馈感到满意。

威廉姆斯在ESPN前100名中排名第12位,拥有每支NBA球队都在寻找的身体素质,穿鞋身高6英尺8英寸,臂展7英尺1英寸。他从11月到1月的出色赛季初表现让一些NBA球队想知道,在他因伤病而退出比赛之前,他是否有可能冲击头号签。

他是一个大器晚成的球员,展现出组织能力、防守多功能性和外线投篮能力,这些能力有望在未来发展成为更稳定的技能,并且可能是对一支更早选择他的球队的黑马选择,排名前五到第八的球队也正在密切关注他的候选资格。他甚至在亚特兰大参加了训练,亚特兰大拥有第一顺位选秀权。– 吉沃尼


10. 犹他爵士队

尼古拉·托皮克 (Nikola Topic),控球后卫,Mega MIS (亚得里亚海联盟) | 年龄:18.8

托皮克是球队投票选出的20名进入选秀绿房间球员之一,这对于他在意大利特雷维索的选秀联合会中被诊断出ACL撕裂后,他的股票稳定是一个好兆头。托皮克正在美国访问球队,波特兰(第七顺位和第十四顺位)、圣安东尼奥(第八顺位)、孟菲斯(第九顺位)、犹他(第十顺位)都在他的行程表上。

选择他的球队可能需要对下赛季红衫军赛季的想法感到满意,并着眼于长远,类似于切特·霍姆格伦 (Chet Holmgren)、乔尔·恩比德 (Joel Embiid)、迈克尔·波特-小 (Michael Porter Jr.) 或布雷克·格里芬 (Blake Griffin) 开始他们NBA职业生涯的方式。犹他队可能对自己在过去两年没有全力以赴地为选秀权做准备而感到后悔,并可能考虑在某个时候采用这种策略。

选择托皮克并尝试在下赛季争夺库珀·弗拉格 (Cooper Flagg) 可能不是一个坏主意,考虑到他们拥有一位全明星球员劳里·马尔卡宁 (Lauri Markkanen),以及联盟中最好的年轻教练之一威尔·哈迪 (Will Hardy),这将是一件很困难的事情。– 吉沃尼


11. 芝加哥公牛队

德文·卡特 (Devin Carter),控球后卫/得分后卫,普罗维登斯大学 | 年龄:22.2

卡特一直是训练场上的热门人物之一,一些球队现在认为他会在前十顺位被选中。他的韧性、可靠性和双向技巧为他这个年长的后卫带来了巨大的潜力。卡特在ESPN前100名中排名第13位,以防守闻名,但他过去一年在得分方面取得了重大进步,这有助于重新定义球队对他的潜力的看法。

球队对他能提供的帮助的信心提升了他的选秀股票,第八到第十一顺位的每支球队看起来都是可能的着陆点。

还有一些传言说,目前排在彩票区之外的几支球队有兴趣向上交易来选中他。在将亚历克斯·卡鲁索 (Alex Caruso) 交易到俄克拉荷马城雷霆队后,卡特将是填补他角色的绝佳选择。– 伍


12. 俄克拉荷马城雷霆队(来自火箭队)

提迪安·萨劳恩 (Tidjane Salaun),大前锋,肖莱 (法国) | 年龄:18.8

萨劳恩在选秀范围方面是最难预测的彩票区新秀之一,因为他最近从欧洲来到这里,参加训练的时间有限。相当多的球队想更深入地了解他。萨劳恩在ESPN前100名中排名第九,在扭伤脚踝之前,他参加了波特兰、萨克拉门托和俄克拉荷马城的训练,上周末在圣安东尼奥,这可能会阻止他参加与底特律和夏洛特预定的训练。

尽管发生了这种挫折,很难找到像萨劳恩这样有潜力的球员,身高6英尺10英寸,拥有出色的身材、臂展、投篮能力和防守强度。他也是本届选秀中最年轻的球员之一,只有18岁,他可能需要耐心和练习才能找到自己的立足点,因为他所表现出的意识令人质疑,而且他在球场两端偶尔会表现出错误百出的风格。

俄克拉荷马城周三将乔什·吉迪 (Josh Giddey) 交易到芝加哥公牛队,换取亚历克斯·卡鲁索。雷霆队如果选择的话,本周可能会继续保持侵略性,他们拥有大量的选秀权和有趣的新秀球员,这可以让他们在选秀之夜几乎走到任何他们想要的地方,或者追逐更多老将。– 吉沃尼


13. 萨克拉门托国王队

罗恩·霍兰德 (Ron Holland),小前锋,G联盟Ignite | 年龄:18.9

萨克拉门托已经探索了这个顺位的交易选项,但如果国王队维持现状,将会有一系列优秀球员可供选择——他们可能只是满足于看看谁会跌到第13顺位。霍兰德参加了各种球队的训练,从亚特兰大的第一顺位到热火的第15顺位,他的底线还不完全清楚。

假设国王队正在努力留住马利克·蒙克 (Malik Monk) 并保持他们的后场阵容,那么选择霍兰德这样的侧翼球员或前场球员将是一个明智的选择。

在拥有确立了天赋和角色的萨克拉门托球队中,不会要求霍兰德成为进攻的核心,这对于他的长期比赛来说可能是理想的。这一举动将使霍兰德能够回到他的根基,成为一名强硬的防守球员和高能量的贡献者。– 伍


14. 波特兰开拓者队(来自勇士队)

贾科比·沃尔特 (Ja’Kobe Walter),得分后卫/小前锋,贝勒大学 | 年龄:19.7

沃尔特在ESPN前100名中排名第14位,在选秀前一直保持着低调,主要是在底特律、夏洛特、圣安东尼奥、犹他和萨克拉门托等地进行一对零的训练。他是首批12名被邀请参加选秀绿房间的球员之一,这对于他在球队中的地位是一个积极的信号。

沃尔特结合了长度、动态投篮能力、强度、年轻和出色的场外特质,使他拥有高潜力和吸引人的原型,每支球队都在寻找一名3D侧翼,拥有成长的潜力。

他可能会得到所有排在彩票区中后段的球队的关注,这些球队都在寻找侧翼深度,而且他将在十多顺位有很多追求者,希望他能跌到他们那里。– 吉沃尼


15. 迈阿密热火队

扎克·埃迪 (Zach Edey),中锋,普渡大学 | 年龄:22.0

埃迪在ESPN前100名中排名第16位,吸引了在他前面和后面的球队感兴趣,从圣安东尼奥之后,彩票区后半段的每支球队都表示他们需要一名中锋。犹他、波特兰和萨克拉门托是他在训练场上的最近几个目的地,他可能还会去洛杉矶湖人队。

埃迪的体型、力量和强度在训练中很难抵挡,因为在这个选秀中,没有多少球员能够减缓他的速度。

他是被NBA球队投票选出的21名被邀请到绿房间的球员之一,但他已经决定将与教练、队友和家人一起在印第安纳州西拉法叶观看选秀,而不是亲自参加。他是唯一一个拒绝亲自参加选秀的球员。– 吉沃尼

play1:48

让扎克·埃迪成为一个有趣NBA新秀的精彩表现

看看普渡大学的扎克·埃迪在2024年NBA选秀之前的顶级表现。


16. 费城76人队

贾里德·麦凯恩 (Jared McCain),控球后卫,杜克大学 | 年龄:20.3

麦凯恩现在似乎稳稳地排名前20,获得了绿房间的邀请,并且在选秀前享受了一个积极的过程。彩票区后段的球队对他感兴趣,热火队、76人队和湖人队都是可能的着陆点,这创造了一个看起来很狭窄的范围。

作为一名出色的射手,拥有令人印象深刻的特质,这在短期和长期内都增强了他的实力,麦凯恩为适应NBA做好了准备,并且可能会比典型的大学一年级生更快地做出贡献。他能够明智地打两个后卫位置,并提供即时的空间,这对任何需要投篮或后卫深度的球队都很有吸引力。

如果76人队保留这个顺位——他们可能会把它用作交易筹码——那么这种类型的技巧在泰瑞斯·马克西 (Tyrese Maxey) 身边将很有意义。– 伍


17. 洛杉矶湖人队

特里斯坦·达席尔瓦 (Tristan Da Silva),小前锋/大前锋,科罗拉多大学 | 年龄:23.0

达席尔瓦令人惊讶地没有出现在NBA早期的绿房间名单中,但他可能仍然会获得邀请,他在前20顺位获得了坚定的兴趣。他从孟菲斯的第九顺位开始就获得了兴趣,但他很可能会跌到下一个范围,在那里,一系列季后赛级别的球队,包括国王队、热火队、76人队和湖人队,都对他的服务感兴趣。

达席尔瓦在球场两端都能在两个前锋位置上发挥多功能作用,以及可靠的三分球,这为他下赛季获得上场时间提供了良好的途径,尽管他的上限没有被认为像这个范围中的一些更年轻的球员那样高。– 伍


18. 奥兰多魔术队

约翰尼·弗珀 (Johnny Furphy),得分后卫/小前锋,堪萨斯大学 | 年龄:19.5

弗珀是21名获得选秀绿房间邀请的球员之一,这并不令人惊讶,因为他正在吸引强烈的兴趣,从孟菲斯的第九顺位开始,一直延伸到十多顺位,最后是克利夫兰的第二十顺位。

弗珀身高6英尺9英寸,多位置多功能性,可以在不同的阵容配置中操作,这使得他成为许多排在这个范围内的球队的吸引目标,这些球队都在寻找投篮,包括芝加哥在第十一顺位、萨克拉门托在第十三顺位、费城在第十六顺位、奥兰多在第十八顺位和多伦多在第十九顺位。

弗珀在ESPN前100名中排名第18位,他带来了韧性、活力和年轻,凭借其陡峭的发展轨迹,他拥有成长的潜力。– 吉沃尼


19. 多伦多猛龙队(来自步行者队)

凯肖恩·乔治 (Kyshawn George),得分后卫/小前锋,迈阿密大学 | 年龄:20.5

猛龙队决定在这个顺位选择哪个方向可能会表明他们打算进行重建的时间,他们将进入一个可能更多是过渡期的赛季,因为他们的阵容非常年轻。乔治将是一个长期的选择,在获得绿房间邀请后,他似乎正在成为前20顺位的选择。

他从彩票区后段开始一直到20多顺位都得到了关注,但他的范围也比较广。乔治在ESPN前100名中排名第19位,在身体对抗方面需要进行很大的调整,球队对他无法突破到篮下以及在防守端竞争能力不足有一些担忧。然而,具有组织能力、能够控球和投篮的大个子侧翼总是很有吸引力。

他将体型、后卫技能和外线投篮能力的结合,为他提供了一个良好的发展蓝图,但他是一个需要时间才能证明自己的选择。– 伍


20. 克利夫兰骑士队

卡尔顿·卡林顿 (Carlton Carrington),控球后卫/得分后卫,匹兹堡大学 | 年龄:18.9

卡林顿不在获得绿房间邀请的21名球员之列,但他可能最终成为本周晚些时候获得邀请的最后四五名球员之一,因为他正在与一些比这个顺位更高的球队进行交谈。

他主要是在第十到第二十顺位的球队进行拜访,这些球队都在寻找控球后卫,比如犹他、迈阿密和奥兰多,这些球队尤其令人感兴趣。在选秀前的一周,可能会看到不同范围的球队前往达拉斯观看他的比赛,以备不时之需,包括可能改变选秀顺序的交易场景。

卡林顿的潜力最为突出,他是选秀中最年轻的球员之一,他能够在ACC中赢得重要的角色,展示了他的天赋,作为一名体型更大的控球后卫,他可以突破投篮,并通过活球传球。他在防守端非常具有侵略性,尽管他的力量和顶级爆发力不足。

卡林顿在ESPN前100名中排名第20位,他需要时间和磨练才能准备好打有意义的NBA比赛,但他年轻、多功能性和对比赛的感觉让他在这个缺乏这种球员的选秀中拥有很高的上限。– 吉沃尼


21. 新奥尔良鹈鹕队(来自雄鹿队)

伊夫斯·米西 (Yves Missi),中锋,贝勒大学 | 年龄:20.0

米西获得了绿房间邀请,并正在争夺一批需要长期中锋帮助的球队,其中湖人队、鹈鹕队和雄鹿队都是潜在的着陆点。他一直是训练场上的热门人物,并且他已经证明了自己可以与这个范围内的其他大个子球员匹敌,并且因此,他产生了信心,认为他可以处理在NBA取得成功所要求的大量身体、要求苛刻的工作。

他在职业生涯早期阶段的运动天赋和发展空间,使他成为一个有趣的新秀,他最终可以打出有用的篮筐突破风格。解决中锋位置,因为乔纳斯·瓦兰丘纳斯 (Jonas Valanciunas) 将进入自由球员市场,将成为新奥尔良休赛期的优先事项,因为他们将调整围绕锡安·威廉姆森 (Zion Williamson) 的阵容。– 伍


22. 菲尼克斯太阳队

泰勒·科勒克 (Tyler Kolek),控球后卫,马奎特大学 | 年龄:23.2

科勒克在ESPN前100名中排名第26位,是选秀前大涨价的球员之一,在每次选秀前训练中,他都展示了他独特的韧性、技巧、经验和对比赛的感觉。

他参加过那些选择在彩票区中后段的球队的训练(圣安东尼奥、犹他),并且在十多顺位有很多粉丝,最后是奥兰多和多伦多在第十八和第十九顺位。杰伦·布朗森 (Jalen Brunson) 和T.J. 麦康奈尔 (T.J. McConnell) 等年长、身体素质不足的控球后卫的成功,似乎让球队以不同的眼光看待科勒克这样的球员。

太阳队——科勒克将在本周晚些时候参加他们的训练——被认为是一个特别有趣的目的地,考虑到他们在控球后卫位置上缺乏深度,并且需要一位经验丰富的组织者,能够在球场上和球场外运作。– 吉沃尼


23. 密尔沃基雄鹿队(来自鹈鹕队)

凯莱尔·韦尔 (Kel’el Ware),中锋,印第安纳大学 | 年龄:20.1

韦尔在选秀前被认为正在建立稳固的势头,但他没有出现在球队投票选出的21名进入选秀绿房间的球员之列,这可能会在最后一次邀请发布后发生变化。

到目前为止,他已经参加了大量球队的训练,从彩票区后段到首轮结束,参加了十多场训练。密尔沃基——他访问过的一支球队——在中锋位置上有明显的需要,因为布鲁克·洛佩兹 (Brook Lopez) 36岁,即将进入合同的最后一年,鲍比·波蒂斯 (Bobby Portis) 可以选择在下个夏天跳出合同。

韦尔能够选择弹出或上篮,这为他提供了宝贵的多功能性,以及他出色的篮板球和盖帽能力。身高7英尺1英寸,对于这位20岁的球员来说,天赋绝对不是问题,这使得他成为这个范围内任何球队的稳固价值选择。– 吉沃尼

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凯莱尔·韦尔的NBA选秀资料

看看一些让凯莱尔·韦尔成为顶级NBA选秀新秀的精彩表现。


24. 纽约尼克斯队(来自独行侠队)

凯尔·菲利波斯基 (Kyle Filipowski),大前锋/中锋,杜克大学 | 年龄:20.6

菲利波斯基在选秀之夜的范围似乎很广,因为他似乎是十多顺位的几支球队争夺的目标,而其他一些球队在20多顺位表示他们预计他会在他们选中时仍然可用。

他被球队投票选出的21名进入选秀之夜绿房间的球员之一,这是他地位的一个好兆头,因为在第一轮的某个时刻,一定会有一个市场来寻求拥有他技能的球员。菲利波斯基能够在身高7英尺的情况下控球、传球和投篮,这很难找到,而且缺乏能够在内线和外线打球的多功能大个子,对这个范围内的球队来说肯定会很有吸引力——如果他跌到这个位置。

大多数球队都不希望尼克斯队保留他们两个首轮选秀权,这意味着这个选择很可能最终落到另一支球队的头上。将他们两个选秀权中的一个交易换取未来的首轮选秀权,可能会帮助他们在未来增加交易的灵活性,但选秀之夜的市场将会是什么样子还有待观察,因为第二轮早期的选秀权被认为是有价值的,因为它们提供了薪资帽和奢侈税的灵活性。– 吉沃尼


25. 纽约尼克斯队

瑞安·邓恩 (Ryan Dunn),小前锋/大前锋,弗吉尼亚大学 | 年龄:21.4

尼克斯队是那些长期以来对邓恩最看好的球队之一,因为他的防守多功能性以及在侧翼制造抢断和盖帽的能力。他糟糕的跳投和摇摆不定的投篮信心是他需要克服的事情,但他已经展示了他的优势,并且在训练场上让人对他的长期进攻成长机会感到乐观。

尼克斯队拥有以防守为重的教练汤姆·锡伯杜 (Tom Thibodeau),他们很可能会重视这位ESPN前100名排名第34位的球员所带来的独特产量和工具,并且可能比大多数球队更愿意对邓恩(他是一位长岛本地人)保持耐心,因为他正在进攻端成长。

竞争对手球队预计纽约可能会在20多顺位交易其中一个选秀权,因此另一支球队可能会为尼克斯队选中这个顺位。– 伍


26. 华盛顿奇才队(来自快船队)

以赛亚·科利尔 (Isaiah Collier),控球后卫,南加州大学 | 年龄:19.6

虽然科利尔现在似乎不太可能在彩票区被选中,他曾经被认为是这届选秀中的顶级新秀,现在在ESPN前100名中排名第22位,但他确实获得了绿房间邀请,现在对于那些可以依靠他的组织能力的球队来说,他是一个有趣的价值选择。

科利尔确实得到了彩票区后段球队的关注,但有一些现实的情况是他可能会跌到首轮的后面。对于那些想要争夺季后赛资格的球队来说,很难为一名控球后卫找到上场时间,而他的关键提升领域是决策和远距离投篮——从逻辑上讲,科利尔可能需要参加G联盟比赛,尤其是在他加入了一支季后赛级别的球队。他是一名有天赋的运动型球员和传球手,控球时拥有良好的体型。

如果科利尔跌至第26顺位,在选秀的这个后半部分选中他这样的天赋对于奇才队来说将是一笔巨大的价值。– 伍


27. 明尼苏达森林狼队

特伦斯·香农-小 (Terrence Shannon Jr.),得分后卫/小前锋,伊利诺伊大学 | 年龄:23.8

香农在上周被宣告无罪,并被判无罪,他被指控犯有强奸和性侵罪,NBA球队一直在密切关注

via ESPN

点击查看原文:Updated two-round NBA mock draft: Who's rising and falling, plus latest intel for every pick

Updated two-round NBA mock draft: Who’s rising and falling, plus latest intel for every pick

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Jonathan Givony

Jeremy Woo

Jun 20, 2024, 06:55 PM ET

The 2024 NBA draft in New York is a week away (June 26-27 on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+), and the 30 teams are well into their pre-draft process for working out top candidates and narrowing down their draft boards, helping us get a better feel for how the first round, especially, might unfold.

Trade talks are at an early stage but beginning to take shape to an extent as different scenarios are being laid out from NBA decision-makers depending on how the draft evolves.

The Atlanta Hawks, who won the draft lottery to claim the No. 1 pick, seem to be honing in on either Zaccharie Risacher or Donovan Clingan but might have trade opportunities at their disposal on draft night, especially if the San Antonio Spurs are interested in making a deal.

Hawks general manager Landry Fields said Monday the Hawks are currently satisfied with their situation. “Today, we’re planning on picking one,” Fields said. “I don’t think it would be wise for us not to go over scenarios, even ones that may present later on with different teams.”

There’s still lots left to play out over the coming week, but ranges for players are being solidified as NBA teams voted on the 25 players they’d like to see invited to the Barclays Center green room, with a handful more players to be added still to the 21-player list that has already been revealed.

Draft experts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo considered the draft board and the likely players available at each spot to update the ESPN 2024 NBA mock draft accordingly. Their latest mock, which reflects exhaustive evaluation of the 2024 draft class and considers intel gathered from conversations with scouts and front office personnel, also accounts for picks owed and owned by all 30 teams.

**NBA draft coverage:**Ranking best player fits for Victor Wembanyama New mock draft simulator: Make your picks! Top players at 20 skills | Top 100 | Draft order | More

First round

1. Atlanta Hawks

Zaccharie Risacher, SF, Bourg (France) | Age: 19.1

The Hawks casted a wide net through the pre-draft process, aggressively recruiting nearly every prospect in the lottery for workouts while also bringing in players projected outside that range, indicating the team is preparing for different strategies depending on what it learns and potential trade opportunities.

While it appears the Hawks are far from making final decisions, many teams say their intel indicates Risacher remains the favorite at No. 1, partially because of the dual-track flexibility he offers of either remaining competitive next season or tapping into his upside as the type of big, versatile wing that is difficult to acquire outside the draft. The Hawks will bring Risacher in for a workout Wednesday, his first with the team thus far, which should help add clarity regarding his standing.

The Hawks have been unable to bring Alex Sarr in for a workout to this point, but the door remains open for that to potentially happen. Clingan appears to be Risacher’s main rival at No. 1. His workout – where he shot the ball extremely well, showed surprisingly good passing ability operating out of short rolls and was impressive both in film study and in interviews – helped his draft standing and makes him as possible sleeper selection here, as we’ve discussed for several weeks.

The status of Atlanta’s Trae Young is the big question hovering over the franchise. One option that has been widely discussed among teams is the possibility of the Hawks reacquiring their unprotected 2025 first-round pick from San Antonio (perhaps in a swap for the No. 4 pick), which would give the team far more flexibility for rebuilding. That would currently be difficult to fathom, with their next three draft picks (2025, 2026 swap rights and 2027) owned by the Spurs.

The Hawks worked out Reed Sheppard last week and Clingan before that, two attractive options at No. 4 should they elect to slide back. Atlanta also brought in Matas Buzelis, Cody Williams and Ron Holland for workouts. – Givony


2. Washington Wizards

Alex Sarr, PF/C, Perth (Australia) | Age: 19.1

Rival teams have largely viewed the Wizards as a landing spot for Risacher or Sarr, depending which direction the Hawks go. That line of thinking has held up so far, although the radio silence out of Washington has some teams still curious about its intentions at No. 2.

That said, Sarr has not yet gone to Atlanta and did work out for Washington last week. The Wizards did quite a bit of homework (and travel) to evaluate him during the course of his season with Perth. Stephon Castle, Clingan, Buzelis and Williams are among the other top prospects that have worked out for the Wizards. Some of those players feel more like contingencies, whether it’s via trade, or if Sarr goes No. 1, but the Wizards have done their due diligence.

Washington has the runway available to be patient with Sarr’s development, making it a strong fit for him – and vice versa – on paper. Sarr arguably has the greatest upside available here, with the physical attributes to be a top defender, as well as the makings of a useful offensive skill set as a finisher and improving floor-spacer. – Woo


3. Houston Rockets (via Nets)

Reed Sheppard, PG/SG, Kentucky | Age: 19.9

It feels like Sheppard’s range of draft outcomes is quite narrow at this point. The Rockets have demonstrated serious interest in him at No. 3, with both the front office and ownership intrigued by his fit as a shooter and playmaker next to their established young talent.

Should Houston decide to trade back or go another direction, San Antonio is also quite intrigued with Sheppard and will be in position to pounce one pick later. He has also worked out for the Hawks (as a trade-back option) and Charlotte Hornets (who are also thought to be fans, and look like his backstop at No. 6), but the odds seem to be in favor of Sheppard relocating to Texas.

Houston has been testing the market for this pick, which holds trade value due in part to the thought that Clingan, who many teams view as a potential trade-up target, will be available if the first two picks go as currently expected. Regardless, Sheppard’s shooting ability, intangibles and room for growth as a playmaker have put him in position to be the first guard off the board, completing his ascent from a November curiosity into a full-blown lottery talent. – Woo

play1:38

Reed Sheppard’s best plays of the season

Look back at Reed Sheppard’s best plays from his lone season at Kentucky.


4. San Antonio Spurs

Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn | Age: 19.6

If two top targets – Risacher (who will work out with San Antonio on Friday) and Sheppard (worked out last week) – are already off the board, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Spurs looked to bolster their backcourt with the next two top guard prospects on ESPN’s Big Board in Castle and Rob Dillingham with the No. 4 and No. 8 picks.

With Darius Garland unlikely to be attainable from Cleveland, and uncertainty around Trae Young’s candidacy, it might make sense to add two top-tier guard prospects who can play in different lineup configurations and roles, especially if the Spurs can secure a commitment from a veteran point guard – for example, Chris Paul – to mentor the next generation.

The Spurs – one of the worst shooting teams in the NBA last season – need to find ways to better space the floor for Victor Wembanyama next season, which would point to players such as Sheppard, Dillingham and Dalton Knecht, but also have long been enamored with positional size, length and intangibles of prospects such as Castle and, to a lesser extent, Williams.

Castle’s defensive versatility, unselfishness and secondary playmaking prowess would be valued additions to the Spurs’ lineup provided he can make enough perimeter shots to keep defenses honest. He played an important role in UConn’s national championship run, showing a willingness to do the little things needed to help his team win. The 19-year-old has plenty of upside to tap into with strong physical tools. He worked out in San Antonio against Devin Carter last week. – Givony

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Stephon Castle’s NBA draft profile

Check out some highlights that have made UConn’s Stephon Castle a top NBA draft prospect.


5. Detroit Pistons

Matas Buzelis, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.6

Buzelis scheduled workouts with Atlanta and Washington, but for weeks now, rival teams have largely viewed Detroit as his likely landing spot. At this point, the Pistons haven’t worked out other players who are ticketed for the high lottery, contributing to the idea that Detroit is the probable floor for him.

The Pistons are transitioning under new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon’s leadership, but their interest in Buzelis predated his hiring.

Currently other teams are viewing this as a likely marriage. Buzelis fits Detroit’s timeline, positional needs and has the type of size and versatility at forward that Langdon’s former group tended to favor (and had success with) during his five years as general manager in New Orleans. – Woo


6. Charlotte Hornets

Dalton Knecht, SF, Tennessee | Age: 23.1

Knecht’s draft range is appearing increasingly small, with teams in the Nos. 4-9 range all expressing significant interest, except Detroit at No. 5.

Charlotte has worked out Knecht, and his fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller appears to be strong with the perimeter shooting and all-around scoring prowess he offers. If Knecht isn’t picked at No. 6, it might be because a player such as Sheppard or Castle (both of whom Charlotte has worked out) became available.

Rival teams say they would be surprised to see Knecht fall past both Portland and San Antonio at No. 7 and No. 8, where he also seems to be coveted. Buzelis worked out with Charlotte as well, along with Ja’Kobe Walter. – Givony


7. Portland Trail Blazers

Donovan Clingan, C, UConn | Age: 20.3

Ranked No. 3 in ESPN’s Top 100, Clingan is viewed by many rival teams as a legitimate candidate for the Hawks at No. 1, making him a key piece of the puzzle in projecting this draft.

Clingan is also viewed as a potential trade-up target for teams, including the Memphis Grizzlies, which could lead to him coming off the board ahead of this spot. However, the Rockets, Spurs, Pistons and Hornets don’t appear to be landing spots for Clingan, so there are also scenarios in which he falls to No. 7.

Portland would presumably be thrilled with that, as Clingan is the best player available and would supply long-term defensive backbone for a team still laying its foundation in the frontcourt. – Woo


8. San Antonio Spurs

Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky | Age: 19.4

Dillingham has been unable to work out for teams for much of the pre-draft process because of an ankle injury; however, he completed his combine testing Friday to cement his eligibility requirements for the draft. His inactivity thus far has caused some speculation around the league that he could fall toward the back of the lottery or out of it, but he’s an option for guard-needy San Antonio, particularly if the Spurs are unable to draft his college teammate Reed Sheppard at No 4.

Dillingham will work out for the Spurs on Wednesday, with Detroit lined up, and Utah and Chicago expressing interest. The guard, who played for Chris Paul’s Nike EYBL team (Team CP3), has a natural creativity as a scorer, but lack of size and defensive acumen make him a polarizing prospect. He’s the type of talent teams are often willing to swing on, particularly the further he falls down the board.

If the Spurs go another direction, the Jazz and Bulls could be landing spots in the late lottery, and if he falls past those teams, it shouldn’t be too far. – Woo


9. Memphis Grizzlies

Cody Williams, SG/SF, Colorado | Age: 19.5

Williams will end up working out for nearly every team in the top 10 (with the exception of Houston), with Memphis being his latest stop this past weekend. Teams outside that range haven’t been able to get him in, indicating his camp feels comfortable with where he’ll end up and the feedback they’ve received to this point.

Ranked No. 12 in ESPN’s Top 100, Williams has the physical tools every NBA team is looking for at 6-foot-8 in shoes with a 7-1 wingspan. His outstanding early-season play from November through January had some NBA teams wondering if he could make a run at the No. 1 pick prior to him being derailed by injuries.

He’s a late bloomer who has shown playmaking, defensive versatility and perimeter shooting that can hopefully be harnessed into more consistent skills down the road, and could be a sleeper pick for a team selecting earlier even, with teams in the Nos. 5-8 range also studying his candidacy closely. He has even worked out in Atlanta, who holds the No. 1 pick. – Givony


10. Utah Jazz

Nikola Topic, PG, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 18.8

Topic was one of 20 players voted into the draft’s green room by teams, which is a good sign for his stock stabilizing in the wake of his ACL tear diagnosis at the draft combine in Treviso, Italy. Topic is in the U.S. visiting teams, with Portland (Nos. 7 and 14) San Antonio (No. 8), Memphis (No. 9), Utah (No. 10) being on the schedule.

A team picking him will likely need to be comfortable with the idea of a redshirt season next year with long-term thinking in mind, similar to how Chet Holmgren, Joel Embiid, Michael Porter Jr. or Blake Griffin started their NBA careers. Utah might feel a degree of regret for not going more all-in on positioning themselves for draft picks the past two years and could potentially consider that strategy at some point.

Drafting Topic and trying to make a run at Cooper Flagg next year might not be the worst idea, something that could prove difficult with an All-Star in Lauri Markkanen in the fold and one of the NBA’s best young coaches in Will Hardy. – Givony


11. Chicago Bulls

Devin Carter, PG/SG, Providence | Age: 22.2

Carter has been one of the hottest names on the workout circuit, with some teams now believing he’ll come off the board in the top 10. His tenacity, reliability and two-way skill set gives him strong upside for an older guard. Carter, ranked No. 13 in ESPN’s Top 100, is known primarily for his defense, but has made significant strides as a scorer in the past year that have helped reframe how teams view his upside.

Teams’ confidence in what he supplies has bolstered his draft stock, with every team in the Nos. 8-11 range looking like a possible landing spot.

There’s also some chatter that multiple teams currently drafting outside the lottery have interest in trading up to select him. After trading Alex Caruso to Oklahoma City, Carter would be an excellent option to slot into his role. – Woo


12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Rockets)

Tidjane Salaun, PF, Cholet (France) | Age: 18.8

Salaun is one of the tougher lottery prospects to peg in terms of a draft range, as he has had limited time to conduct workouts after recently arriving from Europe. Quite a few teams would like to get to know him better. Salaun, ranked No. 9 in ESPN’s Top 100, conducted workouts with Portland, Sacramento and Oklahoma City before spraining his ankle this past weekend in San Antonio, which might prevent him from working out in scheduled visits with Detroit and Charlotte.

Despite that setback, it’s hard to find many prospects who share the upside Salaun does at 6-10, with an outstanding frame, length, shot-making prowess and defensive intensity. He is also one of the youngest players in this draft at 18 and will likely need patience and reps to find his footing with the questionable awareness he shows and mistake-prone style he displays on both ends of the floor at times.

Oklahoma City traded Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso Wednesday. The Thunder could continue to be aggressive this week if they choose with their huge stockpile of draft picks and intriguing young players that could get them virtually anywhere they want on draft night or go after more veterans. – Givony


13. Sacramento Kings

Ron Holland, SF, G League Ignite | Age: 18.9

Sacramento has explored trade options with this pick, but there will be a range of quality players on the board if the Kings stand pat – they might be content to simply see who falls to No. 13. Holland has worked out for a wide range of teams, from Atlanta at No. 1 down to the Heat at No. 15, and it’s still not quite clear where his backstop lies.

Presuming the Kings are on track to retain Malik Monk and maintain their backcourt, taking a swing on a wing such as Holland or a frontcourt player could be a smart direction.

Landing on a Sacramento team with established talent and roles, which won’t ask Holland to be an offensive focal point, could be ideal long term for his game. That move would allow Holland to get back to his roots as a tough defender and high-energy contributor. – Woo


14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors)

Ja’Kobe Walter, SG/SF, Baylor | Age: 19.7

Walter, ranked No. 14 in ESPN’s Top 100, has kept a pretty low profile during the pre-draft process, mostly conducting one-on-zero workouts in places such as Detroit, Charlotte, San Antonio, Utah and Sacramento. He was among the first 12 players invited to the draft green room, which is a positive sign for his standing among teams.

Walter’s combination of length, dynamic shot-making prowess, intensity, youth and outstanding off-court intangibles give him both a high floor and an attractive archetype every team is looking for with a 3-and-D wing with upside to grow.

He’s likely to get looks from all the teams in the mid-to-late lottery looking for wing depth, and he’ll have plenty of suitors in the teens hoping he falls to them. – Givony


15. Miami Heat

Zach Edey, C, Purdue | Age: 22.0

Edey, ranked No. 16 in ESPN’s Top 100, is drawing interest from teams that are drafting in front and behind Miami, with every team in the back half of the lottery after San Antonio said to be in the market for a center. Utah, Portland and Sacramento were some of his latest stops on the workout circuit, and he might end up visiting the Los Angeles Lakers as well.

Edey’s combination of size, power and intensity has been difficult to contain in a workout setting, as there simply aren’t many players in this draft equipped to slow him down.

He was one of 21 players voted by NBA teams for an invitation to the green room, but has decided he will watch the draft from West Lafayette, Indiana instead with his coaches, teammates and family. He is the only player to decline the in-person opportunity. – Givony

play1:48

The highlights that make Zach Edey an intriguing NBA prospect

Take a look at some of the top plays from Purdue’s Zach Edey ahead of the 2024 NBA draft.


16. Philadelphia 76ers

Jared McCain, PG, Duke | Age: 20.3

McCain appears to be firmly inside the top 20 at this point, earning a green room invitation and having enjoyed a positive pre-draft process. There’s interest in him from teams in the late lottery, and the Heat, 76ers and Lakers are all possibilities, creating what looks like a narrow range.

As an excellent shooter with impressive intangibles that have bolstered his case in the short and long term, McCain is well-prepared for an NBA adjustment and could be on a faster track to making an impact than your typical freshman. His ability to play both backcourt spots intelligently and provide immediate spacing has plenty of appeal to any team in need of shooting or guard depth.

If the 76ers keep this pick – which they may instead use as a trade chip – that type of skill set would make a lot of sense next to Tyrese Maxey. – Woo


17. Los Angeles Lakers

Tristan Da Silva, SF/PF, Colorado | Age: 23.0

Da Silva was a surprising omission from the NBA’s early green-room list, but he may still earn an invitation, with firm interest in inside the top 20. He has interest as high as Memphis at No. 9, but will likely fall into the next range, where an array of playoff-caliber teams, including the Kings, Heat, Sixers, and Lakers, are all interested in his services.

Da Silva’s versatility at either forward spot on both ends and reliable 3-point shooting give him a good pathway to minutes next season, although his ceiling isn’t perceived quite as high as some of the younger players in this range. – Woo


18. Orlando Magic

Johnny Furphy, SG/SF, Kansas | Age: 19.5

Furphy was one of 21 players to receive an invite to the draft’s green room, which was not particularly surprising as he is drawing strong interest, starting with Memphis at No. 9, extending throughout the teens and ending with Cleveland at No. 20.

Furphy’s size at 6-9 and multipositional versatility operating in different lineup configurations makes him an attractive target for the many teams in that range that are looking for shooting, including Chicago at No. 11, Sacramento at No. 13, Philadelphia at No. 16, Orlando at No. 18 and Toronto at No. 19.

Ranked No. 18 in ESPN’s Top 100, Furphy brings toughness, activity and youth, with the upside to grow thanks to his steep development trajectory. – Givony


19. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers)

Kyshawn George, SG/SF, Miami | Age: 20.5

Which direction the Raptors decide to go with this pick might indicate how much longer they intend to retool, entering what might be more of a transition season due to the youth of their roster. George would be a long-view pick, and appears to be trending as a top-20 selection after earning a green-room invite.

He has interest starting in the late lottery down into the 20s, but also has a bit of a wide range. George, ranked No. 19 in ESPN’s Top 100, will have a big adjustment ahead in terms of physicality, and teams have some concern about his struggles getting to the rim and competing on the defensive end. However, big wings who are playmakers, can handle and shoot are always attractive to develop.

His blend of size, guard skills and perimeter shooting gives him a good developmental blueprint, but he’s a pick that will likely take some time to bear out. – Woo


20. Cleveland Cavaliers

Carlton Carrington, PG/SG, Pittsburgh | Age: 18.9

Carrington was not in the group of 21 players receiving an invite to the draft, but he could end up being one of the final four or so players to get a nod later this week, as he’s in the conversation for teams earlier than this pick.

He has been visiting teams primarily in the Nos. 10-to-20 range, with franchises looking for point guards such as Utah, Miami and Orlando being especially interesting landing spots. The week prior to the draft might see teams in different ranges travel to watch him in Dallas to prepare for alternative contingencies, including trade scenarios that could shake up the draft order.

Carrington’s upside stands out as one of the youngest players in the draft, who was able to carve out a significant role in the ACC showing off his talent as a plus-sized ballhandling guard who can shoot off the bounce and pass off a live dribble. He brings intensity defensively despite his lack of strength and high-end explosiveness.

Carrington, ranked No. 20 in ESPN’s Top 100, will need time and seasoning to be ready to play meaningful NBA minutes, but his youth, versatility and feel for the game gives him a high ceiling in a draft lacking somewhat in that department. – Givony


21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks)

Yves Missi, C, Baylor | Age: 20.0

Missi earned a green-room invite and is in the mix for a range of teams in need of long-term help at center, with the Lakers, Pelicans and Bucks all shaping up among potential landing spots. He has been a popular name on the workout circuit, and he has proved himself head-to-head against other bigs in this range, and in turn, generated confidence that he can handle the amount of physical, demanding work he’ll be asked to do to succeed in the NBA.

His athletic profile and room for development at an early stage of his career have made him intriguing as someone who can play a useful rim-running style in time. Addressing the center position, with Jonas Valanciunas headed to free agency, will be an offseason priority for New Orleans as it tinkers with the personnel around Zion Williamson. – Woo


22. Phoenix Suns

Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette | Age: 23.2

Kolek, ranked No. 26 in ESPN’s Top 100, has been one of the big risers of the pre-draft process, showing his unique blend of toughness, skill, experience and feel for the game in every pre-draft workout.

He has worked out for teams picking as high as the mid-to-late lottery (San Antonio, Utah) and has fans throughout the teens portion of the draft, ending with Orlando and Toronto at No. 18 and No. 19. The success of older, physically underwhelming point guards such as Jalen Brunson and T.J. McConnell seems to be causing teams to look at players like Kolek in a different light.

The Suns, where Kolek is headed for a workout later this week, are viewed as an especially interesting destination considering their lack of depth at point guard and need for an experienced playmaker who can operate on and off the ball. – Givony


23. Milwaukee Bucks (via Pelicans)

Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana | Age: 20.1

Ware was viewed to be building solid momentum in the pre-draft process but wasn’t among the 21 players voted by teams into the draft green room, something that could still change once the final wave of invites is released later this week.

He has casted a wide net in workouts thus far, conducting more than a dozen to this point with teams ranging from the late lottery to the end of the first round. Milwaukee, a team he visited, has a clear need at center, with Brook Lopez, 36, entering the final season of his contract, and Bobby Portis able to opt out next summer.

Ware’s ability to both pop or roll gives him coveted flexibility he can tap into, along with his solid rebounding and shot-blocking prowess. At 7-1, talent is certainly not a question mark for the 20-year-old, making him a solid value play for any of the teams picking in this range. – Givony

play0:24

Kel’el Ware’s NBA draft profile

Check out some of the highlights that have made Kel’el Ware a top NBA draft prospect.


24. New York Knicks (via Mavericks)

Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Duke | Age: 20.6

Filipowski appears to have a wide range on draft night, as he appears to be firmly in the conversation for several teams picking in the teens while other teams in the 20s say they expect him to be available when they pick.

Being among the 21 players voted by teams into the draft night green room was a good sign for his standing, as there will almost certainly be a market for a player with his skill set at some point in the first round. Filipowski’s ability to handle, pass and shoot is difficult to come by at 7-foot, and the dearth of versatile bigs who can play inside and out will surely be attractive to a team picking in this range – should he fall this far.

Most teams don’t expect the Knicks to keep both of their first-round picks, meaning this selection might very well end up in another team’s hands. Trading one of their two picks for a future first-rounder would likely help for trade flexibility down the road, but it remains to be seen what the market will look like on draft night, as picks in the early second round are being viewed as valuable ones due to the salary cap and luxury tax flexibility they offer. – Givony


25. New York Knicks

Ryan Dunn, SF/PF, Virginia | Age: 21.4

The Knicks are among the teams believed to be highest on Dunn long term, due to his defensive versatility and knack for creating turnovers and blocking shots on the wing. His poor jump shooting and wavering confidence as a scorer will be something he’ll have to work to overcome, but he has showcased his strengths on the workout circuit and has left room for optimism around his long-term chances of offensive growth.

The Knicks, with a defensive-minded coach in Tom Thibodeau, are likely to value the unique production and tools the No. 34 prospect in ESPN’s Top 100 brings to the table, and might be more interested than most in being patient with Dunn (who is a Long Island native) as he comes along offensively.

Rival teams expect New York may trade one of these picks in the 20s, so it’s possible another team selects for the Knicks here. – Woo


26. Washington Wizards (via Clippers)

Isaiah Collier, PG, USC | Age: 19.6

While it seems unlikely at this point that Collier, once viewed as a top prospect in this class and now ranked No. 22 in ESPN’s Top 100, comes off the board in the lottery, he did receive a green-room invitation and now represents an interesting value pick for teams that can swing on his playmaking talent.

Collier does have interest from teams in the late lottery, but there are realistic scenarios in which he falls toward the back of the first round. It can be difficult for competitive teams to find minutes for a point guard whose key areas for improvement are decision-making and long-range shooting – logically, Collier might need G League time, particularly if he lands with a playoff-level team. He is a gifted athlete and passer with good size on the ball.

Drafting a talent such as Collier in this back part of the first round would be terrific value for the Wizards if he slides to No. 26. – Woo


27. Minnesota Timberwolves

Terrence Shannon Jr., SG/SF, Illinois | Age: 23.8

Shannon was acquitted last week and found not guilty of rape and sexual battery charges, a case NBA teams had been following closely. The clarity offered by the court ruling should put front offices and ownership groups at ease, and it reopens a path for Shannon back into the first round, where he will now conduct workouts for a handful of teams going into draft night.

It’s quite possible Shannon hears his name called well before this pick at No. 27, with many teams in the top 25 expressing interest. He has an opportunity to work his way up the board in the days to come. His athletic tools have always been NBA-caliber, but his development at Illinois into a more consistent two-way contributor helped raise the perception around his floor as a useful rotation player.

A playoff-caliber team like the Timberwolves might be excited to see him fall here. – Woo


28. Denver Nuggets

DaRon Holmes II, PF/C, Dayton | Age: 21.8

Most NBA teams are operating under the assumption Holmes has received a promise from the Nuggets, although it is possible the team might attempt to trade down a few spots into the second round to draft him for financial reasons.

Holmes canceled a half-dozen workouts shortly after the NCAA withdrawal deadline, with several smoking guns pointing in Denver’s direction, a scenario that is similar to what we saw play out last year with Jalen Pickett. – Givony


29. Utah Jazz (via Thunder)

Baylor Scheierman, SG/SF, Creighton | Age: 23.7

Many teams expect Scheierman to come off the draft board in the 20s, with his mix of shooting, craftiness and positional size likely to make him immediately useful coming off an NBA bench.

The No. 25-ranked prospect in ESPN’s Top 100 has workouts scheduled with Utah, New Orleans and Denver in the coming days. The Jazz can go a variety of directions with three picks in the first 32 selections, and should have the ability to balance drafting for need as well as long-term upside. In this scenario, after taking the long view with Topic at No. 10, a more rotation-ready option such as Scheierman makes sense here. – Woo


30. Boston Celtics

Pacome Dadiet, SG/SF, Ratiopharm Ulm | Age: 18.8

Dadiet, ranked No. 29 in ESPN’s Top 100, elected to remain in the draft at the NBA’s withdrawal deadline Sunday, a sign he is receiving positive enough feedback to feel comfortable with where he might end up being drafted.

Utah and Boston are some of the teams connected with Dadiet at the end of the first round, and he is also expected to visit Orlando, Miami, Philadelphia, San Antonio, Milwaukee and Brooklyn in his short time in the U.S. due to his mandatory appearance at the draft combine in Treviso, Italy, the first week of June.

Dadiet’s combination of size (6-9), youth and shot-making prowess gives him an interesting upside to grow into long term, something that could be attractive at this stage of the draft. – Givony

play1:14

Bronny James’ road to the 2024 NBA draft

Take a trip down memory lane and relive Bronny James’ young career ahead of the 2024 NBA draft.

Second round

**31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons)**Jaylon Tyson, SG/SF, California | Age: 21.5

**32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards)**Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, Cairns (Australia) | Age: 21.2

**33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Trail Blazers)**Tyler Smith, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.6

**34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets)**Cam Christie, SG, Minnesota | Age: 18.8

**35. **San Antonio Spurs****Juan Nunez, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Age: 20.0

**36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors)**A.J. Johnson, SG, Illawarra (Australia) | Age: 19.5

**37. **Minnesota Timberwolves (via Grizzlies)****Adem Bona, C, UCLA | Age: 21.2

38. New York Knicks (via Jazz)

Kevin McCullar, SF, Kansas | Age: 23.2

39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets)

Justin Edwards, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 20.4

**40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks)**Melvin Ajinca, SG/SF, Saint Quentin (France) | Age: 19.9

**41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls)**Pelle Larsson, SG, Arizona | Age: 23.3

**42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets)**Jonathan Mogbo, PF/C, San Francisco | Age: 22.6

**43. **Miami Heat****Jamal Shead, PG, Houston | Age: 21.8

**44. Houston Rockets (via Warriors)**Ulrich Chomche, PF/C, NBA Academy Showcase (Africa) | Age: 18.4

45. Sacramento KingsHarrison Ingram, SF/PF, North Carolina | Age: 21.5

**46. LA Clippers (via Pacers)**Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara | Age: 21.9

**47. **Orlando Magic****Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Washington State | Age: 20.8

**48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers)**Cam Spencer, SG, UConn | Age: 24.1

**49. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers)**Nikola Djurisic, SG/SF, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 20.3

**50. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans)**Dillon Jones, SF/PF, Weber State | Age: 22.6

**51. Washington Wizards (via Suns)**Keshad Johnson, PF, Arizona | Age: 22.9

**52. Golden State Warriors (via Bucks)**KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado | Age: 21.8

**53. Detroit Pistons (via Knicks)**Jalen Bridges, SF, Baylor | Age: 23.0

**54. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)**Antonio Reeves, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 23.5

**55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers)**Bronny James, PG/SG, USC | Age: 19.6

**56. Denver Nuggets (via Timberwolves)**Oso Ighodaro, PF/C, Marquette | Age: 21.9

**57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder)**Enrique Freeman, PF/C, Akron | Age: 23.8

**58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics)**Trentyn Flowers, SG/SF, Adelaide (Australia) | Age: 19.2


Jonathan Givony is an NBA draft expert and the founder and co-owner of DraftExpress.com, a private scouting and analytics service used by NBA, NCAA and international teams.

Jeremy Woo is an NBA analyst specializing in prospect evaluation and the draft. He was previously a staff writer and draft insider at Sports Illustrated.