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乔纳森·吉沃尼(Jonathan Givony)
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乔纳森·吉沃尼(Jonathan Givony)
ESPN
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杰里米·吴(Jeremy Woo)
2024 年 6 月 27 日，下午 3:35 ET
NBA 选秀大会首次分为两天进行，2024 届新秀的第二轮选秀将于美国东部时间周四下午 4 点在 ESPN 开始。
选秀大会的第一天，前两顺位都是国际球员，明尼苏达森林狼队交易进入了前 10 顺位，整个过程中还出现了几笔有趣的选秀和交易。第二天会发生什么？让我们来谈谈第二轮开始前最大的疑问，并通过最新的模拟选秀预测第 31 至 58 顺位的选择。
还有哪些最优秀的球员可供选择？凯尔·菲利波斯基(Kyle Filipowski)、约翰尼·弗菲(Johnny Furphy)、泰勒·史密斯(Tyler Smith)和布朗尼·詹姆斯(Bronny James)可能会在周四早些时候被选中。哪支球队在第二轮的阵容最令人期待？哪些被低估的潜在球员可能会成为黑马？
ESPN 的乔纳森·吉沃尼和杰里米·吴将借助他们的百强排名，帮助您在这些未知的领域中找到方向。以下模拟选秀的评论摘自球员球探报告：
NBA 选秀报道：
吉沃尼和吴：第一轮的赢家和惊喜
百强排名 | 剩余最佳球员
完整选秀顺位 | 交易回顾 | 更多内容
周四最引人注目的球队是哪支？
吉沃尼： 波特兰开拓者队拥有第 34 和第 40 顺位选秀权，这让他们在首轮前 10 顺位的选择中拥有很大的发言权。在以第 7 顺位选中多诺万·克林根(Donovan Clingan)并交易掉第 14 顺位选秀权后，球队不太可能为他们在第二轮选中的球员腾出两个甚至一个阵容名额，这使得他们如何处理这些选秀权变得很有趣。他们可以将其中一个名额用于双向合同，并可能交易掉另一个。
吴： 经过第一晚的比赛，印第安纳步行者队仍然持有他们的三个第二轮选秀权——第 36、49 和 50 顺位——而且很可能不会全部使用，这使得他们成为衡量这些选秀权在本届选秀中价值的有趣指标。第 36 顺位可能是他们真正喜欢的球员的位置，也可能是交易位置或优先双向合同的情况。这里可能出现的结果范围突出了第二轮的普遍性质——球队很大程度上会把目标锁定在愿意接受双向合同的球员身上，而那些不愿意接受双向合同的球员最终将不可避免地下滑。
您真正喜欢的哪些被低估的潜在球员可能会在周四被选中？
吉沃尼： 乔纳森·莫格博(Jonathan Mogbo)效力于西海岸联盟，是本届选秀大会上经历最独特的球员之一。他告诉 ESPN，他上高中时身高 5 英尺 9 英寸（约 1.75 米），体重 125 磅（约 57 公斤），是一名双能卫，高中毕业时没有收到任何 NCAA 一级联赛的录取通知书，因此他选择了进入大专院校，当时他的身高为 6 英尺 7 英寸（约 2 米），体重 180 磅（约 82 公斤）。他从堪萨斯州的独立社区学院转学到俄克拉荷马州东北 A&M 学院，然后转学到密苏里州立大学，最终在今年夏天来到了旧金山大学，现在他的身高为 6 英尺 8 英寸（约 2.03 米），体重 225 磅（约 102 公斤）。
莫格博的数据让 NBA 球队的分析模型眼前一亮，他场均可以得到 19.5 分、14.2 个篮板、5.0 次助攻、2.2 次抢断和 1.1 次盖帽（每 40 分钟）。他在篮筐附近的爆发力、为他人创造机会的组织能力以及 7 英尺 2 英寸（约 2.18 米）的臂展带来的防守潜力，都让他对球队充满了吸引力。
吴： 加州大学圣塔芭芭拉分校的阿贾伊·米切尔(Ajay Mitchell)在联合试训中的出色表现给人留下了深刻印象，我很好奇他会去哪里。他的组织能力和体型是一个有趣的组合，他在球队训练中投篮比预期的要好，而且他是在更有天赋的队友身边会表现得更好的后卫类型。
哪些有可能在第二轮被选中的球员将在下赛季对他的球队产生最大的影响？
吉沃尼： 阿德姆·博纳(Adem Bona)将在他的每一场训练和在 G 联赛或 NBA 的每一分钟比赛中都产生重大影响，因为在本届选秀大会上，没有比他更努力的球员了。他的移动性、臂展、力量和强度相结合，让他在防守端拥有相当大的潜力，因为他能够帮助任何选中他的球队，因为他能够防守挡拆、迅速转身回防、保护篮筐，并凭借他 7 英尺 4 英寸（约 2.24 米）的臂展和 40 英寸（约 1.02 米）的垂直弹跳能力满场飞奔。
吴： 贾马尔·希德(Jamal Shead)在过去几年里一直是大学篮球界最顽强的场上指挥官之一，他可能会在某个地方找到替补上场的时间——而且可能会一直保持下去。一些球探预测，希德会像何塞·阿尔瓦拉多(Jose Alvarado)那样，作为一名替补席上的能量球员发挥作用，如果他能在某种程度上帮助到某支球队，我也不会感到惊讶。
看看您的第二轮模拟选秀结果，您最喜欢哪个球队的选择和球员的匹配？
吉沃尼： 圣安东尼奥马刺队在第 48 顺位选中了胡安·努涅斯(Juan Nunez)。他可以说是本届新秀中最好的挡拆组织者。他是一位绝对的魔术师，他能够做出有创意、果断的判断，并以惊人的视野和天赋撕裂对方的防守。如果他想在未来与维克托·文班亚马(Victor Wembanyama)并肩作战，就必须提高自己的投篮能力（他可能会在接下来的 一两年里被租借到欧洲联赛），但像他这样体型和组织能力兼备的球员并不多见，这让他成为马刺这样的球队想要选中和培养的人才。
吴： 我们预测卡姆·斯宾塞(Cam Spencer)将在第 46 顺位被洛杉矶快船队选中，这对双方来说都是一个非常合理的选择。斯宾塞是本届选秀大会上最具竞争力的球员之一，他将加入一支季后赛级别的球队，在那里他可以与球星们并肩作战，在外线投三分，并在理想的环境中立即提供有用的零星上场时间。
上次更新时间：美国东部时间周四下午 3:35
31. 多伦多猛龙队（来自活塞队）
凯尔·菲利波斯基，大前锋/中锋，杜克大学 | 年龄：20.6 岁
优势： 菲利波斯基是一位技术娴熟的 7 英尺（约 2.13 米）长人，他可以投篮、运球和传球，这让他在进攻端拥有独特的全面性，并有望在下一个级别上有所展现。
劣势： 虽然他有时在 ACC 联盟中很有统治力，但他作为一名射手的稳定性、缺乏对抗性和有限的护筐臂展都令人担忧。
结论： 菲利波斯基并不缺乏进攻天赋，在过去的两个赛季里，当他把所有东西都融合在一起的时候，他扛起了蓝魔队的进攻大旗。他在进攻端的稳定性如何，将在很大程度上决定他能否消除人们对他防守端表现的担忧。
32. 犹他爵士队（来自奇才队）
阿德姆·博纳，中锋，加州大学洛杉矶分校 | 年龄：21.2 岁
优势： 博纳拥有本届选秀大会上最好的身体素质，他拥有出色的移动性、爆发力和 7 英尺 4 英寸（约 2.24 米）的臂展。他永不停止的强度、对抗性和无缝衔接的能力让他在 NBA 联盟中拥有了明确的角色——如果他能够提高自己在攻防两端的纪律性的话。
劣势： 尽管博纳能够很好地完成空接扣篮和防守覆盖，但上赛季他饱受伤病和失误的困扰，而且由于他对比赛的感觉一般，他并不是你所期望的那种防守篮板手。
结论： 这位出生于尼日利亚的大个子球员在一个令人失望的加州大学洛杉矶分校赛季中经历了起伏。但他有几个关键因素可以让他在作为终结者和换防防守者的漫长职业生涯中茁壮成长，因为他还在不断地提升自己的技术。
33. 密尔沃基雄鹿队（来自开拓者队）
约翰尼·弗菲，得分后卫/小前锋，堪萨斯大学 | 年龄：19.5 岁
优势： 弗菲是一位大器晚成的摇摆人，他的体型和作为角色球员的投篮能力改变了堪萨斯大学本赛季的面貌，并为他铺平了通往选秀大会的道路，这比任何人预期的都要早。
劣势： 这位 19 岁的球员在防守端缺乏力量、臂展和稳定性，而且他不是一个有冲击力的射手。考虑到他的年龄和在大一赛季开始前的夏天突然崛起，这并不令人惊讶。
结论： 弗菲在整个赛季中经历了一些起伏，但当他在有限的角色中发挥作用时，他在几场关键比赛中都表现出色。他的体型、投篮能力和愿意拼尽全力的精神都对他有利，尽管他仍在学习如何在移动中投篮，而且在 12 强赛中并不总是能够在防守端站稳脚跟。
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约翰尼·弗菲的 NBA 选秀资料
观看 NBA 选秀球员约翰尼·弗菲的一些精彩片段。
34. 波特兰开拓者队（来自黄蜂队）
泰勒·科利克(Tyler Kolek)，控球后卫，马凯特大学 | 年龄：23.2 岁
优势： 科利克是一位意志坚强的后卫，他在过去两个赛季中作为一名得分手的技术水平和作为一名传球手的视野让他成为大学篮球界进攻火力最猛的球队之一的发动机。
劣势： 他不是体型最大或身体天赋最好的场上指挥官，缺乏出色的臂展和爆发力。这让他在面对某些防守时很难得分或站稳脚跟。
结论： 科利克在上个赛季的挡拆战术中将对手的防守撕裂，他将球传给空位的射手，找到机会上篮，并在投篮方面证明了自己的机会主义；他的三分球命中率达到了 39%。他平庸的身体素质可能会让他在 NBA 球队中存在争议，但他的比赛态度和感觉将吸引那些寻找替补控球后卫的球队。
35. 圣安东尼奥马刺队
卡姆·克里斯蒂(Cam Christie)，得分后卫，明尼苏达大学 | 年龄：18.9 岁
优势： 克里斯蒂是一位技术娴熟的射手，他拥有得分后卫的体型和令人期待的骨架。他在外线柔和的手感和多样的得分能力帮助他在明尼苏达大学 18 岁的新生赛季就取得了超出预期的成绩。
劣势： 他的大部分得分都来自篮筐以外，作为一名突破手和防守者，他缺乏一定的身体对抗性。
结论： 克里斯蒂的流畅性和得分直觉不仅体现在他拉开空间的时候，也体现在他挡拆跑位和持球跳投的时候。再加上他的年龄和身体素质，不难理解为什么 NBA 球队愿意在他身上下注，期待他的持续进步，尽管他可能还没有准备好以一名新秀的身份帮助球队。
36. 印第安纳步行者队（来自猛龙队）
奥索·伊格霍达罗(Oso Ighodaro)，大前锋/中锋，马凯特大学 | 年龄：21.9 岁
优势： 伊格霍达罗是一位非传统型的大个子球员，他的传球能力和防守全面性让他在过去几个赛季中在攻防两端都对马凯特大学这支非常优秀的球队产生了影响。
劣势： 他缺乏外线投篮能力、臂展不足以及在篮板球方面的对抗性有限，这使得他对于大多数球队来说都是一名需要合适球员在他身边才能发挥作用的情景型球员。
结论： 伊格霍达罗能够在防守篮板球后推动进攻、完成持球掩护后的进攻以及在场上各个位置传球和防守，这些能力在合适的体系中都将成为他的优势。继续增强力量和扩大射程可以简化他的定位，但他的全面性和积极性为他打下了良好的基础。
37. 底特律活塞队（来自森林狼队/灰熊队）
博比·克林特曼(Bobi Klintman)，小前锋/大前锋，凯恩斯太攀蛇队（澳大利亚） | 年龄：21.3 岁
优势： 克林特曼是一位身材高大、技术全面的前锋，他拉开空间的能力、快攻得分的能力和在防守端的能力帮助他在 NBL 联赛中赢得了一席之地。
劣势： 他在比赛感觉和攻防两端的稳定性方面还需要证明自己。
结论： 克林特曼在他大学生涯的唯一一个赛季中扮演了轮换球员的角色，但他在澳大利亚展现出了更加稳定的天赋。在他的最佳状态下，他的体型、投篮能力和防守端的移动性都符合一个令人垂涎的角色球员的标准。
38. 纽约尼克斯队（来自爵士队）
乔纳森·莫格博，大前锋/中锋，旧金山大学 | 年龄：22.6 岁
优势： 莫格博是一位大器晚成、身材矮小的内线球员，他身材瘦削，臂展出色，身体素质劲爆。
劣势： 在现阶段，他没有任何值得一提的外线投篮能力，这使得他在 NBA 联盟中面对更大、更强壮的防守者时，在内线得分的能力面临很大压力。此外，他在防守端技术的不稳定性也体现出他经验不足。
结论： 莫格博是一名大专球员，他身材晚熟，在高中时并没有引起太多关注。他已经成长为一名有弹跳力的空接威胁点、高效的突破手和外线篮板手，是本届选秀大会上组织能力最好的内线球员之一。他擅长抢下篮板后推动快攻，并在移动中找到队友。
39. 孟菲斯灰熊队（来自篮网队）
杰伦·威尔斯(Jaylen Wells)，得分后卫/小前锋，华盛顿州立大学 | 年龄：20.8 岁
优势： 威尔斯是一位大器晚成的球员，他曾是 NCAA 二级联赛的球星，他的体型和投篮能力（三分球命中率 42%）在他效力华盛顿州立大学的唯一一个赛季中得到了令人印象深刻的体现。
劣势： 尽管上赛季效率很高，但威尔斯在攻防两端仍在不断成长，他缺乏在 NBA 联盟中立足所需的一定韧性、臂展、全面性和比赛感觉。
结论： 威尔斯在上赛季初很少上场，但他投篮命中率很高，随着赛季的进行，他的角色不断扩大，最终成为了全国最好的定点射手之一。他在挡拆战术中的持球跳投能力只会增加他的吸引力，因为他是一名在高中时期身高大幅增长的球员，而且还有潜力可挖。如果他能够在攻防两端继续进化，他将有机会超越自己的选秀顺位，因为他只有 20 岁。
40. 波特兰开拓者队（来自老鹰队）
凯文·麦克库拉尔(Kevin McCullar)，小前锋，堪萨斯大学 | 年龄：23.2 岁
优势： 麦克库拉尔在大学的五个赛季中赢得了高水平万金油侧翼球员的声誉，在膝盖受伤之前，他在堪萨斯大学的最后一个赛季在进攻端的进步回答了很多问题。
劣势： 虽然他在定点投篮方面取得了明显的进步，但他的稳定性——尤其是在运球后——仍然有待提高，这也是他最大的疑问之一。在他的职业生涯中，他的三分球命中率为 31%。
结论： 麦克库拉尔的韧性、竞争力和全面性总是体现在他的防守和传球能力上，而他在大四赛季得分能力和效率的提高使他成为了堪萨斯大学最有价值的球员。虽然膝盖受伤让他提前结束了赛季，但他的攻防两端的效率让他在 NBA 联盟中拥有了一条清晰的道路，如果他能够在射手方面更上一层楼的话。
41. 费城 76 人队（来自公牛队）
佩莱·拉尔森(Pelle Larsson)，得分后卫，亚利桑那大学 | 年龄：23.3 岁
优势： 拉尔森是一位身体强壮的侧翼球员，他攻防兼备，在大四赛季中作为一名首发球员在场上和场下都做出了稳定的贡献。
劣势： 尽管他在攻防两端都扮演了组织者的角色，但他
点击查看原文：Round 2 mock draft: Best fits for Filipowski, Spencer, Furphy, Bronny
Round 2 mock draft: Best fits for Filipowski, Spencer, Furphy, Bronny
Jonathan Givony
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Jonathan Givony
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Jeremy Woo
Jun 27, 2024, 03:35 PM ET
For the first time in the history of the league, the NBA draft is spread out to two days, as the second round of the Class of 2024 begins at 4 p.m. ET on Thursday on ESPN.
Day 1 of the draft featured back-to-back international picks at the top of the board, the Minnesota Timberwolves trading into the top 10 and several interesting picks and trades throughout. What’s in store for Day 2? Let’s talk through the biggest questions heading into Round 2 and project picks Nos. 31 through 58 with an updated mock draft.
Who are the best players still available? Kyle Filipowski, Johnny Furphy, Tyler Smith and Bronny James could go early Thursday. Which team is set up to have an intriguing Round 2? And which under-the-radar prospects could turn into steals?
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo are here to help you navigate through these uncharted waters, with the help of their top 100 rankings. The mock draft write-ups below are from prospects’ scouting reports:
NBA draft coverage:
Givony & Woo: Round 1 winners, surprises
Top 100 rankings | Best available players
Full draft order | Trades recap | More
Who’s the most interesting team Thursday?
Givony: The Portland Trail Blazers hold the Nos. 34 and 40 picks, giving them significant say in how the first 10 selections play out. After selecting Donovan Clingan No. 7 and trading the No. 14 pick, it’s unlikely the team has two, or even one, roster spot available for whoever they pick in Round 2, which will make it interesting to see what they do with these picks. They could use a two-way contract on one of them and possibly trade another.
Woo: After the first night, the Indiana Pacers are still holding all three of their second-rounders – Nos. 36, 49 and 50 – and likely won’t use all of them, making them an interesting barometer for where the value of these picks falls in this draft. The 36th pick might be a spot to roster a player they really like, or it could be a trade spot or priority two-way contract situation. The range of possible outcomes here highlights the general nature of the second round – teams will largely be targeting players willing to take two-ways and players unwilling to take them will inevitably fall.
Who’s an under-the-radar prospect you really like who’s likely to be picked Thursday?
Givony: Tucked away in the WCC, Jonathan Mogbo has one of the more unique stories in this draft class. He told ESPN he was a 5-foot-9, 125-pound combo guard entering high school and had zero Division I offers when he graduated, sending him to the junior college route at 6-foot-7, 180 pounds. He transferred from Independence Community College in Kansas to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M to Missouri State before eventually landing at the University of San Francisco this summer, where he now stands 6-foot-8 and 225 pounds.
Mogbo lit up NBA teams’ analytics models, filling up the stat sheet, averaging 19.5 points, 14.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per 40 minutes. He is intriguing to teams with his explosiveness around the rim, playmaking ability creating for others and defensive upside with his 7-foot-2 wingspan.
Woo: Ajay Mitchell of UC Santa Barbara left a good impression after his positive showing at the combine, and I’m curious to see where he lands. His playmaking feel and size are an interesting combo, he shot the ball better than expected in team workouts, and he is the type of guard who might look better alongside more talented teammates.
Which likely Round 2 pick will have the biggest impact on his team next season?
Givony: Adem Bona will have a major impact in every practice he plays in and in every minute he gets in the G League or NBA next season, as there isn’t a harder playing prospect in this draft. His combination of mobility, length, power and intensity gives him considerable potential on the defensive end, as he could likely help whatever team drafts him with the way he hedges ball screens, flips his hips to recover back and protect the rim, and flies around with his 7-foot-4 wingspan and 40-inch vertical leap.
Woo: Jamal Shead has been one of the toughest floor leaders in college basketball the past few years and might find his way into bench minutes somewhere – and potentially hang onto them. Shead has been projected by some scouts to make a Jose Alvarado-like impact as an energy player off the bench, and it wouldn’t shock me if he helps some team in some capacity.
Looking at your Round 2 mock, what’s your favorite team and player fit you’ve projected?
Givony: Juan Nunez to the San Antonio Spurs at No. 48. He is arguably the best pick-and-roll playmaker in this class. He’s an absolute magician who makes creative, decisive reads and picks apart defenses with spectacular vision and flair. He’ll have to improve his shooting to play heavy minutes alongside Victor Wembanyama down the road (he’s likely to be stashed in the EuroLeague for the next year or two), but players with his size and playmaking aren’t easy to come by, making him someone a team like the Spurs will want to draft and develop.
Woo: We have Cam Spencer coming off the board to the LA Clippers at No. 46, a situation that would make a ton of sense for both parties. Spencer, one of the draft’s most intense competitors, would land on a playoff-level roster where he can play off of stars, launch 3s and immediately deliver useful spot minutes in an ideal context.
Last updated: Thursday at 3:35 p.m. ET
31. Toronto Raptors (via Pistons)
Kyle Filipowski, PF/C, Duke | Age: 20.6
Strengths: Filipowski is a skilled 7-footer who can shoot, dribble and pass, giving him unique offensive versatility projecting to the next level.
Weaknesses: While he was a force at times in the ACC, his consistency as a shooter, lack of physicality and limited length protecting the rim are concerns.
The verdict: Filipowski has no shortage of offensive talent and carried the Blue Devils when he put everything together over the past two seasons. Just how consistent he can be on that end could go a long way toward assuaging concerns about his presence on defense.
32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards)
Adem Bona, C, UCLA | Age: 21.2
Strengths: Bona has some of the best physical tools in this draft with outstanding mobility, explosiveness and a 7-4 wingspan. His nonstop intensity, physicality and ability to cover ground seamlessly give him a clear role at the NBA level – if he can improve his discipline on both ends.
Weaknesses: As well as Bona finishes lobs and covers ground defensively, he was plagued by fouls and turnovers last season and isn’t the defensive rebounder you might hope due to his average feel for the game.
The verdict: The Nigerian-born big man had an up-and-down season on a disappointing UCLA team. But he has several key ingredients that should allow him to thrive in a protracted role as a finisher and switch defender as he adds more polish.
33. Milwaukee Bucks (via Trail Blazers)
Johnny Furphy, SG/SF, Kansas | Age: 19.5
Strengths: Furphy is a late-blooming swingman whose size and shooting in a complementary role changed the complexion of Kansas’s season and paved his way to the draft earlier than anyone expected.
Weaknesses: The 19-year-old lacks strength, length and consistency on defense, and he is not a dynamic shooter. That’s not all that surprising given his age and late rise to prominence in the summer before his freshman year.
The verdict: Furphy had some ups and downs throughout the season, but he thrived in a handful of key matchups when he was filling a small role. His size, shooting and willingness to play with intensity all work in his favor, even if he is still learning to shoot on the move and was not always strong enough to hold his own guarding in the Big 12.
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Johnny Furphy’s NBA draft profile
Check out some of the top highlights from NBA draft prospect Johnny Furphy.
34. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hornets)
Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette | Age: 23.2
Strengths: Kolek is a tough-minded guard whose skill level as a scorer and vision as a passer made him the engine of one of the top offenses in college basketball over the past two seasons.
Weaknesses: He is not the biggest nor most physically gifted floor general, lacking great length and explosiveness. That makes it difficult for him to score in traffic at times or hold his own against some matchups defensively.
The verdict: Kolek picked opposing defenses apart last season out of pick-and-rolls, whipping the ball around to shooters, getting to floaters and proving opportunistic in shooting; he hit 39% of his shots from beyond the arc. His average tools might make him divisive among NBA teams, but his approach and feel for the game will appeal to franchises looking for a backup point guard.
35. San Antonio Spurs
Cam Christie, SG, Minnesota | Age: 18.9
Strengths: Christie is a smooth sharpshooter with positional size and an intriguing frame. His feathery touch and diverse shot-making prowess from the perimeter helped him exceed expectations in a major way as an 18-year-old freshman at Minnesota.
Weaknesses: He did most of his damage away from the rim, lacking a degree of physicality as a slasher and defender.
The verdict: Christie’s fluidity and scoring instincts stood out not just when spacing the floor but also running off screens and pulling up off the dribble. Couple that with his age and physical tools, and it is not hard to see why NBA teams would bet on his continued development, even if he’s likely not ready to help a team as a rookie.
36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors)
Oso Ighodaro, PF/C, Marquette | Age: 21.9
Strengths: Ighodaro is an unconventional big man whose passing and defensive versatility made him impactful on both ends of the floor for a very good Marquette team the past few seasons.
Weaknesses: His lack of perimeter shooting ability, poor length and limited physicality on the glass make him a situational roster fit for most teams that need the right players around him to thrive.
The verdict: Ighodaro’s ability to handle pushing off the defensive glass, operating out of dribble handoffs, and passing and defending all over the floor could be assets in the right system. Continuing to get stronger and expanding his shooting range could simplify his fit, but his versatility and activity level give him an interesting foundation off which to build.
37. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves/Grizzlies)
Bobi Klintman, SF/PF, Cairns (Australia) | Age: 21.3
Strengths: Klintman is a big, versatile forward whose ability to space the floor, finish in transition and make plays on defense helped him carve out a big role in the NBL.
Weaknesses: He has things to prove with his feel for the game and consistency on both ends of the floor.
The verdict: Klintman played a rotation role in his lone collegiate season, but he flashed his talent more consistently in Australia. At his best, he fits a coveted mold with his size, shooting and mobility on the defensive end.
38. New York Knicks (via Jazz)
Jonathan Mogbo, PF/C, San Francisco | Age: 22.6
Strengths: Mogbo is a late-blooming, undersized big man with a lean frame, long arms and explosive physical tools.
Weaknesses: He does not have any floor-spacing ability to speak of at this stage, which puts a lot of pressure on his ability to finish inside against bigger and stronger defenders in the NBA. Plus, his limited experience shows in his inconsistent technique on defense.
The verdict: Mogbo is a junior college product who grew late and garnered little interest out of high school. He has blossomed into a bouncy lob threat, effective slasher and out-of-area rebounder who is one of the best playmaking big men in this draft. He excels at pushing off the glass and finding teammates on the move.
39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Nets)
Jaylen Wells, SG/SF, Washington State | Age: 20.8
Strengths: Wells is a late-blooming, former Division II star whose size and shooting (42% on 3-pointers) translated in impressive fashion in his lone season at Washington State.
Weaknesses: As efficient as he was last season, Wells is still coming into his own on both ends of the floor, lacking a degree of toughness, length, versatility and feel that he’ll need in order to carve out a role in the NBA.
The verdict: Wells played sparingly early last season but shot the ball so well his role continued to expand as he finished the year among the best spot-up shooters in the country. His pull-up shooting in pick-and-roll reps only add to his appeal as someone who grew considerably in high school and still has upside to tap into. He’ll have a chance to outplay his draft position if he can evolve on both ends of the floor, as he’s only 20 years old.
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks)
Kevin McCullar, SF, Kansas | Age: 23.2
Strengths: McCullar earned a reputation as a high-level utility wing over his five seasons in college, and he answered a lot of questions with his improvement offensively in his final year at Kansas before being hampered by a knee injury.
Weaknesses: While he made clear strides as a spot-up shooter, his consistency – especially off the dribble – still leaves something to be desired and is one of the biggest question marks. He made 31% of his 3s over his career.
The verdict: McCullar’s toughness, competitiveness and versatility always showed up in his ability to guard and pass, and his improved scoring prowess and efficiency as a senior made him Kansas’ most valuable player. While a knee injury ended his season early, his two-way productivity gives him a clear route to minutes on the wing if he can take another step as a shooter.
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls)
Pelle Larsson, SG, Arizona | Age: 23.3
Strengths: Larsson is a strong-framed wing with two-way versatility who contributed steadily on and off the ball as a senior in the Pac-12.
Weaknesses: He is not especially rangy on the defensive end or dynamic with the ball, despite making contributions as a playmaker on both ends of the floor. He has questions to answer in those areas projecting to the NBA level, as well as with his reluctance to take open jumpers at times, despite hitting an excellent 43% of his attempts.
The verdict: Larsson played a key role for an Arizona team that earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. He scored efficiently, made smart and unselfish decisions as a secondary ball handler and used his physicality and smarts on the defensive end. He has excellent role-player potential, provided he can prove his outside shooting will translate to the NBA level.
42. Charlotte Hornets (via Rockets)
Justin Edwards, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 20.5
Strengths: Edwards was a highly touted prep prospect who found his footing once expectations recalibrated in his freshman season. He shot the 3 well (36.5%) and saw the game slow down for him on both ends of the floor.
Weaknesses: He struggled for large parts of the season, as he’s a good (but not great) athlete with a 6-foot-10 wingspan and average floor game, which put a lot of pressure on his jump shooting and inconsistent defense.
The verdict: Edwards might not have had the most consistent season, but in his best moments, he made an impact on offense and defense with the type of size, length and pedigree that is hard to come by. Even if it is as a role player, there’s room for optimism about what kind of player he could grow into if he puts everything together.
43. Miami Heat
Jamal Shead, PG, Houston | Age: 21.9
Strengths: Shead is one of the winningest players in this draft class – he went 120-18 in his college career. His defensive intensity, unselfish passing and competitiveness give him upside as a backup point guard.
Weaknesses: He lacks in size and consistency as a shooter. Shead, however, set the tone for Houston last season, helping them earn the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament.
The verdict: Shead brings similar intangibles that allowed T.J. McConnell and Jose Alvarado to stick in the league despite lacking elite physical tools or scoring. His ability to manage a game while putting opposing guards through the wringer gives him a clear niche he can fill in the NBA, and he’ll have a chance at a role if he can improve his shooting.
44. Atlanta Hawks (via Rockets/Warriors)
Ajay Mitchell, PG, UC Santa Barbara | Age: 22.0
Strengths: Mitchell is a big, creative guard who excels operating in the pick and roll, showing ability as a passer and midrange scorer.
Weaknesses: He plays with pace more than explosiveness and has questions to answer regarding the lack of volume as an outside shooter throughout his career. He hit just 63 3-pointers in 85 games (33%).
The verdict: Mitchell was the best player in the Big West despite playing through injuries. The Belgian guard backed up his standing with a strong showing running his team at the NBA combine and has several key ingredients teams are looking for from a backup with his size, feel for the game, willingness to defend, unselfishness and budding shot-making prowess.
45. Toronto Raptors (via Kings)
Harrison Ingram, SF/PF, North Carolina | Age: 21.5
Strengths: Ingram is a long and strong swingman whose versatility, feel for the game and improvement as a spot-up shooter made him an indispensable player for the Tar Heels.
Weaknesses: While Ingram checks a lot of boxes with his 7-foot wingspan and 3-point shooting (39% last season), he is a good but not great athlete who struggled to finish inside the arc (45% on 2-point shots) throughout his college career. He is only a 62% free throw shooter, raising questions about just how consistent of a perimeter threat he can become in the long term.
The verdict: Ingram is a terrific rebounder, heady passer and capable shot-maker who stuffed the stat sheet and came up big in several high-profile games last season. He has the tools to hold his own defensively and has appeal as a role player, especially if he can take the next step with his shooting.
46. LA Clippers (via Pacers)
Cam Spencer, SG, UConn | Age: 24.2
Strengths: Spencer is a first-team All-Big East player whose shot-making diversity, passing acumen and feel for the game made him a key cog in UConn’s national championship run.
Weaknesses: Already 24 years old, Spencer is not particularly tall, long or explosive, getting by on toughness and instincts at the college level defensively. That might not translate as seamlessly to the NBA, as he has limited physical tools.
The verdict: Spencer is an excellent off-screen shooter whose consistency pulling up off the dribble puts added pressure on defenses as he constantly moves without the ball. His competitiveness, skill level and experience were huge assets for the Huskies last season and often overshadow his physical limitations, which are nonetheless questions he’ll have to answer in the NBA on both ends of the floor.
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Cam Spencer’s NBA draft profile
Check out some of the highlights that make UConn’s Cam Spencer an intriguing draft prospect.
47. Orlando Magic
Melvin Ajinca, SG/SF, Saint-Quentin (France) | Age: 19.9
Strengths: Ajinca is a promising role player coming off a solid season in Pro A France. He had several impactful stretches, finding his range impressively and bringing great energy on the defensive end of the floor.
Weaknesses: While Ajinca has run red-hot at times, his consistency as a shooter is critical (career 32% mark from 3-point range). He has an even wingspan and lacks great ballhandling and the playmaking ability to consistently create his own shot. He will also have some lapses at times on the defensive end.
The verdict: Ajinca improved his standing considerably at the FIBA U19 World Cup last summer, flashing dynamic shot-making prowess and bringing aggressiveness on both ends of the floor. He did that in spurts in Saint-Quentin last season and has intrigue when he puts everything together offensively. He’s young, with his 20th birthday on June 26.
48. San Antonio Spurs (via Lakers)
Juan Nunez, PG, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) | Age: 20.0
Strengths: Nunez brings rare creativity, vision and flair to the point guard position, as his shooting, defense and decision-making continue to evolve.
Weaknesses: He made strides with his pull-up jumper last season, but he is limited in spots by his difficulties keeping defenders honest away from the rim and lack of great burst.
The verdict: Nunez built on the minutes he received at last year’s FIBA World Cup for Spain, showing growth in several areas in the EuroCup and BBL. While he still has some things to prove, he’s one of the draft’s best playmakers and has excellent size, strength and feel for the game that could prove valuable in a backup role.
49. Indiana Pacers (via Cavaliers)
Tyler Smith, SF/PF, G League Ignite | Age: 19.6
Strengths: Smith was a bright spot for G League Ignite last season, as his inside-outside scoring ability made him extremely productive on a per-minute basis. He averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 22 minutes per game
Weaknesses: He had a more difficult transition defensively and has room to improve his feel for the game.
The verdict: Smith thrived in a simplified role, shooting the 3 consistently with a high-release point and putting several defenders on posters attacking in a straight line or finishing lobs. While the 19-year old remains raw in some areas, his combination of youth, size and scoring ability is intriguing.
50. Indiana Pacers (via Pelicans)
Antonio Reeves, SG/SF, Kentucky | Age: 23.5
Strengths: Reeves is a dynamic shooter who made 45% of his 3-pointers last season, ranking among the most productive and efficient scorers in the country as a fifth-year senior at Kentucky.
Weaknesses: At age 23, he lacks physicality on the defensive end and is not much of a playmaker or passer.
The verdict: Reeves might not be the most versatile two-way player, but he was as diverse a shot-maker as there was in college basketball last season. There’s an obvious niche for him to fill as a bench scorer, and he could have some upward mobility if he can find a way to hold his own defensively, especially off the ball.
51. New York Knicks (via Wizards)
Nikola Djurisic, SG/SF, Mega MIS (Adriatic League) | Age: 20.3
Strengths: Djurisic is a physically gifted wing who scored in bunches late in the 2023-24 season to give himself momentum in the draft process.
Weaknesses: With an even wingspan and just an average feel for the game, he will face questions about his defensive potential and will need to show more consistency with his decision-making and 3-point shooting to carve out a niche at the next level.
The verdict: After finding mixed results early in the year, Nikola Topic’s departure opened the door for Djurisic to take on a playmaking role for Mega Basket, where he excelled and played the best basketball of his career in a winning context. His size, athletic ability and scoring talent are undeniable, and he has upside to grow into at just 20 years old.
52. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Warriors/Bucks)
KJ Simpson, PG, Colorado | Age: 21.8
Strengths: Simpson is an undersized, creative scoring guard who took a huge step forward in his junior season, propelling Colorado to two NCAA tournament wins. Simpson’s efficiency rose despite carrying a significant load, making shots in bunches from all over the floor with his outstanding scoring instincts.
Weaknesses: While a good athlete, he lacks great size and has average length and strength. He frequently gives up size defensively on most nights, which might be a bigger issue at the next level.
The verdict: Simpson, one of the most improved players in college basketball last season, is a terrific ball handler with good speed, reliable mechanics as a pull-up shooter and deft touch on his floater. His intensity on defense gives him a fighting chance when paired with his offensive gifts and could help compensate for his small stature.
53. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons/Knicks)
Jalen Bridges, SF, Baylor | Age: 23.1
Strengths: Bridges is a physically gifted forward who shot 42% from 3-point range as a senior and possesses a well-built frame and 6-10 wingspan, giving him strong potential as a multi-positional 3-and-D wing.
Weaknesses: While he has ingredients to work with defensively, he is still learning how to avoid miscues on both ends of the floor and is not a great ball handler or passer.
The verdict: Bridges made a huge leap as a spot-up threat last season and will likely hang around the NBA for a long time if he can continue to make shots at a strong rate. He might not add much on the ball and has some things to prove defensively, but he has an obvious role to fill at a position of significant need among NBA teams.
54. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks)
Keshad Johnson, PF, Arizona | Age: 23.0
Strengths: Johnson is a strong, explosive, energetic and highly competitive big man whose perimeter shooting and passing improvement as a fifth-year senior have simplified his fit at the NBA level.
Weaknesses: Johnson is undersized for a power forward without great length to compensate and is not adept at creating his own shot. The small sample of 3-point makes and his career 64% free throw shooting raise questions about how consistent of a shooter he can become in the long term.
The verdict: Johnson was among the best defenders in college basketball, tasked with guarding up and down the floor for Arizona. His versatility and toughness give him a niche he can build off in the NBA, provided he can provide ample floor spacing.
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers)
Bronny James, PG/SG, USC | Age: 19.7
Strengths: James is an explosive guard with strong defensive versatility whose upward trajectory out of high school was interrupted by a medical emergency that derailed his freshman season. He underwent a procedure last summer to repair a congenital heart defect and was cleared to be drafted by the NBA’s Fitness to Play Panel.
Weaknesses: James did not have an overly productive season at USC, averaging just 4.8 points per game. Standing just under 6-foot-3 in shoes, he is not a dynamic ball handler or shot-creator, lacking assertiveness at times.
The verdict: James made strides as a senior in high school and had impressive showings in the spring all-star circuit, but he had a difficult time finding his footing at USC, especially as a scorer. His strong feel for the game, length, frame, budding shot-making prowess and competitiveness defensively give him plenty of things to work with in the long term if he can get back on the encouraging track he was on before his cardiac arrest.
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.
56. Phoenix Suns (via Nuggets)
Ulrich Chomche, PF/C, NBA Academy Showcase (Africa) | Age: 18.4
Strengths: Chomche is a young, inexperienced big man with massive defensive potential, thanks to his 7-4 wingspan, exceptional frame and mobility.
Weaknesses: Most of his experience has come at the junior level, as he spent last season at the NBA Academy Africa.
The verdict: While Chomche remains green offensively, he has a lot of things that can’t be taught. He has flashed ability as a passer and shooter, which could be developed into more consistent traits down the road. The Cameroon native is far from being ready to help an NBA team, but he is interesting for a team that believes in its player development system.
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder)
Enrique Freeman, PF/C, Akron | Age: 23.9
Strengths: Freeman is a lanky former walk-on turned walking double-double who competes with infectious energy and flashed some potential as a jump-shooter to cap his career at Akron.
Weaknesses: Playing mostly as a small-ball center in college, Freeman will need to make strides with his shooting as he likely transitions to guarding smaller players with his 212-pound frame.
The verdict: Freeman has a terrific backstory and grew into one of the best big men in the mid-major ranks over his five-year collegiate career. While his activity level and 7-2 wingspan are significant assets, showing he has the ability to take the next step, diversify his offensive repertoire, and defend different positions along the perimeter would solidify his standing as a pro.
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics)
Ariel Hukporti, C, Melbourne (Australia) | Age: 22.2
Strengths: Hukporti is a chiseled, mobile center who emerged as the most productive rebounder in this class on both ends of the floor on a per-minute basis.
Weaknesses: He is not particularly skilled away from the rim or comfortable guarding in space, living off his energy more than a great feel for the game. Injuries have been a concern and have limited his ability to participate in much of the pre-draft process.
The verdict: Hukporti had a highly productive season in the NBL, showing his ability to rim-run, finish lobs, corral rebounds and block shots at a strong rate. His reach and energetic style of play make him a fit at the end of an NBA bench.
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.
via ESPN