In Jonathan Wasserman’s latest article NBA Mock Draft According to Bleacher Report, the Washington Wizards are projected to be ranked second overall, behind the Detroit Pistons. As Wasserman mentions, this year’s draft class is very dependent on fitness, as no players have separated themselves in discussions over who will be taken with the first overall pick.
The 2024 NBA Draft begins with opening night scheduled for June 26. With a 9-47 record, Washington currently has the second-worst record in the NBA, meaning the Wizards would be one of three teams with a 14% chance of winning the draft.
At the top of the draft, Wasserman believes the Pistons will select Alexandre Sarr, the 7’1″ 18-year-old Frenchman. Cited for his athleticism and mobility, Sarr is as close to a sure bet for a consensus top pick as he is enters this draft class.
Following Sarr’s selection, Wasserman mocked the Wizards in an attempt to find their point guard of the future, nabbing Nikola Topic with the second overall pick.
2nd overall pick. Nikola Subject. Nikola Subject. 2. player. . 142. Nikola Topic Mock Draft (2/25). 2024 NBA Draft.
Nikola Topic, 18, is praised by recruiters for his strength as a slasher, using his size and creativity as a finisher to carve his way to tough buckets around the rim. Coupled with his playmaking ability, Topic dominated the Adriatic League before recently moving to the EuroLeague. Wasserman had this to say about Topic:
“Leading the Adriatic League in assists and ranking second in scoring helped fuel Topić’s rise to the top five. He enjoyed rare success (for his age) at this level creating advantages, cutting, finishing and facilitating, and while his three-point numbers don’t show up, his shooting confidence and free throw percentages do.”
– Jonathan Wasserman, report on money launderers
Wasserman mocking Topic to the Wizards at No. 2 overall was a surprise to some fans, as Topic’s mission to improve his draft stock was put on hold for several weeks. The 6’6″ guard suffered a sprained knee in the third quarter of a EuroLeague game against Partizan on Jan. 4. Topic has since returned to practice and is expected to return to action soon.
Following. The Wizards’ removal of Poole could be a sign of a bold, long-term plan. The Wizards’ removal of Poole could be a sign of a bold, long-term plan. dark
