We are still in the middle of NBA Playoffsbut the Lottery Project 2024 is only a week away. Even though this year’s draft class has been considered by some to be one of the worst in recent memory, that doesn’t mean anything.
Even the 2013 class, considered one of the worst ever, produced All-Stars like Victor Oladipo, CJ McCollum, Rudy Gobertand two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. So while it may not seem important that your favorite team gets a good draft pick this year, with 78 players invited to the draft this year, there will almost certainly be at least a few high-impact players from this draft class.
Although the draft is still over a month away, here’s what experts are predicting for June 26.
NBA Draft Lottery:When is the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery? Plus odds and eligible teams
2024 NBA Draft Predictions:
#1 Overall Pick:
Jonathan Wasserman, Launderer’s Report: Washington Wizards, center Alex Sarr (France)
Wasserman writes: “Alex Sarr can check both boxes of finding top talent and being the best fit for the Wizards. While the 7’1” Frenchman’s main appeal revolves around his switchable defense and shot blocking, Its ability to handle the open field, shoot from distance, and knock down pull-ups and fallaways separates it from other rim protectors.
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: Detroit Pistons, C Alex Sarr (France)
Finkelstein writes: “This is a class without an obvious No. 1, but Sarr is a mobile 7-footer with a springy build and clear defensive versatility and potential. The biggest questions concern his offense and the extent in which it will ultimately dictate its advantage.
Kevin O’Connor, The ring: Toronto Raptors, C Alex Sarr (France)
O’Connor writes: “The pick is due to the Spurs following the Jakob Poeltl trade, but he is protected in the top six, and the Raptors have a real chance to keep him. There is no perfect spot at the top of this class, but Sarr’s versatility and upside would fit the profile of players Masai Ujiri has historically chosen, such as Scottie Barnes, OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam.
Pick #2 overall:
Jonathan Wasserman, Launderer’s Report: San Antonio Spurs, G Nikola Topić (Serbia)
“After missing the last three months, Nikola Topić looked good in his return to Red Star, scoring eight points in less than 16 minutes and generating a handful of assist opportunities. More than anything else, the San Antonio Spurs will appreciate his ability to create shots for his teammates with his dribbling handling, vision and advantageous 6’6” height for passing. The Spurs also don’t have a ball handler who puts pressure on defenses and at the rim like Topić. And it was promising to see him make both of his three-point attempts in his first game back.”
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards, G Nikola Topić (Serbia)
“The Wizards have won 15 games this season and may not have more than two or three active players on their roster that are part of their long-term plans. The subject could give them a big point guard with size, sensations and instincts to develop, the advantage of having enough minutes to play despite the increasing difficulties of the years to come.
Kevin O’Connor, The ring: Utah Jazz, G. Stephon Castle, UConn
“The Jazz have an interesting mix of young players, but that hasn’t translated into wins yet because the team is still so young. If they trade or get a boost here on lottery night, then Castle could be an ideal fit with Keyonte George in the backcourt, George provides dynamic playmaking ability, while Castle is a downhill forward who brings lockdown defense, then the two could become one. best backcourts in the NBA.
Pick #3 overall:
Jonathan Wasserman, Launderer’s Report: Detroit Pistons, G/F Zacharie Risacher (France)
“While Zacharie Risacher qualifies as the best player available at No. 3, he would also plug an obvious hole on Detroit’s wing with off-ball shooting. He would fit in well with the Pistons, playing alongside a ball superior” Managers Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey in the same important role he now plays for JL Bourg. In addition to excelling in transition, he thrives as a catch-and-shoot scorer and straight-line slasher. “
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: Charlotte Hornets, F Ron Holland (G League Ignite)
“(Holland is) competitive, with solid wing size and an improved shot. I also think pairing him with Brandon Miller, while counterintuitive at first, could work because Holland’s motor, physicality and defensive pedigree Holland could be a good fit for last year’s No. 2 overall pick in a Tatum/Brown type mold.”
Kevin O’Connor, The ring: Charlotte Hornets, G Nikola Topić (Serbia)
“The Hornets already have two big primary shot creators in LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring in Topic. Ball hasn’t exactly been reliable, so Topic could work as a plan B if LaMelo doesn’t pan out like Charlotte hopes, or he might end up following plan A if he realizes his full potential.”
Pick #4 overall:
Jonathan Wasserman, Launderer’s Report: Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets), G Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
“A year after drafting two A+ athletes, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, the Houston Rockets could be enticed by Reed Sheppard’s 51.4 catch-and-shoot percentage. He also made 52.1 percent of his pull-ups and 9 of 15. floaters while averaging 6.2 assists per 40 minutes while sharing the ball with Rob Dillingham and DJ Wagner. He has hidden/untapped self-creation and playmaking ability that could develop. protest in Houston’s second unit.
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: Portland Trailblazers, F Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite)
“Buzelis is one of the most naturally talented prospects in the class with good size, versatile offensive tools and the potential to play three or four. Production hasn’t always lived up to his potential, but he’s still very young and gives Portland a very advantageous building block up front to pair with its young guards.
Kevin O’Connor, The ring: Detroit Pistons, G Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
“The Pistons, one of the worst teams in the NBA, have little certainty about their roster. Cade Cunningham is thriving and they need to give him some stability. Knecht is a proven commodity: a good off-ball scorer who brings lots of And maybe, just maybe, things on the ball will break out like they did at Tennessee, providing Cade with the go-to partner that none of his teammates have become.
Pick #5 overall:
Jonathan Wasserman, Launderer’s Report: Charlotte Hornets, C Donovan Clingan, UConn
“The Charlotte Hornets’ defense ranked 29th in the NBA, which has probably already led to a lot of discussion within the front office about Donovan Clingan. Although Rob Dillingham’s creativity may seem enticing , he doesn’t have the potential to help strengthen or change the team’s identity like Clingan can with his 7’2″ size, 280 pounds and rim protection.”
Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports: San Antonio Spurs, F Zaccharie Risacher (France)
“Some people rank Risacher first given his wing size, shooting and defensive potential. The 3-and-D prototype gives him a high floor and would also make him a very good fit alongside the generational big man that they San Antonio is ahead, and he happens to be a fellow Frenchman.”
Kevin O’Connor, The ring: Washington Wizards, F Matas Buzelis (G League Ignite)
“Oh, what a disappointment it would be for the Wizards if they fell all the way to the fifth pick even though they have the second-highest odds for first. But it’s a strange draft, and there’s a chance the player ‘They most important value could still be available at number 5. Perhaps that could be a prospect like Buzelis, who would inject some shot creation into Washington’s frontcourt alongside Deni Avdija, one of the few positive points of the team this year.
Which teams have the best odds for the No. 1 lottery pick?
All teams that did not reach the 2024 playoffs are eligible for the No. 1 pick in the draft, including teams that participated in the play-in tournament but did not qualify for the official playoffs . That means 14 teams could end up with the first overall pick. Here are their odds via PariMGM:
- Detroit Pistons: 14%
- Washington Wizards: 14%
- Charlotte Hornets: 13.3%
- Portland Trail Blazers: 13.2%
- San Antonio Spurs: 10.5%
- Toronto Raptors: 9.0%
- Memphis Grizzlies: 7.5%
- Utah Jazz: 6.0%
- Brooklyn Nets (to Houston Rockets): 4.5%
- Atlanta Hawks: 3.0%
- Chicago Bulls: 2.0%
- Houston Rockets: 1.5%
- Sacramento Kings: 0.8%
- Golden State Warriors: 0.7%
When is the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
The 2024 NBA Draft lottery will take place on Sunday, May 12 at the McCormick Convention Center in Chicago. Coverage will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT on ESPN. It will also be available for streaming on ESPN+ and YouTube TV.
When does the 2024 NBA Draft take place?
- Or: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
- When: Wednesday June 26 – Thursday June 27, 2024
- TV: ESPN; ABC
- Flow: ESPN+; Fubo
Distribute the draft:Watch the 2024 NBA Draft with a Fubo Subscription
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