With the Finals barely over, the small world of the NBA is already switching to draft mode. Just eight days before the first round ceremony in Brooklyn, here are the trends emerging from the main American mock drafts before the 2024 NBA Draft.
As a reminder, a mock draft corresponds to a choice-by-choice simulation which is based on the quality of prospects, the different needs of NBA franchises and the latest rumors across the League. Nothing is official, everything is speculation.
Tables updated June 18, 2024.
LES LOTTERY PICKS
After weeks of uncertainty and large variations between the tables, a clear podium seems to be emerging. The names of Zaccharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr and Reed Sheppard all appear in the same order in the mocks, and confirm the latest rumors. If the fate reserved for pick 1 by the Hawks remains undecided, the Bourg-en-Bresse winger seems to be the consensus to be selected first. Tidjane Salaün, third Frenchman projected in the lottery, is anchored between places 8 and 14.
Donovan Clingan, also consensus here at seventh, is full of it in the rumors of trade. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony mentions Portland, Memphis or Chicago as franchises that could try to get him.
Among the young nuggets who are popular, Cody Williams climbs to the top 6 in a good number of tables, which confirms recent rumors according to which franchises see great potential in him. Long projected around place 10, he is one of the names in vogue a few days before the ceremony. Same dynamic for Devin Carter, who no longer leaves the lottery. Bleacher Report et The Ringer imagine the guard up to eighth in the… San Antonio Spurs.
Conversely, Rob Dillingham is gradually slipping out of the top of the 2024 NBA Draft. The guard, considered relatively frail, did not really reassure at the Draft Combine. Its official dimensions, whether it’s height, weight or wingspan, are all a bit worrying.
THE REST OF THE FIRST ROUND
Pacôme Dadiet, the fourth Frenchman who has a chance of being called up in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, varies between places 25 and 35. Recent workouts will undoubtedly give franchises more information, but the switch between places 30 and 31 could especially make the difference between a guaranteed contract or not.
We also note the fall of Nikola Topic, although he was often in the first four choices five or six months ago. Victim of a partial rupture of the knee ligament, the Serbian is even thrown out of the lottery by Bleacher Report or NBADraft.net, a sign of distrust regarding one’s physical state. As a reminder, only the first 15 teams in the draft order have access to his complete medical file.
While estimates vary more in this range, Jared McCain, Tristan Da Silva, Ja’Kobe Walter or Zach Edey are all expected relatively early in the Draft. It’s hard to imagine them leaving the top 20 as their talent or qualities are so intriguing. Finally, we can mention the relatively low position of Isaiah Collier. Often projected after twentieth place – while he was number 1 among some in September – the pre-draft weeks did not help improve his rating.
LINKS TO THE MOCKS
In the coming days, the trends will become more refined and the rumors of potential trades will become more insistent. What is certain or almost certain is that the French should be popular in this 2024 Draft. Three in the top 10-12 and another in the first round, it is always a possible scenario. Cock-a-doodle Doo.
2024-06-18 15:37:00
#trends #main #mock #drafts
