NBA mock draft: Projecting the top 14 post-lottery
Sun May 12 4:49pm ET
Field Level Media
The NBA draft lottery is complete, the order of the top 14 picks is cemented and the Atlanta Hawks are on the clock.
With about six weeks left before the draft begins June 27, Field Level Media takes a crack at projecting the lottery picks. There is no can't-miss star like Victor Wembanyama atop this year's draft board, but we may see a French big man go first overall for the second year running.
1. Atlanta Hawks: Alexandre Sarr, F/C, Perth Wildcats
The Hawks, who had just a 3 percent chance to win the No. 1 pick, now have every option in front of them. The answer, though, should be Sarr as a successor to Clint Capela. Tall, lean, mobile and talented as a ball-handler and passer, Sarr's most pressing task will be to bolster one of the league's worst defenses.
2. Washington Wizards: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
Clingan isn't just any old college center. He's a 7-foot-2 monster in the interior with a 7-foot-7 wingspan who played a crucial role helping the Huskies win back-to-back national championships. His rim protection will make the Wizards' ghastly defense better and he'll be a persistent dunk threat teamed with Kyle Kuzma in the frontcourt.
3. Houston Rockets: Zaccharie Risacher, F, JL Bourg
This Frenchman's most notable trait is his 3-point shot, which he's connected on at ridiculous levels playing in his home nation's top league. Doing the same for Houston is another matter, but Risacher has the right build to fit in on the wing for a Rockets team that can take its time with him as it completes its rebuild.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
Rob, meet Victor. Gregg Popovich will make sure you get along splendidly. Perhaps the best point guard in a class with several near the top, Dillingham offers the complete package on offense (15.2 points, 3.9 assists per game, 44.4 percent shooting from deep at Kentucky).
5. Detroit Pistons: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
Sheppard went from being the fifth-most hyped freshman in Kentucky's class to the consensus National Freshman of the Year. It helps to make more than half your 3-pointers and grab 2.5 steals a game. The Pistons tied for the fewest made 3-pointers per game and need a catch-and-shoot threat like Sheppard.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Nikola Topic, G, Red Star Belgrade
Topic's size (6-foot-6 or 6-foot-7, depending on your source), scoring and playmaking ability have powered his rise up draft boards this season. After dominating the Adriatic League, the 18-year-old projects as a major backcourt addition for any NBA team, but especially the Hornets, who need more playmaking guards especially considering LaMelo Ball's injury history.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
The 6-foot-11 Lithuanian-American offers a lot to Scoot Henderson and the Blazers. He averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 2.1 blocks per game in the G League regular season and comes from multiple generations of basketball pros, highlighted by his IQ.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Dalton Knecht, F, Tennessee
Knecht took the Southeastern Conference by storm as an offensive machine for the Vols and won league Player of the Year honors. He's already 23 years old, but the Spurs ranked 28th in 3-point percentage last year and Knecht offers a jolt in that department from Day One.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
Memphis may be getting a steal in Holland, once considered a potential No. 1 overall pick before an up-and-down G League season. At his best, Holland scores at will attacking the basket and is a threat as a passer and defender. The Grizzlies owned the worst scoring offense in the NBA, but they get Ja Morant back and Holland can give him another option.
10. Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, F, Colorado
Williams scored 11.9 points per game in his lone year at Colorado and shot 41.5 percent from 3-point range -- though he attempted fewer than two per game. The brother of Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams will bring great size on the wing (6-foot-8, 7-foot-1 wingspan) to the worst perimeter defending team of 2023-24.
11. Chicago Bulls: Stephon Castle, G, UConn
Part of the reason UConn managed to win another national title was that Castle so ably stepped into the point guard role as a freshman, but he can play either guard role. He facilitates, defends, hustles and drives to the rim, making him a great backcourt complement to Coby White -- especially if the Bulls bid farewell to Zach LaVine.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Devin Carter, G, Providence
The Thunder own this pick via the Rockets, yet they have no pressing needs. Why not help themselves to a guard prospect who can do a little of everything? Carter's stock soared as he averaged 19.7 points, 8.7 boards, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals this season.
13. Sacramento Kings: Zach Edey, C, Purdue
He's a controversial prospect for complex reasons, but don't overthink it: Edey is 7-foot-4, scores and rebounds everything he sees and -- most importantly for Sacramento -- protects the rim in a way Domantas Sabonis doesn't. The Kings aren't hard-pressed for an immediate starter, but someone of Edey's caliber spelling Sabonis should get coach Mike Brown's wheels turning.
14. Portland Trail Blazers: Ja'Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
For Portland's second pick in the lottery, Walter can provide something the Blazers desperately need: shot-making. Portland ranked dead-last in 3-point shooting (34.5 percent) and second-to-last in overall field-goal percentage (43.9 percent) last season.
- Down 3-1, Mavs striving to make history against Celtics
- Charles Barkley to retire from television after 2024-25
- Joel Embiid (knee) anticipates playing in Olympics
- Celtics C Kristaps Porzingis (leg) available for Game 4 of Finals
- Heat, Wizards to meet in Mexico City in November
- Clips, Celtics vying for Jeff Van Gundy's services
- Bronny James works out with Lakers
- Celtics vow to maintain fight even with commanding Finals lead
- Lakers to interview JJ Redick this weekend
- Celtics C Kristaps Porzingis (leg) out for Game 3 of Finals
- NBA Finals G3: Celtics-Mavericks Preview, Props, Trends
- NBA invites 12 players to draft green room
- NBA legend Jerry West dies at 86
- Celtics F Kristaps Porzingis, Mavs F Luka Doncic face injury concerns ahead of Game 3
- Suns to hire former Washington coach Mike Hopkins
- Top-dog status not a concern to team-first Celtics
- UConn coach Dan Hurley turns down Lakers
- Adam Silver: NBA expansion talks on list after media deal
- Darvin Ham returning to Bucks as top assistant
- Dan Hurley to decide on Lakers' offer Monday
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) is questionable for Monday's meeting with the Dallas Mavericks. Porzingis returned for Game 1 of the NBA Finals after missing over a month because of a Soleus strain. Unfortunately, he suffered a dislocated Left Posterior Tibialis in Game 2 and didn't suit up in Game 3. Porzingis was available in Friday's loss. However, he never made it on the floor. The Mavs built a big lead early in that contest, so it's unknown if Joe Mazzulla would have put him into the game had the score remained close. But if the veteran is active on Monday evening, he's certainly a risky DFS option, considering he may not get off the bench.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (chest) is probable for Game 5 of the NBA Finals versus the Boston Celtics. Besides receiving pain-killing injections, it doesn't appear the thoracic contusion is much of an issue for the multi-time All-Star. He's averaged 29.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 2.5 steals during the series. While Doncic has struggled shooting from deep, he remains the top DFS option for managers on Monday evening.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen is reportedly on the Pelicans' radar. Jonas Valanciunas isn't expected back next season, and Brandon Ingram could be on the move, so adding Allen would undoubtedly lessen the blow caused by the potential departures. The 26-year-old finished last season by averaging a career-high 16.5 points with 10.5 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. He also shot 63.4% from the field. Of course, Cleveland's primary focus this offseason is on extending Donovan Mitchell. However, the Cavs could keep their core intact, considering Evan Mobley wasn't the healthiest during the 2023-24 campaign.
The New Orleans Pelicans are expected to move on from center Jonas Valanciunas this offseason. The 32-year-old will officially be an unrestricted free agent this summer, with the Pelicans planning to construct the roster to complement the skillset of Zion Williamson better. But Valanciunas, averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds during the 2023-24 campaign, will draw interest from at least a handful of teams. Although his production was down last season, he's among the most durable big men in the National Basketball Association. With that in mind, if Valanciunas finds a stable role for a new team, he could continue to provide double-double upside for fantasy managers.
Chicago Bulls center Andre Drummond appears ready to move on from the Windy City in the summer. According to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, Drummond is looking for a new team. The veteran big man will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason after completing a two-year, $6.56 million deal in Chicago. Drummond has been a serviceable backup big for the Bulls, averaging 7.3 points and 7.9 rebounds in 15.1 minutes during his stay. The best days are behind Drummond, but he remains a strong rebounder and should help fantasy managers again in the department wherever he lands for the upcoming campaign.
Sacramento Kings duo Kevin Huerter and Harrison Barnes are reportedly available on the trade market, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Both players had disappointing campaigns in 2023-24, and it looks like the Kings will try to shake up the roster after failing to qualify for the playoffs. Barnes could be moving on just 12 months after signing a three-year, $54 million extension with the Kings. The 32-year-old has been a one-dimensional player throughout his career but has performed well in suitable situations. Huerter has proven himself to be a solid starter and could definitely do a good job for a number of teams if he isn't wanted in Sacramento anymore.
Denver Nuggets guard/forward Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has had two solid years with the team but might land elsewhere for the 2024-25 campaign. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Nuggets are "concerned" that Caldwell-Pope will decline his $15.44 million player option and enter unrestricted free agency. It is believed that the two-time NBA champion could attract a similar deal to the one Bruce Brown signed with Indiana last summer when he left Denver on a two-year, $45 million contract. Caldwell-Pope, who turned 31 in February, posted 10.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists with 40.6 percent three-point shooting in 2023-24.
Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton could be involved in another trade only two seasons after arriving from Cleveland. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there is a "belief" among rival executives that Sexton could be on the trade market this summer, along with Jordan Clarkson, who has already previously been linked with a move elsewhere. Sexton has played well with the Jazz, averaging 18.7 points and a career-high 4.9 assists in 2023-24. But he could welcome a change of scenery as well after finding himself as a member of the second unit for large parts of his stay in Salt Lake City. The 25-year-old has two more seasons to go on his contract and will be paid $18.35 million in 2024-25.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, there's an "early belief" that Indiana Pacers forward/center Jalen Smith will decline his $5.4 million player option and enter free agency this offseason. The 2020 No. 10 overall pick has spent the last three seasons with the Pacers. He averaged 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks during the 2021-22 campaign. However, his production has trended downward since. Smith saw limited action for the Pacers in 2023-24. Yet, in his 14 starts, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.7 rebounds. It's evident Smith can be productive, so a change of scenery could do wonders for his fantasy value heading toward the regular season.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, teams around the National Basketball Association are "monitoring" the availability of Indiana Pacers forward Jarace Walker. Indy could match offers for Obi Toppin this offseason. If that happens, Walker could be on the move. The 2023 No. 8 overall pick had a forgettable rookie year, averaging just 3.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 33 games. He also spent time in the G League, although he played much better. For now, Walker's value is limited, and he likely won't find his way onto fantasy rosters unless he gets some minutes, which isn't expected to happen in Indiana or for another club, for that matter.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.com, impending free-agent forward/center Isaiah Hartenstein is drawing interest from more teams. While OKC has been rumored to covet his services, Scotto, citing league sources, reported the Orlando Magic could be a team to watch this summer. The 26-year-old drew 49 starts for New York during the 2023-24 campaign, averaging 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 1.2 blocks. He was also instrumental in helping the Knicks advance deep into the postseason. But New York likely won't be able to afford to keep Hartenstein on the roster, meaning Orlando, a team with plenty of cap space this summer, could make him a strong offer.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) reported he's progressing in his recovery from another hamstring injury sustained during the Eastern Conference Finals. "The hamstring is good," said Haliburton during an interview on Friday. "Today, I ran for the first time at full speed." The 24-year-old is coming off another productive season, amassing 20.1 points, 10.9 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 steals. But he missed time because of injury in 2023-24, appearing in 69 games after playing in just 56 the year before. Haliburton still plans to suit up for Team USA in the Olympics. With that in mind, he could be a top-10 fantasy option in all formats during the 2024-25 campaign, although he needs to figure out how to stay on the floor.
According to Fred Katz of the New York Times, the Brooklyn Nets are staying firm on their unwillingness to trade forward Mikal Bridges. Per Katz, league sources have contacted Brooklyn about acquiring the former Sun, with teams offering "hoards of first-rounders." However, the Nets haven't budged. After the 27-year-old was traded from Phoenix in 2022-23, he averaged a career-high 26.1 points in 27 games in Brooklyn. But his production declined significantly last season, with Bridges ending the year by averaging 19.6 points. At any rate, the Nets are in rebuilding mode, and it appears the franchise wants to build around Bridges. Brooklyn also has a new coach in Jordi Fernandez, which could help Bridges turn things around for fantasy managers in 2024-25.
Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) will play on Friday night against Dallas. He suffered a dislocated posterior Tibialis in Game 2 on Sunday night and wasn't available for Game 3 on Wednesday. With that in mind, Porzingis may only play in certain situations, so it may be tough for him to do anything meaningful for DFS managers.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (chest) scored a game-high 29 points in Friday's win over the Boston Celtics. He added five boards, five assists, and three steals. Doncic entered this contest carrying an injury designation because of a thoracic contusion. But, as expected, he was on the floor for Game 4. The 25-year-old failed to make any of his eight tries from deep. But that didn't matter, as Dallas cruised to a much-needed win on Friday night. With the Mavs still training two games, both teams will pack their bags and head to Boston for Game 5 on Sunday. DFS managers should expect to see Doncic back on the injury report. However, he will be ready to go.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had 15 points in Friday's loss to the Dallas Mavericks. He added five rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. The 26-year-old had 31 points in Game 3 on Wednesday evening. However, the Mavs took a big lead early, so Tatum logged only 27 minutes before calling it a night. With the C's still up two games, the series will head back to Boston for Game 5 on Sunday night. The game should be more competitive, meaning Tatum has an excellent chance to bounce back.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown struggled in the loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Friday. He scored 10 points, shooting a rough 3-for-12 from the field and 1-for-5 from downtown. The 27-year-old had 30 points in Game 3 on Wednesday. However, he wasn't nearly as potent in Game 4. With the Celtics still up two games in the NBA Finals, both teams will head to Boston for Game 5 on Sunday. Brown is due for a dominant performance, so DFS managers should keep him in mind for their lineups.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (leg) might play in Game 4 of the NBA Finals versus the Dallas Mavericks. He suffered a dislocated posterior Tibialis in Game 2 on Sunday and wasn't available for Game 3. But the 28-year-old, who was initially believed to miss the rest of the Postseason, has a chance of suiting up for Game 4. However, Porzingis is also dealing with swelling, so the C's may play it safe and keep him off the floor, considering the team is just one win away from an NBA title. For now, he's officially questionable. But if Porzingis can't play, Al Horford, who had eight points, five boards, two steals, and one block on Wednesday, will likely stay with the first five.
Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (chest) is probable for Game 4 of the NBA Finals against Boston on Friday night. He has a thoracic contusion, resulting in several pain-killing injections ahead of Game 3 on Wednesday night. But the Mavs are just one loss away from losing the series, so there's basically no chance he won't be on the floor. Doncic has averaged 29.7 points, 9.0 boards, 6.0 assists, and 2.3 steals in the series' first three games, making him worthy of DFS roster consideration.
According to Fox 40's Sean Cunningham, citing league sources, Sacramento Kings forward Sasha Vezenkov plans to finish the contract he agreed to with the team last offseason. Mihalis Stefanou of EuroHoops.net reported Vezenkov wanted out of Sacramento while indicating the 28-year-old was considering heading back overseas. However, Cunningham denied the report's validity, with a league executive calling it "off base." The 2023 EuroLeague MVP averaged 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 37.5% from deep in the 2023-24 campaign. It's likely teams will inquire about a possible trade this offseason. But with the Kings' roster not set in stone for 2024-25, Vezenkov carving out a meaningful role in Sacramento isn't out of the question.