With the 2023 NBA Draft in the rearview mirror, it is never too early to work on our projections for the 2024 NBA Draft.
What you’re about to read is a mock draft for a class that does not have an obvious No. 1 overall pick like Victor Wembanyama (or Cade Cunningham, Zion Williamson and Karl-Anthony Towns).
There are several prospects jockeying for the position as the top player in the class and so a year from now, this exercise may make us look silly.
But this mock draft is based on intel, research, scouting, deep data dives, and continued conversations with experts around the league. While it is not at all perfect, it has some value.
Around this time last year, for example, we correctly identified 16 out of 30 players eventually selected in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft. Meanwhile, however, 26 of the players we had projected in the top 45 heard their names called with one of the top-45 picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Unless noted otherwise, all data was pulled from our friends at Cerebro Sports — you can create a free account to evaluate player performance across all levels globally. We also used AI-Powered statistics provided by the Stats Perform database.
Our order was determined based on reversed odds to win the 2024 NBA Finals. The teams outside the top eight in each conference were considered lottery squads. Trades were pulled from this database at RealGM.
With all that in mind, here is how I’d project the 2024 NBA Draft:
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1
Washington Wizards: Justin Edwards
TEAM: Kentucky
POSITION: Wing
CLASS: Freshman
HEIGHT: 6-7
DRAFT AGE: 20.5
The Wizards will likely end up with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and at this stage of their rebuild, they will simply take the best player available.
But there is no clear consensus on this choice awaiting the Wizards at this point. ESPN and Bleacher Report currently have Ron Holland while Yahoo and SB Nation have Matas Buzelis. CBS and NBADraft.net have Zaccharie Risacher.
We are going in a different direction and crowning Kentucky’s Justin Edwards with the pole position. He was one of the best players at the 2022 Nike EYBL Orlando circuit, averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 55.3 percent from beyond the arc.
“He is the safest,” one NBA scout told For The Win. “I know what I’m getting: Good positional size, can make open 3-pointers, aggressive downhill attacker and athletic above the rim.”
Edwards needs to improve his defensive consistency but he was named Defensive MVP at the 2022 Nike EYBL Indy circuit. He led all players in defensive statistical impact (DSI) and, per Cerebro, averaged 3.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Edwards also averaged 3.0 steals per game at the 2022 Nike EYBL Peach Jam tournament.
Edwards, named Mr. Pennsylvania Basketball, later thrived during the 2023 Spalding Hoophall Classic for Imhotep Charter, scoring 25 points with four assists while adding 12 rebounds and six steals. He was named First-Team All-Showcase.
One concern for Edwards, though, is that he is old for his class. He is older than several non-freshmen including Tyrese Proctor and Donovan Clingan. He is also older than 16 players selected in the 2023 NBA Draft, including Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson.
How much of his productivity is because he was playing against younger competition? Or is he actually a dominant force on both sides of the ball?
This pick is owed to the Knicks if it does not fall 1-12.
2
Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 18.9
Detroit is actually fairly stacked with young talent right now, surrounding Cade Cunningham with Jaden Ivey as well as Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren.
Ron Holland, who was committed to Texas before opting to play for the G League Ignite, would fit well as the final piece of their puzzle in the starting five of the future.
“You don’t have to run plays for him,” an NBA scout told For The Win. “He can legitimately guard one through five, for real, and he has the best motor in the class.”
Holland was fantastic for Team USA at the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit, scoring 15 points while adding 5 assists as well as 9 rebounds and six (!) steals in just 26 minutes. Holland also led all players with three blocks recorded at the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game.
This is not unusual for Holland, who was named all-tournament at the 2022 Les Schwab Invitational after averaging 19.0 points and 10.0 rebounds with 3.5 assists per game for Duncanville High School.
3
Charlotte Hornets: Isaiah Collier
TEAM: USC
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Now that they have better floor spacing on the wing with Brandon Miller in the mix, the Hornets would do well by selecting another potential star in the backcourt to pair with LaMelo Ball.
“He is the best facilitator in the class,” an NBA scout told For The Win.
Isaiah Collier, who won the Naismith Prep and Morgan Wootten National Player of the Year, can potentially become that guy. He was named co-MVP of the McDonald’s All-American Game, notching 25 points and adding three rebounds and two assists.
Collier, named Mr. Georgia Basketball, was also one of the best players at the 2022 Nike EYBL Indy circuit. He averaged 19.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists while shooting 11-of-24 (45.8 percent) on his 3-pointers for The Skill Factory (TSF). He also added 1.8 steals per game.
He will have a lot of lights on him at USC playing alongside Bronny James, but Collier seems up to the challenge. He is phenomenal in the pick-and-roll and is already an excellent ball handler.
This pick is owed to the Spurs if it does not fall 1-14.
4
Indiana Pacers: Zaccharie Risacher
TEAM: JL Bourg (France)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
The Indiana Pacers are building a really solid core with Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin and Jarace Walker in the mix.
They could add another impressive player on the perimeter with Zaccharie Risacher, who played for Team World during the 2023 Nike Hoop Summit. He is young but has already gotten some playing time in the Euroleague for ASVEL.
He played well for France during the 2022 FIBA World Cup (U17) and averaged 20 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.2 blocks per 40 minutes during the tournament.
Risacher is a great passer and excellent playmaker with above-average fluidity for his size. He is arguably the best international prospect in this draft class.
This pick is owed to the Knicks if it does not fall 1-18.
5
Oklahoma City Thunder (via HOU): Izan Almansa
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-9
DRAFT AGE: 19.0
The Houston Rockets will keep this pick if it falls between No. 1 overall and No. 4 overall. But otherwise, it is owed to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
This class is going to have some wildcards and one of the guys worth betting on is Izan Almansa. He was named MVP at the 2022 FIBA U17 World Cup, averaging 27 points, 16.5 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.7 steals and 2.2 blocks per 40 minutes for Spain.
He was also named MVP at the FIBA U18 European Championships.
This summer, he is once again impressing for Spain during the FIBA U19 World Cup in Hungary. He had 17 points (8-for-11), 8 rebounds and 2 blocks during his first appearance. Alamansa followed that up with 21 points and 7 rebounds against France and 24 points and 6 rebounds against China.
Alamansa, who has a 7-foot-1 wingspan, played well during his time with Overtime Elite.
He averaged 0.29 ball screens set per offensive chance during those games, via Stats Perform, the most among all prospects we have projected in the first round.
6
Orlando Magic: DJ Wagner
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19.1
Orlando has a lot of ball handlers on the roster with good positional size, including Paolo Banchero as well as Franz Wagner and Anthony Black. But they could still use a true point guard and DJ Wagner is one candidate.
Wagner is a three-time New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year who was named co-MVP during the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Game, recording 19 points as well as 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals.
He was also named MVP of the 2022 Nike EYBL Orlando circuit, averaging an impressive 23.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.8 steals per game for NJ Scholars.
Wagner led all players at the 2022 Nike EYBL Indy circuit in floor general skills (FGS), per Cerebro, averaging 8.3 assists per game. Due to his size, he will need to lean into his role as a playmaker at the next level.
7
Utah Jazz: Stephon Castle
TEAM: Connecticut
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Despite trading away Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert last offseason, the Jazz already have a solid core just one year later. Look for them to just keep adding talent in the draft, regardless of position.
One player they should consider is UConn’s Stephon Castle, who is the perfect size for the modern NBA.
The incoming freshman showcased his versatility for Newton High School during the 2022 City of Palms tournament. He averaged 15.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game across those four appearances.
Those stat-sheet stuffers who can finish at the basket like this tend to have value in the pre-draft process.
This pick is owed to the Thunder if it does not fall 1-10.
8
San Antonio Spurs: Tyrese Proctor
TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20.2
As the Spurs look for their point guard of the future, one player they’re likely hoping can fall to them in the 2024 NBA Draft is Duke’s Tyrese Proctor.
The ACC All-Freshman has good positional size and he averaged 0.21 ball screens per touch, via Stats Perform, which was the most among all of our projected first-rounders. The guard also averaged 0.79 passes per touch as a freshman, which ranked as the best among all players included in this mock as well.
While he shot only 32.0 percent on 3-pointers last season, expect that to rise as a sophomore. He connected on 26-of-64 (40.6 percent) for his 3-pointers taken from NBA distance last season, via Stats Perform.
9
Chicago Bulls: Donovan Clingan
TEAM: Connecticut
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-2
DRAFT AGE: 20.3
Despite winning a national championship, UConn’s Donovan Clingan was one of the best NBA prospects who did not declare for the 2023 NBA Draft. Any team looking for help in the frontcourt, including the Bulls, would love to have someone like him on their roster.
Clingan had a limited role last season, via Stats Perform, averaging just 0.49 touches per offensive chance. That was the lowest among all of our projected first-rounders.
But the Big East All-Freshman did well when he was given an opportunity and averaged 0.41 points per offensive touch, which was the highest among all players included in our mock draft.
Clingan did a lot of little things well for UConn, too. He set 0.12 dribble handoffs and 0.22 off-ball screens per offensive touch and both were the most among our projected first-rounders, via Stats Perform.
As a freshman, his Shot Quality Points Per Possession (1.3) was the best among all NCAA men’s college basketball players with at least 200 offensive possessions finished.
He also allowed just 0.62 points per defensive chance, via Stats Perform, which was second-best among all players included in this mock draft. Meanwhile, his adjusted rebound percentage (85.6 percent) was the highest among our projected first-rounders (minimum: 75 rebound chances) as well.
Clingan should have a bigger role now that Adama Sonogo turned pro, but he has already proven his efficiency and utlity at a lower usage.
10
Portland Trail Blazers: Matas Buzelis
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Although he was a consensus five-star recruit, Matas Buzelis will play for the G League Ignite next season.
Buzelis looked good for Expressions Elite at 2022 Nike EYBL Kansas City averaging 17.3 points and 6.2 rebounds with 1.8 assists per game. He shot 5-for-10 (50.0 percent) from beyond the arc for Sunrise Christian Academy in two games at the 2023 GEICO Nationals.
He is skilled but needs to play with more force and intention in the G League.
This pick is owed to the Bulls if it does not fall 1-14.
11
Oklahoma City Thunder: Trentyn Flowers
TEAM: Louisville
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Trentyn Flowers is one of our favorite sleeper picks, although he was indeed a standout during the 2022 Nike EYBL Peach Jam tournament. He averaged 21 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per 40 minutes.
“His versatility is there,” an NBA scout told For The Win. “He can facilitate and initiate offense as a secondary playmaker. He can score at every level and play above the rim.”
Flowers already has a great feel for the game and he offers pro-caliber size, conditioning and work ethic.
12
Houston Rockets (via BKN): Trey Alexander
TEAM: Creighton
CLASS: Junior
POSITION: Combo
HEIGHT: 6-4
DRAFT AGE: 21.1
There is typically an unexpected upperclassman who finds his way into the draft lottery and this year, Creighton’s Trey Alexander is as good of a bet as anyone.
Alexander, who tested the waters during the 2023 NBA Draft but opted to return to school, appears ready for a breakout campaign. He averaged 0.85 points per offensive chance, via Stats Perform, which was the most among any player we have projected in the first round.
He was 42-of-86 (48.8 percent) on uncontested 3-pointers and 50-of-101 (49.5 percent) on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, via Stats Perform, both the highest among anyone included in our mock draft as well.
Alexander needs to shoot the ball at least about as well as he did last season, but there is reason for optimism that he can do as much.
He also needs to work on developing tertiary skills, including playmaking. But his secondary assist rate (also known as a hockey assist) was the best among anyone we have projected in the first round of this mock as well.
13
Minnesota Timberwolves: Judah Mintz
TEAM: Syracuse
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 20.9
Syracuse’s Judah Mintz is another player who could have a breakout campaign next season.
Mintz averaged 0.39 closeouts per defensive chance, via Stats Perform, which was by far the most among any prospect on our watch list in the 2023 NBA Draft. He allowed just 0.16 points per touch on these closeouts, which was the best among our projected first-rounders as well.
The ACC All-Freshman allowed only 0.25 points per touch on opposing drives, which (you guessed it!) ranked as the best among all projected first-rounders.
Opponents shot 45-of-136 (33.1 percent) overall when he was credited as the nearest defender, via Stats Perform, which ranked second-best (minimum: 30 attempts) among all projected first-rounders as well.
On the other end of the floor, meanwhile, Mintz forced contact often and was one of the Division I leaders in converting and-1 opportunities. Mintz is a fantastic scorer from the midrange, especially for a freshman, and he was one of the leaders in fastbreak scoring as well.
14
Sacramento Kings: Bobi Klintman
TEAM: Cairns (Australia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 21.3
Bobi Klintman was considered the “mystery man” of the 2023 NBA Draft before he decided to withdraw and sign overseas with Australia’s NBL.
He played well down the stretch for Wake Forest during his sole collegiate campaign, notching 17 points and 11 rebounds with 1 steal and 1 block during a win over Syracuse in the ACC Conference Tournament. But the sell is that Klintman is a 6-foot-10 wing who can dribble, pass and shoot.
He was 21-of-47 (44.7 percent) on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers, via Stats Perform. Klintman also forced closeouts on 24.2 percent of his offensive touches, which was the most among our projected first-rounders.
Before that, via Cerebro Sports, Klintman averaged 16.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.6 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game for Sweden at the U20 Euro Championship B in 2022.
This pick is owed to the Hawks if it does not fall 1-14.
15
San Antonio Spurs (via TOR): Thierry Darlan
TEAM: Ignite
CLASS: G League
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-6
DRAFT AGE: 20.4
Thierry Darlan is a product of NBA Academy Africa and has already displayed why he is such a highly-touted prospect.
Darlan was the top performer 2023 Basketball Africa League qualifiers, averaging 23.0 points and 5.7 assists with 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
He has shot 26-of-72 (36.1 percent) on 3-pointers across all Cerebro-certified events, per Cerebro, including 10-of-18 (55.6 percent) at the 2023 National Prep School Invitational.
Darlan, who has a massive wingspan, says he wants to become the NBA’s first born-and-bred point guard from Africa.
Toronto will keep this pick if it falls between 1-6.
16
Atlanta Hawks: Ja'Kobe Walter
TEAM: Baylor
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
Ja’Kobe Walter led Link Academy to win the GEICO Nationals tournament for the first time in program history. Walter averaged 21.3 points per game and shot 8-of-15 (53.3 percent) during the tournament.
He has good athleticism and burst, his fadeaway jumper off the dribble has impressed scouts and he should be a tremendous fit for Baylor next season.
17
New York Knicks: Adem Bona
TEAM: UCLA
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 21.2
UCLA freshman Adem Bona was named Pac-12 Rookie of the Year and made Pac-12 All-Defense. While he got hurt down the stretch, he was a highly impactful player for the Bruins.
UCLA outscored opponents by 31.3 points per 100 possessions when Bona was on the court, per CBB Analytics, the most among all Division I men’s college basketball players.
Bona recorded the second-most dunks among all freshmen, per Bart Torvik. He also had the highest percentage of shots that were layups (35.7 percent) among projected first-rounders, via Stats Perform.
18
New Orleans Pelicans: Robert Dillingham
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Combo
HEIGHT: 6-2
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Robert Dillingham dominated for Team CP3 at 2022 Nike EYBL Kentucky, averaging a tournament-high 22.4 points per game while shooting 13-of-29 (44.8 percent) on 3-pointers. He was arguably the toughest player to guard at the high school level. There might not be a better shot creator in this class.
During his time with Overtime Elite, he showed his wild handle as well as his elite ability to get to the rim. He averaged 0.22 drives per touch, via Stats Perform, which was the best among our projected first-rounders.
Meanwhile, via Stats Perform, 22.0 percent of his passes led directly to a shot. That also ranked as the highest among players included in our mock draft as well.
Dillingham is a bit undersized, however, and he is not an elite athlete. He measured at 6-foot-1.5 with a 6-foot-5 wingspan and a 35.5-inch approach vertical (just a bit above average for an NCAA player) during BAM athletic testing conducted by OTE.
The Pelicans have the rights to swap picks with the Bucks.
19
New York Knicks (via DAL): Terrance Arceneaux
TEAM: Houston
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 19.5
Houston’s Terrance Arceneaux appears primed for a breakout campaign as a sophomore.
Arceneaux allowed just 0.58 points per defensive chance when he was the nearest defender, via Stats Perform, which was the best among our projected first-rounders.
Houston allowed just 84.4 points per 100 possessions when he was on the floor, per CBB Analytics, which ranked second-best among all Division I men’s college basketball players.
Meanwhile, his offensive rebound percentage (7.4 percent) ranked in the 95th percentile among all players at his position, per CBB Analytics.
Dallas will keep this pick if it falls between 1-10.
20
Cleveland Cavaliers: Aaron Bradshaw
TEAM: Kentucky
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-0
DRAFT AGE: 20.1
Aaron Bradshaw is a prototypical modern NBA big man who can block shots on defense and score well as a pick-and-pop threat on offense.
Bradshaw was a standout performer for NJ Scholars at Nike EYBL Orlando, averaging 14.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while adding 4.3 blocks per game. He was named Nike EYBL Defensive MVP in Orlando and Louisville.
Unfortunately, however, Bradshaw has suffered a fracture in his foot and he is expected to miss the start of the upcoming season for Kentucky. These are the sorts of medical red flags that are troubling for a young prospect and may slow his development curve while in the NCAA.
21
Oklahoma City Thunder (via LAC): Cody Williams
TEAM: Colorado
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.6
Expect that the Thunder take a serious look at Cody Williams. The incoming freshman is the younger brother of Oklahoma City forward Jalen Williams.
He was a breakout star for Perry High School, playing especially well during 2022 Hoophall West. He averaged 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game during the tournament.
Williams is playing for Team USA at the 2023 U19 World Cup in Hungary. He had just 4 points and 0 assists during a narrow victory over Slovenia but looked far better against Lebanon, recording 13 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
22
Memphis Grizzlies: Riley Kugel
TEAM: Florida
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Wing
HEIGHT: 6-5
DRAFT AGE: 20.6
Florida’s Riley Kugel is another player to watch as a potential breakout candidate.
Kugel averaged 0.41 points per touch on ball screens, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the best among projected first-rounders. He was also 14-of-33 (43.4 percent) on 3-pointers from NBA range, which was the best among all players included in our mock draft, too.
He is a legitimate shot-creator who shoots well off the dribble and will be an important player for the Gators.
23
Philadelphia 76ers: Elmarko Jackson
TEAM: Kansas
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Combo
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Elmarko Jackson is a potential day-one starter for the Kansas Jayhawks.
“[He has a] well-built, mature body,” an NBA scout told For The Win. “[He is] athletic and gets downhill quickly to set up kick-outs and dump-offs. [He is] physical enough to play through contact. [He] changes speeds [and] picks his spots.”
Jackson averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game during the 2023 National Prep Championship for South Kent School. Shooting will be the key to his success.
Fortunately, per Cerebro, Jackson has shot 41-of-97 (42.2 percent) on 3-pointers across all Cerebro-certified events.
24
Miami Heat: Trevon Brazile
TEAM: Arkansas
CLASS: Junior
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-10
DRAFT AGE: 21.5
Trevon Brazile was an incredibly exciting prospect for Arkansas before he suffered a torn ACL during the season.
When he was on the court, however, Brazile was fantastic. Opponents shot 7-of-26 (26.9 percent) when he contested their jumper, via Stats Perform, which ranked second-best (minimum: 10 attempts) among all players we have projected in the first round.
His fastbreak scoring (2.1 points per game) ranked in the 98th percentile among all players at his position, per CBB Analytics, and Arkansas played at a much higher pace when he was on the court relative to when he was not.
25
Los Angeles Lakers: Bronny James
TEAM: USC
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Point
HEIGHT: 6-3
DRAFT AGE: 19.7
Would we have Bronny James as a one-and-done projected first-rounder if his dad, LeBron James, had not indicated he intends to sign and play with his son at the conclusion of his next contract? Probably not.
LeBron has said that he feels Bronny is better than players currently in the NBA and the reality is that is not true. While he has NBA potential at point guard, he may not be ready for “several” years.
Bronny is a solid enough player, though, who is especially impressive on the defensive end of the floor. Although we have seen him throw down windmill dunks, he looks best making hustle plays or hitting corner 3-pointers.
He is a natural facilitator and can have a nice career in the NBA as a role player. The Lakers could end up with Bronny on the roster if the Pelicans decide to defer their draft pick owed to them until the 2025 NBA Draft.
26
Memphis Grizzlies (via GSW): Alexandre Sarr
TEAM: Perth (Australia)
CLASS: International
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-1
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Alexandre Sarr averaged 26 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.2 steals and 3.1 blocks per 40 minutes for France during the U17 FIBA World Cup in 2022.
He also played well on the defensive end of the floor during his time with Overtime Elite. Opponents shot 18-of-58 (31.0 percent) when he was the nearest defender, via Stats Perform, which ranked as the best (minimum: 30 attempts) among our projected first-rounders.
Opponents shot 3-of-23 (13.0 percent) when he contested their jumper, which was also the best among all players included in this mock draft.
Sarr measured with a 7-foot-4.5 wingspan and a 30-inch standing vertical jump (higher than the NBA draft class average of 28.3 inches) during BAM athletic testing conducted by OTE.
Golden State keeps this pick if it falls between 1-4.
27
Phoenix Suns: Kyle Filipowski
TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-11
DRAFT AGE: 20.6
Duke’s Kyle Filipowski was one of the most notable prospects to not declare for the 2023 NBA Draft. He averaged 15.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game for the Blue Devils last season.
The Phoenix Suns don’t have many draft assets in their future, so they’ll need to target guys like Filipowski who can potentially contribute at the next level sooner rather than later even if their upside isn’t as high.
28
Milwaukee Bucks: Omaha Biliew
TEAM: Iowa St.
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 19.8
Omaha Biliew plays hard and has a strong physical presence. He is an aggressive shot blocker even when he is away from the rim. Biliew can potentially play a Jae Crowder-type role in the pros.
One of his most impressive performances was at the 2022 Nike EYBL Kentucky circuit for MoKan Elite. He averaged 26 points, 14.6 rebounds and 1.9 steals per 40 minutes. He also added 2.1 blocks per 40 during the 2022 Nike EYBL Indy circuit.
Biliew is playing for Team USA at the 2023 U19 World Cup in Hungary.
29
Denver Nuggets: Mark Mitchell
TEAM: Duke
CLASS: Sophomore
POSITION: Forward
HEIGHT: 6-8
DRAFT AGE: 20.8
Mark Mitchell was in the starting five for Duke last season and played well, averaging 9.1 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
He also shot 35.2 percent on his 3-pointers, although it’s worth noting that his shooting splits looked even better when shooting from pro range. He was 17-of-41 (41.5 percent) on 3-pointers from NBA distance, via Stats Perform.
Look for Mitchell as a sneaky candidate to enjoy a breakout season for Duke.
30
Boston Celtics: Aday Mara
TEAM: UCLA*
CLASS: Freshman
POSITION: Big
HEIGHT: 7-2
DRAFT AGE: 19.2
Aday Mara averaged 27 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.8 steals and 4.9 blocks per 40 minutes for Spain during the U17 FIBA World Cup in 2022. His rating around the rim (ATR) was the best at the tournament, per Cerebro, and his pure scoring prowess (PSP) ranked second-best.
While he is committed to UCLA, his Spanish club has reportedly not let him out of his contract to make the transition. That could make it difficult for his draft stock depending on how long this situation takes to resolve.
