The first round of the NBA Draft tips off Wednesday at 8 p.m. EST. The draft is always one of the most exciting yet unpredictable parts of the NBA offseason. While many believe this is a weaker draft class there are still plenty of intriguing prospects throughout the class. Let’s dive into some live reactions and draft grades.
2024 NBA Draft Lottery Grades
1. Atlanta Hawks – Zaccharie Risacher: JL Bourg (LNB Pro)
Since surprisingly landing the No.1 overall pick many have debated who they would select. Zaccharie Risacher became the clear favorite in the last week of the pre-draft process. Risacher offers perceived safety as a 3-and-D prospect. However, his lack of self-creation and playmaking abilities limit his upside. Furthermore, Risacher had poor combine measurements, with a 31-inch vertical which was among the lowest in the draft class, and a six-foot-nine wingspan while being six-foot-eight. Ultimately, Risacher will likely have a long career but his limited upside makes this pick somewhat questionable.
Grade: C+
2. Washington Wizards – Alex Sarr: Perth Wildcats (NBL)
Alex Sarr has been linked to the Wizards since the beginning of the draft process. The fit is logical as the Wizards’ defense ranked just 28th and they need a clear rim protector. Sarr averaged 1.5 blocks this past season and has a lengthy seven-foot-four wingspan. Additionally, Sarr is an incredibly versatile defender giving him unlimited defensive upside. Sarr’s offensive game is somewhat raw however, he still has plenty of upside on that end of the floor. With the rebuilding, Wizards Sarr will be given an opportunity to fully develop and reach his potential.
Grade: A-
3. Houston Rockets – Reed Sheppard: Kentucky
While the Rockets might be looking to trade for a win-now talent. However, Reed Sheppard can fit either timeline as he offers the ideal combination of safety and upside. Sheppard is one of the best shooting prospects in years he shot a staggering 52% from beyond the arc in his lone season at Kentucky. Sheppard is a high-IQ playmaker averaging 4.5 assists. This skill set along with Sheppard’s solid defense (2.5 steals and .7 blocks per game) make him one of the most complete prospects in the class. Sheppard is an ideal fit in Ime Udoka’s system and an intriguing guard for their future.
Grade: A
4. San Antonio Spurs – Stephon Castle: UConn
The Spurs have long desired a guard next to Victor Wembanyama. Stephon Castle might be the answer as a connective guard. Furthermore, he is one of the best defenders in the draft class. The defensive upside with Castle and Wemby is off the charts. At six-foot-six Castle has excellent positional size adding to his elite fit next to Wemby. With the Spurs, Castle will be able to develop his overall offensive games and improve his jumper. However, there is some risk in drafting a guard with shooting struggles Castle shot just 26 percent from three and the true success of this pick could hinge on Castle developing his jump shot. Castle is a great prospect but not drafting a shooter next to Wemby is a debatable decision. Notably, the Spurs ranked 28th in three-point shooting percentage last season.
Grade: B
5. Detroit Pistons – Ron Holland: G League Ignite
Ron Holland offers plenty of upside as a high-energy defensive wing. Holland also is a capable shot creator averaging 18.5 points per game this gives Holland a true star upside. The Pistons desperately needed to upgrade their forwards making Holland a viable choice. However, Holland shot a brutal 22 percent from three with the G League Ignite this year. The Pistons also need floor spacing and shooting they ranked 29th in three-pointers made last season. As a result, drafting a non-shooter is somewhat questionable despite Holland’s undeniable upside.
Grade: B
6. Charlotte Hornets – Tidjane Salaun: Cholet Basket (LNB Pro)
The Hornets made the most shocking move of the night by taking Tidjane Salaun. Notably, Salaun was the third French player to be drafted in the top 10. Salaun offers tremendous two-way upside. Salaun can provide immediate impact as a versatile defender while having the upside as a creator and shooter. He is also the youngest player in the draft class adding to his potential. The Hornets are in the midst of a rebuild and will give Salaun a perfect chance to develop. However, it’s risky to draft a raw prospect like Salaun, and he might be a boom-or-bust type of prospect.
Grade: B
7. Portland Trail Blazers – Donovan Clingan: UConn
Donovan Clingan was rumored to go within the top three. However, he fell to Portland at pick seven. Clingan is a safe prospect as a defensive anchor, interior scorer, and rebounder. While the Blazers have DeAndre Ayton and Robert Williams on their roster taking the best available player in Clingan is a no-brainer. It will certainly be interesting to monitor how the Blazers handle this center rotation and if Ayton or Williams eventually get moved.
Grade: A-
8. Minnesota Timberwolves via Spurs – Rob Dillingham: Kentucky
The Timberwolves stole the show at the lottery by trading up for Rob Dillingham. They only gave up two future first-round picks to do so. Dillingham fits Minnesota’s needs for perimeter scoring and bench-shot creation. Dillingham arguably has the highest upside in the draft. Furthermore, the Timberwolves have an elite defense to cover up Dillingham’s size deficiencies. Dillingham can develop behind Mike Conley before eventually taking over as the starting point guard. The creation upside with Dillingham and Anthony Edwards is incredible. This pick is a home run for the Timberwolves. Conversely trading away Dillingham is questionable for the Spurs as they still need guard creation and shooting.
Grade: A+
9. Memphis Grizzlies – Zach Edey: Purdue
Zach Edey is one of the more divisive prospects. He was a dominant college player winning two National Player of the Year awards while averaging 25 points and 12 rebounds. However, many are concerned with how the seven-four center will survive in the NBA from a mobility standpoint. Nevertheless, the Grizzlies might be the perfect team for Edey. His defensive fit next to Jaren Jackson is intriguing. Edey will be able to protect the rim and anchor the paint while JJJ can roam around and create havoc with his elite shot-blocking. Offensively Edey will be an effective lob threat and interior presence. Ultimately, Edey is somewhat of a risk due to his mobility issues and lack of upside however, his fit with Memphis is certainly solid.
Grade: B-
10. Utah Jazz – Cody Williams: Colorado
Cody Williams is a lengthy defensive-minded wing with offensive potential especially as a shooter and creator. With Utah’s young core Williams could develop and reach his full potential. Furthermore, he fits perfectly with their identity of size and length. Notably, Williams is the younger brother of OKC’s rising star Jalen Williams. Ultimately, the Jazz offers an ideal situation for Williams and he could blossom into a true star.
Grade: A-
11. Chicago Bulls – Matas Buzelis: G League Ignite
Matas Buzelis could have been the No.1 pick in the draft if it wasn’t for his shaky shooting performance with the G League Ignite. Regardless his upside as an all-around forward can not be ignored and getting a player this talented at 11 is incredible value. Buzelis was clearly the best player available. Notably, Buzelis will play his hometown Bulls who are entering a rebuilding period. Additionally, the Bulls needed another forward making this pick a no-brainer.
Grade: A
12. Oklahoma City Thunder – Nikola Topic: Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet (Euroleague)
The Thunder are in an incredible position as one of the top teams in the league with a plethora of future assets. However, this makes drafting difficult. Nikola Topic fell down the draft boards after tearing his ACL. Nevertheless, Topic has tons of upside as a six-foot-six playmaking guard. Getting a once-consensus top-three pick is great value at 12. Topic will likely miss the 2024-25 season his long and short-term fit with a loaded Thunder roster is intriguing yet unclear. Ultimately, this pick is interesting yet difficult to evaluate.
Grade: B+
13. Sacramento Kings – Devin Carter: Providence
Devin Carter reportedly received a lottery promise and that team might have been the Kings based on how draft night played out. Carter is one of the most NBA-ready prospects which is perfect for the Kings who are trying to remain competitive. Furthermore, Carter gives the Kings a new element off the bench as a defensive-minded guard. Ultimately, his all-around play will be very valuable to the Kings as a defender, rebounder, connective playmaker, finisher, and possibly shooter.
Grade: A
14. Washington Wizards via Blazers – Carlton “Bub” Carrington
Early in the day, the Wizards traded Deni Avdija to the Blazers in exchange for the 14th pick, a future pick, and Malcolm Brogdon. Carlton “Bub” Carrington gives the Wizards a high-upside young guard. This is much needed considering Tyus Jones’ pending free agency. Carrington is a gifted creator and playmaker. With the Wizards Carrington could reach his full potential as a result of increased opportunity. Carrington’s fit next to Alex Sarr is very intriguing.
