March Madness came and went, and UConn has been crowned your 2024 national champions.
With the NCAA title game in the rearview and the NBA season coming to a close, we're one step closer to the 2024 NBA Draft. March Madness is not the end-all, be-all for NBA prospects, but the tournament's bright spotlight always puts an increased focus on a player's draft stock.
While several top prospects in this year's draft class did not take part in the NCAA Tournament, including projected top picks Alexandre Sarr (Australia), Nikola Topic (Serbia), and Zaccharie Risacher (France), there are still plenty who shined enough to move up Mock Draft boards.
National championship game headliners like Purdue's Zach Edey and UConn's Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle all jumped up a few spots in our post-March Madness Mock Draft. You won't find Final Four breakout stars like NC State's DJ Burns Jr. or Alabama's Mark Sears as projected first-round picks, but they both put their names on the draft radar.
With another tentpole event from the draft cycle behind us, take a look at an updated 2024 NBA Mock Draft coming out of the NCAA Tournament.
MORE: Why Donovan Clingan is a higher-rated NBA Draft prospect than Zach Edey
NBA Mock Draft 2024
(Draft order is reverse NBA standings as of April 5.)
1. Pistons: Alexandre Sarr, Perth (Australia)
Age: 18
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 216 lbs.
Even though the Pistons already have a bruising young center in Jalen Duren, there isn't enough talent on the roster to be drafting for fit. Sarr would give Detroit a high-energy rim protector with more length. The 7-foot center is an athletic and powerful shot-blocking big with budding offensive skills who held his own playing professionally in Australia's NBL overseas.
2. Wizards: Nikola Topic, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Age: 18
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 201 lbs.
The Wizards might need a floor general with Tyus Jones becoming an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Add in their glaring issues on the defensive end, and Topic makes a lot of sense here. The 6-5 pick-and-roll maestro is the best pure point guard in this class. Even if he doesn't offer NBA-level perimeter shooting, he's a smart and physical defender who fits a need in Washington.
3. Hornets: Zaccharie Risacher, JL Bourg (France)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 210 lbs.
The Hornets are looking to add talent to their core of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Mark Williams. Even though they just used the No. 2 overall pick in last year's draft on an offensive-minded wing, they could still use more perimeter shooting.
Risacher is a sharpshooter who is scorching the net for JL Bourg this season, knocking down 43.4 percent of his 3s in the same league that Victor Wembanyama played in last year. He has a similar prospect profile to Miller, and that pick worked out pretty well for Charlotte.
4. Spurs: Dalton Knecht, Tennessee
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-6, 213 lbs.
With Victor Wembanyama already flashing superstar potential at the end of the 2023-24 season, the Spurs will want to build a playoff-caliber team around him ASAP. Knecht fits their timeline as a 22-year-old senior with an NBA-ready frame and skill set.
Knecht established himself as one of the nation's most consistent three-level scorers, averaging 21.7 points per game on 39.7 percent shooting from deep. His 37-point scoring clinic in Tennessee's Elite Eight loss to Purdue should leave a lasting memory in the minds of NBA scouts, showing how seamlessly his game should translate to the next level.
5. Trail Blazers: Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 206 lbs.
The Trail Blazers should look to add a two-way forward to their rebuilding core of Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons, and Deandre Ayton. Holland brings the versatility Portland needs to both sides of the ball as a relentless defender and growing scorer with unlimited energy. He is one of the best defenders in this class and averaged 20.6 points for the Ignite even without a reliable jump shot or polished shot-creation skills.
6. Raptors: Stephon Castle, UConn
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-6, 215 lbs.
The Raptors need backcourt depth, and Castle — a big 6-6 guard with a reported 6-9 wingspan — fits the typical prospect build for president Masai Ujiri and general manager Bobby Webster.
Castle defends at a high level, can score at the rim off the dribble, and create for others. He has shown even more versatility in the NCAA Tournament, playing off the ball and doing some dirty work in the paint on both ends of the floor. If he irons out his jump shot, he has the potential to be the best guard in this class.
MORE: Stephon Castle's draft stock is on the rise after Final Four win over Alabama
7. Grizzlies: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 187 lbs.
Sheppard's stock was skyrocketing as the biggest draft darling in this class before a disappointing performance in the NCAA Tournament. He is still one of the most reliable two-way players in the country, though.
The Grizzlies had a season of misfortunate injuries, but there is a silver lining. They'll end up with a top-10 pick to add a potential rotation player to their core of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. Sheppard offers the perfect blend of ball-handling, playmaking, perimeter shooting, and hard-nosed defense to give Memphis another building block in its backcourt.
MORE: Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham make 'freshman mistakes' in Kentucky's first-round loss
8. Jazz: Cody Williams, Colorado
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 190 lbs.
The Jazz are retooling their roster with high-upside pieces, and Williams has as much untapped potential as any player in this class. The brother of Thunder star Jalen Williams would be a great pick for Utah as a long, versatile, and athletic wing who can defend at a high level, rebound, and score off the ball. Going to the Jazz would give Williams the time necessary to develop his offensive game.
9. Rockets (via BKN): Donovan Clingan, UConn
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-2, 280 lbs.
The Rockets need big man depth alongside Alperen Sengun, and Clingan is the rim protector they're looking for.
Clingan put on a two-way clinic in the NCAA Tournament, anchoring UConn to its second straight national championship. His performance against Illinois in the Elite Eight was the most dominant defensive game of March Madness. The Illini only had two made field goals when Clingan was on the floor going into the final 10 minutes of a 30-point blowout.
The UConn sophomore is a massive presence at 7-2, 280 pounds with a reported 7-7 wingspan. He's an elite shot blocker, rebounder, and lob catcher who has the rim-running ability to hang in the NBA.
10. Bulls: Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 209 lbs.
The Bulls face a tough decision this offseason, stuck between competing and rebuilding. Taking Buzelis — a Chicago native — would be a step toward the latter. The 6-10 forward is a versatile floor spacer who has shown improvement on the defensive end in his lone season with the Ignite. He's still a work in progress, but Buzelis would give the Bulls a high-ceiling wing to start building toward the future.
11. Hawks: Rob Dillingham, Kentucky
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 176 lbs.
The Hawks could be heading toward a rebuild that might involve trading Trae Young and/or Dejounte Murray this offseason. Why not target some guard insurance with Dillingham?
The Kentucky freshman is one of the most dangerous scorers in this class. He is a gifted shot creator, confident shooter, and tough-shot maker. Dillingham would provide instant offense to fill a potential void left behind from the two star guards currently on the roster.
12. Thunder (via HOU): Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 195 lbs.
The Thunder are ahead of schedule, but don't expect that to alter their draft approach. They could target a backup big behind Chet Holmgren with this pick, but Walter also fits a need as a prolific perimeter shooter. He only hit 34.1 percent of his 3s this season, but the potential is there to space the floor for Holmgren, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Jalen Williams.
13. Trail Blazers (via GSW): Isaiah Collier, USC
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 210 lbs.
Even with Anfernee Simons, last year's No. 3 pick Scoot Henderson, and the late-season emergence of Dalano Banton, the Trail Blazers could still use guard talent. Collier is the best available at his position at this point in the lottery.
A hand injury derailed the USC star's freshman season, but he still showed flashes as to why he was the No. 1 recruit in the country. Built like a running back, Collier is a bulldozer when he gets downhill toward the rim. He's consistently improved as a passer and defender, and he'll be a well-rounded threat if he can develop his jump shot.
14. Lakers: Jared McCain, Duke
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 197 lbs.
The Pelicans can keep this pick from the Lakers or defer it to 2025. Given the lack of depth in this year's draft class, don't be surprised if New Orleans waits until next year to convey this selection.
If Los Angeles is on the clock, look for it to target backcourt depth behind D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves. McCain fits a need as a connective playmaker with a 3-and-D skill set that should seamlessly translate to the NBA. Even though he is only a 20-year-old freshman, McCain plays with poise and confidence that is beyond his age.
His two 30-point explosions in the NCAA Tournament have launched him into lottery consideration.
15. 76ers: Devin Carter, Providence
Age: 21, Junior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-3, 195 lbs.
The 76ers also need guard depth behind Tyrese Maxey. Carter is the type of defender, pick-and-roll ball-handler, and competitor who fits Philadelphia's win-now timeline.
The 2023-24 Big East Player of the Year was extremely productive this season, averaging 19.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He isn't quick or shifty and there are questions about his jumper, but you can't knock the heart he plays with.
16. Raptors (via IND): Tidjane Salaun, Cholet (France)
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 212 lbs.
The Raptors are clearly in a rebuilding stage, so they can afford to be patient with the prospects they pick. Salaun is a versatile defender who would give Toronto even more athletic size and length in its frontcourt. He has shown promise as a perimeter shooter and can do damage as a scorer off of cuts, but he needs to improve as a shot-creator.
17. Heat: Terrence Shannon Jr.
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and Weight: 6-6, 225 lbs.
The Heat's offense continues to struggle in the halfcourt, and Shannon would provide instant relief off the bench as a 23-year-old senior. The Illinois star was an explosive scorer this past season. He averaged a career-best 23 points per game, flashing a quick first step with a strong build and elite body control to finish through traffic. His incremental improvements as a perimeter shooter only help his NBA potential, too.
It is worth noting that Shannon is awaiting a hearing in a sexual assault case that is scheduled for May.
18. Knicks: Kevin McCullar, Kansas
Age: 23, Senior
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-7, 212 lbs.
McCullar missed an opportunity to shine on the March Madness stage, missing the remainder of his senior season with a knee injury. He still did enough throughout his college career to prove worthy of a first-round pick in this draft class, though.
The Knicks are looking to win now, and McCullar offers an older, jack-of-all-trades-type prospect who would thrive under head coach Tom Thibodeau. He's a versatile defender, as well as a trusty ball-handler and playmaker. McCullar isn't a reliable shooter, but he has plug-and-play skills that should translate to the NBA.
19. Hawks (via SAC): Kyle Filipowski, Duke
Age: 20, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 7-0, 248 lbs.
Filipowski's draft stock took a bit of a hit after the sophomore forward struggled to hold his own on defense in the NCAA Tournament. However, he is still a talented prospect who has plenty of room to grow. The Duke star is a floor-stretching big man who can pick and pop, score with his back to the basket, handle, and pass. If he can shoot the 3-ball with more consistency, he might project as a better NBA player than a college player.
20. Pelicans: Zach Edey, Purdue
Age: 21, Senior
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-4, 300 lbs.
Just when you thought Edey's potential as an NBA prospect hit a ceiling, the two-time National Player of the Year proved everyone wrong during the NCAA Tournament.
Edey was even more dominant than usual on Purdue's run to the national championship, averaging 29.5 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game. He showed that his conditioning and mobility improved tremendously, playing all but two minutes and 50 seconds from the Sweet 16 through the title game.
With Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas in the latter stage of his career, Edey could provide a similar dominant interior presence in relief.
MORE: Zach Edey is the most polarizing player in 2024 NBA Draft
21. Suns: DaRon Holmes II, Dayton
Age: 21, Junior
Position: Center
Height and weight: 6-10, 235 lbs.
The Suns need frontcourt depth behind Jusuf Nurkic. Holmes was one of the most productive big men in the country, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game en route to winning A-10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year this season.
His mobility, athleticism, and shot-blocking were on full display in the NCAA Tournament, and he'd be a great fit alongside Phoenix's core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
22. Magic: Kyshawn George, Miami
Age: 20, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-8, 205 lbs.
The Magic have a thing for big guards and wings who can handle the ball and defend multiple positions. George is exactly that, projecting as a high-upside jumbo guard who has a budding offensive game. He can create his own shot and offer some ball-handling depth, and he converted a promising 40.8 percent of his 130 3-point attempts as a freshman.
23. Cavaliers: Kel'el Ware, Indiana
Age: 19, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-0, 242 lbs.
The Cavaliers need help behind Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley. Ware is a rim-protecting center with a high ceiling who came on strong late in the season for Indiana. He is a long, athletic, and mobile lob-catcher who has a developing offensive game as a scorer.
24. Knicks (via DAL): Ryan Dunn, Virginia
Age: 21, Sophomore
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-8, 216 lbs.
Dunn has a case as the best perimeter defender in this draft class. Even though he only made seven 3-pointers all regular season, his IQ and tools on the defensive end are too good to pass up in the first round. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau would love having a versatile stopper like Dunn at his disposal.
25. Bucks: Yves Missi, Baylor
Age: 19, Freshman
Position: Center
Height and weight: 6-10, 235 lbs.
Energy is the name of the game for Missi. His relentless effort and explosive athleticism turned him into a projected first-round pick this season. He's still a raw prospect, but he's a quick leaper who crashes the glass, blocks shots, and throws down lobs.
The Bucks developed Giannis Antetokounmpo into one of the greatest players in NBA history. They would be more than capable of getting the most out of Missi's untapped potential.
26. Wizards (via LAC): Tyler Smith, G League Ignite
Age: 19
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-11, 224 lbs.
Smith is a fluid power forward who has increased his draft stock by showing floor-stretching potential with the Ignite this season. The Wizards would benefit from adding more frontcourt depth, especially a versatile 6-11 forward with promise as a perimeter shooter.
27. Jazz (via OKC): Tristan da Silva, Colorado
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-9, 220 lbs.
da Silva is a fluid 6-9 wing who handles the ball well for his size, can defend multiple positions, and shot 39.5 percent from 3 on nearly 300 attempts over his past two seasons. His ability to fill a variety of roles makes him a fit for almost any NBA team.
28. Nuggets: Trey Alexander, Creighton
Age: 20, Junior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-4, 190 lbs.
Alexander is a polished guard prospect who does a little bit of everything and does it well. His size and athleticism won't jump off the page, but he's a three-level scorer who can shoot from the perimeter, create off the dribble, make simple reads as a passer, and defend his position. The Nuggets could use wing depth in a high-floor player like Alexander.
29. Timberwolves: Carlton Carrington, Pittsburgh
Age: 18, Freshman
Position: Guard
Height and weight: 6-5, 190 lbs.
Now that Carrington has officially declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, it's easy to see how he could be taken in the first round. The 18-year-old is a super-talented shot creator with pro-level moves in his arsenal, and he gains separation from his defenders. He wasn't an efficient scorer as a freshman, but it's clear the potential is there. The Timberwolves need guard depth behind veteran Mike Conley, who would be a great mentor for Carrington.
30. Celtics: PJ Hall, Clemson
Age: 22, Senior
Position: Forward
Height and weight: 6-10, 238 lbs.
The Celtics aim to have five shooters on the floor at all times. They need frontcourt depth, and a physical, 6-10 forward like Hall fits head coach Joe Mazzulla's scheme. He's mobile enough to switch on defense, and he's comfortable spacing the floor as a shooter. He only shot 31.5 percent on 3s this season, but his form is smooth and he'd get more open looks in Boston than he ever did at Clemson.
