NBA

Consensus Mock Draft: Alex Sarr maintains his spot at No. 1

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7 months ago

June 8, 2024

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Consensus Mock Draft: Alex Sarr maintains his spot at No. 1

Alexandre Sarr remains a potential favorite to be taken No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.

• Complete 2024 NBA Draft order

Some notes in our first look at the mock drafts from around the web before the 2024 NBA Draft presented by State Farm, where the the Atlanta Hawks are on the clock with the No. 1 pick.

Remember, the Consensus Mock Draft is a compilation of the best mock drafts around the web. We bring them together to provide a solid estimate of how the Draft could play out (Last update: June 7, 8:54 a.m.):

We’ve got a challenge at the top! Now that the Draft Combine is behind us, 8 of the 10 mocks have been updated, and previous consensus No. 1 Alexandre Sarr has been joined by fellow Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher in a 4-4 split decision. Sarr fills the second slot in each draft he’s not listed first, while Risacher has some variance, so the center retains the lead for now.
The third French prospect in the lottery mix, Tidjane Salaun, has climbed and is now cast as high as No. 5 overall (Yahoo) as his perceived upside begins to overwhelm his youth.
ESPN reported that the knee injury suffered by Serbian prospect Nikola Topic has a partially torn ACL, the cause for his drop from a clear third down to a middle-of-the-pack 7th and potentially further.
Reed Sheppard has risen into the void, slotted 3rd or 4th in 7 of the 8 updated mocks … and 5th in the other. That is a tightening projection, friends.
Dropping out of the Consensus Lottery isIsaiah Collier, who is replaced by ascendant Providence guard Devin Carter.
Nine players appear in the lottery in 8 updated mocks we surveyed: Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Reed Sheppard, Nikola Topic, Donovan Clingan, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, Dalton Knecht and Ron Holland; Robert Dillingham and Cody Williams each slid out of the lottery on at least one board.

MOST COMMON PICKS

No. 1 (Hawks): Zaccharie Risacher (4), Alex Sarr (4)

No. 2 (Wizards): Alexandre Sarr (4)

No. 3 (Rockets): Reed Sheppard (4)

No. 4 (Spurs): Nikola Topic (3)

No. 5 (Pistons): Matas Buzelis (3)

No. 6 (Hornets): Stephon Castle (3)

No. 7 (Trail Blazers): Donovan Clingan (4)

No. 8 (Spurs): Nikola Topic (3)

No. 9 (Grizzlies): Dalton Knecht (3)

No. 10 (Jazz): Robert Dillingham, Ron Holland, Cody Williams (2)

No. 11 (Bulls): Ron Holland (3)

No. 12 (Thunder): Cody Williams (3)

No. 13 (Kings): Devin Carter, Ja’Kobe Walter (2)

No. 14 (Trail Blazers): Ron Holland, Kel’el Ware (2)

Most common (above): Pick at which the player is most commonly projected, with the number of mock drafts in parentheses. For example, Alex Sarr is projected to go 1st in 4 of the 8 updated mock drafts listed below.

Top 14 (below): To calculate the consensus, we award 14 points for every mock draft in which the player went first overall, 13 for second, continuing to one point for the final lottery pick. The player with the highest point total represents the top overall selection, which is as follows:

1. Alexandre Sarr | Atlanta Hawks

Perth Wildcats (Australia) | Position: F/C | Height: 7-1
Status: International
Most Common: 1,2 (4)

An impact player on defense who’s been growing into a larger role at the other end. Should offer immediate complementary help with the potential for more.

2. Zaccharie Risacher| Washington Wizards

JL Bourg-en-Bresse (France) | Position: G/F | Height: 6-8
Status: International
Most Common: 1 (4)

Looks the part and has all the two-way ability to deliver on that potential. The floor is high, but so is the ceiling. What will he reach?

3. Reed Sheppard | Houston Rockets

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-3
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 3 (4)

Sharpshooting and award-winning freshman for the Wildcats, who elevated right on up the Draft boards, especially given the open field.

4. Donovan Clingan | San Antonio Spurs

Connecticut | Position: C | Height: 7-2
Status: Sophomore
Most Common: 7 (4)

A defensive anchor for the back-to-back NCAA champs, and should provide a steadying presence once he’s adjusted to the pro game. The offensive potential is there.

5. Stephon Castle| Detroit Pistons

Connecticut | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 6 (3)

Will do what needs to be done, whatever it is, whichever end of the floor. A move on the ball could unlock another level.

6. Matas Buzelis | Charlotte Hornets

G League Ignite | Position: F | Height: 6-8
Status: G League
Most Common: 5 (3)

Big forward with a shooting touch that escaped him in a single season playing for Ignite. Its return could deliver a big win for a team willing to bank on that.

7. Nikola Topic | Portland Trail Blazers

KK Crvena Zvezda (Serbia) | Position: G | Height: 6-6
Status: International
Most Common: 4 (3)

A tall guard with a deft passing touch and the ability to create opportunities for himself and others, the upside play here is a bet that the knee is stable and the outside shot comes around.

8. Dalton Knecht | San Antonio Spurs

Tennessee | Position: G/F | Height: 6-6
Status: Senior
Most Common: 9 (3)

Capitalized on a transfer to Tennessee, putting up 25-plus points while scoring all kinds of ways, but especially from deep. The seasoned transition could be smoother than most.

9. Tidjane Salaun | Memphis Grizzlies

Cholet Basket | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: International
Most Common: 8 (2), 12 (2)

Raw 18-year-old projects as a rangy, switchable defender who can capitalize on strong off-ball instincts and a developing shot from range.

10. Robert Dillingham | Utah Jazz

Kentucky | Position: G | Height: 6-3
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 9 (2), 10 (2)

The shooting is there, and he’s a certified bucket. But the size limitations kick in when playmaking isn’t the thing, which means adjust or overcome.

11. Ron Holland | Chicago Bulls

G League Ignite | Position: F | Height: 6-6
Status: G League
Most Common: 11 (3)

Athletic and explosive swingman who held his own in the G League, even as turnover problems and shooting woes put a cap on his game.

12. Cody Williams | Oklahoma City Thunder

Colorado | Position: F | Height: 6-9
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 12 (3)

Brother of Thunder prodigy Jalen, Cody has the game and physique to cleanly fit most styles, and all it takes is one team to believe the upside is real for a surprise shot up the board.

13. Devin Carter | Sacramento Kings

Providence | Position: G | Height: 6-2
Status: Junior
Most Common: 12 (2), 13 (2)

A defensive standout with offensive potential to grow into, the ‘3-and-D’ mold seems like a firm floor. Combo guard with the chance to develop as a leading man.

14. Ja’Kobe Walter | Portland Trail Blazers

Baylor | Position: G/F | Height: 6-5
Status: Freshman
Most Common: 13 (2)

The shooting and defensive potential are there, and there’s a knack for finding ways to the line. Quick contributions could come, and playmaking might follow with time.

MOCK DRAFTS

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