2024 NBA First-Round Mock Draft: Top Prospects

The 2024 NBA First-Round Mock Draft offers an insightful glimpse into the potential future stars of the league. This draft edition, curated by Pat Heery, provides a comprehensive breakdown of the top prospects along with comparisons to current or recent NBA players.

1. Detroit Pistons: Alexandre Sarr

   • NBA Comparison: A wealthy man’s Mark Williams with a whole lot of attitude

   Alexandre Sarr has skyrocketed from a mid-first-round prospect to a potential number-one overall pick in recent months. The 7-foot-1 French big man showcased his dominance in matchups against the G-League Ignite earlier this season, displaying an impressive combination of athleticism, shot-blocking prowess (12 blocks in two games), and perimeter shooting ability. Despite the Pistons’ existing depth in the frontcourt, they opt for the best available prospect in Sarr, recognizing his potential to impact both ends of the floor.

2. San Antonio Spurs: Nikola Topić

   • NBA Comparison: A fundamentality-sound LaMelo Ball

   Nikola Topić, a skilled point guard from Europe, draws comparisons to the creativity and court vision of Nikola Jokic and the flair of LaMelo Ball. With the Spurs prioritizing international talent and in need of a playmaker, Topić becomes an ideal fit for their roster. His ability to distribute the ball and keep defenders off balance with his passes makes him a valuable asset for San Antonio’s offense.

3. Washington Wizards: Zaccharie Risacher

   • NBA Comparison: Michael Porter Jr.

   Zaccharie Risacher, a versatile French wing, possesses the tools to excel in the modern NBA. Standing at 6-foot-10, Risacher combines outside shooting, attacking ability, and defensive versatility reminiscent of players like Michael Porter Jr. . His potential to develop into a high-level scorer and defender makes him an enticing prospect for the Wizards. They continue to build around their young core.

4. Charlotte Hornets: Ja’Kobe Walter

   • NBA Comparison: Buddy Hield

   Ja’Kobe Walter, a sharpshooting guard out of Baylor, offers the Hornets a scoring threat from the perimeter. With unlimited range and the ability to score in bunches, Walter draws comparisons to Buddy Hield. His offensive firepower adds another dimension to Charlotte’s backcourt, providing spacing and scoring punch alongside LaMelo Ball.

5. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams

   • NBA Comparison: Jalen Williams (his older brother)

   Cody Williams, a promising wing prospect, enters the NBA draft conversation as a freshman. At 6-foot-8, Williams showcases three-and-D capabilities similar to his older brother, Jalen Williams. With potential to develop into a dynamic two-way player, Portland sees Williams as a valuable addition to their roster, addressing a need for wing depth and defensive versatility.