The NBA playoffs are in full swing after an exciting regular season, but this is a draft season for about half of the league’s teams.
Fourteen teams missed the playoffs, either due to poor results in the regular season or unsatisfactory performances in the play-in tournament earlier this month. Now all 14 must wait for May’s draft lottery and June’s 2024 NBA Draft.
One player to watch as the draft approaches is former Purdue center Zach Edey, who officially declared for this year’s draft on Tuesday. Edey helped guide the Boilermakers to a national championship game appearance after averaging 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game this season, marks that ranked first and third, respectively, in all of basketball. DI college ball.
Here’s where Edey and a few other top picks ended up according to the latest mock drafts from NBA analysts around the web.
MOCKED NBA DRAFT:Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey climb the board
2024 NBA Draft Projections
#1 overall pick
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Zillgitt writes: “A strong defender and shot blocker who plays hard on both ends; he has good hands, uses his body well and even though he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he gets in. His brother player, Olivier, is under a two-way contract with Oklahoma City in the G League.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Laundress Report: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Wasserman writes: “Alex Sarr will have a strong case for Detroit here, with 7’1” size, athleticism and translatable defense that create a high floor, along with shooting potential and flashes of ball-handling which suggest an offensive advantage and a chance for the big man to play some power forward. »
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Boone writes: “At 7-1, Sarr presents immense potential as a threat above the rim, blocking shots and finishing lobs with his elite jumpers and length. The idea of pairing him next to Cade Cunningham as a staple in Detroit should be exciting for Pistons fans after a tough year.”
#2 overall pick
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Washington Wizards – Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Zillgitt writes: “Has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism that teams are looking for in today’s NBA. A quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create a dribble and to manage the field well.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Laundress Report: Washington Wizards – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Wasserman writes: “At the start of a rebuild, the Washington Wizards will only think about drafting the best player available. There will be a handful of prospects capable of winning this title from their front office, including Rob Dillingham, whose core skills…shot creation and execution could give him an added edge.
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Boone writes: “There is still a good chance that Risacher will finish #1 in this category, but his recent struggles are hard to ignore. He’s made just three of his last 28 3-point attempts, a worrying trend for a 6-year-old. The number 9 forward whose membership has focused on his improved shooting this season.
No. 3 overall pick
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Charlotte Hornets – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Zillgitt writes: “As a smaller guard, he is elite at creating his own shot, through accurate shots or dribbling penetration due to his speed and ball handling. He will need to become stronger and improve shot selection Even though Kentucky lost in the first round, Dillingham is a promising prospect.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Laundress Report: Portland Trail Blazers – Zaccharie Risacher, SF, JL Bourg (France)
Wasserman writes: “Despite a late-season slump, there is still belief in Zaccharie Risacher’s shooting. The Portland Trail Blazers appear to be attracted to the idea of giving Scoot Henderson a 6’8” shooter and athletic finisher.
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Portland Trail Blazers – Stephon Castle, PG, UConn
Boone writes: “Castle gained a ton of fans in NBA circles this season by embracing his complementary role for a 37-win UConn team that won the national title. He embraced his role as a lockdown defender and was able to take offense to the next level when necessary.
NBA playoffs:First round results, schedule, times, TV, key stats, who to watch
Where will Zach Edey be drafted?
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY: Phoenix Suns – No. 20 overall
Zillgitt writes: “Edey was outstanding in the tournament, leading Purdue to the title game where he had 37 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks in the loss to UConn. He scored 40 points and 16 rebounds against Tennessee in an Elite Eight game. Edey is a bear to defend in the low post… But in the NBA, is he mobile enough, especially defensively, to follow the style and rhythm?
Jonathan Wasserman, Laundress Report: Phoenix Suns – 23rd overall
Wasserman writes: “[Edey]has changed his mind regarding his professional prospects and his potential to play a role in the NBA, even without adding modern skills. His combination of 7’4″ height and one-handed touch creates a huge advantage in the post. And improved mobility has led to increased and quicker defensive coverage around the key.”
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – No. 26 overall (via Los Angeles Clippers)
Boone writes: “In a head-to-head matchup with projected top-10 pick Donovan Clingan in the national championship game, Edey scored 37 points and showed why even the most skilled defenders can struggle to slow him down in the NBA.”
When does the 2024 NBA Draft take place?
Or: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
When: June 26-27, 2024
Cable television: ESPN; ABC
Streaming:ESPN+; fuboTV
HOW TO WATCH:Watch the 2024 NBA Draft with an ESPN+ subscription
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