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2024 NBA mock draft: Matas Buzelis, Bronny James, G League Ignite should light up board

Familiar themes have emerged for the 2024 NBA draft.

Family ties are prevalent. G League Ignite players are prominent in first-round projections. Big men are enjoying a renaissance. And the No. 1 pick could be a player from France for the second consecutive season following Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 to the San Antonio Spurs in Thursday’s draft.

∎ D.J. Wagner, the son of former NBA player Dejuan Wagner and grandson of former NBA player Milt Wagner, is a projected lottery pick, and Bronny James, LeBron’s son, could be a first-round pick.

∎ There are six players in our 2024 mock draft who are at least 7-feet tall.

∎ Two G League Ignite players are projected top-five picks following up on Scoot Henderson, who was the No. 3 pick to Portland on Thursday.

∎ Zaccharie Risacher, whose dad Stephane was part of France’s 2000 silver medal Olympic team, has played games in the same top-division pro league in France as Wembanyama and has No. 1 pick potential.

Here is USA TODAY’s Sports super early 2024 NBA mock draft:

1. Zaccharie Risacher, France

Forward, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds

2. Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite

Forward-guard, 6-11, 190

Omaha Biliew, right, drives to the basket as Matas Buzelis defends during the McDonald's All-American game.
Omaha Biliew, right, drives to the basket as Matas Buzelis defends during the McDonald's All-American game.

3. Ron Holland, G League Ignite

Forward, 6-7, 195

4. Isaiah Collier, Southern California

Guard, 6-3, 190

5. Justin Edwards, Kentucky

Forward, 6-7, 180

6. Cody Williams, Colorado

Forward, 6-8, 180

7. Aaron Bradshaw, Kentucky

Center, 7-2, 210

8. Tyrese Proctor, Duke

Guard, 6-5, 175

9. D.J. Wagner, Kentucky

Guard, 6-4, 165

10. Aday Mara, Spain

Center, 7-2, 240

11. Stephon Castle, UConn

Guard, 6-6, 205

12. Ja'Kobe Walter, Baylor

Guard, 6-5, 180

13. Donovan Clingan, UConn

Center, 7-2, 265

14. Thierry Darlan, G League Ignite

Guard-forward, 6-6, 190

15. Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Center, 7-0, 230

16. Jared McCain, Duke

Guard, 6-4, 195

17. Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana

Forward, 6-8, 210

18. Omaha Beliew, Iowa State

Forward, 6-8, 210

19. Alexandre Sarr, France

Center, 7-1, 205

20. Bronny James, Southern California

Guard, 6-2, 190

Bronny James, son of LeBron, is expected to be taken in the 2024 NBA draft's first round.
Bronny James, son of LeBron, is expected to be taken in the 2024 NBA draft's first round.

21. Kel'el Ware, Indiana

Center, 7-0, 210

22. Elmarko Jackson, Kansas

Guard, 6-4, 195

23. Adem Bona, UCLA

Forward, 6-10, 235

24. Riley Kugel, Florida

Forward, 6-5, 205

25. Dillon Mitchell, Texas

Forward, 6-8, 195

26. Kwame Evans Jr., Oregon

Forward, 6-9, 200

27. Trey Alexander, Creighton

Guard, 6-4, 185

28. Trevon Brazile, Arkansas

Forward, 6-10, 200

29. Robert Dillingham, Overtime Elite

Guard, 6-2, 165

30. Xavier Booker, Michigan State

Center, 6-10, 205

Follow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt on Twitter @JeffZillgitt

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NBA mock draft: Bronny James, Matas Buzelis among potential stars