2024 NBA mock draft: Top pick projections ahead of draft lottery
Sunday night's NBA draft lottery will end the drama of the anticipation of which teams will select with the first four overall picks. Though the drama is already all but over regarding who will be the No. 1 overall pick.
Alexandre Sarr, a French center currently playing in Australia's National Basketball League, has been the projected No. 1 pick for multiple analysts. USA TODAY predicted this outcome as early as four months ago, at the start of this year and maintained that position following the end of this year's March Madness tournament. All that's left now is to determine which team will have the chance to select him.
Behind Sarr, there is less consensus on who teams might select with the second and third overall picks. Here's what analysts from around the web are projecting in their latest 2024 NBA mock drafts ahead of Sunday night's draft lottery.
NBA DRAFT EVENTS: How to watch the 2024 NBA draft combine and lottery
2024 NBA Draft projections
No. 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 with force on both ends; has good hands, uses his body well and though he doesn’t have the prettiest shot, he gets it to go in. His brother player, Olivier, is on two-way G League contract with Oklahoma City."
Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
O'Connor writes: "There is no perfect fit for the Pistons if they end up with the first pick, but they certainly need defense, which is what Sarr could provide. Sarr’s versatility could be a game-changing skill, especially if he’s paired with Ausar Thompson and Jalen Duren. And if his offense keeps progressing, he could become a great running mate for Cade Cunningham."
Kyle Irving, The Sporting News: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Irving writes: "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."
No. 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 teams are seeking in today’s NBA. Quick release on catch-and-shoots, is able to create off the dribble and runs the court well."
Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer: Washington Wizards – Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
O'Connor writes: "The Wizards can’t afford to miss, and Clingan is the safest pick on the board; he could provide the type of rim protection they’ve been needing for years."
Kyle Irving, The Sporting News: Washington Wizards – Nikola Topić, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
Irving writes: "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."
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 own shot, through spot-up shooting or dribble penetration because of his speed and ball-handling. Will need to get stronger and improve shot selection. Even though Kentucky lost in the first round, Dillingham is a hot prospect."
Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer: Charlotte Hornets – Nikola Topić, PG, Crvena Zvezda (Serbia)
O'Connor writes: "LaMelo Ball hasn’t exactly proved to be reliable. But Brandon Miller is looking like the real deal. Because of his playmaking skills, Topic could be viewed as LaMelo insurance, though he could also play with him if Topic’s jumper improves."
Kyle Irving, The Sporting News: Charlotte Hornets – Ron Holland, SF/PF, G League Ignite
Irving writes: "The Hornets already have a promising core in place with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Mark Williams. Adding a two-way forward like Holland would round out that group perfectly."
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When is the 2024 NBA draft lottery?
The NBA draft lottery is Sunday, May 12 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
How to watch the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery
Cable TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+; YouTube TV; fuboTV
HOW TO WATCH: Watch the NBA draft lottery with an ESPN+ account
When is the 2024 NBA Draft?
Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
When: June 26-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN; ABC
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2024 NBA mock draft: Pre-draft lottery projections for top picks
