2024 NBA Draft Thread

[Jamaaliver]

[Jamaaliver]

What direction would you guys like to see us go with our 2 projected 1st round picks?

These are the last ones we'll have full control over for a while, so we gotta be smart.

I'd like to see us add a 7 footer capable of playing big minutes. The league has gotten bigger (or at least taller) with Jokic, Chet and Wemby leading the way. Jalen is injury prone*, Okongwu is undersized and Gueye is years away.

So, I'm paying extra attention to K Filipowski and Zach Edey and what they can bring to the NBA.

[Jamaaliver]

Spoiler:

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[Jamaaliver]

Hawks are projected right now to have two picks in the draft. Ours in the mid-teens plus that Kings pick likely in the 20s.

Here's another forward to consider - an athletic kid who can catch a ton of Trae Young lobs and actually finish with authority.

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[Jamaaliver]

This dude's journey is really intriguing. Maybe a Payton Pritchard caliber of prospect?

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[DirtybirdGA]

I don't trust them with any rookies for now.

[jayu70]

What direction would you guys like to see us go with our 2 projected 1st round picks?

These are the last ones we'll have full control over for a while, so we gotta be smart.

I'd like to see us add a 7 footer capable of playing big minutes. The league has gotten bigger (or at least taller) with Jokic, Chet and Wemby leading the way. Jalen is injury probe, Okongwu is undersized and Gueye is years away.

So, I'm paying extra attention to K Filipowski and Zach Edey and what they can bring to the NBA.

Big - size, athleticism, skilled.

[Jamaaliver]

You guys have any thoughts on this kid?

Is he just a big oaf?

Donovan Clingan, UConn

Age: 19, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-2, 280 lbs.

Clingan was impressive in limited playing time as a freshman during UConn's national championship run, but the 19-year-old should have a Big East Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season ahead of him.

The 7-2 sophomore will be one of the best rim protectors and lob threats in the country. He hardly has to leave his feet to block shots with a towering 7-7 wingspan. How his post game, footwork and mobility improve will determine his ceiling as a prospect, and he should get plenty of practice as a roll-man alongside Castle.

It will be interesting to see what Clingan is capable of on both ends of the floor in a larger role this year.

Sporting News

Donovan Clingan

UConn sophomore center
Age 20

After winning the national championship as a freshman, Clingan returns with a chance to establish himself as a lottery prospect. At 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Clingan can block shots without even leaving his feet. Opponents avoid him when he’s lurking near the paint, not just because he’s imposing, but because he also tends to be in the right position. Connecticut will be a threat to repeat this coming season, and with more minutes available in the rotation following the departure of Adama Sanogo, Clingan could end up showing off all of his skills on offense as a vertical finisher, rebounder, and reliable decision-maker.

The Ringer

[Jamaaliver]

Best defender in the draft?

If he get's even a hint of a 3-pt shot from the corners, he becomes a Marcus Smart caliber role player.
Maybe a better defending Aaron Gordon?

[Jamaaliver]

Austin Reaves 2.1?

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[Jamaaliver]

This is the big man we likely pursue.
7 footer, 3-pt shooting rim protector.

He fits exactly what we need at backup Center. Likely to be available for either of our selections.

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[Jamaaliver]

2024 NBA Mock Draft

20. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Dalton Knecht

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Position: SF
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6'6", 204 lbs

Scouts were buzzing about Dalton Knecht's 37 points against North Carolina. They've already started to brainstorm about a pro comparison for the 6'6", 40.5 percent three-point shooter who's also showcased some extra wiggle attacking the basket and explosion in the open floor.

There may be some questions about how much of his scoring will translate to the next level. But in a draft where there aren't as many enticing high-upside teenagers available, Knecht could start to look like a persuasive shotmaker and tough role player in the late first round.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

This is the name to watch if we keep our picks.

Kel'el Ware

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School/Team: Indiana
Position: C
19 Years Old - Sophomore
Size: 7'0", 242 lbs
Pro Comparison: Jarrett Allen

Averaging 17.7 points and 9.6 boards, Kel'el Ware has handled almost every opposing frontcourt, giving them problems with his verticality, post game and touch.

He did struggle offensively in his only real test against Connecticut's 280-pound center Donovan Clingan, who helped raise the importance that Ware continues to develop his shooting range to combat the stronger, interior-based centers.

But as long has he doesn't drift during conference play, Ware's combination of finishing, shot-blocking tools and shotmaking skill should prevent him from falling outside the top 20.

Bleacher Report

[Jamaaliver]

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Virginia wing Ryan Dunn is running away with the National Defensive Player of the Year award at this early stage, dominating games with his length, anticipation, switchability and intelligence on that end. He rotates in a timely way and is constantly disruptive as a team defender. He’s slotted onto guards, bigs and wings in college hoops with minimal issue and is putting up historic block and steal numbers – 2.8 swats and 2.8 steals per game – on top of countless other deflections.

His offense is a work in progress across the board, but scouts compare him favorably on defense to Herb Jones, an early second-round pick who would have gone in the lottery in a 2021 re-draft. I’ve moved Dunn up to No. 11 because of that, even if his jumper is going to need some real seasoning.

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

The SF replacement for DeAndre Hunter?
Or just another over productive Senior in a class full of teenagers?

Kevin McCullar Jr.

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School/Team: Kansas
Position: SG/SF
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6'7", 214 lbs

A borderline draft pick in 2023, Kevin McCullar Jr. is altering previous evaluations and scouts' thoughts with his improved shooting, aggressive slashing, passing/defensive IQ and impact on winning.

Elevated aggression has led to more finishes and playmaking, with McCullar now averaging 18.5 points and 5.1 assists. And he's creating opportunities within Kansas' offense—not with extra ball screens or isolation—currently generating 1.5 points per possessions out of spot-ups (97th percentile) and consistently making himself available for cuts (13-of-15).

A dangerous transition ball-handler and effective off-ball scorer with strong defensive tools/instincts, McCullar may just need an average/capable catch-and-shoot game to solidify first-round interest. He hit three three-pointers in the final six minutes to propel Kansas over Connecticut on Friday.

Bleacher Report

Code: Select all

USC’s Kobe Johnson and Kansas’ Kevin McCullar are two defense-first prospects who have stood out early. Scouts remain mightily concerned about McCullar’s shooting, but his production has been undeniable, as he’s posted two triple-doubles while averaging 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists per game and maintaining the elite on-ball defense that has made him a potential draft pick in each of the last two seasons.

The Athletic

[jayu70]

The SF replacement for DeAndre Hunter?
Or just another over productive Senior in a class full of teenagers?

Kevin McCullar Jr.



School/Team: Kansas
Position: SG/SF
Age: 22, Senior
Size: 6'7", 214 lbs

A borderline draft pick in 2023, Kevin McCullar Jr. is altering previous evaluations and scouts' thoughts with his improved shooting, aggressive slashing, passing/defensive IQ and impact on winning.

Elevated aggression has led to more finishes and playmaking, with McCullar now averaging 18.5 points and 5.1 assists. And he's creating opportunities within Kansas' offense—not with extra ball screens or isolation—currently generating 1.5 points per possessions out of spot-ups (97th percentile) and consistently making himself available for cuts (13-of-15).

A dangerous transition ball-handler and effective off-ball scorer with strong defensive tools/instincts, McCullar may just need an average/capable catch-and-shoot game to solidify first-round interest. He hit three three-pointers in the final six minutes to propel Kansas over Connecticut on Friday.

Bleacher Report

Code: Select all

USC’s Kobe Johnson and Kansas’ Kevin McCullar are two defense-first prospects who have stood out early. Scouts remain mightily concerned about McCullar’s shooting, but his production has been undeniable, as he’s posted two triple-doubles while averaging 18 points, seven rebounds and five assists per game and maintaining the elite on-ball defense that has made him a potential draft pick in each of the last two seasons.

The Athletic

We need a SF that's flexible, with athleticism, a slasher, ball handler, a quick thinker, can play above the rim in transition etc. as long as he is not robotic.

[jayu70]

You guys have any thoughts on this kid?

Is he just a big oaf?

Donovan Clingan, UConn

Age: 19, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-2, 280 lbs.

Clingan was impressive in limited playing time as a freshman during UConn's national championship run, but the 19-year-old should have a Big East Defensive Player of the Year-caliber season ahead of him.

The 7-2 sophomore will be one of the best rim protectors and lob threats in the country. He hardly has to leave his feet to block shots with a towering 7-7 wingspan. How his post game, footwork and mobility improve will determine his ceiling as a prospect, and he should get plenty of practice as a roll-man alongside Castle.

It will be interesting to see what Clingan is capable of on both ends of the floor in a larger role this year.

Sporting News

Donovan Clingan

UConn sophomore center
Age 20

After winning the national championship as a freshman, Clingan returns with a chance to establish himself as a lottery prospect. At 7-foot-2 with a 7-foot-7 wingspan, Clingan can block shots without even leaving his feet. Opponents avoid him when he’s lurking near the paint, not just because he’s imposing, but because he also tends to be in the right position. Connecticut will be a threat to repeat this coming season, and with more minutes available in the rotation following the departure of Adama Sanogo, Clingan could end up showing off all of his skills on offense as a vertical finisher, rebounder, and reliable decision-maker.

The Ringer

Does he have any offensive skills ala Jokic/Segun (not exactly them, but something that can be developed). Don't want to be playing 4 on 5 on offense.

[Jamaaliver]

You guys have any thoughts on this kid?

Is he just a big oaf?

Donovan Clingan, UConn

Age: 19, Sophomore
Position: Center
Height and weight: 7-2, 280 lbs

Does he have any offensive skills ala Jokic/Segun (not exactly them, but something that can be developed). Don't want to be playing 4 on 5 on offense.

Doesn't sound like it -- but there are Walker Kessler comparisons.

A 7-foot, 300 pound backup Center could be useful in certain matchups. (Specifically against Jokic and Embiid)

Donovan Clingan

School/Team: Connecticut
Position: C
Age: 19, Sophomore
Size: 7'2", 280 lbs
Pro Comparison: Walker Kessler

Donovan Clingan didn't earn any new fans after the Kansas game. Athletic limitations were exposed and held him back on some finishes, and he looked uncomfortable getting out to challenge Hunter Dickinson's three-ball.

NBA teams should still figure they'll be able to bank on his 7'2" size and anticipation in rim protection and his soft hands and 280-pound frame for easy baskets and boards. No versatility just may limit his suitors to teams that could use center depth, physicality and a shot-blocking presence.

Bleacher Report

[CP War Hawks]

This is such a poor overall draft. No franchise guy worth no. 1, no depth, no great wing prospects, etc. Guys I'm personally keeping tabs on are Ware, Shannon jr. Brazil, Dunn, Dickinson for now.

Edit: so we can agree the Hawks need size and skill across the board. Tyler Smith is a 6-11 225 stretch 4/5. From the peek I've seen think a near 7 foot PJ Washington at the next level... Decent 10 game sample size 42% from 3 on 3.5 att.

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[Jamaaliver]

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