2024 NBA DRAFT THREAD 5

[PhilBlackson]

I think I’m really starting to warm up to the idea of drafting KYSHAWN GEORGE lol

I still like Bub, Ware, Collier the most buuuut…

Even though he’s not fast it’s hard not to be REALLY intrigued by his feel for the game & one THE biggest key traits - seems to PLAY AT HIS OWN PACE. Of course I’m not suggesting that he’ll be like those who are ELITE (key distinction) at it but he has good potential.

At minimum that sort of feel and ability to play off of teammates theoretically should be a nice fit with Scottie & Gradey long term. I don’t know enough about him defensively but I’m kinda buying in more as I watch his highlights a bit closer. At minimum he should find a way to fit in well offensively at SF where I could see guys making a bunch of good read & reaction plays which is THE way to have a defence disjointed. If he’s good enough to defend 2 through 4 at a reasonable level, I kinda like the play because at minimum he should just be a decent glue piece, if he adds more stuff to his bag where he can continue to increase what he’s able to do while playing at his own pace, he could much better than expected.

He reminds me of Delano Banton, but with the ability to shoot.

I see that maybe a little bit…I know Delano reads the game fairly well in his own way. Banton is more about using his speed to get downhill and read that way. George is a lot more read and react off a pass or even with a live dribble in the PnR (which is a major key for a lot of the really good players in the league). He obviously hasn’t shown the ability to manipulate it like the masters (ie/ the Lukas, Shai or even a lower extent Paul George, Jalen Williams).

But it’s the ability to use the dribble to give a ball handler time to read and react to what a defence is doing. He looks like he’s showing some small traces of that and likewise an ability to understand where he needs to be off ball to space out the court properly and recognize a soft spot in the defence. Again he’s not elite at so he’s not likely gonna come close to the stars of the league but there’s enough there to work with a freshman that you’d have to think he will only continue to better understand and read defenders while also adding more to his skill set in time that we could turn him into a damn good player.

I’ve been kinda meh on most of the SFs projected in our range (ie/ TDS, Tyson, Furphy) but I think Kyshawn would be the one where I’d actually be pretty excited to see what we develop him into.

[deeps6x]

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13. Sacramento Kings: Cody Williams
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 24: Colorado Buffaloes forward Cody Williams (10) drives around Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) during the Marquette Golden Eagles versus the Colorado Buffaloes in the second round of the NCAA Division 1 Championship on March 24, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 5

Team: Colorado

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'7", 178 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Jaden McDaniels

While scouts do believe a team could reach on Cody Williams early, we're hearing that most still prefer Matas Buzelis and Stephon Castle. Tijane Salaun and Kyshawn George have also popped up as names who could leapfrog Williams.

However, without an advanced handle or perimeter game, he still averaged 11.9 points, shot 58.8 percent inside the arc and 41.5 percent from three. And at 6'6.5" in socks with a giant 7'1" wingspan, his defensive tools remain outstanding.

Even a worst-case outcome for Williams can contribute with his efficient off-ball scoring and ability to guard wings and forwards. But given his age (19) and reported character—plus the fact that his brother, Jalen, appears on track toward blossoming into an All-Star—teams could talk themselves into his upside.


14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Warriors): Kyshawn George
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WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 12: Kyshawn George #7 of the Miami Hurricanes handles the ball against Claudell Harris Jr. #1 of the Boston College Eagles in the First Round of the ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
G Fiume/Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 24

Team: Miami

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'7", 209 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Dalano Banton

Kyshawn George visits the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, and he'll be working out for most teams in the late-lottery to mid-first round.

Scouts have been drawn to his size for a guard, shooting and ball-handling, a combination that created an enticing archetype. His lack of strength and explosion inside the arc does hint at risk, but if Portland gets a big like Clingan at No. 7, the Blazers may want to swing bigger on a 6'7" 20-year-old, live-dribble passer who shot 40.8 percent from three.

15. Miami Heat: Jared McCain
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DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 31: Jared McCain #0 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a three-point basket during the first half against the NC State Wolfpack in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at American Airlines Center on March 31, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
Lance King/Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 15

Team: Duke

Position: PG/SG

Size: 6'2", 203 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Immanuel Quickley

Jared McCain put on some impressive shooting displays during drills at the combine, showing textbook repetition of form. Shotmaking has and will always be what powers his offense and value, but McCain's effectiveness this year in ball-screen situations, using change of speed, footwork, crafty finishing and vision, point to more on-ball upside with his creativity and feel.


16. Philadelphia 76ers: Isaiah Collier
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LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 09: USC Trojans guard Isaiah Collier (1) dribbles up the court during the college basketball game between the Arizona Wildcats and the USC Trojans on March 9, 2024 at Galen Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 16

Team: USC

Position: PG

Size: 6'3", 205 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Tyreke Evans

Listed as 6'5" by USC, Isaiah Collier measured 6'2.5" (socks) with a near 6'5" wingspan at the NBA combine. He also didn't shoot that well during drills, and teams will be looking closely into his almost set jump shot during workouts.

Still, the draw to Collier is his shiftiness for creativity, physicality attacking and finishing and live-dribble passing skill. Teams that think his jump shot and decision-making should improve will see more upside than those worried about his low-volume three-point numbers and turnovers.

But even teams that have those concerns may be interested in Collier's ability to break down defenses, make plays off the bounce and put pressure on the rim.

17. Los Angeles Lakers: Kel'el Ware
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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - MARCH 10: Kel'el Ware #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers dunks during the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on March 10, 2024 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Justin Casterline/Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 14

Team: Indiana

Position: C

Size: 7'0", 230 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Sophomore

Nationality: American

Pro Comparison: Brook Lopez

Kel'el Ware measured well at the NBA combine, even showing a standing reach that was 2.5 inches longer than that of potential No. 1 overall pick Alex Sarr. He was also down 12 pounds from Indiana's listing.

For Ware to maximize his draft stock, he'll have to convince teams to buy into his three-point range.

He still has a very high skill level for a center who's above average athletically and nearly 7'0" in socks. And the big increase in scoring production helped validate the effectiveness of his tools, movement and shotmaking.

18. Orlando Magic: Ja'Kobe Walter
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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 22: Ja'Kobe Walter #4 of the Baylor Bears is defended by Braeden Smith #2 of the Colgate Raiders during the first round of the 2024 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament held at FedExForum on March 22, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Joe Murphy/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)
Joe Murphy/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 18

Team: Baylor

Position: SG/SF

Size: 6'4", 198 lbs

Age/Year: 19, Freshman

Nationality: American

Pro comparison: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

No new updates were made to Ja'Kobe Walter's scouting report after the NBA combine. His measurements, middle-of-the-pack athletic tests and promising shotmaking sequences were all expected.

He's going to get pegged with a safe label that sees a three-and-D 2-guard who can defend both wing positions. The lack of creation and playmaking may just make it tougher for teams to picture upside worth a top-10 pick.

19. Toronto Raptors (via Pacers): Zach Edey
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CHICAGO, IL - MAY 13: Zach Edey warms up during the 2024 NBA Combine on May 13, 2024 at Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kamil Krzaczynski/NBAE via Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 19

School/Team: Purdue

Position: C

Size: 7'4", 299 lbs

Age: 22, Senior

Nationality: Canadian

Pro comparison: Jonas Valančiūnas

At the least, Zach Edey may have opened scouts' imaginations at the combine with the comfort level he demonstrated making jump shots during drills.

Regardless, for a center who measures just under 7'4" in socks with a near 7'11" wingspan, his touch and footwork have gotten sharp enough for scouts to picture a useful low-post scorer and offensive rebounder.

Teams deeper up front will look elsewhere. So will those who question how playable he'll be defensively in the playoffs. He'll be enticing to teams looking to add more size, physicality around the basket and interior offense.

20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan da Silva
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 24: Tristan da Silva #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes celebrates after making a shot in the second half against the Marquette Golden Eagles in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 24, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 20

School/team: Colorado

Position: SF/PF

Size: 6'8", 217 lbs

Age/Year: 23, Senior

Nationality: German/Brazilian

Pro comparison: Trey Lyles

Tristan da Silva had a quiet NBA combine, measuring as expected and finishing middle of the pack during athletic tests before skipping scrimmages.

Teams will start to think about Da Silva in the mid-to-late first round, with the idea that he can provide plug-and-play shotmaking and complementary, spot-up scoring.

Though not overly explosive off the dribble, a high skill level (at 6'8") and basketball IQ will have some teams willing to look past the athletic limitations.

21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks): Yves Missi
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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 24: Yves Missi #21 of the Baylor Bears shoots the ball past PJ Hall #24 of the Clemson Tigers during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at FedExForum on March 24, 2024 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Stacy Revere/Getty Images
May 30 Mock Draft Spot: No. 17

School: Baylor

Position: C

Size: 6'11", 229 lbs

Age/Year: 20, Freshman

Nationality: Cameroon

Pro comparison: Nic Claxton

Yves Missi measured well at nearly 6'11" in socks with a 7'2" wingspan. He should start to draw mid-to-late first-round interest from teams that covet his defensive upside as a rim protector and his ability to move his feet around the perimeter and recover in pick-and-roll coverage.

The offense is a bonus, but Baylor ran plenty of actions for Missi around the top of the key, where he showed he can face up, put the ball down and attack opposing bigs.

I like it. I'd take Edey at #19 and be happy.

Using JV as the comp though? Nah, he's more like a young Brook Lopez, who BTW, didn't make his first 3 point shot until his seventh season in the league. And now over his last 8 seasons, he's made nearly 1000 of them.

[deeps6x]

If Edey is on the board somehow towards end of lotto Masai needs to a grow a pair and use Bruce Brown and #31 to move into position to get him.

Apparently, Edey is working out with Miami and Lakers. So, if they did want him, might have to trade up. Something this front office hasn't done in the past.

100%, I posted a while ago about how much sense Edey makes for the Heat as he is proficient in almost every area Miami is weak at PLUS fits perfectly given their pace of play. There is zero chance IMO that Edey makes it to 19. Zero. Despite what mock drafts would have you believe.

Masai needs to stop being a pansy and trade up for him. Draft value chart suggests 19 + 31 = about #10 overall and when you consider the value of having the 1st pick on the 2nd day it could easily be worth #9.

If Memphis doesn't like what's on the board send them 19, 31 and Bruce Brown and take Edey, maybe get pick #39 coming back too.

Nah, do Poeltl for #9 and salary filler if you really want Edey.

[causal_fan]

I think the pressure of Edey playing for the Raptors will not be good for both player & team, for that reason I'm hesitant for the raptors to draft Edey - maybe when/if he's established himself as an NBA player then playing for the hometown team might work better.

[deeps6x]

I think the pressure of Edey playing for the Raptors will not be good for both player & team, for that reason I'm hesitant for the raptors to draft Edey - maybe when/if he's established himself as an NBA player then playing for the hometown team might work better.

Pressure from being a Canadian on a Canadian team? RJ improved when he got here.

[causal_fan]

I think the pressure of Edey playing for the Raptors will not be good for both player & team, for that reason I'm hesitant for the raptors to draft Edey - maybe when/if he's established himself as an NBA player then playing for the hometown team might work better.

Pressure from being a Canadian on a Canadian team? RJ improved when he got here.

Exactly, after he had established himself in the NBA - not as a rookie

[Indeed]

I think I’m really starting to warm up to the idea of drafting KYSHAWN GEORGE lol

I still like Bub, Ware, Collier the most buuuut…

Even though he’s not fast it’s hard not to be REALLY intrigued by his feel for the game & one THE biggest key traits - seems to PLAY AT HIS OWN PACE. Of course I’m not suggesting that he’ll be like those who are ELITE (key distinction) at it but he has good potential.

At minimum that sort of feel and ability to play off of teammates theoretically should be a nice fit with Scottie & Gradey long term. I don’t know enough about him defensively but I’m kinda buying in more as I watch his highlights a bit closer. At minimum he should find a way to fit in well offensively at SF where I could see guys making a bunch of good read & reaction plays which is THE way to have a defence disjointed. If he’s good enough to defend 2 through 4 at a reasonable level, I kinda like the play because at minimum he should just be a decent glue piece, if he adds more stuff to his bag where he can continue to increase what he’s able to do while playing at his own pace, he could much better than expected.

He reminds me of Delano Banton, but with the ability to shoot.

I see that maybe a little bit…I know Delano reads the game fairly well in his own way. Banton is more about using his speed to get downhill and read that way. George is a lot more read and react off a pass or even with a live dribble in the PnR (which is a major key for a lot of the really good players in the league). He obviously hasn’t shown the ability to manipulate it like the masters (ie/ the Lukas, Shai or even a lower extent Paul George, Jalen Williams).

But it’s the ability to use the dribble to give a ball handler time to read and react to what a defence is doing. He looks like he’s showing some small traces of that and likewise an ability to understand where he needs to be off ball to space out the court properly and recognize a soft spot in the defence. Again he’s not elite at so he’s not likely gonna come close to the stars of the league but there’s enough there to work with a freshman that you’d have to think he will only continue to better understand and read defenders while also adding more to his skill set in time that we could turn him into a damn good player.

I’ve been kinda meh on most of the SFs projected in our range (ie/ TDS, Tyson, Furphy) but I think Kyshawn would be the one where I’d actually be pretty excited to see what we develop him into.

He plays below the rim, which is an issue.

[grant101]

He reminds me of Delano Banton, but with the ability to shoot.

I see that maybe a little bit…I know Delano reads the game fairly well in his own way. Banton is more about using his speed to get downhill and read that way. George is a lot more read and react off a pass or even with a live dribble in the PnR (which is a major key for a lot of the really good players in the league). He obviously hasn’t shown the ability to manipulate it like the masters (ie/ the Lukas, Shai or even a lower extent Paul George, Jalen Williams).

But it’s the ability to use the dribble to give a ball handler time to read and react to what a defence is doing. He looks like he’s showing some small traces of that and likewise an ability to understand where he needs to be off ball to space out the court properly and recognize a soft spot in the defence. Again he’s not elite at so he’s not likely gonna come close to the stars of the league but there’s enough there to work with a freshman that you’d have to think he will only continue to better understand and read defenders while also adding more to his skill set in time that we could turn him into a damn good player.

I’ve been kinda meh on most of the SFs projected in our range (ie/ TDS, Tyson, Furphy) but I think Kyshawn would be the one where I’d actually be pretty excited to see what we develop him into.

He plays below the rim, which is an issue.

Also a poor rebounder and not a very good shotblocker for someone whose main selling point is size for position.

[Pointgod]

no way he falls to 17 but if he does, Masai better trade up for him.

a fall that far makes no sense.

Sounds like he could be another Cam Whitmore.

I hope not. Cam Whitmore is empty stats.

Wild to write off a player as empty stats after a rookie season.

[BoyzNTheHood]

Sounds like he could be another Cam Whitmore.

I hope not. Cam Whitmore is empty stats.

Wild to write off a player as empty stats after a rookie season.

Never liked him, not even last year. I don’t buy into the hype of a guy just because everyone else sees him score a lot of points. Guys like Carmelo Anthony and Rudy Gay made careers out of what Cam Whitmore will do in the NBA. But what alluded them?

[CPT]

The more I dig into this draft and its prospects, the more I like Edey.

I think it's kind of insane that he might be available at our pick. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he blows mock drafts away and goes top 10-late lotto. In fact, I'm kind of expecting it at this point.

There's obviously something I'm missing, because even if he's just a big stiff, he probably sticks around the league as a rotation/situational player. I'm having a hard time seeing him be worse than an Alex Len or a Plumlee, but he could be much much better.

[Duffman100]

The more I dig into this draft and its prospects, the more I like Edey.

I think it's kind of insane that he might be available at our pick. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he blows mock drafts away and goes top 10-late lotto. In fact, I'm kind of expecting it at this point.

There's obviously something I'm missing, because even if he's just a big stiff, he probably sticks around the league as a rotation/situational player. I'm having a hard time seeing him be worse than an Alex Len or a Plumlee, but he could be much much better.

My thing about him is he absolutely wrecked college ball. That's worth taking a flier in a bad draft.

[OAKLEY_2]

Watched the first 7 minutes of that Chomche video and he looks like he just picked up a basketball yesterday

Yep. I never understood the Chomche love.

I doubt Raps brass are as obsessed with taking a centre as this forum is. I think they will try to match skill, length and upside. Edey "if" were available is too intriguing to overlook. The "if" probably means "not* available. Ware is probably in the mix vs. being a clear favourite and also might be gone. Someone is going to drop they like. We lost OG, Paskal, Precious and if generous Thad. Someone is going to be drafted in their mold for certain if not two players like that. At point guard we lost Flynn and at Centre we lost Koloko and gained Kelly. Holmes is their kind of player as is Walter as is Jonathan Mogbo. Seems they will be backfilling with the draft and trading Brown with a view to having the full MLE. Mogbo is Scottie's buddy and team Scottie is where we are. I'd be thinking we might well hear his name as being called. I see no reason to prioritize the centre position beyond two players possibly off the board at 19. The Ringer has 4 of 14 players in the lotto as Centres. Might as well resign ourselves to getting at best the 5th or 6th ranked or worse of that position in this draft. That screams second round if ever. Somebody will drop ranked higher in their position or positions at 19 and will mix skills, length and a hope for upside. Collier and Walter are might bets to fall to 19.

[Psubs]

The more I dig into this draft and its prospects, the more I like Edey.

I think it's kind of insane that he might be available at our pick. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he blows mock drafts away and goes top 10-late lotto. In fact, I'm kind of expecting it at this point.

There's obviously something I'm missing, because even if he's just a big stiff, he probably sticks around the league as a rotation/situational player. I'm having a hard time seeing him be worse than an Alex Len or a Plumlee, but he could be much much better.

Can just sign Mason Plumlee or if want shooting then Jalen Smith.

[OAKLEY_2]

The more I dig into this draft and its prospects, the more I like Edey.

I think it's kind of insane that he might be available at our pick. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he blows mock drafts away and goes top 10-late lotto. In fact, I'm kind of expecting it at this point.

There's obviously something I'm missing, because even if he's just a big stiff, he probably sticks around the league as a rotation/situational player. I'm having a hard time seeing him be worse than an Alex Len or a Plumlee, but he could be much much better.

Can just sign Mason Plumlee or if want shooting then Jalen Smith.

Or JV or Jaxson Hayes or Mo Wagner.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

I hope not. Cam Whitmore is empty stats.

He's a scorer, you need another guy who is a hub on your team but when you need a bucket you give it to him and let him go to work. He's actually a lot closer to Jaylen Brown than Holland will ever be.

Whitmore had some impressive performances. The expectation is he'll remain a crap FT shooter and also have a crap AST:TO which is what will limit him like Brown. But he at least has some kind of potential to improve in those areas which is more than you can say about Brown.

Holland right now is looking like a more primitive version of Tari Eason whose development hopefully brings him to something around Eason's level by 21-22 y/o.

I’m not necessarily a fan of Holland, but I’m less of a fan of Whitmore. He doesn’t move me at all. There’s a reason he dropped like he did. NBA GM’s saw the lack of value in his game. He just puts up stats to put up stats. Wins don’t follow.

I mean in a sense you're not wrong, it's the same reason why Jaylen Brown has cost the Celtics in the past quite often, he can be super inconsistent and inefficient at times. They have literally had to create a superteam around him just to win this year. But he has undeniable value around the league which is good enough for me because then you can use him as an asset, which I'm not sure how easily it will be to do with a guy like Isaiah Collier.

[REJECTEDBYCLARK]

But in fairness to Brown he also has stretches where he's crazy dominant and at least is a net neutral defender unlike Carmelo who didn't care a lick about defending.

[CPT]

The more I dig into this draft and its prospects, the more I like Edey.

I think it's kind of insane that he might be available at our pick. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he blows mock drafts away and goes top 10-late lotto. In fact, I'm kind of expecting it at this point.

There's obviously something I'm missing, because even if he's just a big stiff, he probably sticks around the league as a rotation/situational player. I'm having a hard time seeing him be worse than an Alex Len or a Plumlee, but he could be much much better.

Can just sign Mason Plumlee or if want shooting then Jalen Smith.

Or JV or Jaxson Hayes or Mo Wagner.

I mean, this goes both ways.

We can just sign Spencer Dinwiddie or Cameron Payne instead of drafting a PG, right?

Why bother with a wing when we could sign Cedi Osman?

None of the guys mentioned (or anyone else in this draft) were the best player in college for 2 years. Maybe he doesn't amount to much, but a lot of the guys around our pick look like they have lower ceilings and lower floors than Edey.

This is just a terrible argument for a draft thread btw, where the whole idea is you get these players when they are young and cheap, and maybe they exceed expectations. If I think a guy's floor is Player X (and I obviously could be wrong), it's not some kind of gotcha to be like "let's just sign 30 year old Player X instead."

[PD28]

The more I dig into this draft and its prospects, the more I like Edey.

I think it's kind of insane that he might be available at our pick. I wouldn't be surprised at all if he blows mock drafts away and goes top 10-late lotto. In fact, I'm kind of expecting it at this point.

There's obviously something I'm missing, because even if he's just a big stiff, he probably sticks around the league as a rotation/situational player. I'm having a hard time seeing him be worse than an Alex Len or a Plumlee, but he could be much much better.

My thing about him is he absolutely wrecked college ball. That's worth taking a flier in a bad draft.

Combine actually helped him, much more athletic than people expected.

[dandaman]

Finally decided to check out this Dadiet hype and colour me impressed, he looks like he can be groomed to be that alpha scorer you need next to Barnes, he has a very nice scoring package at such a young age and very esthetically pleasing game, if he is there at 31 you gotta take a flyer on him