Re: 2024 NBA Draft Thread
Posted: Sat Jan 6, 2024 11:12 pm
by Jamaaliver
Bleacher Report2024 NBA Mock Draft
Full 2-Round Predictions
8. Ja'kobe Walter9. Atlanta Hawks: Reed SheppardSpoiler:
School/Team: Baylor
Position: SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6'5", 195 lbs
Pro Comparison: Moses Moody
Positional tools and shotmaking versatility create a floor and easy fit that's seemingly solidified Ja'Kobe Walter in the top-10 discussion.
His skill set is tailored for plug-and-play off-ball scoring, with Walter shooting 40.0 percent on spot-up threes and 9-of-16 on shots off screens. But he's also looked effective scoring in ball-screen situations, mostly by attacking downhill, finishing through contact or earning trips to the free-throw line.
At 6'5" with length and strength, he has the defensive tools to pair with a jumper, creating a low-risk, popular archetype.12. Kyle FilipowskiSpoiler:
School/Team: Kentucky
Position: SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6'3", 187 lbs
Pro comparison: Donte DiVincenzo
The lack of convincing high-upside prospects in this draft will lead to teams valuing Reed Sheppard's floor. It's propped up by translatable strengths such as shooting, passing IQ and defensive instincts, a mix that makes him both adaptable and capable of impacting games without needing to create.
The efficiency numbers and analytics are still off the charts. He's converting 60.0 percent of his twos, 56.0 percent of his threes and 90.0 percent of his free throws with 52 assists to 19 turnovers, an absurd 5.6 steal percentage and an usual 3.9 block percentage for a guard.
At some point in this draft—possibly in the late lottery—teams are going to look past the inch or two Sheppard is missing for a traditional 2-guard.14. Phoenix Suns: Ryan DunnSpoiler:
School/Team: Duke
Position: PF/C
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 7'0", 248 lbs
Pro comparison: Moritz Wagner
While it's still difficult to pinpoint one signature strength or skill for Kyle Filipowski, he's building a case around versatility rather than scoring potential.
He's not the shooter or fluid mover that Lauri Markkanen is, but he does check boxes, even if he doesn't dominate any. He's become a tougher low-post player. Though his three-point numbers aren't much different than last year's, he's still a spot-up or pick-and-pop threat. And he can initiate fast breaks with his open-floor handle.
Averaging 3.0 assists per game, Filipowski is showing that he can give teams a big who can impact games in a variety of ways.16. Orlando Magic: Stephon CastleSpoiler:
School/Team: Virginia
Position: SF/PF
Age: 20, Sophomore
Size: 6'8", 216 lbs
Pro comparison: Herbert Jones
There is debate over how much stock scouts should be into Ryan Dunn's offensive limitations. He won't be for everyone, but certain teams could see value in adding a defensive specialist and explosive finisher midway through the first round of a perceived weaker draft.
While sustaining his current defensive playmaking rates seems unlikely, he's on pace to become the only NCAA player on record to register a 10.0 block percentage and 5.0 steal percentage.
However, Dunn may have a tough time justifying starter minutes at the next level without a threatening three-ball.22. Kel'el WareSpoiler:
School/Team: Connecticut
Position: SG
Age: 19, Freshman
Size: 6'6", 215 lbs
An early-season injury and a talented, deep Connecticut rotation have affected Stephon Castle's ability to build any rhythm.
Given his role in just 20.9 minutes, scouts will have to put more stock into the flashes and the potential valuable archetype they could create for the 6'6", 215-pound point wing.
Per 40 minutes, he's averaging 6.2 assists and 1.9 steals, his passing and defense have been the strengths that have separated him most from others at his position.
However, poor shooting (1-of-9 3PT) and bad misses do figure to hold Castle back from generating interest from most teams in the top 10.23. Atlanta Hawks (via Kings): Bobi KlintmanSpoiler:
School/Team: Indiana
Position: C
Age: 19, Sophomore
Size: 7'0", 242 lbs
Pro Comparison: Jarrett Allen
Kel'el Ware still falls away into tough jumpers or fades into the background too often for such an obvious talent. But the 7'0" size, easy leaping and shotmaking skill have swayed scouts to look past the lapses in activity.
The 7-footer is averaging 14.6 points, using his outstanding finishing tools for lobs and putbacks while scoring on defenders in the post with his high release and touch.
Indiana doesn't trust him much to space the floor as a spot-up or pick-and-pop shooter. But predraft workouts should represent another chance for Ware to showcase some hidden range.Spoiler:
Team/Nationality: Cairns Taipans/Swedish
Position: SF/PF
Age: 20
Size: 6'8", 225 lbs
Pro Comparison: De'Andre Hunter
Bobi Klintman has been up and down all season, though playing a spot-up heavy role for a new team in a pro leaugue makes the inconsistency understandable.
NBA teams will be drawn to his archetype as a 6'8" combo forward who's delivered flashes of shooting, touch shots and live-dribble passing.
There is some risk tied to the idea that he's missing a bankable strength, but Klintman's physical tools and skill set create appealing versatility.