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As the 2024 NBA Draft grows closer, mock drafts are constantly changing in what many have determined as one of the weakest draft classes in recent memory. Because of that, there have been many risers and fallers in mock drafts ranging from ESPN, The Ringer, and CBSSports. In the latest mock draft from CBS Sports, one of the more controversial prospects has leaped from a late second-rounder or potential undrafted player to a top-20 pick.
Bronny James
Age: 19
Pos: G
Team: USC
The son of LeBron James, Bronny James draft has been seen as one of the most controversial players in the 2024 draft. In 25 games at USC, James put up 4.8 PPG, 2.8 RPG, and 2.1 APG with shooting splits of 36.6% from the field and only 26% from beyond the arc. Many have said he is not NBA ready, but his agent and Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul has confirmed Bronny will stay in the draft. Even though he has been cleared to play, there are still questions about his health.
At the combine, Bronny had an impressive performance in the three-point drill, shooting 19-25, the second best overall. Scouts were also impressed with his performances during the combine, noting how he filled a role to help his team win. The biggest elephant in the room is his father. Recent reports have noted that even though he was invited to work out for 10+ teams, Bronny will only be working out for the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns. With rumors suggesting LeBron will become a free agent this offseason, the Lakers are likely to draft Bronny in an attempt to keep his father in L.A.
Cody Williams
Age: 19
Pos: SF/PF
Team: Colorado
The brother of OKC Thunder forward Jalen Williams, Colorado Buffaloes forward Cody Williams already has a strong connection to the league. In his 24 games at Colorado, the freshman put up 11.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 1.6 APG on splits of 55% from the field and 41% from three. Scouts have questions about if his three-point shooting will carry over to the league as he attempted under two threes per game.
While he’s been described as a dynamic finisher with the ability to play make, many have argued Williams needs to put on some muscle to be able to compete at the NBA level, coming it at 6’6.5” and just 178lbs. Williams has been mocked to multiple teams including Chicago, and OKC in the most recent mock from The Ringer, or San Antonio selecting him with the 8th overall pick.
Devin Carter
Age: 22
Pos: PG/SG
Team: Providence
The son of NBA veteran Anthony Carter, Devin Carter followed up two great years with the Providence Friars with a great performance at the combine. In his second year at Providence, Carter averaged 19.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, and 3.6 APG on splits of 47% from the field and 37% from three.
At the combine, Carter was among the best with his max vertical leap (42”) and standing vertical leap (35”). He also recorded the best three-quarter sprint in the history of the NBA combine with at 2.87 seconds. The latest mock drafts from CBS Sports and The Ringer having him going to OKC at 12 and Sacramento at 13, respectively.
Tidjane Salaun
Age: 18
Pos: PF
Team: Cholet
The third French prospect expected to go in the lottery, Tidjane Salaun has the potential to become a two-way star in the league. During his time with Cholet, Salaun averaged 9.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, and 1.1 SPG shooting 31% from three.
Although he’s been praised as a “locked-in” defender, scouts have noted he needs to become a better on-ball defender to reach his potential. There are also questions about if his shooting is legitimate as he has not been a great shooter until this most recent season. He has most recently been mocked to go in the late lottery.
Stephon Castle
Age: 19
Pos: SG
Team: Connecticut
Ranked as one of the best guards in the draft, Stephon Castle has the potential to be a superstar guard in the league. In his single season with the Huskies, Castle averaged 11.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, and 2.9 APG, shooting 47% from the field and a lackluster 26% from three.
He has been praised for his playmaking abilities at times as well as his defense as a bigger guard. His shooting has been seen as an issue by scouts. Having a previous meniscus injury is also something scouts have looked at. He has recently been mocked in the top 10 to the San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz. If Castle can improve on his shooting, he would make a great for a great addition alongside Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
Kyle Filipowski
Age: 20
Pos: PF/C
Team: Duke
A five-star recruit, Duke’s Kyle Filipowski is a shooting big man that could fit on several teams in the league. In his sophomore season at Duke, Filipowski averaged 16.4 PPG, 8.3 RPG, and 1.5 BPG while shooting just under 35% from three as a big man. Filipowski received numerous honors including ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC tournament MVP in 2023.
Of the 77 players that participated in the combine, Filipowski was the only player with a negative wingspan as his height was 6’10.75” with a wingspan of 6’10.50”. Scouts cite him needing to improve at the paint but praise him for being able to move like a guard or wing. He has been mocked to go in the second half of the draft, being linked to the Raptors, Suns, and Nuggets.
Yves Missi
Age: 20
Pos: C
Team: Baylor
Another big man who has been mocked in the second half of the draft; Baylor’s Yves Missi could be a valuable pick to numerous teams in need of a center. In his single season at Baylor, Missi averaged 10.7 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 1.5 BPG while shooting 61% from the field. Drawing comparisons to Detroit’s Jalen Duren, Missi can be a serious three in the paint on both ends of the floor.
Scouts have noted several concerns for Missi including his hackability on the floor as well as passing. With big men in recent years starting to play more like guards, Missi plays may be seen as more of a one-dimensional big man. His conditioning has also been noted as a concern. In recent mock drafts, he has been mocked to Phoenix and New York, with both teams in need of a big man.
Tristan da Silva
Age: 23
Pos: SF/PF
Team: Colorado
The second Colorado forward expected to be drafted this season, Tristan da Silva has rapidly improved in his four years playing for the Buffaloes. In his last season at Colorado, da Silva averaged 16.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 2.4 APG on splits of 49% from the field and 39% from three. Heading into the draft, da Silva is one of the oldest players, just turning 23 years old in early May.
He has been seen as one of the better playmaking wings in the draft as well as one of the more polished players. On the other end, many scouts have not seen him as an elite athlete many of the other players in the draft. He has drawn comparisons to Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson. He is currently projected to be drafted right outside or the lottery, with mocks drafting him to Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Minnesota.
Isaish Collier
Age: 19
Pos: PG
Team: USC
The second USC rookie guard from USC to declare for the draft, Isaiah Collier has his ups and downs like many of the guards in mock drafts. In his only season at USC, Collier averaged 16.3 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 4.3 APG, and 1.5 SPG on splits of 49% from the field and just 33% from three. Like many of the guards in the draft class, Collier is seen as a solid playmaker but not a great shooter. He’s also received praise on the defensive end as well.
Collier has been linked to numerous teams ahead of the draft ranging all the way from the middle of the lottery to the second half of the first round. The Ringer has Collier mocked at 19th to the Toronto Raptors, CBS Sports has him going to New Orleans with the 21st pick, Bleacher Report has him going to Miami at 15th and several outlets have him going to Chicago at 11th. At the combine, Collier revealed his was set to interview with the Bulls, mentioning his friendship with former USC alum and 2024 first overall NFL Draft Pick Caleb Williams and how the city has embraced him.
Kel’el Ware
Age: 20
Pos: C
Team: Indiana
A sophomore coming out of Indiana, Kel’el Ware has quickly improved in his two years in college. After playing his freshman season mainly off the bench at Oregon, Ware transferred to Indiana, starting all 30 games he played. In those games, he averaged 15.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, and 1.9 BPG, shooting 58% from the field and an impressive 42% from three.
Through various mock drafts, Ware has seen comparisons to Jarret Allen, Myles Turner, Dereck Lively II, and Brook Lopez. Averaging just under two three-point attempts per game, shooing more threes could make him an asset to many teams. Current mocks have him going right outside of the lottery with landing spots including Philadelphia at 16, New Orleans at 17, and Toronto at 19.
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