Bleacher Report: Full 2-round Mock Draft with 1 week to go – NBA.com

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman updates his 2024 Mock Draft with one week left before the 2024 NBA Draft.
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report
Every team in the lottery will discuss Stephon Castle, who cracks the top 5 in the latest Mock Draft.
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Editor’s Note: Find more of Jonathan Wasserman’s coverage of the 2024 Draft on Bleacher Report or to read this article on BleacherReport.com, click here.
(B/R) — One week before the NBA Draft, teams are buckling down, sorting through prospects, finalizing workouts, creating trade proposals, digging for information and imagining different scenarios that may occur on June 26 and 27.
The Atlanta Hawks are said to be considering multiple prospects at No. 1. And the feeling around the team and league is that they’re still undecided.
Rumors continue to swirl about potential risers and fallers.
Teams also learned that some key international players are officially staying in the draft after Sunday’s withdrawal deadline.
Some of the analysis is repeated from the previous mock draft.
1. Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher
Rival teams continue to guess who the Atlanta Hawks prefer at No. 1. They’re still looking at multiple prospects, and those around the team and league believe Atlanta remains undecided.
Zaccharie Risacher, Donovan Clingan and Alex Sarr all have been the names tied to Atlanta the most. There seems to be some level of intrigue in Matas Buzelis as well, but presumably only for trade-down purposes.
We continue to give the edge to Risacher, a perceived safe pick with a valued archetype and pathways to improve and bust through the three-and-D level that he brings to JL Bourg.
While scouts continue to debate the height of Risacher’s ceiling, there is a perceived level of certainty tied to his positional size, shooting and defensive tools/quickness. That could sway the Hawks to lean his way without a sure-thing star at the top. Injury problems with Saddiq Bey and AJ Griffin could also help the case for Risacher to Atlanta.
2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr
Teams and agents believe that if the Atlanta Hawks don’t draft Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards will take him at No. 2. Washington has also shown interest in Matas Buzelis.
Some scouts and executives have questioned Sarr’s offensive polish for a top pick, the Wizards are expected to be patient during its rebuild.
The rise and success of defensive bigs with perimeter skill sets—Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., Chet Holmgren, Victor Wembanyama—adds to the allure of Sarr.
He measured well in Chicago, coming in at just under 7’0″ in socks, 224 pounds with a 7-foot-4 wingspan. At that size, the ability to slide his feet, handle in the open floor and shoot off the dribble separates him from other centers.
The Wizards will eventually need to find a point guard, but at No. 2, Sarr’s physical talent, evolving skill versatility and defense create visions of upside that could be difficult to resist.
3. Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard
The Houston Rockets are expected to shop No. 3 without much room to invest in another young prospect’s development. It just may be challenging to find a trade partner with the perceived difference between No. 3 and the late lottery being minimal.
If the Rockets stick, they should love what Reed Sheppard brings to their rotation: elite shooting, passing and intangibles/character that scouts and executives praised after interviewing him at the NBA combine.
For Sheppard, an undersized 2 who’s more limited off the dribble, Amen Thompson would also be the ideal backcourt partner with his creation/playmaking and ability to defend bigger guards.
And Sheppard feels perfect for Thompson with his ability to stretch the floor and create space for a limited shooter and shifty ball-handler.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle
Every team in the lottery will discuss Stephon Castle. They’re all going to covet the idea of a 6-foot-6 defensive stopper who handles the ball and passes, possesses great positional strength and just needs some improved shooting touch to unlock a unique potential trajectory and archetype.
His camp has gone dark since the NBA combine. There’s no indication that he’s worked out for anyone, and if he has, it’s been kept quiet. It’s possible Castle has some assurance about where he’ll be taken. San Antonio figures to be a desirable destination for any prospect, particularly Castle, who’ll get to play more on the ball for a Spurs team lacking a cornerstone point guard.
5. Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis
By draft night, each of the top six teams except for the Houston Rockets are expected to have seen Matas Buzelis. Teams believe he’s jumped ahead of Ignite teammate Ron Holland, and it feels like the intrigue around his athleticism and scoring versatility—and the upside it theoretically creates—continues to grow among teams trying to determine their top prospects during this final evaluation period.
He’s getting looks from the Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards and Detroit Pistons. If Detroit takes fit into consideration at all, Buzelis’ wing size/position and shotmaking could give him an edge.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Donovan Clingan
Donovan Clingan has at least entered the conversation for the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards. But if both pass, he could slide outside the top five unless a team trades up or the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons see a prospect too special to worry about fit.
Even with Mark Williams expected back, the Charlotte Hornets might not think he’s proven enough for them to eliminate a defensive difference-maker like Clingan from consideration. If he’s on the board at No. 6, there may also be some trade offers coming from teams that want to move up.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams
Rival teams continue to predict that Cody Williams will be picked earlier than most expect, potentially by the Detroit Pistons at No. 5 or the San Antonio Spurs.
The pitch to Williams revolves around a coveted, big-wing archetype, his efficiency at Colorado and the belief that he has the mentality and blueprint (being Jalen’s brother) to continue improving and maximize his potential.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Devin Carter
Sources say the San Antonio Spurs are high on Devin Carter, who just completed workouts with the Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls.
Nikola Topić’s ACL tear could give Carter an extra edge at No. 8.
One of the top perimeter defenders in the draft with a 6-foot-9 wingspan and 77 career blocks at 6-foot-2 in socks, he also developed into one of the nation’s best pick-and-roll ball-handlers and a much-improved shotmaker this season at Providence.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Ron Holland
Ron Holland didn’t win over NBA teams with his jumper during his pro day. He’s a candidate to slide with scouts feeling comfortable about Dalton Knecht’s shooting and more compelled by Matas Buzelis’ shotmaking and versatility, and Stephon Castle’s playmaking, defense and impact on winning.
This still feels late and like good value for an explosive, 18-year-old wing who averaged 19.5 points in the G League.
The losses, poor shooting and suspect decision-making have turned certain scouts off, but even without a reliable jump shot or high-level creation, he still put up big numbers using his speed, improved ball-handling, athleticism around the basket and streak shotmaking.
10. Utah Jazz: Dalton Knecht
After drafting three freshmen in last year’s first round, the Utah Jazz may be more inclined to add an NBA-ready player with a coveted, surefire skill. There is a level of certainty tied to Dalton Knecht’s shooting and shotmaking versatility. He’s an easy offensive fit with his off-ball skill set, though tough drives and athletic finishes in transition suggest Knecht has more to his game than a specialist’s.
We’re hearing the interest in Knecht starts at No. 6 with the Hornets. But teams more enticed by younger prospects with theoretically higher ceilings could allow Utah to grab the 23-year-old at No. 10.
11. Chicago Bulls: Rob Dillingham
Though Rob Dillingham has yet to work out for teams, he’s starting to sound like a candidate who could slide.
The Detroit Pistons and Portland Trail Blazers seem unlikely to target him based on their current backcourts. The Charlotte Hornets could be an option, although they finished No. 29 in defense. League sources believe the San Antonio Spurs aren’t likely based on what they’re signaling to agents. We’re hearing teams prefer bigger positional prospects.
At No. 11, the Chicago Bulls may see too good of a buy-low opportunity on Dillingham, who could either provide instant offense off the bench or insurance/depth in case of any tempting Zach LaVine deals.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Tidjane Salaun
Tidjane Salaun is earning workouts with top-10 teams, including the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons. The late lottery is now seen as the floor for the 18-year-old forward who made 75 total threes in 54 total games with Cholet.
Though the Thunder are officially in win-now mode for a title run, Salaun started playoff games in LNB Pro A. He could be ready for a smaller role, but the same one he had with Cholet, playing to his strength as a rim-runner, finisher and spot-up shooter.
13. Sacramento Kings: Kel’el Ware
An impressive pro day of shooting has had teams buzzing about Kel’el Ware. Sources say he’s generating realistic consideration in the late lottery.
The narrative about his underwhelming motor has seemingly been squashed.
Ware figures to look highly enticing in a workout setting that can showcase his athleticism at the rim, mobility and high shotmaking skill level.
14. Portland Trail Blazers: Tristan da Silva
Tristan da Silva will visit mid-first-round teams on his workout tour. Teams all seem to like his positional size, shooting versatility and all-around polish, on and off the floor. The question is how much a team loves him.
His athletic limitations could restrict him at both ends of the floor, getting to and finishing at the rim or stopping quicker wings and stronger 4s.
Teams valuing safety and shooting over upside could be drawn to da Silva in the late lottery or teens.
15. Miami Heat: Nikola Topić
Teams were informed of Nikola Topić’s torn ACL at the NBA’s combine in Treviso, held for those who missed out on Chicago. The diagnosis obviously won’t help teams that were previously on the fence.
Teams are still waiting for U.S. doctors to examine Topić’s knee. Some have speculated that he may need surgery. The question is whether that will impact how front offices value the 6-foot-6 point guard.
As long as they don’t throw red flags at results that hint at long-term vulnerability, a lottery team may be willing to wait for a big playmaker who’s had success creating for teammates and attacking in pro leagues overseas.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Ja’Kobe Walter
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 will 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 make it tougher for teams to picture an upside worth a top-10 pick.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Zach Edey
Rival teams believe Zach Edey could go in the lottery. While there are still skeptics, it also sounds like some teams will be willing to take a chance that 7-foot-4 size, improved mobility and inside touch could translate to effective offensive rebounding, post scoring, rim protection and adequate enough defensive foot speed in space.
18. Orlando Magic: Jared McCain
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.
19. Toronto Raptors: Kyshawn George
Kyshawn George received a green-room invite, an indication that the late-season and predraft buzz is valid.
Scouts have been drawn to his size for a guard, shooting and ball-handling, a combination that creates an enticing archetype. His lack of strength and explosion inside the arc does hint at risk, but he’ll receive interest in the teens as a 6-foot-7 live-dribble passer who shot 40.8 percent from three.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Carlton Carrington
Carlton Carrington has teams’ attention in the late lottery. He shot extremely well during shooting drills after measuring just under 6-foot-4 in socks with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. He’s one of the draft’s youngest prospects with positional size, serious shotmaking production and enough passing ability for teams to picture a point guard.
He didn’t get to the rim much, and a 1.0 steal rate highlights some real concerns over his quickness for a guard. But teams won’t overthink athleticism or numbers as much this late in this particular draft.
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Bucks): Yves Missi
Yves Missi measured well at nearly 6-foot-11 in socks with a 7-foot-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.
22. Phoenix Suns: Isaiah Collier
Listed as 6-foot-5 by USC, Isaiah Collier measured 6-foot-2.5 (socks) with a near 6-foot-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 with those concerns may be interested in Collier’s ability to break down defenses, make plays off the bounce and put pressure on the rim.
23. Milwaukee Bucks: Jaylon Tyson
Jaylon Tyson is top 20 on some team boards. He figures to get looks from teams starting in the mid-to-late first round after a breakout season averaging 19.6 points and 3.5 assists.
A 30.1 percent usage on a 13-19 California team does cast a cloud over his statistical production. But the eye test clearly shows a scorer with NBA traits and skills, including 6-foot-6 size, ball-handling for creation/playmaking and tough shotmaking.
24. New York Knicks: Ryan Dunn
The Knicks felt the payoff of having a big-wing defender like OG Anunoby. Ryan Dunn could give them another one whose court coverage and play-disrupting around the basket led to some wild steal and block rates.
The New York native already worked out for the Knicks and seems to be a Tom Thibodeau-type role player.
25. New York Knicks: DaRon Holmes II
There is first-round interest in DaRon Holmes II, who seemingly has a wide draft range and teams mystified about his stock.
He made plenty of jump shots during shooting drills at the combine. And more strong shooting during workouts will continue to help, as scouts have been debating how much to buy this year’s 38.6 percent mark from three.
He entered this pre-draft process with more momentum than he had last year. Improved range, handles/body control attacking the basket and passing have raised his draft stock, and he’s coming off a 23-point, 11-rebound, three-assist, four-stock game with a pair of threes against Arizona in the NCAA tournament.
26. Washington Wizards: Terrence Shannon Jr.
Terrence Shannon Jr. was found not guilty of rape and aggravated sexual battery on Thursday.
Teams can now focus their evaluation strictly on basketball, a big deal for Shannon given the strides he made this year. Despite already being 23, his 2023-24 breakout season showed the speed, athleticism, shotmaking improvement and defensive tools that generate first-round interest.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Johnny Furphy
Johnny Furphy’s fairly simplistic and translatable combination of positional size, shooting and play-finishing could be enough for a team in the 20s.
But his athletic-test results were disappointing at the combine, and a 189-pound frame at his size suggests he’s at least a year from being physically ready for NBA minutes.
28. Denver Nuggets: Kyle Filipowski
Measurements and athletic testing results from the NBA combine won’t do Kyle Filipowski any favors. With shoes on, (6-foot-10.75 in socks), he’ll wind up with a negative wingspan (6-foot-10.5). And he finished in the bottom half of the foot speed and leaping tests.
His draft stock has mostly remained unchanged for the past few months, though pre-draft risers could push him down boards. His shooting range, post skill, improved finishing and passing and defensive mobility create versatility that should lock Filipowski into the first round.
While he doesn’t project as a top option like he was at Duke, he checks the right complementary boxes to make a quick transition to a supporting stretch 4 or 5 role.
29. Utah Jazz: Pacome Dadiet
Still playing overseas, Pacome Dadiet has gradually put himself in the first-round discussion with shooting versatility, play-finishing and brief on-ball flashes for a 6-foot-8, 18-year-old wing.
Between his age, efficient production in the German League and EuroCup and an adaptable, off-ball game, he seems to have a high floor with a path to upside if his creation evolves.
30. Boston Celtics: Tyler Kolek
Underwhelming measurements (6-foot-1, 6-foot-3 wingspan) and athletic testing will make teams view Tyler Kolek as a backup. But that could still be enough to draw first-round interest, particularly from playoff teams that will see a guard who can instantly provide pick-and-roll offense, spot-up shooting and toughness.
31. Toronto Raptors: Bobi Klintman
Bobi Klintman leaves NBA combine week as a classic fringe first-rounder—interesting enough to go in the 20s to a team that loves the big-wing archetype and two-way versatility, but not sharp enough in any one area for teams to confidently project what strengths/skills will translate.
He looked comfortable shooting in Chicago, and teams that ultimately buy his three-ball carrying over and improving could deem Klintman worth taking in the first round.
32. Utah Jazz (via Wizards): Baylor Scheierman
Scouts left the NBA combine more confident in Baylor Scheierman. He looked like a pro during shooting drills and scrimmages.
Aside from his shotmaking, he brought in boards, made plays in ball-screen situations, scored with craft and footwork inside the arc and demonstrated vocal leadership.
He’ll generate first-round consideration from multiple teams, particularly those more interested in adding a good-bet role player than chasing longer-term upside.
33. Milwaukee Bucks: Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith didn’t shoot as well at the combine as the Ignite highlights and numbers suggest he could. He was also left off the green-room list, which means he’s likely closer to falling to the second round than climbing toward the lottery.
Shotmaking is the main draw to Smith, who measured 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-1 wingspan.
Limited evidence of him putting the ball down may keep teams from seeing paths to upside. Regardless, midway through the first round interest will start to build in a stretch big with strong tools and athleticism for play-finishing around the basket.
34. Portland Trail Blazers: Kevin McCullar Jr.
Kevin McCullar Jr. continues to sit with a knee injury that kept him out of the NCAA tournament. He skipped drills, athletic testing and scrimmages at the combine, though it was unlikely scouts would learn anything new about the 23-year-old who attended the same event last year.
The Jayhawks ultimately looked like a different team without him, which speaks to his impact and wide-ranging contributions getting Kansas into offense, finishing plays, making shots and defending opponents’ top wings.
Scouts buy his versatility and defense for a supporting NBA role, though he’ll have to avoid any medical-report concerns.
35. San Antonio Spurs: Cam Christie
Cam Christie had a quiet NBA combine after choosing to skip scrimmaging.
There is a lens that some scouts can look through and see upside based on his age, size, shotmaking and passing flashes. But he’s being seen as a project who’ll spend next year in the G League, regardless of where he’s drafted.
36. Indiana Pacers (via Raptors): Enrique Freeman
The biggest riser of the predraft process so far, Enrique Freeman turned his Portsmouth Invitational play into a G League Elite Camp invite, where he earned a call-up to the NBA combine.
He wound up being one of the most productive players during scrimmages against projected second-round picks, impressing with his shooting range, post skill, finishing activity and rebounding.
Scouts believe he got himself drafted in Chicago. A second-round team will be willing to bet on his versatility, production at Akron and the story of a former walk-on.
37. Minnesota Timberwolves: KJ Simpson
KJ Simpson backed up the big stat lines at Colorado with a handful of blow-by drives, tough finishes and shotmaking during NBA combine scrimmages.
He also got up for a 40.5-inch max vertical, which could help make up for the fact that he only measured 6’0″ without shoes.
Production, creation skill, touch, range, energy and confidence could sway a team to look past the underwhelming measurements.
38. New York Knicks (via Jazz): Adem Bona
Adem Bona measured a 7-foot-4 wingspan, tied for the highest standing vertical, and then showcased that length and athleticism on big finishes and blocks during scrimmages.
The extra scoring this year at UCLA won’t do much for his stock. But he still has the tools, motor, feet and leaping ability to continue making plays around the rim at both ends.
39. Memphis Grizzlies: Keshad Johnson
Keshad Johnson popped numerous times in Chicago during scrimmages with his shooting, defensive playmaking and foot speed around the perimeter. He also tied for the highest max vertical at 42 inches, and he measured two of the biggest hands at the combine.
Interesting physical tools, athleticism, movement and shotmaking development should earn Johnson plenty of workouts and second-round consideration.
40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Hawks): Dillon Jones
Ball-dominant at Weber State, Dillon Jones had trouble standing out in a different role at the NBA combine. On the bright side, he improved his athletic-test results across the board since last year, specifically his foot-speed times and vertical jumps.
The first round feels far-fetched, but he should get looks in the 30s and 40s from teams drawn to his unique versatility as a 237-pound playmaker, excellent rebounder and improved shooter.
41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Bulls): Jonathan Mogbo
Jonathan Mogbo helped his stock in Chicago, showing how he can fit without a jumper at just 6-foot-6 in socks. He plays much bigger than his measurements around the basket. But he also showed how well he can handle in the open floor and process quickly as a passer.
The tools/athleticism for scoring around the basket and playmaking ability create a unique archetype that teams will find enticing in the second round.
42. Charlotte Hornets: Nikola Djurisic
After playing well at the NBA combine, Nikola Djurisic won MVP at Eurocamp. It looked easy for him against younger competition, though he had some difficulty getting good looks in the championship game against a more competitive roster.
His positional size, shotmaking and passing should result in plenty of second-round interest.
43. Miami Heat: Pelle Larsson
Pelle Larsson’s impressive frame and versatility stood out more than his scoring in Chicago. His game feels very adaptable to the next level, even if he’s missing one specialty skill.
Teams should see a high-floor second-round pick who can make plays out of pick-and-rolls, threaten as a catch-and-shooter and generally make the right plays within an offense.
44. Houston Rockets: Melvin Ajinça
Melvin Ajinça met with teams in Treviso after missing the NBA combine for the LNB Pro A playoffs.
His shotmaking has been a draw since FIBA over the summer. Teams will be trying to decide if he’s a sharp enough shooter to compensate for his lack of creation and quickness.
45. Sacramento Kings: PJ Hall
PJ Hall didn’t scrimmage in Chicago after participating last year. There is ultimately enough game film of the senior playing against NBA-caliber bigs from the ACC.
Hall will still have to sell teams on his shooting during workouts, but he’s consistently improved his range. And between his physical profile and fundamentals around the post, his post scoring feels translatable.
46. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pacers): Justin Edwards
Justin Edwards hit mid-range jumpers and a step-back three in the combine’s opening scrimmage before missing his outside shots and struggling in the second scrimmage.
He isn’t advanced enough in any one offensive area for teams to confidently draft him with a first-round pick. He’ll remain in the second-round conversation for teams willing to bet on shotmaking improvement to complement his athleticism and defensive tools.
47. Orlando Magic: Jamal Shead
Jamal Shead combined for 27 points and 10 assists in the two combine scrimmages, delivering the signature rim pressure, defensive toughness and playmaking we saw at Houston.
Questions about his height and shooting may limit his first-round interest, but there are sure to be teams that see second-round value based on the likelihood that his physical driving, passing instincts and relentless ball pressure translate.
48. San Antonio Spurs: AJ Johnson
AJ Johnson’s ball-handling and shiftiness, passing reads, athleticism at the rim and shooting range popped at the NBA combine. His on-ball creation, scoring and playmaking flashes looked enticing for a 6-foot-4 (in socks) 19-year-old with a 6-foot-8 wingspan.
He’ll spend next season in the G League at just 167 pounds and coming off limited minutes in Australia.
49. Indiana Pacers: Ajay Mitchell
The most impressive plays at the combine from Ajay Mitchell highlighted his playmaking, which was good to see considering he’s more known for scoring.
Scouts still have too many questions about his shooting and quickness/burst to give a first-round grade. But he should be on plenty of second-round boards for teams that could use another ball-handler and extra creation.
50. Indiana Pacers: Jaylen Wells
From Division II to Washington State and the NBA combine, Jaylen Wells has become a second-round name for teams to consider.
Scouts have started to picture a shotmaking specialist with his wing size and outstanding spot-up and pull-up shooting accuracy.
51. Washington Wizards: Juan Nunez
Juan Nunez kept his name in the draft at the deadline, a potential sign he may have some assurance about gettin picked. NBA teams will have him on their radar for his crafty playmaking and elite passing skills. His modest improvement as a shooter has been promising, but he’ll draw looks for his ability to set up teammates and make plays with his dribble.
52. Golden State Warriors: Harrison Ingram
Harrison Ingram showed off his shotmaking in one scrimmage and passing with six assists in the other game. He’s earned fans with his connector skill set and strength and 7’0″ wingspan for rebounding and defensive activity.
Scouts don’t see a likely first-round pick, with questions about his burst for blowing by or explosion at the rim. But his two-way versatility and maturity are strong enough draws to earn consideration in the 30s.
53. Detroit Pistons: Antonio Reeves
Antonio Reeves looked like the same scoring weapon during scrimmages that he was at Kentucky. He’s clearly one of the class’ top shotmakers who also has a good feel for how to get himself those catch-and-shoot, pull-up and floater chances within an offense’s flow.
Age and athletic limitations won’t feel alarming enough for teams to keep passing on him late in the second round.
54. Boston Celtics (via Mavericks): Tristen Newton
Tristen Newton surprised scouts when he opted to skip scrimmaging. Teams should ultimately have a confident feel for the 23-year-old’s game, which played a key role during Connecticut’s repeat championships.
Newton should draw second-round interest and two-way offers from teams who see a Swiss Army knife guard who can make plays for teammates, knock down shots and adapt to different roles and situations.
55. Los Angeles Lakers (via Clippers): Bronny James
Rival teams sound uncertain about Bronny James’ chances of getting drafted, though the Los Angeles Lakers remain the popular guess as to his most likely destination.
If he’s still on the board deep into the second round, L.A.’s front office could feel pressure to select him, considering it’s essentially a risk-free pick that late, and passing at No. 55 would signal to LeBron how little the team thinks of Bronny.
However, he impressed with his shooting at the NBA combine, while James’ defensive quickness popped at USC. Though he’d likely spend next year earning G League reps and the South Bay Lakers’ extra attention, his shotmaking, foot speed and IQ do create a viable three-and-D archetype and path to NBA success in the long term.
His draft stock and debated potential have ultimately become some of the most unique and tricky storylines of the modern NBA draft era.
56. Denver Nuggets: Oso Ighodaro
On a positive note, Oso Ighodaro tied for the highest standing vertical at the combine (35″) and was able to showcase the handle and passing that separates him from bigs. But he also measured just a 6-foot-11 wingspan, easily the shortest among projected centers.
No shooting range and questionable tools for rim protection could raise some red flags, but teams could see a place for his playmaking, signature touch shots and play-finishing from his position.
57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Thunder): Isaac Jones
The clear standout at the Portsmouth Invitational, Isaac Jones moved his way up to G League Elite Camp and the NBA combine.
His pitch to teams is built around his ability to guard bigs and wings and make plays with his athleticism and motor. But he also flashed enough post skill and shooting potential to possibly provide some complementary offense.
58. Dallas Mavericks (via Celtics): Boogie Ellis
After making 313 career threes, Boogie Ellis shot well at the combine, and late second-round teams will make two-way contract offers for a proven shooter who can also handle the ball.
Jonathan Wasserman is the lead scout and NBA Draft analyst for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on  X, formerly known as Twitter. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA, its clubs or Warner Brothers Discovery.
Stats courtesy of Synergy Sports and Sports Reference.
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