NBA draft 2024: Pick-by-pick selections with player capsules
Here are the pick-by-pick selections (note the second round will be Thursday):
FIRST ROUND
1. ATLANTA: Zaccharie Risacher, 19, F, 6-9, JL Bourg (France)
French wing is a solid shooter and offensive player with the ability to defend multiple positions. What he might lack in athleticism he makes up for with his IQ.
2. WASHINGTON: Alexandre Sarr, 19, C, 7-0, Perth Wildcats (Australia)
French big man has all the tools to excel, particularly the ability to defend in the paint and at the rim. Has soft shooting touch around the basket.
3. HOUSTON: Reed Sheppard, 20, G, 6-2, Kentucky
An elite three-point shooter (52% last season) who can score as a playmaker or off the ball in catch-and-shoot situations. Solid defender despite lack of size.
4. SAN ANTONIO: Stephon Castle, 19, G, 6-6, Connecticut
Combo guard is best with the ball in his hands as a versatile scorer and playmaker off the drive. Has the ability to become an elite defender.
5. DETROIT: Ronald Holland II, 18, F, 6-7, G League Ignite
An athletic wing who displays versatility on both ends of the court, he could become a 3-and-D player with a consistent three-point shot.
6. CHARLOTTE: Tidjane Salaun, 18, F, 6-9, Cholet (France)
Combo forward with raw athletic talent who can score inside and from deep. No midrange game but 3-and-D potential for the NBA.
7. PORTLAND: Donovan Clingan, 20, C, 7-2, Connecticut
Huskies big man is an excellent interior defender who can score in the post and play through contact but lacks a pro-level offensive game.
8. SAN ANTONIO: Rob Dillingham, 19, G, 6-1, Kentucky
A score-first combo guard with playmaking ability, he can score in a variety of ways and create for others. Will need to bulk up to defend in the NBA. (Draft rights traded to Minnesota.)
9. MEMPHIS: Zach Edey, 22, C, 7-4, Purdue
Canadian big man is a traditional back-to-the-basket player with a soft shooting touch. His size and rebounding make up for a lack of speed and athleticism.
10. UTAH: Cody Williams, 19, F, 6-7, Colorado
The younger brother of the Thunder’s Jalen Williams, he’s a prototypical 3-and-D wing who can make plays off the dribble and finish at the rim.
11. CHICAGO: Matas Buzelis, 19, F, 6-9, G League Ignite
A lanky wing with a natural all-around game who can handle the ball, pass and shoot. Will need to pack on muscle to handle the pro game.
12. OKLAHOMA CITY: Nikola Topic, 18, G, 6-6, Mega Basket (Adriatic)
A prototypical floor leader with elite passing skills who will need to improve his shot and defense to excel as a pro. Currently recovering from a partially torn ACL.
13. SACRAMENTO: Devin Carter, 22, G, 6-2, Providence
Considered to be one of the best perimeter defenders, he has a solid game on both ends of the court. Shot 37.7% from deep.
14. PORTLAND: Carlton “Bub” Carrington, 18, G, 6-4, Pittsburgh
A combo guard with the ability to score and make plays for teammates despite a lack of elite athleticism. Solid defender as well. (Draft rights traded to Washington.)
15. MIAMI: Kel’el Ware, 20, C, 7-0, Indiana
Could develop into a prototypical big with his rim-running and shot-blocking ability. Also a solid offensive rebounder. Shot 42% from deep last season.
16. PHILADELPHIA: Jared McCain, 19, G, 6-2, Duke
The former Corona Centennial High star is a prototypical combo guard with the ability to score, making 41.4% from deep last season.
17. LAKERS: Dalton Knecht, 23, G, 6-5, Tennessee
A polished prospect because of his shooting and clutch scoring, this basketball vagabond (junior college and Northern Colorado) is a fierce competitor who needs to improve his defense.
18. ORLANDO: Tristan da Silva, 23, F, 6-8, Colorado
German native has a versatile offensive game and is a hard-nosed defender. Might lack the skills to create plays as a pro, but he can shoot (39% from deep).
19. TORONTO: Ja’Kobe Walter, 19, G, 6-4, Baylor
A natural scorer with ability to create shots. What he lacks in athleticism and polish, he makes up for with his competitive drive.
20. CLEVELAND: Jaylon Tyson, 21, F, 6-6, California
Solid all-around player on both ends of the court, particularly as a scorer. What he might lack in athleticism he makes up for with versatility and playmaking.
21. NEW ORLEANS: Yves Missi, 20, C, 6-11, Baylor
Cameroonian’s raw athleticism projects as a modern big with rim-running and shot-blocking abilities, although he lacks a jump shot and post game.
22. PHOENIX: DaRon Holmes II, 21, F, 6-9, Dayton
Athletic big man can score in a variety of ways (shot 38% from deep) and showed big improvement as a junior. Solid defender inside and out. (Draft rights traded to Denver.)
23. MILWAUKEE: AJ Johnson, 19, G, 6-4, Illwarra (Australia)
Score-first combo guard has plenty of upside with speed to burn, plenty of athleticism and ability to score in the midrange.
24. NEW YORK: KyShawn George, 20, F, 6-7, Miami
A Swiss native who grew up in France, he shows some spark to his offensive game as a scorer and creator. Made 40% from deep last season. (Draft rights traded to Washington.)
25. NEW YORK: Pacome Dadiet, 18, F, 6-7, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
French native turns 19 this summer with huge upside. A skilled two-way wing with international experience who plays with energy.
26. WASHINGTON: Dillon Jones, 22, F, 6-5, Weber State
Hard-nosed two-way player does the dirty work. Could be a 3-and-D wing if he improves his shot (32% from deep in four seasons). (Draft rights reportedly traded by New York to Oklahoma City as part of an earlier pick swap with Washington.)
27. MINNESOTA: Terrence Shannon Jr., 23, G, 6-6, Illinois
After five years of college, he has proven to be a big-time scorer, particularly off the dribble and through contact. Plays solid defense.
28. DENVER: Ryan Dunn, 21, F, 6-6, Virginia
Athletic, high-flying wing and excellent defender. He lacks a consistent shot and perimeter game. (Draft rights traded to Phoenix.)
29. UTAH: Isaiah Collier, 19, PG, 6-3, USC
A lead guard with a solid frame and the ability to create and score, particularly in the open court. Needs to improve shot — made 33.8% from deep last season.
30. BOSTON: Baylor Scheierman, 23, G, 6-6, Creighton
Smooth-shooting, fifth-year senior is a scorer who can create off the dribble. Career 39% shooter from deep. Solid rebounder, questionable defender.
SECOND ROUND (Thursday)
31. TORONTO: Jonathan Mogbo, 22, F, 6-6, San Francisco
A solid, athletic combo forward who can score at the rim but lacks a refined perimeter game and shooting touch. Good rebounder and defender.
32. UTAH: Kyle Filipowski, 20, F-C, 6-11, Duke
Solid, mobile big who can score inside and out (34.8% from deep) while providing some playmaking and defense in the post.
33. MILWAUKEE: Tyler Smith, 19, F, 6-9, G League Ignite
Rangy, athletic player who can shoot the three (35.2% last season) and finish at the rim. Solid defender who needs to improve midrange game.
34. PORTLAND: Tyler Kolek, 23, G, 6-2, Marquette
Floor general with great vision and high IQ. Lacks elite athleticism and might be undersized. Shot better than 39% from deep as a junior and senior. (Draft rights traded to New York.)
35. SAN ANTONIO: Johnny Furphy, 19, F, 6-8, Kansas
Australian native is a natural wing who can score in a variety of ways (shot 35.2% from deep). Needs to add muscle, improve defense to compete as a pro. (Draft rights traded to Indiana.)
36. INDIANA: Juan Nuñez, 20, G, 6-4, Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany)
Spaniard is a combo guard who can run point, score and make plays, although he can be tentative to shoot. Must improve defense. (Draft rights reportedly traded to San Antonio.)
37. MINNESOTA: Bobi Klintman, 21, F, 6-9, Cairns (Australia)
Sweden native has smooth all-around game but needs to add muscle and work on shot. Played at Sunrise Academy and Wake Forest before turning pro. (Draft rights traded to Detroit.)
38. NEW YORK: Ajay Mitchell, 22, G, 6-3, UC Santa Barbara
Belgian is a skilled point with ability to make plays and score off the dribble through contact. Streaky perimeter shooter. Solid defender. (Draft rights traded to Oklahoma City.)
39. MEMPHIS: Jaylen Wells, 20, F, 6-7, Washington State
Athletic wing has 3-and-D potential if he improves defense. The junior transfer from Sonoma State shot 41.4% from deep last season.
40. PORTLAND: Oso Ighodaro, 21, C, 6-10, Marquette
Big man with some shooting touch inside and the ability to pass and handle the ball. Lacks a perimeter game and elite interior defense. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Phoenix via New York and OKC.)
41. PHILADELPHIA: Adem Bona, 21, C, 6-9, UCLA
Nigerian-Turkish big is athletic with the ability to score inside, block shots and defend multiple positions. Must develop perimeter game, consistency.
42. CHARLOTTE: KJ Simpson, 21, G, 6-0, Colorado
Size is only thing this high-scoring, playmaking point lacks. His three-point shooting rose from 30% to 43.4% as a junior.
43. MIAMI: Nikola Djurisic, 20, F, 6-7, Mega Basket
Serbian-Belgian wing is a pure scorer with an excellent shooting touch. What he lacks in athleticism and defense, he makes up for with length and effort. (Draft rights traded Atlanta.)
44. HOUSTON: Pelle Larsson, 23, G, 6-5, Arizona
Swedish wing is a solid all-around player after four seasons in the Pac-12, including one at Utah. Career 39.7% shooter from deep. (Draft rights traded to Miami.)
45. SACRAMENTO: Jamal Shead, 21, G, 6-0, Houston
Hard-nosed senior was a three-year starter who displayed court leadership and defensive toughness. Shot 29.6% from deep and 77.9% from line in career. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Toronto.)
46. CLIPPERS: Cam Christie, 18, G, 6-5, Minnesota
Brother of Lakers’ Max Christie showed he can score and create off the dribble as a freshman. He shot 39.1% on three-pointers and 79.1% on free throws.
47. ORLANDO: Antonio Reeves, 23, G, 6-5, Kentucky
Fifth-year senior is a solid all-around wing who can shoot from deep (42.2% in two seasons after transfer from Illinois State). Can be undisciplined. (Draft rights reportedly traded to New Orleans.)
48. SAN ANTONIO: Harrison Ingram, 21, F, 6-5, North Carolina
Athletic wing can run point with the ability to score and make plays. Not the greatest shooter (improved to 38.5% from deep last season) but has high IQ.
— PHILADELPHIA pick forfeited because of early free-agency discussions
49. INDIANA: Tristen Newton, 23, G, 6-3, Connecticut
Combo guard is a playmaker who can finish at the rim and defend on the perimeter. Only shot better than 33% from deep once in five seasons.
50. INDIANA: Enrique Freeman, 23, F, 6-7, Akron
Former walk-on impressed at pre-draft combines, showing the versatility that made him highly productive in college.
51. NEW YORK: Melvin Anjica, 20, F, 6-7, Saint Quentin (France)
French pro is an athletic wing who finishes drives and is a slashing cutter. Needs to improve perimeter shot (30.9% from deep last season) to be a 3-and-D player. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Dallas.)
52. GOLDEN STATE: Quinten Post, 24, F, 7-0, Boston College
Dutch big man is a fifth-year senior with international experience. Solid interior player on both ends and can shoot from deep (41.6% last three seasons). (Draft rights reportedly traded to Portland via Oklahoma City then back to Golden State.)
53. DETROIT: Cam Spencer, 24, G, 6-3, Connecticut
Fifth-year senior transfer is a score-first point who can create his own shot and distribute. He shot 41.7% from deep for his career. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Memphis via Minnesota.)
54. BOSTON: Anton Watson, 23, F, 6-8, Gonzaga
Fifth-year senior developed a solid low-post game and began to score outside the lane. Strong and athletic enough to guard multiple positions.
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka talks about why the team drafted Bronny James and what comes next for LeBron James’ son. (Marissa Kraus / Los Angeles Times)
55. LAKERS: Bronny James, 19, G, 6-2, USC
Athletic combo guard (and son of LeBron) is explosive but has lacked scoring consistency. High IQ, unselfish on offense and a solid defender.
56. PHOENIX: Kevin McCullar Jr., 23, G, 6-5, Kansas
After five years in college, he has proven to be a solid all-around player who is a streaky shooter and efficient rebounder with a high IQ. (Draft rights reportedly traded to New York.)
57. MEMPHIS: Ulrich Chomche, 18, F-C, 6-10, NBA Academy Africa
Cameroonian is athletic but raw in his development. Can finish inside and shows some shooting touch. Has not played against elite competition. (Draft rights reportedly traded to Toronto via Minnesota.)
— PHOENIX pick forfeited because of early free-agency discussions
58. DALLAS: Ariel Hukporti, 22, C, 6-11, Melbourne United (Australia)
German-Togolese big is an athletic rim-roller, solid defender and excellent shot blocker. Offensive game outside the post is developing. (Draft rights reportedly traded to New York.)
The Lakers select Tennessee guard Dalton Knecht with 17th pick
NEW YORK — The Lakers selected wing Dalton Knecht, one of the top scorers in the country who starred last season for Tennessee and fell out of the lottery, with the No. 17 pick in the NBA draft.
Knecht averaged 21.7 points per game last season while hitting 39.7% from three.
Regarded as one of the top shooters in the draft, Knecht’s defensive concerns could have contributed to his slide out of the lottery picks.
The Lakers, who left some teams around the league with the impression they could be aggressive on draft night, let the board come to them at No. 17 for the second straight year.
It also represents another opportunity missed where the team could bundle three first-round draft picks in a major trade — an option Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka touted following a quiet deadline a year ago.
Rob Dillingham: From Ye’s Donda Academy debacle to a probable NBA lottery pick
The names leap from the hardwood: Willie Naulls, Gail Goodrich, Marques Johnson, Paul Pierce, Baron Davis, Tyson Chandler, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, DeMar DeRozan, Jrue Holiday.
That’s a fair sample of the best basketball players to come from Southland high schools.
Rob Dillingham could join them, with a prominent asterisk. The exceptionally quick guard from Kentucky is expected to be a lottery pick in the NBA draft Wednesday.
Yet even the most rabid followers of high school hoops could be excused for not recognizing Dillingham’s connection to the greater Los Angeles area. He’s not a local in the traditional sense, such as Jared McCain — the Times Player of the Year in 2023 with Corona Centennial High. McCain, who spent one year at Duke, is expected to be taken in the middle of the first round.
But Dillingham?
He was the marquee player at the Donda Academy, the short-lived basketball mill and K-12 private Christian school owned and operated by rapper Ye — formerly Kanye West. Donda, named after Ye’s mother, opened in the fall of 2021 in Simi Valley, then moved to an industrial park in Chatsworth before closing early in 2023.
Donda parents, faculty and staff were required to sign a nondisclosure agreement and refrain from publicly discussing the school’s practices and any other details that were not public.
“People choose to bring their kids to Donda Academy for a sense of privacy,” Malik Yusef, a producer and longtime collaborator of Ye’s, told Rolling Stone in September 2022. “A sense of care, a sense of concern, a sense of love, an environment of health, and an environment of wealth, an environment of learning, and putting God as a focus.”
Lakers could make major deal to move up in NBA draft, but would it be worth it?
NEW YORK — A year ago, the NBA needed a private ballroom inside a fancy midtown hotel the day before the NBA draft to introduce the presumed top pick, French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
Tuesday in more modest settings, projected first-round picks in Wednesday’s event politely worked their way through smaller crowds, a not-so-subtle reminder that this isn’t your typical draft.
The No. 1 pick, which belongs to Atlanta, is still a bit of a mystery. No one really knows exactly how the top half of the lottery is going to shake out. A mixture of young prospects with players who established themselves with productivity over long college careers has teams such as the Lakers optimistic they could land a meaningful piece.
The Lakers are scheduled to select 17th in the first round Wednesday and 25th in the second round (55th overall) Thursday, the NBA splitting their draft over two days for the first time.
The Lakers are among the teams with second-round interest in Bronny James.
Although the general consensus about the top part of the draft isn’t great — regarded as lacking top-line stars teams typically hope to snag in the top five — there’s still value if a scouting department can get it right.
Some rival executives believe the Lakers could be aggressive in moving up in the first round. Two players they like, Providence’s Devin Carter and Baylor’s Ja’Kobe Walter, are expected to be picked ahead of No. 17.
If the Lakers stay at 17, Colorado forward Tristan da Silva and Baylor center Yves Missi are among the options.
As Clippers prepare for draft, Paul George’s future hangs in balance
A collaboration between Paul George and the Clippers could come in many different forms.
And that is perhaps the most pressing concern the Clippers must evaluate, even more so than the NBA draft, which starts Wednesday night.
They don’t have a first-round pick in the 2024 draft, just a second-round selection at No. 46.
At that position, teams usually look for the “best player available,” and that will be the same for the Clippers.
The Clippers’ best options probably will be wing players and guards, and they won’t be on the clock until Thursday night.
But the most important thing for the team is dealing with George’s situation.
He has a player option for $48.7 million and has to let the Clippers know by Saturday whether he’ll opt in on his deal.
George can decline the option and become a free agent if he and the Clippers are unable to come to an agreement on an extension before Sunday. He’s eligible for a four-year deal worth $221 million from the Clippers before that date, something George is seeking.
So far, the two sides have not been able to get a deal done.
2024 NBA draft order
First round (Wednesday)
1. Atlanta
2. Washington
3. Houston (from Brooklyn)
4. San Antonio
5. Detroit
6. Charlotte
7. Portland
8. San Antonio (from Toronto)
9. Memphis
10. Utah
11. Chicago
12. Oklahoma City (from Houston)
13. Sacramento
14. Portland (from Golden State via Boston and Memphis)
15. Miami
16. Philadelphia
17. L.A. Lakers
18. Orlando
19. Toronto (from Indiana)
20. Cleveland
21. New Orleans (from Milwaukee)
22. Phoenix
23. Milwaukee (from New Orleans)
24. New York (from Dallas)
25. New York
26. Washington (from L.A. Clippers via Dallas and Oklahoma City)
27. Minnesota
28. Denver
29. Utah (from Oklahoma City via Toronto and Indiana)
30. Boston
Second round (Thursday)
31. Toronto (from Detroit via New York and L.A. Clippers)
32. Utah (from Washington via Detroit and Brooklyn)
33. Milwaukee (from Portland via Sacramento)
34. Portland (from Charlotte via Denver, Oklahoma City and New Orleans)
35. San Antonio
36. Indiana (from Toronto via Philadelphia, L.A. Clippers and Memphis)
37. Minnesota (from Memphis via L.A. Lakers, Washington and Oklahoma City)
38. New York (from Utah)
39. Memphis (from Brooklyn via Houston)
40. Portland (from Atlanta)
41. Philadelphia (from Chicago via Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans)
42. Charlotte (from Houston via Oklahoma City)
43. Miami
44. Houston (from Golden State via Atlanta)
45. Sacramento
46. L.A. Clippers (from Indiana via Memphis and Milwaukee)
47. Orlando
48. San Antonio (from L.A. Lakers via Memphis)
— Philadelphia (forfeited)
49. Indiana (from Cleveland)
50. Indiana (from New Orleans)
51. Washington (from Phoenix)
52. Golden State (from Milwaukee via Indiana)
53. Detroit (from New York via Philadelphia and Charlotte)
54. Boston (from Dallas via Sacramento)
55. L.A. Lakers (from L.A. Clippers)
56. Denver (from Minnesota via Oklahoma City)
57. Memphis (from Oklahoma City via Houston and Atlanta)
— Phoenix (from Denver via Orlando; forfeited by Phoenix)
58. Dallas (from Boston via Charlotte)