Follow every pick in the 2024 NBA Draft with the latest updates from Barclays Center in Brooklyn
• 1 min read
The first-ever two-day edition of the NBA Draft is upon us as Wednesday night marks the beginning of what’s sure to be a memorable event for fans, franchises and particularly for the players selected. By the time the first round concludes late in the evening, 30 players will have heard their names called and had their lives changed forever.
Before the night’s over there is sure to be plenty of surprises from within a draft class that has been hotly debated for months. While most pundits believe the class is relatively weak at the top, there’s little doubt that impactful NBA players will be found throughout this draft.
Intelligence from the predraft process also suggests that opinions of certain players differ vastly from franchise to franchise, which should set the stage for some frantic trades as teams look to move in the draft in order to select specific players. Wednesday night will also be just the beginning. On Thursday afternoon, the draft will continue with the second and final round as teams look to find diamonds in the rough who can help contribute to playoff pushes and title quests in the years ahead.
Keep it locked here as we track and analyze all the picks, news and developments from the 2024 NBA Draft.
More 2024 NBA Draft: Complete coverage | Grades | Draft tracker | Trades
CBS Sports mock drafts: Boone | Finkelstein | Cobb | Branham | Parrish | Ward-Henninger | Salerno
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No. 22 Denver Nuggets (via Phoenix Suns): DaRon Holmes ll, F/C, Dayton
We have another trade! The Nuggets are jumping up a handful of spots to select Holmes, one of the top forwards in this draft class. Holmes is a power forward who can also double as a small-ball-five. He can stretch the floor and defend the rim when playing center. The Nuggets sent No. 28, No. 56 and two future second round picks to the Suns, ESPN reported. This is an excellent selection by the Nuggets.
21. New Orleans Pelicans: Yves Missi, C, Baylor
Missi is another one-and-done from Baylor who made substantive contributions to a high-caliber college program in the nation’s toughest conference. He’s got incredible length and bounce, which makes him both a quality rim protector and lob threat. Missi is relatively new to basketball and will need a lengthy runway to reach his full potential. But considering the glimpses of immense potential he showed at Baylor, this is a nice, long-term play at this stage of the draft.
No. 20 Cleveland Cavaliers: Jaylon Tyson, G/F, Cal
The Cavs drafted an experienced collegiate player with the No. 20 pick. Tyson is a versatile two-way wing who is capable of stepping in right away to fill a role. Tyson ranked No. 31 on CBS Sports’ NBA Draft Prospect big board.
No. 19. Toronto Raptors: Ja’Kobe Walter, G, Baylor
Walter shined as a freshman at Baylor. He’s a combo guard with good size and a wonderful prospect pedigree. He met his five-star billing for the Bears while earning Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors. He should be able to develop into a quality NBA defender because of his ranginess and athleticism. Don’t be surprised if time reveals this to be a steal at No. 19. His offensive game is already impressive.
No. 18 Orlando Magic: Tristan da Silva, F, Colorado
The Magic are selecting one of the most experienced players in the 2024 NBA Draft. The German native is a four-year player, three-year starter, and two-time All-Pac-12 Selection for Colorado. While he’s still somewhat lean physically, he checks a lot of different boxes with a well-rounded floor game that includes shooting, cutting, a high basketball IQ and the potential to play two positions
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Dalton Knecht, G, Tennessee
Knecht was widely projected as a top-10 pick but slipped all the way to Los Angeles at No. 17, presumably because he’s already 23. The SEC Player of the Year emerged as a first-team All-American after transferring to Tennessee from Northern Colorado and is an elite shooting wing with a beautiful release and the ability to attract the basket off the dribble.
No. 16 Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain, G, Duke
The 76ers selected Duke star freshman Jared McCain with the No. 16 pick. McCain is one of the best 3-point shooters in the class and should provide more scoring next to Tyrese Maxey.
15. Miami Heat: Kel’el Ware, C, Indiana
Ware is a former five-star prospect who flourished as a sophomore at Indiana after transferring into the Big Ten following a middling freshman season at Oregon. Ware needs to bulk up in order to handle the rigors of the NBA, but he’s an appealing modern center because of his rim protection and 3-point shooting abilities. Ware possesses enough athleticism to switch effectively in ball-screen defense, and he boasts an excellent wingspan.
14. Washington Wizards (via Portland Trail Blazers): Carlton Carrington, G, Pitt
With the final pick in the lottery, the Wizards selected Carrington out of Pitt. Carrington was one of the biggest risers throughout this draft process and finds a spot at the end of the lottery. Carrington recorded a triple-double in his first college game. With the Wizards going with Sarr at No. 2, Carrington could be their point guard of the future.
13. Sacramento Kings: Devin Carter, G, Providence
The Kings added a multi-faceted combo guard by selecting Devin Carter from Providence. Carter rated as one of the top defenders in the Big East and also led the Friars in scoring as a junior. He’s an excellent rebounder for his size and demonstrated marked improvement as a 3-point shooter in the 2023-24 season. He’s the son of a Memphis Grizzlies assistant and the type of gritty, high I.Q. player who should be able to offer early contributions.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Nikola Topic, G, Serbia
With the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Thunder selected Nikola Topic. Topic is the No. 8 ranked player on CBS Sports’ NBA Draft Prospect big board. There’s a chance Topic could miss time during the 2024-25 season because of his ACL injury. Topic is a big guard with big playmaking ability and is an advanced passer with a big frame who can see over the top of defenses.
11. Chicago Bulls: Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
Buzelis was born in Chicago, so this is a homecoming of sorts for the big-bodied wing. The former McDonald’s All-American played at Sunrise Christian before entering the G League Ignite program, where he competed with other top prospects and against professional players. If his shot continues to develop, his floor should be as the type of 3-and-D wing craved around the league. He was No. 9 in the CBS Sports Prospect Rankings and drew a comparison to Andrew Wiggins.
10. Utah Jazz: Cody Williams, G, Colorado
The Jazz are going with a high-upside, one-and-done perimeter player. Cody Williams wasn’t necessarily a superstar in his lone season with Colorado, but he productively filled a role for a veteran-laden NCAA Tournament team. He’s the younger brother of OKC star Jalen Williams and a former consensus five-star prospect with the physical tools to blossom into a big, two-way guard/wing.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Edey, C, Purdue
The two-time reigning National Player of the Year is headed to Memphis. The Grizzlies need a center to complete their roster and will be banking on Zach Edey to round out their roster. While there are concerns about Edey’s mobility and versatility as a 7-foot-4 non-shooter, he dominated college basketball in a way rarely seen during the 21st century. This is a big swing for Memphis as Edey was rarely mocked in the top 10.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves (via San Antonio): Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky
After nabbing Stephon Castle at No. 4, the Spurs are widely reported to be dealing No. 8 pick Rob Dillingham to Minnesota. Dillingham came off the bench at Kentucky — the same as No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard — but filled it up for the Wildcats as a 3-point shooter and relentless attacker. His stock dropped a bit due to his size following the NCAA Tournament. But the Timberwolves were clearly undeterred by concerns over his size and traded to snag the one-and-done college guard.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Donovan Clingan, C, UConn
A prevailing thought entering the draft was that Donovan Clingan would likely be off the board before the Trail Blazers could select him. However, he fell to No. 7, allowing Portland to nab the 7-foot-2 shot-swatting prospect. Clingan starred in two seasons at UConn, playing a pivotal role in the Huskies’ consecutive titles. Portland has Deandre Ayton and Robert Williams on its books. Now, they also have one of the top bigs in the 2024 draft class.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Tidjane Salaun, F, France
Another surprise at No. 6. The Hornets are selecting Salaun out of France with the No. 6 pick. Salaun ranked No. 15 on CBS Sports’ NBA Draft Prospect big board. The Hornets were reportedly working on a trade with the Grizzlies, but instead, they elected to stand pat at No. 6 to draft one of the highest upside swings in the class.
5. Detroit Pistons: Ron Holland, F, G League Ignite
Detroit made one of the first surprises of the night by drafting Holland, the No. 10 ranked player in CBS Sports’ NBA Draft Prospect big board. Holland is one of the best defenders in the class and should be a perfect fit with the Pistons. Holland was projected to go in the mid-lottery in some of the latest mock drafts.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, G, UConn
The biggest need for the Spurs heading into the draft was finding a point guard of the future. Castle could fit that build, as he expressed a strong desire to play the position leading up to the draft despite playing as more of a wing with the Huskies. Castle has one of the highest ceilings in this class, and if he develops his 3-point shot, it would be a home run pick for the Spurs long-term.
3. Houston Rockets: Reed Sheppard, G, Kentucky
The first college player is off the board. The Rockets selected Kentucky star Reed Sheppard — the CBS Sports Freshmen of the Year — with the No. 3 overall pick. Sheppard is arguably the best 3-point shooter in this class and should fit in perfectly with Houston as the point guard of the future. ESPN reported before the draft started that Sheppard was in contention to become the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, he lands in Houston.
2. Washington Wizards: Alex Sarr, F, France
With Risacher off the board to Atlanta, the Wizards wasted no time selecting the No. 1 overall player on CBS Sports’ NBA Draft Prospect big board. Sarr has a modernized skill set to fit in the NBA as a hybrid center. Sarr is also one of the best two-way players in this class and has elite defensive upside. With the Wizards reportedly trading away Deni Avdija, Sarr fills the need for a wing. The Wizards have two more selections in the first round and one of them will likely be used to draft a guard.
1. Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, F, France
The pick is in. The Hawks selected French forward Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Risacher ranked No. 2 on CBS Sports NBA Draft Prospect big board behind fellow French forward Alex Sarr. He earned the 2023-24 French League Best Young Player Award and 2023-24 EuroCup Rising Star Award. He played one season on French club ASVEL with 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama. Risacher is a modern-day NBA wing and has the potential to be one of the best 3-point shooters from this class.
How to follow the 2024 NBA draft
Here we go! In addition to live updates and analysis here in CBS Sports’ 2024 NBA Draft live blog, there are other ways to keep up with the action as it unfolds over the next two days. Click HERE for the link to the 2024 NBA Draft tracker, which will be updated live with each pick along with a grade for each pick. And click HERE for live video analysis from CBS Sports HQ as the picks roll in. Additionally, check cbssports.com throughout the night and again tomorrow for full coverage of the major draft storylines as they develop.
Consensus 2024 NBA Mock Draft
We’re just minutes away from the first selection of the 2024 NBA Draft. Recently, we decided to look at 11 mock drafts from analysts at CBS Sports, ESPN, The Athletic, Bleacher Report and Yahoo to create our own mock draft listing each player who was mocked the most times at each specific spot in the first round. There is a mutual consensus among draft analysts on who will be taken with the first few picks, but after that, it’s a free-for-all.
Consensus 2024 NBA Mock Draft: Zaccharie Risacher goes No. 1 to the Hawks, UConn teammates go in top 10
Cameron Salerno
Upperclassmen to watch
One-and-done players have accounted for a majority of the NBA Draft lottery selections over the past decade, but there are still numerous examples of older players coming into the league and making an immediate impact. This year’s draft class is teeming with questions from top to bottom, and NBA decision-makers could lean on experience to find the next hidden gem. Let’s have a look at the experienced players we see making an impact in the 2024 NBA Draft class.
2024 NBA Draft: Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht, Purdue’s Zach Edey among upperclassmen who can make instant impact
Cameron Salerno
Top players at each position
The 2024 NBA Draft is just minutes away, and while there may still more questions than answers, CBS Sports has you covered from all angles ahead of the big night. Our experts each submitted their prospect rankings to develop the top players of the consensus Top 75 Big Board. From that consensus, here are the top five prospects at each position heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.
2024 NBA Draft prospect rankings: Reed Sheppard, Stephon Castle lead best five players at each position
Cameron Salerno
Consensus NBA Draft big board
The CBS Sports and 247Sports college basketball experts used their expertise for the final Big Board of the 2024 cycle as a guide to next week’s spectacle in Brooklyn. This marks the third year CBS Sports and 247Sports have done a consensus rankings where we take each of our analyst’s own Big Boards and combine them to form our aggregate rankings. The goal in so doing is to give a complete picture of how our team views the class and to minimize outliers.
2024 NBA Draft prospect rankings: Scouting reports for top 10 players on final Big Board
Kyle Boone
Stars could be hiding in “bad” draft
Brewing surprises and week-of excitement have happily clouded the fact that the 2024 NBA Draft, which begins Wednesday, is the worst crop of incoming talent the league has seen since at least 2013. We’ve seen it coming for years now: There is no clear No. 1 or glaring star power atop the draft, and now, even the overall depth of the field has diminished after more prospects than ever elected to return to college, thanks in large part to a booming NIL market.
If history is any indication, though, even bad drafts offer hidden value. Sleepers will be found.
No stars have revealed themselves in the 2024 NBA Draft, but history tells us they’re hiding in plain sight
Adam Finkelstein
We have a trade!
The Portland Trail Blazers have the No. 14 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the second most favorable of their 2029 first-round picks, two second-round picks and Malcolm Brogdon for Washington Wizards forward Deni Avdija, ESPN reports. The Wizards will have three first-round picks tonight (No. 2, No. 14 and No. 26).
Wizards-Trail Blazers Trade: Deni Avdija goes to Portland for Malcolm Brogdon, No. 14 pick, per report
Sam Quinn
A March Madness hero’s push for an NBA career
Few players in recent memory have done more with unexpected opportunities afforded to them like DJ Burns has over the past three-plus months. The NC State star became one of the biggest deals in college sports after the Wolfpack won nine straight elimination games in March and made arguably the most unexpected Final Four run in the history of college basketball. While he’s a longshot to be selected in the draft, he’s pushing hard to make a career in the NBA.
How NC State’s DJ Burns shed 45 pounds to prepare for the 2024 NBA Draft after starring in March Madness
Matt Norlander
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