I’m starting to think Cody Williams is the best US prospect in the draft…and it’s not all that close
Unlike what happened last years, with Victor Wembanyama being the undisputed number one pick months before the draft was even celebrated, this upcoming 2024 NBA Draft top picks are wide open. From Cody Williams to Alex Sarr, some of this players represent the type of talent that has become the most sought-after right now in the league: big size, defensive versatility and good shooting.
Just for the fun of it, we'll be predicting not only the top ten picks but also, which team will be getting each of those picks, regarding their current NBA record.
1 The Detroit Pistons select Forward Cody Williams (6-8, 185 pounds) from Colorado University:
Detroit is looking like the worst team in the NBA for a while now, therefore, they have the first pick of this mock draft. Cody Williams is a capable shooter, and he's also a skilled and adaptable defender, able to guard positions 1 to 4. In addition, he's a fantastic shot blocker at the wing.
2 The Washington Wizards select Center Alex Sarr (7-1, 205 pounds) from Perth Wildcats (Australia):
Sarr is a versatile center with averages of 9.8 points and 4.8 rebounds, playing as a professional in Australia's National Basketball League.
3 The San Antonio Spurs select Guard/Forward Zaccharie Risacher (6-9, 204 pounds) from JL Bourg (France):
Risacher knows Wemby very well as they grew up and played together in France. Big framed player with fine shooting perfomance.
4 The Charlotte Hornets select Guard Ja'Kobe Walter (6-5, 195 pounds) from Baylor University:
Walter is a formidable 3 point shooter and has a great size for playing the guard position. Charlotte would benefit a lot on bringing this kind of talent to play alongside Lamelo Ball to open the floor.
5 The Portland Trail Blazers select Guard/Forward Ron Holland (6-8, 206 pounds) from G leage Ignite:
This player is doing a little bit of everything with the Ignite. He's been outstanding at scoring, and last week he also registered 4 blocks and 3 steals, proving that he's defensive instinct is there too.
6 The Memphis Grizzlies select Guard Nikola Topi´c (6-6, 201 pounds) from KK Mega Basket (Serbia):
Although he's injured right now, Nikola's been excellent on the Serbian league, averaging 16.4 points and 6.1 assists in 30 minutes per game. He's only 18 years old so he's a good fit to develop along Ja Morant, Desmond Bane and the rest of the squad.
7 The San Antonio Spurs select Guard Rob Dillingham (6-2, 178 pounds) from Kentucky University:
Dillingham is known for his work ethic and he's playing and learning from one of the best college basketball coaches of all time, John Calipari. Great mentor to young players, Dillingham will be joining the Spurs culture having learned from one of the best basketball minds.
8 The Houston Rockets select Forward Matas Buzelis (6-9, 212 pounds) from G league Ignite:
Buzelis is confident that by playing in the G league, he has an edge over college basketball players, as he stated:
"Players in college don't get to go through that struggle and they don't know what it's like to play against professionals, so it's definitely different than playing in college."
This forward has the size to guard almost every position, and has a good touch when it comes to shooting.
9 The Atlanta Hawks select Forward Zvonimir Ivisi´c (7-2, 234 pounds) from Kentucky University:
Ivisi´c moves pretty well for being a big man, he can pass the ball and he can shoot the three. Atlanta would welcome a talent like this in their frontcourt.
10 The Portland Trail Blazers select Guard Stephon Castle (6-6, 215 pounds) from Connecticut University:
Castle brings size and shot creation to the mix, although he's been dealing with a knee injury that is causing him trouble to find his rhythm.
I’m starting to think Cody Williams is the best US prospect in the draft…and it’s not all that close