With just days to go until the start of the NBA Draft, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the No. 1 pick.
But the intrigue doesn’t end there.
Below is a mock draft of the first 10 picks, along with the current odds (via BetMGM ) of players landing at each spot.
1. Hawks: Donovan Clingan (+180)
Frenchman Zachary Lisacher (-225) is the favorite to go first, but I think Clingan is a good value. In a mock draft last Thursday, The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie wrote that Clingan’s name “has been linked to the Hawks most frequently over the past week.” Clingan has reportedly had an impressive workout in Atlanta.
2. Wizards: Alexandre Sarr (-550)
The 7’1″ Sarr averaged 2.8 blocks per 36 minutes for Perth (NBL) and has good mobility for his size, ideally suited to modern defensive traits. His offensive weapons are still developing, but WA’s long-term view would favor a patient approach to development.
3. Rockets: Reed Shepard (-110)
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, Houston’s “front office and ownership [are] “I was intrigued by his fit as a shooter and playmaker next to some of the established young guys.” Shepard shot an incredible 52.1 percent from 3-point range last season at Kentucky. There’s still a good chance he could trade down from the position.
4. Spurs: Zachary Lisacher (+400)
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony said the Hawks “are looking to do something with the Spurs to flip their No. 1 and No. 4 picks,” presumably so San Antonio can trade up for Lisacher. Instead, I’d have them go with Lisacher here, pairing him with fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama, who has ideal size and athleticism on the wing and promising shooting skills.
5. Pistons: Cody Williams (+400)
Trajean Langdon will be the Pistons’ first draft pick. Matas Buzelis from the G League Ignite is the top candidate at the position, but Colorado’s Williams is also not to be overlooked. Cody, the younger brother of Thunder’s Jalen Williams, has untapped potential. At 6’7″ tall with a 7’1″ wingspan, he can defend the 1-4 on defense and constantly pressure the rim on offense.
6. Hornets: Stephen Castle (+350)
The Hornets reportedly tried Castle, Shepard, Dalton Knecht and Buzelis. Castle likely won’t be selected before the sixth pick, but Charlotte would be interested in adding his tenacious on-ball defense and improving secondary playmaking to the team.
7. Trail Blazers: Dalton Knecht (+750)
Knecht’s draft standing exploded in his lone season with Tennessee after transferring from Northern Colorado. He averaged 21.7 points while shooting 45.8% from the field and 39.7% from deep. Knecht reportedly thrived with the Trail Blazers and would provide a much-needed shot and polished scoring presence to their offense.
8. Spurs: Matas Buzelis (12/1)
As a 6-foot-9 wing with positional versatility, it’s hard to imagine Buzelis falling any lower. According to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Buzelis’ “combination of size, shooting talent and defensive versatility” makes him a great fit next to Wembanyama. Acquiring Lisacher and Buzelis would be a dream scenario for San Antonio.
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9. Grizzlies: Devin Carter (+600)
Carter has benefited greatly from the pre-draft process — his father is an assistant coach with the Grizzlies, and the guard from Providence has reportedly received draft commitments from unnamed teams — and according to Action Network’s Braxton Reynolds, Carter is “a relentless defender who is a cornerstone of the offense and highly disruptive in passing lanes.”
10. Jazz: Nicola Topic (+600)
Topic’s draft standing took a hit after he was hit with a partially torn ACL, but his agent told ESPN that the doctor who tested his knee for stability found it to be in excellent condition. Topic won’t turn 19 until August, but his 6-foot-7 frame and playmaking talent make him an intriguing prospect. The Jazz will likely redshirt him for a year, but Danny Ainge and Will Hardy have proven comfortable taking a long-term approach.
