NBA draft week is here. Soon, all of the questions on one of the most unpredictable draft classes in recent memory will be answered.
Teams like the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have major control over the direction of Wednesday’s first round (7 p.m., ESPN/ABC). Houston has a No. 3 pick that it has reportedly been shopping, while San Antonio owns two top-eight selections.
On the player front, UConn center Donovan Clingan could go anywhere from one to nine. When and where he lands will likely dictate the picks to follow.
One team that has interest in Clingan is the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies don’t have many glaring holes heading into this draft, but he would fill one of them. Could they get their hands on Clingan all the way down at nine, or would it take some reshuffling on the draft board?
Here is The Commercial Appeal’s latest mock draft.
1. Atlanta Hawks — Zaccharie Risacher, F JL Bourg (LNB), France
Height/weight: 6-foot-9, 204 pounds
Reports have indicated that the Hawks may be interested in Donovan Clingan. Still, it feels like an outside chance that Atlanta makes such a bold move to start things off. With other reports indicating Alex Sarr hasn’t worked out for the Hawks, Zaccharie Risacher is the likely pick. Risacher gives Atlanta a promising wing defender with offensive upside to go with a talented core of guards and a front court that includes Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okungwu.
2. Washington Wizards — F/C Alex Sarr, Perth Wildcats (NBL), France
Height/weight: 7-1, 224 pounds
In a draft filled with uncertainty, this feels like one of the most likely scenarios. Washington was horrible defensively last season, and Sarr has the potential to be a game-wrecking defender from day one.
3. Houston Rockets — Reed Sheppard, PG/SG Kentucky
Height/weight: 6-3, 182 pounds
Houston is still having conversations about the No. 3 pick, but there’s a sense that their asking price may be high for a draft that isn’t considered as strong as recent years. The Rockets may be better off holding onto the pick and drafting a player who could become an asset. Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard is a hot commodity in this draft, so Houston grabs what is the best player available, plus a great shooter who fits the team’s roster makeup.
4. San Antonio Spurs — Stephon Castle, PG/SG, UConn
Height/weight: 6-7, 210 pounds
Point guard is the primary need for the Spurs, and Stephon Castle wants to be a point guard. His ability to be a two-way player should also stand out in San Antonio. Castle is one of several players who could realistically fall anywhere in the top 10. He’s been trending up as of late.
5. Detroit Pistons — Matas Buzelis, F, G League Ignite
Height/weight: 6-10, 197 pounds
This pick will be telling. If the new Pistons front office doesn’t believe Jalen Duren could be the center of the future, Clingan is likely off the board. Duren has been one of the most productive bigs in the NBA, and he’s still just 20 years old. Detroit keeps the faith in its young center, and with a plethora of talented guards already on the roster, Matas Buzelis gives the Pistons a two-way versatile forward.
6. Memphis Grizzlies — Donovan Clingan, C UConn
Height/weight: 7-3, 282 pounds
We have a trade. One way or another, it’s hard to see Clingan making it past six. The Grizzlies have reportedly been interested in trading up, and this is the best spot for Memphis to move up while not sending out too many assets. Charlotte, like Detroit, has a young recent first-round pick at center in Mark Williams. Memphis trades pick No. 9 and a future lottery-protected first to move up and get its next center. Clingan’s screen-setting, playmaking and rim protection are perfects fits. He also grabbed 7.4 rebounds in 22 minutes per game.
7. Portland Trail Blazers — Ron Holland, F G League Ignite
Height/weight: 6-8, 206 pounds
Portland is a team to watch for a potential trade up because of their long list of draft assets. Staying at No. 7 could still land them one of the most talented players in the draft. The Blazers could use more size and athleticism on the wing, and Holland fills those two needs as well as anyone in this draft class.
8. San Antonio Spurs — Devin Carter, SG Providence
Height/weight: 6-3, 188 pounds
San Antonio doubles down on talented guards to pair with Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell. Carter was once viewed as a player who could go in the teens, but he’s been receiving more buzz in recent weeks. His two-way ability will catch San Antonio’s eye, plus he could fit alongside of Castle due to his shooting and ability as a secondary playmaker.
9. Charlotte Hornets — Dalton Knecht, G/F, Tennessee
Height/weight: 6-7, 212 pounds
Charlotte trades down, acquires a future draft asset and gets a player it would likely still have drafted at No. 6. Knecht’s ability to be a movement and spot-up shooter should translate well to the NBA because of his size and strength.
10. Utah Jazz — Cody Williams, F, Colorado
11. Chicago Bulls — Kyle Filipowski, F/C Duke
12. Oklahoma City Thunder — Rob Dillingam, G Kentucky
13. Sacramento Kings — Tidjane Salaun, F Cholet (LNB Pro A), France
14. Blazers — Kel’el Ware, F/C Indiana
15. Miami Heat — Ja’Kobe Walter, G Baylor
16. Philadelphia 76ers — Nikola Topic, PG/SG Crvena Zvezda (Serbian KLS), Serbia
17. Los Angeles Lakers — Tyler Smith, F G League Ignite
18. Orlando Magic — Jared McCain, G Duke
19. Toronto Raptors — Zach Edey, C Purdue
20. Cleveland Cavaliers — Kyshawn George, G/F Miami
21. New Orleans Pelicans — Yves Missi, C Baylor
22. Phoenix Suns — Ryan Dunn, G/F Virginia
23. Milwaukee Bucks — Tristan da Silva, F Colorado
24. New York Knicks — Tyler Kolek, PG Marquette
25. Knicks — DaRon Holmes, F/C Dayton
26. Wizards — Isaiah Collier, PG USC
27. Minnesota Timberwolves — Carlton Carrington, G Pittsburgh
28. Denver Nuggets — Bobi Klintman, F Cairns Tapians (NBL), Sweden
29. Jazz — Terrence Shannon Jr., G Illinois
30. Boston Celtics — Jaylon Tyson, G, California
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Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC