Familiar themes have emerged for the 2024 NBA draft.
Family ties are prevalent. G League Ignite players are prominent in first-round projections. Big men are enjoying a renaissance. And the No. 1 could be a player from France for the second consecutive season following Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 to the San Antonio in Thursday’s draft.
∎ D.J. Wagner, the son of former NBA player Dejuan Wanger and grandson of former NBA player Milt Wagner, is a projected lottery pick, and Bronny James, LeBron’s son, could be a first-round pick.
∎ There are six players in our 2024 mock draft who are at least 7-feet tall.
∎ Two G League Ignite players are projected top-five picks following up on Scoot Henderson, who was the No. 3 pick to Portland on Thursday.
∎ Zaccharie Risacher, whose dad Stephane was part of France’s 2000 silver medal Olympic team, has played games in the same top-division pro league in France as Wembanyama and is has No. 1 pick potential.
Here is USA TODAY’s Sports super early 2024 NBA mock draft:
1. Zaccharie Risacher, France
Forward, 6-foot-9, 200 pounds
2. Matas Buzelis, G League Ignite
Forward-guard, 6-11, 190
Omaha Biliew, right, drives to the basket as Matas Buzelis defends during the McDonald’s All-American game.
3. Ron Holland, G League Ignite
Forward, 6-7, 195
Guard, 6-3, 190
5. Justin Edwards, Kentucky
Forward, 6-7, 180
6. Cody Williams, Colorado
Forward, 6-8, 180
7. Aaron Bradshaw, Kentucky
Center, 7-2, 210
Guard, 6-5, 175
9. D.J. Wagner, Kentucky
Guard, 6-4, 165
10. Aday Mara, Spain
Center, 7-2, 240
11. Stephon Castle, UConn
Guard, 6-6, 205
12. Ja’Kobe Walter, Baylor
Guard, 6-5, 180
Center, 7-2, 265
14. Thierry Darlan, G League Ignite
Guard-forward, 6-6, 190
Center, 7-0, 230
16. Jared McCain, Duke
Guard, 6-4, 195
17. Mackenzie Mgbako, Indiana
Forward, 6-8, 210
18. Omaha Beliew, Iowa State
Forward, 6-8, 210
19. Alexandre Sarr, France
Center, 7-1, 205
20. Bronny James, Southern California
Guard, 6-2, 190
Bronny James, son of LeBron, is expected to be taken in the 2024 NBA draft’s first round.
21. Kel’el Ware, Indiana
Center, 7-0, 210
22. Elmarko Jackson, Kansas
Guard, 6-4, 195
Forward, 6-10, 235
24. Riley Kugel, Florida
Forward,…
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