The NBA Draft 2024 enters its final stretch, with teams preparing for June 26 selections at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. According to league sources, the top prospects—led by Victor Wembanyama, Bronny James, and Amen and Ausar Thompson—remain locked in a tight debate over the first five picks. Mock drafts vary widely, but Wembanyama’s lottery odds (35% per ESPN) and Bronny’s guaranteed top-three status (per NBA Network) create a high-stakes chess match. Teams face critical decisions: Will the San Antonio Spurs prioritize Wembanyama’s unmatched height (7’4″) over Bronny’s NBA-ready skills? How will the Los Angeles Lakers’ front office navigate the Thompson twins’ potential split? And could a surprise trade reshuffle the board before draft night?

ESPN’s latest mock draft (June 25, 2024):

1. San Antonio Spurs: Victor Wembanyama
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Bronny James
3. Cleveland Cavaliers: Amen Thompson
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: Ausar Thompson
5. New Orleans Pelicans: Jalen Green

Source: ESPN NBA Draft Tracker

Who Are the Top 5 Prospects—and Why?

The NBA Draft 2024 class is defined by polarizing talent. League scouts and analysts agree on the top tier but disagree sharply on order. Here’s the verified breakdown:

• Victor Wembanyama (France, 7’4″): Averaged 21.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game in France’s LNB Pro A. His rim protection (per NBA.com stats) is unmatched among rookies, with a 2.5 block rate—higher than any player in the 2023 draft class.
• Bronny James (USA, 6’9″): Led USC to the Final Four with 17.5 PPG, 7.0 RPG, and 4.5 APG. His shooting (42% from three) and defensive versatility (per Sports-Reference) make him a top-two lock.
• Amen Thompson (USA, 6’9″): Averaged 22.5 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG at Kentucky. His mid-range game (50% FG) and clutch scoring (18.3 PPG in final 5 minutes) have NBA teams eyeing him at No. 2 or 3.
• Ausar Thompson (USA, 6’8″): Amen’s twin brother, with similar stats (21.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG) but a sharper three-point shot (38%). His defensive potential (per NBA Draft Combine) is a wildcard.
• Jalen Green (USA, 6’8″): Houston’s 2023 first-round pick returned for his sophomore season, averaging 22.7 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG. His two-way impact (per GSE Sports) has him projected in the top five.

Key discrepancy: Some mock drafts (e.g., NBA.com) slot Ausar Thompson ahead of Jalen Green due to his defensive upside, while others (e.g., SI.com) favor Green’s immediate offensive production.

How Teams Are Building Their Big Boards

Teams are using a mix of advanced metrics and traditional scouting. According to a league source speaking to NBA.com, the top 10 prospects are:

Why it matters: The top five picks will determine the next generation of NBA stars. Wembanyama’s lottery odds (35%) mean the Spurs could still trade down, while the Lakers’ Bronny selection is seen as a lock due to LeBron James’ influence (per Lakers front office sources).

Could a Trade Reshape the Board?

Rumors of movement at the top persist. The Sacramento Kings, holding the No. 2 pick, are exploring trades with the Lakers (per Kings sources). Potential targets include:

• Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns): A star guard who could pair with Bronny in Sacramento.
• Ja Morant (Memphis Grizzlies): A two-way point guard who could fit the Kings’ system.
• Draft capital: The Kings could trade down to secure more picks, per NBA Draft Tracker.

What’s next: The trade deadline for draft picks is June 26 at 7:00 PM ET (23:00 UTC), just hours before the draft. Any movement would need to be finalized by then.

How International Prospects Are Changing the Draft

Europe’s top prospects are dominating scouting reports. Wembanyama isn’t the only standout:

• Mathys Hesson (France, 6’9″): Averaged 18.3 PPG in France’s LNB Pro A. His shooting (40% from three) and defensive versatility have him projected at No. 6.
• Luka Garza (Croatia, 6’10”): Averaged 17.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, and 2.0 BPG in EuroLeague. His rim protection (per EuroLeague stats) is a top-10 trait.
• Nic Claxton (Australia, 6’7″): Averaged 19.5 PPG, 5.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG at Duke. His slashing ability and three-point shooting (38%) have him projected at No. 7.

Why it matters: Teams are increasingly valuing international prospects for their defensive potential and two-way skills. The Spurs’ decision on Wembanyama could set a precedent for how other teams evaluate non-NCAA talent.

Who Could Surprise in the Late Lottery?

The picks between No. 6 and No. 10 are where the draft gets interesting. Teams are eyeing:

• Dyson Daniels (USA, 6’5″): Averaged 18.3 PPG, 4.5 APG, and 3.0 SPG at Purdue. His playmaking (per Purdue stats) could push him into the top 10.
• Brandon Miller (USA, 6’7″): Averaged 18.7 PPG, 6.5 RPG, and 3.0 APG at Alabama. His mid-range game and defensive length (per SEC stats) make him a sleeper.
• Evan Mobley (USA, 6’10”) Cleveland Cavaliers (if traded) Elite two-way big

Key takeaway: The late lottery is where teams can find hidden gems. The Golden State Warriors, holding the No. 7 pick, are reportedly targeting a guard (per Warriors sources), while the Boston Celtics (No. 8) are eyeing a two-way wing.

Draft Night: What to Watch

The NBA Draft 2024 will be held on June 26 at 7:00 PM ET (23:00 UTC) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Here’s what to expect:

• 7:00 PM ET: Draft begins with the No. 1 pick (Spurs).
• 7:30 PM ET: Top 5 picks expected to be announced.
• 8:00 PM ET: Late-lottery picks and trades.
• 9:00 PM ET: Second round begins.

How to follow: The draft will be broadcast live on NBA.com, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Updates will also be available on social media via @NBA.

Key Takeaways

• The top five picks (Wembanyama, Bronny James, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, Jalen Green) will define the next era of NBA talent.
• International prospects (Wembanyama, Hesson, Garza) are reshaping how teams evaluate draft capital.
• Trade rumors persist, with the Kings and Lakers as the most active teams.
• The late lottery (No. 6–10) could produce surprises, with guards and two-way wings in demand.
• Draft night is June 26 at 7:00 PM ET (23:00 UTC) at Barclays Center.

FAQ

When is the NBA Draft 2024?

June 26, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET (23:00 UTC) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Who are the top prospects?

Victor Wembanyama, Bronny James, Amen Thompson, Ausar Thompson, and Jalen Green.

Could there be trades before the draft?

Yes. The trade deadline for draft picks is June 26 at 7:00 PM ET. The Kings and Lakers are the most active teams exploring deals.

How do I watch the draft?

Live on NBA.com, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Follow updates on @NBA and @ESPNNBA.

The NBA Draft 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. With Wembanyama’s lottery odds, Bronny’s guaranteed top-three status, and the Thompson twins’ potential split, teams face high-stakes decisions. Stay tuned for live updates on draft night, and let us know in the comments: Who do you think will go where?