2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hornets get perfect piece, Lakers shock the league
By Jack Simone
The 2024 NBA Draft is rapidly approaching, and teams are going to have to figure out what they want to do. Who will make trades? Who will make picks? Who will reach? Who will get a steal?
There is no Victor Wembanyama in the draft his year, so teams could go in any number of directions, as there is no clear top prospect for those at the top of the draft to hone in on.
The Atlanta Hawks need to nail their first pick, the Washington Wizards should take the best player available, and the Houston Rockets need to do as they see best. The Charlotte Hornets have an intriguing decision to make at pick No. 6, too. Past that, who knows what could happen?
Here is Swarm and Sting’s second (and final) mock draft.
2024 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Hornets get perfect piece, Lakers shock the league
1. Zacharie Risacher, France | Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks could use this opportunity to reset their roster around Jalen Johnson. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray could both be traded. And even if they’re still around, Zacharie Risacher is the perfect blend of talent and upside.
2. Alex Sarr, France | Washington Wizards
The general consensus is that Risacher and Alex Sarr will be the top two picks in the draft, and for a long time, Sarr took the one spot in most mocks. However, Risacher’s shooting could be more attractive to Atlanta, and if that’s the case, the Washington Wizards could get a steal.
Sarr’s overall potential and elite defensive talent would help the Wizards transform their frontcourt. He and Bilal Coulibaly could combine to form one of the best defensive frontcourts in the league.
Snagging Sarr with the second pick in the draft would be a massive win for the Wizards.