2024 NBA Mock Draft 1.0: Hornets trade No. 6 pick, Grizzlies land top star
By Jack Simone
As the Charlotte Hornets prepare to enter the offseason, the 2024 NBA Draft may be the most important event for them to focus on in order to maximize their future.
In order for the Hornets to significantly improve next season, LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams need to stay healthy, but Charlotte also needs to nail their plans in the NBA Draft.
If they decide to make a pick (they have the sixth pick), they need to ensure that they take the right guy, and if they trade the selection, they need to get something of value.
With all that in mind, here is Swarm & Sting’s first 2024 NBA Mock Draft.
1. Alex Sarr, France | Atlanta Hawks
This is the obvious selection. Alex Sarr is the most promising player in the draft. His defensive potential is through the roof, and whether the Atlanta Hawks want to hit the reset button or rebuild around Trae Young, that’s a great place to start.
2. Zacharie Risacher, France | Washington Wizards
One of the best shooters in the class, Zacharie Risacher could end up being a focal point of the Washington Wizards’ rebuild. Add in his quality defense, and Risacher’s overall upside is worthy of the second-overall pick.
3. TRADE | Grizzlies get No. 3 pick, Jae’Sean Tate; Rockets get Collin Sexton, Santi Aldama, Future second-round pick (via MEM); Jazz get No. 9 pick, Luke Kennard, Jock Landale, Future second-round pick (via MEM)
Grizzlies select Donovan Clingan, UConn
The Memphis Grizzlies have been reportedly trying to trade up in the NBA Draft to take UConn Huskies big man Donovan Clingan. He would fit nicely next to Jaren Jackson Jr. in their frontcourt.
By flipping Santi Aldama, they avoid having to pay him, and the rest of the deal would simply be Luke Kennard and the ninth pick, which they would be trading him from.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets land two players who can help them contend in this trade. Collin Sexton is a hard-nosed guard who would give them more of a scoring punch, and Aldama is a versatile forward they could continue to develop.
Lastly, the Jazz would be adding a second top-10 pick in this deal, giving them another avenue to add young talent to their roster.