The rankings for the 2024 NBA Draft have been determined, and the draft lottery will take place on Sunday. And despite the Kentucky basketball team's early exit from the 2024 NCAA Tournament, this draft could still be beneficial for some Wildcats.
The Wildcats likely don't have an early contender for the No. 1 overall pick, but the Atlanta Hawks will pick it despite having the second-lowest odds, but for UK fans, Watch the action unfold at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on what could be a good June 26th.
Must read:Former Kentucky coach John Calipari talks about finishing at Kentucky and leaving for Arkansas
In a mock draft published by ESPN's Jonathan Gibboney and Jeremy Wu immediately after Sunday's Lottery Show, two Kentucky players were selected in the top four, according to USA TODAY's For the Win reporter Brian. Karbroski has selected three Wildcats in the lottery.
Australian big man Alex Sarr is an early favorite to be No. 1 overall early in the process. Kentucky sharpshooter Reid Shepard is projected to go No. 3 in some mock drafts, while teammate Rob Dillingham will join him at Texas with the San Antonio Spurs and is projected to go No. 4 in ESPN's mock draft. He was ranked No. 3 in another mock draft. .
Here's where Kentucky players are expected to be taken in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Kentucky Basketball 2024 NBA Mock Draft
ESPN and USA TODAY reported that Shepard will be joining the Houston Rockets, an up-and-coming young team. Even though the Rockets finished the season with a record of 41 wins and 41 losses, they tied for the No. 3 pick and were in contention for a spot in the NBA thanks to their strong performance late in the season.
Houston has a strong young core led by Alperen Sengan, Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. The Rockets could focus on adding shooting to their young core this offseason, which makes Shepard a great fit.
The 6-foot-3 guard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 53.6 percent from the field and 52.1 percent from 3-point range, earning USBWA and NABC Freshman of the Year honors. .
“The Rockets turned the page on a rebuild by hiring coach Ime Udoka and making headlines in free agency last summer. Houston could consider a plug-and-play option with this pick given its youthful roster structure. Shooting is probably going to be a priority this year.'' Shepard's dynamic shot-making versatility (he's made over 50% of his threes this season) is an attraction for this pick. He has the potential to become a big hit, and I hope Donovan Clingan will take notice.If the front office feels he can play significant minutes alongside Alperen Sengun in a multi-big-man lineup, the same is true here.โ โ Givony
mock draft
At 6-foot-3, Dillingham may be on the small side for the NBA. But thanks to SB Nation's Ricky O'Donnell, he has the Houston Rockets at No. 3 after a strong freshman season. Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 3.9 assists, and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 44.4 percent from 3-point range. He would also be a good addition to a young squad looking for a quick recovery.
โDillingham is an incredibly versatile shot creator, both for himself and others, thanks to his deep shooting range, soft touch, and great vision as a passer. Possessing the best handle in his class with the ability to link up crossovers, Dillingham is a rare guard prospect who has the ability to shoot as dangerous off the dribble as he does off the catch, and under with deep pull-ups. He can finish and has a great shot. Feel him change position around the 3-point line to take down spot-ups.”
mock draft
Must read:Former Kentucky coach John Calipari talks about finishing at Kentucky and leaving for Arkansas
ESPN and FTW also agree that Justin Edwards was the last Kentucky player selected in the first round. The 6-foot-7 forward is projected to be No. 26 on the Washington Wizards. Edwards averaged 8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds as a freshman, but he didn't quite live up to expectations to rank third overall in the 2023 recruiting class. 247Sports' overall rankings.
“Although Edwards didn't have the season many expected at Kentucky, this 6-7 draft pick with perimeter shooting talent and the potential to develop after one season in college,” He's still worth considering in that area, and the Wizards may look to add to them.''With the depth on the wing, Edwards would be a candidate to be drafted late in the first round. โ โ Givony
mock draft
- ESPN: 26. Washington Wizards
- USA Today FTW: 26. Washington Wizards
- Athletic: 47th place (2nd round) vs. Orlando Magic
- Yahoo sports: 48th place (2nd round) vs. Orlando Magic
- Ringer: No.53 (2nd round) Detroit Pistons
Of the six mocks mentioned above, only The Athletic and NBA Draft Net selected Kentucky senior guard Antonio Reeves. According to the NBA Draft website, Reeves was selected by the New York Knicks with the 38th pick, but the author of “The Athletic'' Sam Veceny Reaves was selected 44th overall and was taken in the second round by the Houston Rockets. Reaves averaged 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from 3-point range.