Duke freshman point guard Jared McCain declared for the 2024 NBA Draft on Friday. Where will he end up?
McCain averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in his first year with the Blue Devils. He stepped up in a big way during Duke's shortened March Madness, averaging 21 points per game with two 30-point games through four games in the tournament.
The NBA postseason is scheduled to begin with the start of the play-in tournament on Tuesday, but draft season has already begun for the 10 teams outside the top 10 in their conferences. The draft lottery will be held in Chicago on May 12, ahead of the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26 and 27.
Here's what experts are saying about this year's top picks and where McCain could go in this year's NBA Draft.
2024 NBA Mock Draft:Donovan Clingan and Zach Eady take to the board after strong performances in the tournament.
2024 NBA Draft Predictions
1st overall pick
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
“He's a strong defender and shot blocker, plays strong on both ends. He has good hands, uses his body well, and although his shot isn't very pretty, he makes it,” Gilgit wrote.
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Wasserman said: “Alexandre Sarr is currently the No. 1 may be the best situation.” Leads to higher score upside. ”
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Detroit Pistons – Zachary Lizacher, SF, JL Boulle (France)
Boone writes: ”[A]As we sit here now, I still project him to be the No. 1 pick because of his long-term upward trend. The 6-9 wing can easily maneuver and take shots without sliding too far. ”
2nd overall pick
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: Washington Wizards – Zachary Lizacher, SF, JL Boulle (France)
“He has the scoring ability, size, length, quickness and athleticism that teams are looking for in today's NBA. He has a quick catch-and-shoot release, can start off the dribble, He can run the court well.”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Washington Wizards – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
“Rob Dillingham may have both the best deal in Washington and the right opportunity to get immediate point guard reps and develop lead guard feel and decision-making,” Wasserman said. I can't do it,” he wrote.
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Boone said, “Despite coming off the bench for most of the season at Kentucky, Dillingham showed shades of Kyrie Irving with his sharpness and impressive ball-handling skills. He has the athletic ability to take over and grow.” He is a strong two-way player. ”
3rd overall pick
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: Charlotte Hornets – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Gilgit said, “As a small guard, he is good at creating his own shots, such as spot-up shots and breaking off the dribble, thanks to his speed and ball handling. He needs to get stronger and improve his shot selection. Even though Kentucky lost in the finals, Dillingham is the favorite in the first round.
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: San Antonio Spurs – Reed Shepard, G, Kentucky
Wasserman writes: ”[T]Looking at the bigger picture over a full season, he still shows to be a good pick-and-roll ball handler thanks to his pull-up game, passing IQ, and feel and timing to the basket. And he was rated as the most efficient spot-up scorer (1.5 points per possession) in college basketball. ”
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: San Antonio Spurs – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
“One of the most promising defensive players in this class, Sarr projects to be an NBA shot-blocking specialist with the advantage of being able to switch to multiple positions,” Boone said. He’s hard to box. He brings versatility on both ends.”
Where will Jared McCain be drafted?
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: New Orleans Pelicans – 14th overall
“An efficient scorer on a talented team, McCain can shoot from 3-3 and off the dribble or off the catch, making eight 3-pointers per game this season,” Gilgit said. He made two point shots, including 8-of-11 against James Madison. in the NCAA Tournament. ”
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Oklahoma City Thunder – 12th overall
“He's become one of the most convincing shot makers in the draft,” Wasserman said. “While there are questions about his size and athletic limitations, he has deft ball handling and pace, shooting versatility, and lane I have finished adjusting the touch shots inside.
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Miami Heat – 16th overall
“McCain had a great performance in the NCAA Tournament until North Carolina State was eliminated from the Elite Eight,” Boone said. He showed off his versatility as one of the best rebounders.” class. “
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When is the 2024 NBA Draft?
where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
when: June 26-27, 2024
Cable TV: ESPN; ABC
streaming: ESPN+; Fubo TV
How to watch:Catch the NBA Draft with an ESPN+ subscription
