The NBA playoffs are in full swing after an exciting regular season, but it's also draft season for about half of the league's teams.
Fourteen teams missed out on the playoffs due to poor regular season performances or just falling short in the play-in tournament earlier this month. All 14 players now have to wait for the draft lottery in May and the 2024 NBA Draft in June.
One player to keep an eye on as the draft approaches is former Purdue center Zach Eady, who officially declared for this year's draft on Tuesday. Eadie averaged 25.2 points and 12.2 rebounds per game this season, leading the Boilermakers to a national championship appearance, which ranked first and third, respectively, in all of DI college basketball.
Here are the final results for Eady and the other top picks, according to the latest mock drafts from NBA draft analysts around the web.
NBA Mock Draft:Donovan Clingan, Zach Eady's Crimeboard
2024 NBA Draft Predictions
1st overall pick
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Gilgit wrote: “A strong defender and shot blocker who plays strong on both ends. Good arm, uses his body well, doesn't have the prettiest shot, but he makes shots. His brother, Olivier, has a two-way G League contract with Oklahoma City.
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Wasserman writes: “Alex Sarr has a 7-foot-1 frame, athleticism, and convertible defense that creates a high floor, plus flashes of shooting potential and ball-handling that suggest offensive upside and opportunities. “He's a big man who can play as a power forward.”
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Detroit Pistons – Alex Sarr, C, Perth (Australia) Wildcats
Mr. Boone writes: “Searr, 7-1, presents immense upside as a threat at the rim, blocking shots and finishing lobs with elite leaping and length. Cade Cunningham as a building block for Detroit The idea of pairing him next to the Pistons would be exciting for Pistons fans after a tough year.”
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
Wasserman writes: “In the first phase of the rebuild, the Washington Wizards will only be looking to draft the best players available. There will only be a few prospects from the front office who can earn that title. Among them: , including Rob Dillingham, whose core skills include shot creation and shot-making that could give him an added edge.
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – Zachary Lizacher, SF, JL Boulle (France)
Mr. Boone writes: “There's still a good chance Lizacher will be number one in this class, but his struggles of late are hard to ignore. He's made just 3 of his last 28 3-pointers. , he took six shots, which is a worrying trend.''The No. 9 forward has been gaining praise this season, mainly due to his improved shot. ”
3rd overall pick
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: Charlotte Hornets – Rob Dillingham, PG, Kentucky
Gilgit writes: “As a smaller guard, he's great at creating his own shots, including spot-up shots and dribbling through 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: Portland Trail Blazers – Zachary Lizacher, SF, JL Boulle (France)
“Despite his late-season slump, I still have faith in Zachary Lizacher's shot-making,” Wasserman said. “The Portland Trail Blazers have a 6-foot-8 shooter and athletic finisher in Scoot Henderson. He is someone who is drawn to the idea of giving.”
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Portland Trail Blazers – Stephon Castle, PG, UConn
Boone wrote: “Castle has won many fans around the NBA this season as he has embraced a complementary role on a 37-win varsity team that won the national title. I was able to embrace the role and take it to the next level.'' Attack when needed. ”
NBA Playoffs:Round 1 scores, schedule, times, TV, key stats, and what to watch.
Where will Zach Eady be drafted?
Jeff Gilgit, USA Today: Phoenix Suns – 20th overall
Gilgit writes: “Eday was outstanding in the tournament, leading Purdue to the title game, recording 37 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks in a loss to UW. He also had 40 points against Tennessee in the Elite 8 game. , had 16 rebounds. Eday is a bear who can defend in the low post…but is he mobile enough to keep up with the style and pace, especially defensively, in the NBA?
Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report: Phoenix Suns – 23rd overall
Wasserman writes: ”[Edey]has changed the minds of many about his professional prospects and the possibility of carving out a role in the NBA, even without adding any modern skills. His 7-foot-4 height and one-handed touch combine to give him a tremendous advantage in the post. And the increased mobility has increased defensive court coverage around the key, making it faster. ”
Kyle Boone, CBS Sports: Washington Wizards – 26th overall (via Los Angeles Clippers)
Boone writes: “Going head-to-head with projected top-10 pick Donovan Clingan in the National Championship Game, Eadie scored 37 points and showed why even the most talented defenders in the NBA have a hard time slowing him down. Ta.”
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 up on the 2024 NBA Draft with an ESPN+ subscription
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