The NBA Draft remains one of the best days of the season, a night where college and international standouts join a very selective fraternity of some of the best athletes in the world.
That day arrives Wednesday and there is as much uncertainty at the top of the board in this year's class as any in history.
Let's get one thing out of the way: There is no generational talent like Victor Wembanyama in this class. There probably isn't even a multi-year all-star. However, that doesn't mean that the players that you will hear get drafted won't have an impact for years to come.
Many people don't know what Atlanta is going to do at No. 1 but it's clear that Washington will select whichever of the top two prospects (Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr) is left. After that, it is the wild, wild west.
With a blockbuster trade going down Tuesday, this draft could serve as a chain reaction of major moves.
This year's draft is split up between two days (which always should have been the case). That means Bronny James will not be drafted Wednesday, but probably Thursday by some team in the 50s range (can you guess who? they have pick 55).
Purdue star Zach Edey dominated in college and has risen up draft boards dramatically in the last few weeks. Though the Americans certainly are well-represented (as they are every year), there are going to be at least four or five international players taken in the first round, two of which will be the first two picks.
Though this is seen as a "weak" draft, there are some players that will impact the NBA in ways no one expects (think the Anthony Bennett draft, in which Giannis Antetokounmpo was taken). Without further ado, here is The Sporting Tribune's final Mock Draft...
1. Atlanta Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher, 6-9, SF, France
Alexandre Sarr has the highest upside in the draft and the Hawks should take him (considering Clint Capela is a free agent and they are thin at PF/C) , but reports have said Sarr couldn't get to his workout in Atlanta and may be forcing himself out of playing for the Hawks.
There have been rumors about the Hawks going with Donovan Clingan here though Sarr makes the most sense with the state of the organization. Risacher has a some potential as a solid 3-and-D wing in the NBA.
Risacher is a menace on the defensive end and a solid knockdown 3-point shooter on the offensive end, but scouts believe that he will be like Harrison Barnes in the NBA. Nothing against Barnes, but why would you take someone with limited upside at No. 1?
Risacher seems to be a super-discounted Trey Murphy III at the NBA level. His playmaking and shot creation need a lot of work but he's a safe pick at No. 1, though be bullish on his upside.
2. Washington Wizards: Alexandre Sarr, 7-1, PF/C, France
The Wizards have been linked to Alexandre Sarr for months and they took a French wing last season in Bilal Coulibaly who is already blossoming. Since they hit on last year's French wing, they now go with a French big in Sarr, who is seen as the best player in the draft by many scouts and teams.
Though the Wizards need a point guard and should consider Rob Dillingham here, Sarr is a solid pick and will provide some interior defense and versatility on offense for years to come. Sarr will be a versatile, multi-positional defender at the NBA level, but the big question mark is his 3-point shot.
If he can knock down 3's consistently, he has the chance to become an all-star.
3. Houston Rockets: Donovan Clingan, 7-2, C, UConn
The Rockets need to bolster their interior defense with only Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason inside that can defend at a high level. Alperen Sengun is one of the worst defenders in basketball (despite his offensive stardom) so pairing Donovan Clingan from UConn with him makes a lot of sense.
They've been linked to him for a long time and though he may not start right away, coach Ime Udoka can utilize Clingan in a lot of ways. There has been some talk about Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard here, but with the reported pursuit of Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, it's doubtful the Rockets take a guard or wing at No. 3.
Clingan will immediately become a premier interior defender with some room for growth as a fourth-option scorer as well.
4. San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham, 6-2, PG, Kentucky
The Spurs want to trade up to take Sarr and it is possible. However, Atlanta remains at No. 1 and Washington remains at No. 2 unless the Hawks or Wizards can pry away picks No. 4, No. 8 and Keldon Johnson or Devin Vassell (which us doubtful the Spurs agree to).
Dillingham has the highest offensive upside of any player in this draft with his innate ability to score at will from all 3-levels. Scouts are torn on him because he will likely never be an impact defender, but he's definitely got the highest offensive star potential in this draft and the Spurs know that.
An NBA comparison for him is Tyrese Maxey and Kentucky guards have certainly lived up to potential. Dillingham will be solid enough in the pick-and-roll with Wemby and has shown flashes of playmaking overall.
5. Detroit Pistons: Reed Sheppard, 6-3, SG, Kentucky
Reed Sheppard is the safest pick in this draft with his ability to shoot 3-pointers and get others open at a very high-level. He's a better defender than scouts give him credit for and his athleticism is off the charts for a guy that is only 6-foot-3.
The Pistons need a knockdown shooter alongside Cade Cunningham, but another guard likely means that Jaden Ivey will be coming off of the bench or will be traded.
6. Charlotte Hornets: Matas Buzelis, 6-9, SF, G-League Ignite
We can rule out the Hornets going with a foreign player (they never take international players) and Matas Buzelis was the projected No. 1 overall pick before this season. Buzelis was hurt in the G-League by his high turnover rate and inconsistent shooting splits.
The upside is tantalizing and the Hornets will not pass up a player they believe could end up being the best in the draft even though they don't have a huge need at the wing position.
7. Portland Trail Blazers: Cody Williams, 6-8, SF, Colorado
Cody Williams is a special player in the draft. His brother Jalen Williams is the up-and-coming star for the Thunder, but Cody may have a different career arc.
Jalen already was dominating in college and very NBA-ready when the Thunder took him. Cody is as raw of a prospect as anyone in the top 10, very lanky with a knack for getting inside and scoring.
But the inconsistencies on offense throughout last season are a cause for concern. He has a 7-foot-1 wingspan which will allow him to defense multiple positions at the next level and a jumper that looks like it will translate to the next level.
Overall, it may take some time but Williams is the replacement for Jerami Grant on the Trail Blazers. He will have an explosive first step, a knack for scoring at all 3-levels and boasting that wingspan that projects for better defense.
8. San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, 6-6, PG/SG, UConn
The Spurs went with a combo guard in Rob Dillingham at No. 4 but getting another guy who can create with the ball in his hands is instrumental to Wemby's long-term success. Stephon Castle is excellent at creating for his teammates and is ultra-athletic.
He isn't a good shooter and it remains to be seen if he can develop a more consistent jumper in the NBA, but he's an elite defender who can guard multiple positions. The Spurs bolster their backcourt immensely with both Dillingham and Castle.
9. Memphis Grizzlies: Devin Carter, 6-3 PG, Providence
Devin Carter is a relentless defender that causes problems for whoever he guards. He's a capable 3-point shooter, but excels at getting to the rim and finishing. The Grizzlies need a win-now player and Carter is arguably the most NBA-ready player in this class.
He also never quits on any play and is always looking to make important plays. Carter will be a remarkable 3-and-D guard that will be one of the better players in this draft because he does all the right things on the basketball court.
10. Utah Jazz: Tidjane Salaun, 6-9, SF, France
Tidjane Salaun is far from NBA ready but his upside is vast. He's 6-9 with a smooth jumper and some defensive versatility.
The Jazz need to take a big swing for upside here considering the Western Conference will only get better and they aren't content with staying at the bottom of the West for much longer.
11. Chicago Bulls: Ron Holland, 6-7, SF, G-League Ignite
Ron Holland has fallen in a lot of scouts' eyes over the last few weeks because of his jumper. However, Holland is also arguably the best finisher at the rim in the draft and a willing defender with a ton of upside there.
The Bulls just traded for Josh Giddey so there won't be a point guard here and Holland makes the most sense for this organization long-term with his two-way versatility and upside.
12. Oklahoma City Thunder: Dalton Knecht, 6-6, SG, Tennessee
Dalton Knecht is an extremely safe pick for a Thunder team that needs more shooting. Yes, Lu Dort has improved as a shooter and Isaiah Joe is knockdown from deep, but taking Zach Edey at No. 12 is a huge reach and the best player to help their "Win-now" approach is Knecht.
If Salaun is available here I would think they go with him, but It's hard to see the Jazz passing him up at No. 10. The Thunder can also go sign Isaiah Hartenstein or Jonas Valancuinas in free agency to get another solid big.
13. Sacramento Kings: Jared McCain, 6-3, SG, Duke
The Kings re-signed Malik Monk but still need another guard who can knockdown 3's and play defense, both of which Jared McCain excels at. He doesn't give up on plays and his basketball IQ is off the charts.
McCain shot over 41% on 3-pointers and the Kings could use some shooting depth to go alongside Keegan Murray and Kevin Huerter.
14. Portland Trail Blazers: Tristan Da Silva, 6-9, PF, Colorado
For the Blazers, a wing makes the most sense here and with Knecht, Holland, and Castle off the board. They won't be keeping Jerami Grant much longer and they have more guards than any team in the NBA, so rule out a guard being selected with this pick.
Tristan Da Silva has a smooth jumper and some good post-moves inside. He's certainly going to be an above average defender at the next level, but his versatility on offense is what separates him from other wing prospects.
15. Miami Heat: Nikola Topic, 6-6, PG, Serbia
Nikola Topic would have been a top 5 pick in the draft had he not gotten hurt recently, but the Heat will look for a guy that can lead an offense and run the pick-and-roll.
Topic is an excellent finisher at the rim and a great on-ball defender so it wouldn't be a surprise if he becomes one of the best players in this draft.
16. Philadelphia 76ers: Terrance Shannon Jr., 6-7, SF, Illinois
The 76ers look like they won't be acquiring Paul George, which means they'll look for a plug-and-play wing here that can contribute at a high level right away.
Though Terrance Shannon Jr. is one of the older prospects in this draft — and not a lot of people have him going this high — he can fill in for Tobias Harris at the 3 and sometimes the small-ball 4.
17. Los Angeles Lakers: Ke'lel Ware, 7-0, C, Indiana
The Lakers won't be drafting Bronny James here (if they do, it will be a colossal mistake) and Anthony Davis has wanted to play the 4 consistently for a long-time, meaning the Lakers need to take a big here. I'm sure Rob Pelinka and obviously JJ Redick (who was announcing the games) saw Dereck Lively's impact in the playoffs and Kel'el Ware could provide that right away for the Lakers.
He's a great lob threat, ultra-athletic and can block shots at a high level. Ware also is developing a 3-point shot and if he's able to knock that down consistently, watch out for him to become one of the better prospects.
18. Orlando Magic: Ja'Kobe Walter 6-5 SG, Baylor
The Magic may sign Klay Thompson in free agency, but they can help themselves by taking an offensive guard in the first round in case Thompson goes elsewhere. Ja'Kobe Walter is a true 3-level scorer who has serious upside as a 3rd or 4th option on a contending team.
19. Toronto Raptors: Johnny Furphy, 6-9, SF, Kansas
The Raptors need more shooting and Johnny Furphy projects as one of the best marksman. Gradey Dick had an up-and-down year so they are hoping for better things with Furphy right away on a rebuilding team.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Bobi Klintmann, 6-10, SF, Sweden
Bobi Klintmann is a top 15 player in this draft. He dominated internationally this last year showing off his ball-skills and shot creation as a 6-10 do-it-all guard.
It's unlikely that he will have the ball in his hands to run an offense on the Cavaliers, but his shot creation for being 6-10 is special, not to mention he's a high-level defender.
21. New Orleans Pelicans: Isaiah Collier 6-3 PG, USC
The Pelicans cannot keep using CJ McCollum at point guard and it remains to be seen who they will acquire or go after in an inevitable Brandon Ingram trade. However, drafting a point guard with some upside makes the most sense here and Isaiah Collier was seen as a top-3 pick before an up-and-down season at USC.
He's one of the strongest PG prospects in recent memory, elite at finishing at the rim and a great playmaker. His shooting needs work, but Collier has one of the highest upsides in the draft and the Pelicans won't pass that up.
22. Phoenix Suns: Carlton Carrington, 6-5, PG, Pittsburgh
Though the Suns may take a wing here if they end up trading Kevin Durant, "Bub" Carlton Carrington makes a lot of sense. He's a twitchy offensive threat who can get to his spots with ease and create at a high-level.
Carrington got better as the year went on and screams late bloomer, meaning he will become way better in the NBA. The Suns won't be able to sign almost anyone in free agency so Carrington also will get to play right away in the NBA.
23. Milwaukee Bucks: Ryan Dunn, 6-7, SF, Virginia
Ryan Dunn is one of the draft's best shooters and he's seen as the best perimeter defender as well. The Bucks need more 3-and-D guys and Dunn is a player who can get rotational minutes in the playoffs tomorrow.
24. New York Knicks: Harrison Ingram, 6-7, SF, North Carolina
The Knicks made a blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges, but that won't deter them from taking more high-level 3 and D wings. Harrison Ingram is one of the draft's best rebounder's and he's only 6-7 — not to mention he's a gifted playmaker for his size.
25. New York Knicks: Kevin McCullar, 6-7, SF, Kansas
The second of back-to-back picks for the Knicks, Kevin McCullar makes a lot of sense for them with his interior scoring and finishing at the rim. McCullar is also a very good defender and is NBA ready, both of which is needed to crack the Knicks rotation.
26. Washington Wizards: Zach Edey, 7-4, C, Purdue
Zach Edey could go as high as No. 12 to the Thunder, but the Wizards make sense considering they traded Daniel Gafford and Alex Sarr is more of a power forward instead of a center.
Edey will need to have an offense and pace tailored to him (because he's very slow), but there is no doubt that he can be a dominant rotational player in the NBA. If he develops a better 3-point shot he could become way better than people think.
27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Tyler Kolek, 6-3, PG, Marquette
The Timberwolves need to think about the future at point guard with Mike Conley turning 36 and no serious backup at the position. Tyler Kolek is an older prospect who's more NBA ready than most other prospects.
Kolek is an elite playmaker, in fact probably the best in the draft — and he's a solid shooter. Kolek is an excellent pick at No. 27.
28. Denver Nuggets: Baylor Scheierman, 6-7, SF, Creighton
In reality, Baylor Scheierman may go higher than this because he's the draft's best shooter and can instantly help a contender in a playoff rotation, but he falls to the Nuggets here.
This would be a home-run selection for a Nuggets team that is in danger of losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and is already lacks depth (they have eight guys that got playoff minutes). Scheierman will fit in with two elite playmakers on this roster in Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
29. Utah Jazz: Tyler Smith, 6-10, PF, G-League Ignite
The Jazz have two first-round picks and they will draft both of their picks on upside. They already took Salaun at No. 10 but that won't deter them from taking the player they think has the highest upside here.
Tyler Smith is extremely athletic and a lob threat, but his interior defense is excellent. His offensive game needs work, but Smith is a solid pick at No. 29.
30. Boston Celtics: Kyle Filipowski, 7-0, C, Duke
The NBA champion Celtics get an absolute steal at pick here in Kyle Filipowski. Al Horford will return but is getting older and the Celtics are a bit thin at center, which is why they'll go with a versatile offensive center here.
Filipowski is a capable 3-point shooter with a smooth post-game and decent enough interior defense to be a rotational big man.