Mock NBA Draft 2024: Picks and predictions for all 58 picks in draft

23. (53) Detroit Pistons- Jalen Bridges, W, Baylor

Bridges shot 42% from three last season and can play both ends of the floor. He’s long and can develop into an excellent 3 and D piece for the Pistons second unit. Despite already taking Matas Buzelis with the 5th pick, the Pistons desperately need more forwards and wings, and Bridges fits that bill. 

24. (54) Boston Celtics - Oso Ighodaro, C, Marquette

The reigning world champs' biggest need might be a third big man who can rotate in and out of lineups with Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. Additionally, Horford is 39 years old and is going to be on the last year of his deal, and Porzingis is oft-injured. Despite this pick being so late in the draft, don’t be fooled. Ighodaro can play and he’d be an excellent Horford replacement as the years go on. 

25. (55) Los Angeles Lakers - Bronny James, SG, USC

This is the worst-kept secret in the NBA. Bronny’s agent, Rich Paul, only had him work out for two teams: the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers. Bronny measured smaller than his listed height at the combine, as he measured at 6’1.5” but he also boasts a massive 6’7.25” wingspan. He’s a defensive specimen who should be able to cover either backcourt position in due time, but the Lakers will have to be patient with him. 

26. (56) Denver Nuggets - Pelle Larsson, W, Arizona

At this point in the draft, Larsson should be viewed as the best player available. The Nuggets philosophy the last few seasons has been to draft players who can make an impact toward a title run. Larsson makes the right plays on both ends of the floor and is perceived as a connective piece, similar to what the Nuggets have in Christian Braun.

27. (57) Memphis Grizzlies - Isaiah Crawford, W, Louisiana Tech

The biggest flaw in Crawford’s game is the inability to shoot. However, Memphis already drafted Cody Williams and Keshad Johnson earlier, and Crawford provides even more defense and more length on this roster. It is likely Crawford would start on a two-way contract and spend most of his time with the Memphis Hustle given the Grizzlies roster crunch this summer. 

28. (58) Dallas Mavericks - Tristen Newton, PG, UConn

Newton just came off two straight national championships as the starting point guard for UConn, as well as earning First-Team All-American honors. He’s adaptable and can adjust to whatever role Jason Kidd will ask him to play in a variety of lineups. He’ll be an excellent backup to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.