Mock NBA Draft 2024: Picks and predictions for all 58 picks in draft
17. Los Angeles Lakers - Kyle Filipowski, PF, Duke
The Lakers could use another big, and drafting Filipowski allows the Lakers to utilize Anthony Davis at either big spot. At 7 feet, Filipowski runs the floor like a wing and can shoot 3s. His skill set gives the Lakers a different element than the other big men on their roster and is very complementary to both LeBron and AD. After returning to Duke for his sophomore season, Filipowski is more polished than a younger, more raw option for the Lakers, and he’s a great balance between maximizing LeBron’s remaining years and also having some untapped upside to develop over the years post-LeBron.
18. Orlando Magic - Kyshawn George, W, Miami
Orlando shot 34.8% from 3 last year and needs low-usage shooters alongside their core forwards, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. George measured at 6’7” with a 6’10” wingspan and Orlando’s front office values length in players. George is also getting accustomed to his new body, and he’s grown over a foot the past three years. Given the guards in the backcourt don’t shoot it well either, George will be a welcomed addition to the Magic as a floor spacer. Between Kyshawn George and Kansas’ Johnny Furphy, Orlando absolutely should take a shooter with this pick.
19. Toronto Raptors - Zach Edey, C, Purdue
After winning back-to-back National Player of the Year awards, Edey has firmly put himself on the radar as a first-round pick in this draft. Also, it’s worth mentioning that Edey is Canadian. While Toronto has veteran big men Jakob Poeltl and Kelly Olynyk in town, they’re just entering a rebuild after trading away OG Anunoby and Pascal Siakam, and Edey could be the big man of the future there. Edey projects best as a high-level backup center or a stat stuffer starter when filling in in a pinch. Here, Edey instantly becomes a fan favorite.
20. Cleveland Cavaliers - Tyler Smith, F, G League Ignite
This iteration of the Cavaliers typically plays larger lineups, so despite Smith playing power forward, he can be an excellent Isaac Okoro replacement, should he walk in restricted free agency. Smith gives the Cavs a stretch four to play in lineups alongside Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley. The Georges Niuang signing hasn’t worked out great for the Cavs so far, and Smith has the untapped potential and upside that the Cavs could covet in a 3-and-D stretch four who can also get to the rim and dunk the ball consistently.