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

25. New York Knicks - Yves Missi, C, Baylor

With the uncertainty of Isaiah Hartenstein as he is headed towards unrestricted free agency in addition to Mitch Robinson’s persistent foot issues, Missi would be a welcomed addition as the second or third big on the roster. Missi is a rim runner on offense but can both protect the rim and move his feet on the perimeter when defending pick and rolls. Usually, Coach Thibodeau doesn’t play rookies too often which would give Missi some time to develop further.

26. Washington Wizards - Ryan Dunn, F, Virginia

Dunn is the most versatile defender in this class, as he can truly defend 1-5. The Wizards defense was atrocious last season, so adding Clingan and Dunn to the fold would be welcomed additions. The Wizards already have some wing defenders in Deni Advija and Bilal Coulibaly, but in today’s NBA, there’s no such thing as too much wing depth. 

27. Minnesota Timberwolves - Jaylon Tyson, W, California

Minnesota’s defense was elite this year, but their struggles to score consistently came out against the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Finals. Tyson was the de facto point guard at Cal and had a very high usage rate, but he’s a ball handler, shotmaker, and has NBA size. He can replace pending free agent, Kyle Anderson’s role and he can create some plays for Minnesota when Mike Conley or Anthony Edwards are on the bench. The Timberwolves already have a deep rotation, and adding an NBA-ready do-it-all player like Tyson adds to that bench depth. 

28. Denver Nuggets - Kevin McCullar, W, Kansas

Due to the restrictions in the new CBA, the Nuggets focused on getting players who could contribute immediately with their three draft picks last season. With that said, we should anticipate them doing the same thing again. McCullar has been out with a knee injury that forced him to miss the Big 12 tournament as well as March Madness, so his draft stock will come down to his medicals. But McCullar is an older prospect and another connective piece that can help the Nuggets from day one provided he’s healthy.